Sgt. David Duran and Spc. Michael Duer were both given purple hearts Wednesday for their injuries they received in combat.

Both men were with the 3rd BCT, 4th ID serving in Iraq when they were injured in February and had to be sent home.

Spc. Duer was thrown from his vehicle by an IED. He broke his jaw, ribs and spine and says he is just glad to be here to accept the award himself because many times purple hearts are given posthumously.

Duer says he hopes to recover quickly, and get back out there with the soldiers he left behind. This was Duer's third tour.