Dunbar soldier improves from explosion injuries
A Dunbar soldier, injured while clearing a Baghdad-area field filled with explosives, continues to improve in a Washington, D.C., hospital. “He is doing excellent,” said Thomas Ross of the condition of his elder brother, U.S. Army Pfc. Salvatore “Sam” Ross on Tuesday. “They bring him in and out of a drug-induced coma, but when he is awake he’s able to respond to questions by nodding his head for yes and no. However, he hasn’t been able to talk to us.”
The soldier was transported to the Walter Reed Medical Center early Saturday morning where Thomas Ross and other family members had gathered to await his arrival.
According to Thomas Ross, on May 18 his brother’s 82nd Airborne, 307th Engineering Division platoon was removing explosives from a field where Iraqi children frequented and were being injured because of the explosives. The platoon is trained in removal of explosives.
When he and an Iraqi civilian moved to an adjacent area, one of the mines exploded, causing extensive injuries to both men, said Thomas Ross.
The accident left shrapnel throughout his body, and caused severe damage to his left foot that was amputated on Sunday by surgeons.
Thomas Ross said his brother’s vision may have also been damaged, but because of his current condition, physicians have not been able to determine the extent of injury.
After the accident, Salvatore Ross was taken to Kuwait for immediate medical attention and then flown to Spain for additional treatment before his arrival in Washington.
“We’re not sure if he’s aware of where he is at or if he is has any memory loss,” said Thomas Ross.
Despite the injuries, Thomas Ross said because of his brother’s age and excellent physical condition prior to the explosion, doctors are anticipating his full recovery.
“We’re pretty sure that there is going to be some sort of therapy,” he said.
Thomas Ross said physicians have not informed the gathered family members when they can anticipate taking Salvatore Ross home.
Salvatore Ross, a 2001 graduate of Connellsville Area High School, joined the military in March of 2002. He was deployed to Iraq in February.
Cards and letters of support can be mailed to Salvatore Ross, Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Medical Intensive Care Unit, 45th Ward, 6900 Georgia Ave., Washington, D.C., 20307-5001.