Hearst receives Purple Heart for injuries sustained in Iraq

Sergeant Jerry A. Hearst (r) of Lincolnton was recently awarded the Purple Heart for wounds received while providing support for Operation All-American Tiger in Iraq. He was presented with the medal by his brother, SFC Johnny G. Hearst.

Sergeant Jerry A. Hearst of Lincolnton was recently awarded the Purple Heart for wounds received in action, while providing support for Operation All-American Tiger in Iraq.

The medal was presented to Hearst by his brother, SFC Johnny G. Hearst, who serves as the Readiness NCO for the Battery B, 1st Battalion, 214th Field Artillery Unit of the Georgia National Guard, based in Thomson.

Until his retirement from the South Carolina National Guard in 2004, the Purple Heart recipient was a member of the 122nd Combat Engineer Battalion's A Company, headquartered in McCormick.

Sgt. Hearst earned the Purple Heart as a result of his heroism during an ambush that occurred at about 8 p.m. on November 11, 2003, about two miles east of the town of Al Qiam, just 10 miles from the Syrian border.

At the time of the incident, his battalion was assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division. The group's mission was to provide security for a ribbon bridge that was being constructed across the Euphrates River. The bridge would be used primarily by tanks.

After darkness fell, Sgt. Hearst's five-ton vehicle began to take on enemy mortars. Several troops were in the back of the truck, including Specialist Jesse Huff, also of Lincolnton.

Hearst himself was standing at the back of the vehicle, reaching inside for ammunition at the time of the attack. Mortars hit close to the front right and rear right of the truck, blowing the sergeant into the air and onto the ground.

From 12 to 14 rounds were detonated very close to Hearst's position.

According to the official report of the incident, released by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, "Sgt. Jerry Hearst showed heroism even though he was injured by the mortars. He showed bravery and courage by getting his soldiers out of harm's way. The sergeant, under fire, helped SSgt. Gladney to a bunker, risking his life to save one of his own, who was in the direct line of fire.

"Sgt. Hearst risked his life again to save two female soldiers in a truck that had also been hit by mortars. He led them to safety, while the unit was constantly under attack.

"Sgt. Hearst took charge of the 10 soldiers under his command and others, even though he was injured himself."

During the assault, the Lincoln County native sustained back and head injuries as well as a sprained elbow and tinnitus in both ears.

"I was scared," said Hearst. "I thought I was going to die. I've never felt like that before in my life. I still have nightmares.

"But I knew I had a job to do. I was in a leadership position, and I had to think about my troops and get them to safety. I believe I was unconscious for a while."

Concerning the Purple Heart, the sergeant said he felt like giving it to the two women, who were hurt in the ambush. "They were injured a lot worse than I was - they both lost limbs."

The Purple Heart was established by Gen. George Washington by order from his headquarters in Newburgh, New York, on August 7, 1782. The actual order includes the phrase, "Let it be known that he, who wears the military order of the purple heart, has given of his blood in the defense of his homeland and shall forever be revered by his fellow countrymen."

The medals are awarded for "being wounded or killed in any action against an enemy of the United States or as a result of an act of any such enemy or opposing armed forces."

Sgt. Hearst has likewise been recommended for a Bronze Star, which is presented to soldiers who risk their own lives to save the lives of others, while under fire.

The sergeant spent one year in Iraq, where "one day seemed like a week."

During his tour of duty, Hearst learned a great deal about Iraqi culture. "Their culture is totally different. They live in tribes, and their family ties are closer than ours. They are a very private people. Even so, some are very kind and hospitable - they offer you tea and bread. Still, for many, their hatred for Americans runs deep."

He went on to say that the Iraqi women do all of the "carrying work," whether it is water, food, or children. "You never see their faces because they always wear veils, and many belong to families where there are two or three wives in the home.

"On the whole, the women are much less educated than the men and have less freedom," Hearst continued. "The little girls couldn't go outside and play like the boys. If they did, they'd get kicked in the rear. It's a man's world."

In addition to the Purple Heart, Sgt. Heart was also cited for "exceptional meritorious service" during a covert operation north of Rawa, Iraq.

The citation, written by 1st Lt. Christopher Moyer, reads, "Your individual efforts directly enhanced the unit's ability to adapt to continuous mission changes and complete the mission expediently and safely. Your superior performance was instrumental in the planning and execution of equipment recovery and enemy killed in action burial operations. Your actions reflect great credit upon yourself, the 122nd Engineer Battalion, the 3rd Armored Calvary Regiment, and the United States Army."

Lt. Moyer further indicated that Hearst's ability "to adapt to changes in a fluid environment is second to none."

When Sgt. Hearst graduated from LCHS in 1978, learning about Iraqi culture and serving his country in a foreign land were the last things on his mind. He was all about football.

He played for both North Carolina A & T in Greensboro and Auburn University prior to joining the National Guard in 1984.

After 20 years in the service, Hearst retired. Three years later, he was forced to leave his job at the Mohawk Industrial Corporation's Rocky River Plant in Calhoun Falls, South Carolina, because of the back and head injuries he sustained in the mortar attack. Last year, he was hospitalized for six months as a result of those injuries.

"Dealing with my injuries remains a daily struggle," he said.

These days, the sergeant stays busy working around the house, fishing, and spending time with his family.

He is married to the former Tracy Barnes of Washington. The couple has four children, Shayman, 16, a student at LCHS; Deanne, 13, a middle school student; and twins, Raffael and Daniel, 25, who both reside in Augusta.

Summing up his thoughts and feelings about his year in Iraq, the Lincolnton hero said, "I would like to thank God that I'm alive and thank all the members of my family and the people of my hometown for their support."