 Pledge of Allegiance |  |
Pledge of Allegiance | |
      
| 
Major Joseph Sciammarella has been notified that he has been awarded the Army Commendation Medal for action in Afghanistan during Operation Mountain Thrust in Afghanistan in 2006.
"The Army Commendation Medal is awarded to any member of the Armed Forces of the United States other than General Officers who, while serving in any capacity with the Army after 6 December 1941, distinguished himself by heroism, meritorious achievement or meritorious service. Awards may be made for acts of valor performed under circumstances described above which are of lesser degree than required for award of the Bronze Star Medal.
 The citation reads "This is to certify that the Secretary of the Army has awarded THE ARMY COMMENDATION MEDAL to Major Joseph C. Sciammarella, Charlie Company, 2nd Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment for exceptionally meritorious service while serving as the Senior Medical Provider. Major Sciammarella's dedication to the unit and selfless service were instrumental in the success of the Catamount Battalion. His actions reflect great credit upon himself, Task Force Catamount, Combined Task Force Spartan, and the United States Army." Supporting documentation states: "As the Senior Aid Station Physician, Major Sciammarella was instrumental in the success of the Battalion throughout the preparation and execution phases of Operation Mountain Thrust. He was responsible for overseeing the medical care provided to all patients presented to the aid station, including members of the U.S. Military, Afghanistan National Army, civilian contractors, interpreters, and local nationals. Under his supervision, the Battalion Aid Station examined and/or treated approximately 10-15 patients daily. While at Waza Khwah, Major Sciammarella executed three separate Medical Civilian Assistance Programs for the local populous, treating approximately 100 local civilians. He was able to provide vital emergency care to several patients including a critically ill male infant with 104 fever and marked respiratory distress. The child stopped breathing several times during the 5-hour treatment but he was able to keep the infant alive with oxygen, IV fluids, antibiotics, steroids, and breathing treatments. The patient survived and recovered fully. While at Musa Q'Alat, Major Sciammarella treated multiple types of injuries and/or conditions. He provided immeasurable medical support and unselfishly volunteered to extend his tour to ensure the Battalion was fully provided for through the entirety of the mission. Major Sciammarella has a wealth of knowledge and enthusiastically shared his medical expertise and experiences with the entire Medical Platoon. While assigned to the Battalion, he instructed three separate Advanced Cardiac Life Support Courses, certifying 13 medics." 
|
