Injured Soldier Surprises Hospital Room By Saluting While Being Awarded Purple Heart

Army Sgt. Josh Hargis is the soldier known for the “salute seen around the world” after his wife, Taylor, took a picture of him in his hospital bed. In 2013, the 24-year-old Ranger was one of 14 American troops injured during a combat mission in Afghanistan. He lost both his legs to an IED. The now famous photo was taken a week after he was injured while he was being awarded the Purple Heart medal in the hospital.

Military protocol dictates that the recipient salute after receiving the medal, but those present assumed Josh was unable to render a salute. Thinking he was unconscious from sedatives, they draped him a red, white and blue blanket and surrounded by 50 people including rangers, doctors, nurses and friends, proceeded with the ceremony. But the hero surprised everyone when he held up his arm, full of wrappings and tubes, to salute.

Taylor posted the photo of Josh’s salute, which quickly went viral. “Despite his wounds, wrappings, tubes, and pain, Josh fought the doctor who was trying to restrain his right arm and rendered the most beautiful salute any person in that room had ever seen,” she wrote.

Admittedly, Josh doesn’t know the meaning of the word “quit” and truly exemplifies the army Ranger’s credo, “Rangers lead the way.” He showed this again, just 5 months later when he took part in a Warrior Walk where he used a handcycle to join other soldiers to finish alongside them in 10 mile home stretch. He put on his prosthetic legs for the final steps to the cheers of the onlookers and family.

The couple has since welcomed their first baby into the world and Josh continues to be positive about his future. “There’s a brighter side you can get to,” says Josh in the video. “You just have to keep walking to get there.”

Please share this video with your friends on Facebook!

Disclosure: This post may include affiliate links.