Wife talks about husband’s purple heart, war worries
MASONTOWN – As couples across the country find that special way to say “I love you” today with everything from heart-shaped boxes of chocolate to traditional red roses, one area woman said she received the worst Valentine’s Day gift in her 13-year marriage. But it was also the most special.
When Pamela Fenton received word that her husband David had been injured in conflict in Iraq last fall, the mother of one instantly thought the worst, breaking down months of inner strength as she closely monitored news from war-torn Iraq.
And while her husband survived the attack on his tank convoy, she said the feeling of that moment – when her life with her husband flashed before her eyes – is something she will never forget.
Now, thanks to an early Valentine’s Day gift from David and the United States, Pamela will have a constant reminder of that fateful day: a purple heart.
Staff Sgt, David Fenton, who was injured in September of last year after a rocket propelled grenade struck the unit he was traveling with in Sadr City, Iraq, killing his tank crewman and injuring Fenton’s shoulder and neck, wanted the medal to be safe at home with his wife.
“I’m glad he survived, but I wish I never got this Valentine’s Day gift from him,” she said. “This is one I could have done without.”
According to military reports, after the RPG struck the tank, Fenton was immediately transported to the Camp Iron Horse Medical Clinic where he was treated for his wounds. And just as fast as the mortar had wounded him and killed one of his crew, Fenton was back on the battlefield quickly, leading a tank unit from the 2nd Platoon from Fort Riley, Kan., something that didn’t surprise his wife at all.
“This is what he does,” Pamela said last week talking about her husband in David’s mother’s home in Masontown. “He has been on a lot of tours, but these have been the most dangerous.”
The dangerous combat in Iraq has had Fenton’s 13-year-old son Justin worried about his dad, too. He and his mother continue to hope that he will return safely without injury. They said Fenton might not have told them the entire extent of his injuries to keep them from worrying.
“I think he might not tell me the whole truth because he doesn’t want me to worry about anything,” Pamela said, her eyes, glancing down at the certificate and the medal in her hands. “After he was wounded, I don’t watch the news anymore. I just can’t do it.”
Fenton’s mother, Virginia McCann, does, however, keep track of the war, trying to follow her youngest of 11 children as he fights to protect the nation.
“He is my youngest and always will be,” McCann said. “I just am so proud that he made something of himself.”
Pamela said of all the tours her husband has been on, this one is the hardest because of the periods of not knowing and the constant danger. Although she said her husband said things have calmed in the embattled country since the Iraqi election, she is still fearful that David may be injured again.
But the fear has motivated Fenton and some of her friends to try and do something extra to boost David’s morale and the morale of all the soldiers in Iraq.
The women have organized a charity oldies dance at the Masontown VFW Post 4584 March 12 at 7 p.m., with all proceeds going toward sending care packages to local soldiers in need of supplies and encouragement. Fenton said getting involved has helped her combat her fears. She feels she is contributing to bring David home safely.
As for her early Valentine’s Day gift, Fenton has plans for the tiny lavender medal.
“I am going to take it to the VFW and let everyone see it and then I am going to tuck it away,” Fenton said of the medal. “He didn’t want it. He didn’t think he deserved it. He lost a soldier in the accident and he is OK. But it makes me proud.”