Spc. David J. Marshall Specialist Evan D. Marcy, 55th Signal Company (Combat Camera), speaks during a ceremony in his honor at McGill Community Activity Center on Ft. Meade, Md., Sep. 1. Marcy was awarded the Purple Heart Medal, the Joint Service Commendation Medal, and the Combat Action Badge for his service in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan.

Unknown to Specialist Marcy, when he set forth on a mission on July 29, his bravery would be sorely tested.

Marcy hiked through Afghanistan’s rugged terrain on a mission like he had many times before. However, on this particular mission, Marcy’s patrol encountered enemy contact and returned fire.

While actively engaged to accomplish his Combat Camera mission, he was wounded. Although he was injured, his only thoughts were of the mission and his desire to stay with his comrades.

Unfortunately, the wounds were so severe he lost his left leg and sustained injures to his right leg. Marcy’s desire to stick with the mission and fellow comrades proved he was both brave and a dedicated U.S. Soldier.

After returning to the United States, Specialist Marcy was able and ready to be re-presented the Purple Heart and Combat Action Badge. Additionally, he was awarded the Joint Service Commendation Medal.

The award ceremony was held at McGill Training Center on Fort Meade, Md., and brought special guests to include the 21st Signal Brigade Commander Col. Karl Ginter, 21st Signal Brigade Command Sgt. Maj. Nicolino Parisi, 114th Signal Battalion Commander Lt. Col. Kelly Knitter, and 114th Signal Battalion Command Sgt. Maj. Frank Gutierrez to show their respect for Marcy and his family.

‘‘This morning we are recognizing Evan Marcy for military merit, honoring his heroism in combat, and observing military tradition. It’s fitting that we do so in this setting, among Evan’s friends and family, and it’s fitting that we do so with the award of America’s oldest military decoration, the Purple Heart,” began Colonel Ginter’s remarks.

”Thank you all for joining us as we honor this outstanding Soldier.”

After returning home, Marcy was happy to see familiar faces and was greeted with affection. His mother, a certified nurse, sat by his bed side to ensure her son of whom she was so proud was in great care. The 55th Signal Company Commander Maj. Daniel Wood visited Marcy daily. Marcy’s family and friends visited on a daily basis giving him encouragement and positive words.

‘‘I’m thankful for the never ending support that so many Soldiers and their families have shown me over this past month,” said Marcy in his speech. ‘‘Maybe it’s my good looks, but there hasn’t been a day that I haven’t received a visitor,” he joked.

1st Lt. Rock Stevens, Marcy’s Platoon Leader who could not be present, wrote a letter to explain his appreciation for Marcy’s admirable acts.

‘‘During his deployment, Evan was the eyes of the Army. He went above and beyond of what was expected of him,” Stevens wrote.

‘‘Thank you, Evan, for your selfless service to our country and the impact you have had personally on me.”

Marcy, even with all of the praise from his company and other Soldiers, has not changed his attitude. He still wishes he was out with his fellow Combat Cameramen. He was hailed as a hero, but he insists otherwise.

‘‘I wasn’t trying to be a hero,” Marcy said. ‘‘I was just doing what I loved.”