Illinois Man Awarded Purple Heart, Bronze Star in Ceremony at Governor's Mansion

BY JERRY NOWICKI AND ANDREW ADAMS CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS

An Illinois man was awarded a Purple Heart and Bronze Start for Valor - among other honors - at the Governor’s Mansion Monday. 

Capitol News Illinois reports Major Chase Wilhelm’s superiors say he saved lives and demonstrated selflessness and heroism when his base in Jordan was hit by a drone attack in January. More than 100 soldiers were wounded - but some survived because of Wilhelm’s care.  

Wilhelm provided first aid, including to a soldier whose arm was mangled in the attack. He ran back into the flames and rubble to retrieve wounded colleagues – and the bodies of three soldiers who died in the attack. 

He was also honored with the Four Chaplains Award, the Army Commendation Medal with Combat Device and the Operation Inherent Resolve Campaign Medal.

Gov. JB Pritzker and Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski were among those who honored Wilhem at the ceremony.