Soldier awarded third purple heart for bravery in Afghanistan
Soldier awarded third purple heart for bravery in Afghanistan
By William Gillis Fort Moore Public Affairs Office
Receiving the Purple Heart once is a testament to a Soldier’s sacrifice; earning it three times speaks to an unparalleled level of commitment, courage, and service in the face of relentless adversity. Meet Sgt. Maj. John Melson, an Infantryman with 1st Battalion, 54th Security Forces Assistance Brigade, who is now among the few service members to be recognized multiple times for bravery.
On Sept. 25, Melson stood among fellow service members and Maneuver Center of Excellence senior leaders to receive his third Purple Heart during a ceremony that showcased not only his extraordinary bravery, but also the profound significance of receiving this honor for the third time. Brig. Gen. Phillip J. Kiniery III, U.S. Army Infantry School Commandant and Chief of Infantry, presented the medal and recognized Melson’s remarkable actions during an enemy ambush while supporting Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan May 4, 2009. The ceremony highlighted the resilience and courage Melson has shown throughout his career, enduring life-threatening injuries on multiple occasions.
In 2009, then-Staff Sgt. Melson and his 10-man embedded training team, along with a small group of Afghan nationals, came under heavy fire from over 250 Taliban fighters in Gerani, Afghanistan. Melson was manning a .50-caliber machine gun mounted on a Humvee, when his convoy was attacked by machine guns, rocket propelled grenades, and mortars. Amid the chaos, his vehicle was struck multiple times and slipped into an irrigation canal while under direct enemy fire.
Reflecting on the incident, Melson recounted how he remained focused on his mission despite severe head injuries.
“It was chaotic, but my thoughts were with my team,” Melson said. “I jumped out of the Humvee to assess the situation, and all I could think was, ‘How can I get my guys out of this alive?’ We were taking fire from all sides, but the will to win, to fight for each other, kept me going.”
Despite experiencing dizziness and severe head pressure, Melson led efforts to recover the vehicle under fire, directing another team’s Humvee to pull them out of the canal. His actions defeated over 50 enemy combatants, including several high-level leaders, and saved the lives of his crew and Afghan National Police officers. For his valor that day, Melson was previously awarded the Bronze Star Medal with ‘V’ device.
During last month’s ceremony, Melson was officially recognized for the injuries he suffered during the 2009 ambush. For Melson, this recognition is deeply personal.
“It validates everything my team and I faced during that time,” he said. “It brings to light the sacrifices we made and the mission we were accomplishing in Afghanistan. Professionally, it’s an honor to be recognized, but personally, it’s about my team — everything we did, everything we endured together.”
The 2009 ambush is just one chapter in Melson’s long journey of resilience.
Melson’s second Purple Heart came during a 2011-2012 tour in Kunar, Afghanistan, where he suffered a traumatic brain injury from an improvised explosive device blast. He received his first Purple Heart for injuries suffered after being struck by small arms fire during operations in Zabul, Afghanistan, in 2006. While his commitment to continued service in the face of these two prior injuries demonstrates the selfless service that has defined his career, Melson’s dedication to service was tested even before his time in uniform began.
When Melson attempted to enlist in the U.S. Army in 2001, doctors discovered cancer during his Military Entrance Processing Station exam. The disease disqualified Melson from military service and its prognosis was five years if left untreated. Melson received lifesaving surgery, and in 2004 the Army granted him a waiver allowing him to enlist in the National Guard.
“I promised God that if I survived the cancer surgery, I would dedicate my life to serving my country,” Melson said. “The Army gave me a second chance at life. I told the surgeon, ‘Fix me so I can get back in and serve again.’ I wanted to give everything I had to the Army, to be there for my team and to protect those I care about.”
Now serving with 1-54th Security Force Assistance Brigade, a tenant unit at Fort Moore, Melson continues to play a key role in enhancing Soldier lethality and survivability as the senior enlisted technical advisor for the Soldier Lethality Cross Functional Team, which is part of Army Futures Command.
Kiniery praised Melson’s courage and selflessness during the ceremony saying his courage and focus in the face of overwhelming odds saved lives.
“His actions under fire were extraordinary, and his commitment to his team and the mission is the reason we honor him today. He exemplifies the very best of what it means to serve,” Kiniery said.
Melson credits his ability to endure and push through adversity to the bond he shares with the Soldiers he has served alongside.
“I never wanted to let my team down,” he said. “No matter how bad things got, quitting was never an option. I owe everything to the Soldiers who fought alongside me that day, they were relentless. We were all fighting to win.”
Melson also pointed out that his resilience stems from the mindset instilled in all Soldiers.
“It’s about pushing through, no matter what,” he explained. “You take a knee, drink water, take a Motrin, and keep going. The team depends on you, and if one person quits, the whole team is weaker. That’s what kept me moving forward.”
As the ceremony concluded, Melson stood with family and friends who came to honor his service. His journey — surviving cancer, enduring multiple combat injuries, and continuing to serve — is a powerful example of perseverance, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to serve both his country and his fellow Soldiers.
In addition to receiving the Purple Heart, Melson was also honored with both the Order of St. Maurice and Order of St. Michael, prestigious awards that recognize his exceptional leadership and contributions to the Infantry branch and Airborne legacy. These awards further underscore Melson’s lifelong commitment to service, camaraderie, and excellence in the profession of arms.