Fallen Marine awarded Purple Heart

KOKOMO, Ind. (WISH) - As the thunder rolled, the skies cried, and so did friends and family who knew Sgt. Bradley Atwell. The Marine from Kokomo, killed a week ago Saturday, was awarded one of the highest military honors Friday night - the Purple Heart.

The Purple Heart is given to military service men and women wounded or killed in battle. His mother accepted the awarded during a small ceremony prior to the homecoming game Friday night at Taylor High School where her son graduated.

As hundreds arrived, The American Flag flew between two fire trucks for the graduate who was killed in Afghanistan. The military says Atwell died during an attack from the Taliban on a joint American-British base.

It is the same base where Prince Harry is stationed. Atwell was one of two Marines who died in the attack. The other is from Pennsylvania.

The Marine’s father, Vic Atwell said he knew his son died the moment he heard about the attack on the news.

“You just have a sense about it that something is not right,” he said fighting tears. “When they knocked on the door, I knew.”

Vic Atwell says he “was fortunate” to talk to his 27-year-old son the day before the attack. He said their conversation lasted nearly an hour. And Vic Atwell says the conversation was a rare treat considering he and his son worked opposite shifts.

Friday, those who knew Atwell posted well wishes on a banner hanging near the entrance of Taylor High School where he graduated. Many consoled each other as they wept and shared memories of their friend who was a dominate force on the baseball team and an avid track star.

Friends say Atwell helped others during difficult times.

“We lost a friend when we were in high school in a car accident,” said Emily Washington, who graded with Atwell in 2003. ”After the ( funeral )service we all got together and Brad’s goal was just cheering everybody up. I remember him going around trying to make everybody smile.”

Now, those same friends are doing their best to help Atwell’s family smile during this dark period. Atwell’s father says the flood of support and well wishes are appreciated.

“It does make it somewhat easier so its nice,” Vic Atwell said. “We’ve been getting cars and letters from people we don’t even know.”

Atwell's body arrived back in the U.S. earlier this week.

He was honored during a memorial service at the Marine Corps Air Station in Arizona this morning.

He leaves behind a wife of just ten months.