Face of Defense: Brothers Earn Combat Decorations

By Army Sgt. Scott Davis
Regional Command East

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan, Feb. 2, 2011 – Two brothers in the 101st Airborne Division were decorated for separate combat actions during their deployment to Afghanistan.

Army Sgt. Jason Busch, left, and his brother, Army Cpl. Josh Busch, were decorated for combat in Afghanistan. The soldiers, who are from Seymour, Wis., both serve with the 101st Airborne Division. Courtesy photo

One received a Silver Star Medal in December for actions during a five-day firefight in Kunar province, and the other received a Purple Heart in January after a firefight at Forward Operating Base Andar.

Army Cpl. Joshua Busch of Company D, 1st Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, was on a mission in November when insurgents attacked his platoon.

\”We got hit pretty hard,\” said Josh, the younger brother. \”By the end of the first night, I was the highest-ranking soldier in the platoon as a corporal, so I took charge as the platoon sergeant.\”