Maryland Army Guard Medic Awarded Combat Medical Badge
By 1st Lt Paul Jeong
REISTERSTOWN, Md. – A Maryland Army National Guard Soldier was recognized with the Combat Medical Badge (CMB) for his actions under enemy fire while deployed in 2019 during an award ceremony held at Camp Fretterd Military Reservation’s 29th Division Hall, November 14, 2023.
Staff Sgt. Jackson A. Vassighi, a medic with the 244th Engineer Company, was awarded the badge, which recognizes medical personnel who perform medical duties with units that are actively engaged in ground combat. Vassighi was a part of the Over the Horizon Task Force, in Bagram, Afghanistan, during an enemy attack on December 11, 2019.
During the early hours of that date, Vassighi and his unit were engaged in critical sustainment operations at Bagram Air Field, when enemy combatants orchestrated a complex ground attack.
The assault was initiated by a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device with a 400-meter blast radius, causing damage to the northwest perimeter wall, approximately 250-300 meters from the company headquarters building. The force of the blast shattered windows, demolished nearby structures, and breached the security wall, allowing 22 enemy combatants to infiltrate the area and occupy the upper levels of an abandoned medical complex, known as the “Korean Hospital.”
Throughout the day, hostile gunfire and indirect mortar attacks persisted as quick reaction forces attempted to contain the assault. Amidst the engagement, Vassighi established a casualty collection point behind the cover of a Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle to provide immediate medical aid to injured Soldiers.
At approximately 10 a.m., Vassighi moved on foot, carrying his aid bag, to assist a fellow Soldier from another unit located just 70 meters from the enemy’s position. Despite being within a direct line of sight of hostile small arms fire, Vassighi treated the Soldier’s wounds, safely relocated them to cover behind barriers, and then resumed his duties at the casualty collection point.
Throughout the prolonged engagement of more than 24 hours, Vassighi continued his duties, providing medical support to the company until relieved by another medic the following morning.
“We all know that the CMB means that somebody had the worst day of their life, and it is our job to perform at our best, and it is a hard task, a very hard task,” Maryland Army National Guard Sgt. Maj. Ronald D. Barbour, the G1 sergeant major and a fellow CMB recipient. “We are here today because [Vassighi] earned the Combat Medic Badge.”
Vassighi credited his unit for the training he needed to complete his mission that fateful day.
“I worked with almost every one of you in some kind of capacity, you either have been someone who has given me professional training over the years, exceptional leadership, or amazing mentorship, but most of all, you’ve all given me lifelong friendships.” said Vassighi to the audience. “I am grateful, and humbled.”
According to the Army Human Resources Command, the Combat Medical Badge was originally established in 1945. It is awarded to medical personnel assigned, attached or under operational control of a combat unit of brigade or smaller size. The recipient must have satisfactorily performed medical duties while the unit is engaged in active ground combat and been personally under fire.
