Mississippi Soldier Wounded In Africa Receives Purple Heart

STUTTGART, Germany – In a rare public recognition of U.S. special operations forces in Africa, Master
Sgt. Steven Corley of Brandon, an intelligence noncommissioned officer with 2nd Battalion, 20th Special Forces Group
(Airborne) headquartered in Jackson, was awarded the Purple Heart during a ceremony in Stuttgart, Germany, April 8,
2022.
The Purple Heart medal is one of the U.S. military’s oldest medals dating back to 1782. It recognizes
military members who were wounded or killed in combat.
Corley earned the award in January 2022 while serving as the leader of a six-person team in northwest
Africa where he was responsible for intelligence exploitation and integration with partners and allies. Though
wounded in an attack on base where he was assigned, he assisted partner forces in locating the point from
which his element was attacked.
“Wherever you look in Africa, when it’s somewhere tough or dangerous, SOCAFRICA is there,” said Gen.
Steven Townsend, AFRICOM commander. “Master Sergeant Corley did what U.S. forces typically do when
wounded, stay in the fight until they pass out or are instructed to stand down.”
Corley was medically evacuated the following day and has spent his time since the attack focusing on
physical recovery and staying in the fight from SOCAFRICA headquarters in Stuttgart.