Photo By Teodora Mocanu | Defense Logistics Agency Director Air Force Lt. Gen. Andrew Busch presents the Defense...... read more read more
Subscribe
FORT BELVOIR, Va. - Navy Capt. James Liberko, the division chief for military service support in Defense Logistics Agency Logistics Operations, was recognized Jan. 22 by DLA Director Air Force Lt. Gen. Andrew Busch for his actions in a September 2014 convoy in Afghanistan.
Liberko was presented the Purple Heart and the Defense Meritorious Service Medal for his actions when the convoy was attacked by a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device. Liberko was wounded in the attack that killed DLA team member Stephen Byus and three other personnel.
At the time of the attack, Liberko was serving as the team leader for the Office of the Secretary of Defense demand-based supply team, which was deployed to Afghanistan to develop logistics solutions for the Afghan military and police force. The team was traveling in a two-vehicle convoy to meet with the Afghan deputy minister of logistics when a vehicle pulled alongside the convoy and detonated about 250 pounds of explosives. Despite being wounded, Liberko refused evacuation until all the other personnel were treated, according to the citation for his Defense Meritorious Service Medal. Liberko then took decisive action to ensure the health and welfare of his team and led those still capable to successfully complete the mission.
“I could’ve been moved back to the U.S. as a result of my injuries, but we were already in the middle of completing our mission, so it really didn’t make any sense,” Liberko said. “I wanted to stay and get the job done.”
Liberko was joined at the ceremony by his wife and two of his children, who he said were impressed by the presentation and the warm welcome they received from everyone at DLA. The family’s presence was noted by Busch, who honored them for the part they play in Liberko’s service.
“While we're here to honor the service and sacrifice of Captain Liberko, I want to also recognize his family members for their sacrifices,” Busch said. “You may not get a medal today, but we appreciate your sacrifices and your support of Captain Liberko and his service."
Liberko, who is retiring this summer, said he was humbled and honored by the presentation, which was held during Busch’s weekly operational meeting and seen live by DLA team members and military representatives around the world.
“DLA’s a huge organization, and for the organization to take time to recognize a few of their own in that manner was very humbling,” he said. “The Purple Heart is an honor, but I’m very thankful that I was able to walk away from the incident, because there were four individuals who did not walk away.”
| Date Taken: | 02.03.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 02.03.2015 09:46 |
| Story ID: | 153376 |
| Location: | FORT BELVOIR, VIRGINIA, US |
| Web Views: | 495 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, DLA military support chief recognized for actions in Afghanistan, by Sara Moore, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
No keywords found.
