| Pfc. Daniel A. Colonna |
Pfc. Daniel A. Colonna will return to the Price area for a two-week leave to visit with friends and family.
Colonna was wounded in action on April 2, 2005 during an attack by Al-Quaida insurgents at the Abu-Ghraib prison in Iraq while serving with the 2/10 U.S. Marine detachment from Camp Lejeune, N.C.
Colonna was presented with several awards including a Purple Heart for his efforts during the assault.
While Colonna was off duty, the insurgents attacked the prison from four sides. Upon hearing the sirens, Colonna aborted his off-duty status and ran to the aid of fellow Marines who were pinned down in prison tower No. 4.
After refusing to abort his defensive position until his fellow Marines in the tower had been carried to safety, he sustained shrapnel wounds in his arms, legs and face.
After all the Marines had been cleared from the tower, Colonna was taken out and driven to the local Baghdad Hospital, where he remained for two days.
He was then flown to the German Military Hospital where he remained for three days. After spending three days in his final hospital room in Washington, D.C., he returned to Camp Lejeune, N.C., for further treatment.
Colonna is now in excellent condition and has returned to active duty with his Echo Battery at Camp Lejeune, N.C.
In honor of his efforts a community homecoming is planned for his return on April 29 at the Masonic Lodge in Price, located at 39 N. 100 East. It is the family’s request that all those who are able can join in the event.
The reception will be from 7 to 9 p.m. with a DJ to follow providing music for dancing and socializing from 9 p.m. to midnight.
An award presentation is scheduled for 8 p.m. that night by the Marine Corp. League.
The family wishes to honor other heroes currently serving their country from the area by doing a photo tribute that evening.
Those with loved ones who are currently serving or have previously served please call Shauna at (435) 637-3612 or mail or deliver a photo along with the current service address to 295 W. 500 South, Price, UT 84501 before Thursday, April 28.