By Alexander Dworkowitz
A College Point man returned home Monday after being wounded in the mountains of Afghanistan and receiving the Purple Heart.
David Wurtz, 25, was injured in Operation Anaconda, the U.S. offensive in the eastern mountains of Afghanistan that began in early March. The offensive targeted what Pentagon officials said was an al-Qaeda and Taliban stronghold.
On March 2, Wurtz, who serves as an sergeant in the Army’s 10th Mountain Division, touched down in the mountains. He was immediately hit by shrapnel in his right knee
“It was an ambush,” said Joan Wurtz, David’s mother.
Other soldiers helped Wurtz escape. The next day he called his brother to let him know about his injury. His brother contacted Wurtz’s parents.
For Joan and her husband Clem, hearing that their son was okay was a large relief. The two often went weeks without hearing from him.
Wurtz, who is still recovering from his injuries, said he was glad to come home to his parents.
Wurtz, who was awarded the Purple Heart for injuries sustained in combat, described Afghanistan as different from anything he had ever seen before.
‘It was pretty interesting,” he said. “It was strange. You have local people carrying weapons all where they go.”
Wurtz returned to College Point after a stay at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C. He expects he will need a month before his leg is fully healed, but he can now walk on it.
Wurtz was born and raised in College Point. He played cornerback for Flushing HS, from which he graduated in 1995. He enlisted in the Army while in high school through the delayed entry program.
After he recovers from his injuries, Wurtz said he will most likely return to Fort Drum, home of the 10th Mountain Division, for the remainder of his nine-month tour.
After he finishes with the army, Wurtz said he plans to postpone further travels and join the New York Police Department.
“I got to see the world,” said Wurtz.
Reach reporter Alexander Dworkowitz by e-mail at Timesledger@aol.com or call 229-0300, Ext. 141.
