BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan (August 30, 2008) — A Scout Platoon, Task Force Pacesetter Soldier was awarded a Purple Heart in a ceremony at Forward Operating Base Mehtar Lam, Afghanistan, Aug. 23.

Spc. Christopher Sweder, a vehicle driver with the 3rd Battalion, 103rd Armored Regiment was also awarded a Combat Action Badge, Aug. 9, for a separate combat engagement, making his Purple Heart the second time the Soldier was honored for his role in combat operations here.

On July 21, Sweder was wounded by mortar fire while manning an entry control point at Combat Outpost Najil. During the attack, Sweder suffered shrapnel wounds to his left leg and left shoulder.

On May 7, Sweder engaged anti-Afghan forces near COP Najil, which resulted in him being awarded a Combat Action Badge.

Sweder is a Pennsylvania National Guardsman deployed from Detachment 1, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 109th Infantry Regiment, 28th Infantry Division, in Carbondale, Pa.

The Purple Heart is awarded in the name of the President of the United States to members of U.S. Armed Forces who have been wounded or killed, in action against an enemy of the United States.

The Combat Action Badge was created on May 2, 2005, by the Army Chief of Staff to provide special recognition to Soldiers who personally engaged, or who are engaged by the enemy.