Lance Cpl. Jeffrey Cole, a member of American Legion Post 316 in Woodstock, was shot six times while serving in Afghanistan in 2010 when his unit was ambushed.
Cole is also the grandson of a member of the local American Legion Post 316, Herb Wyatt, making his honor an even more meaningful event for the local post.
“We are really proud of Jeffrey and all of us in Post 316 wish him the best. He is a hero in the truest sense of the word and is more than deserving of receiving the Silver Star,” said Irma M. Martin, commander/adjutant of Post 316.
Cole, who is still serving on active duty in the Wounded Warriors Battalion-East at Camp LeJuene, N.C., will receive the Silver Star in a ceremony there on July 10 at 9 a.m.
The Silver Star is the third-highest combat military decoration that can be awarded to a member of any branch of the United States armed forces for valor in the face of the enemy.
The Silver Star may be awarded to any person who, while serving in any capacity with the armed forces, distinguishes himself or herself by extraordinary heroism involving one of the following actions:
* In action against an enemy of the United States or
* While engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force or
* While serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in an armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party.
Cole was shot six times in the chest, side and left arm when his unit was ambushed in July 2010.
His flak vest deflected the shots to his chest and side but the shots to his left arm caused the most serious injury. Cole has had multiple surgeries and rehab on his left arm but now only has 40 percent use of his arm.
The lance corporal was transferred to the Wounded Warrior Battalion-East about a year ago and has been participating in Wounded Warrior activities in the Battalion.
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