Spc. Patricia Fowler, B Company, Task Force Shadow

Spc. Patricia Fowler, B Company, Task Force Shadow UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter crew chief, received a Purple Heart for wounds received in action, Aug. 5 while deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan. Fowler was a crew member of a chase helicopter on a medevac mission, when the aircraft came under enemy fire while flying over Helmand province, May 6. Five rounds impacted the aircraft, one round ricocheted off the window frame striking her helmet. She sustained trauma to the head from the impact of the bullet and shrapnel in her shoulder. Fowler said she did not know what hit her until they landed and evaluated the situation. When she removed her helmet there were two bullet holes, an entry and exit. Fowler has been in the Army since April 2008. Her awards include the Army Service Ribbon, Global War on Terrorism Medal, National Defense Service Medal and now the Purple Heart.