MOUNT VERNON, Va. – As the Army celebrates its 240th birthday this week, three soldiers were awarded the Purple Heart medal at Mount Vernon.

Army Specialists Clay Casteel, Spencer Jacobsen, and Marcelino Biz of the 101st Airborne Division were shot in Afghanistan on April 8, 2015. Casteel and Biz lost fingers. Jacobsen was shot in the leg and his femur was broken in four places.

“It’s just an honor to be a part of the brotherhood of everybody else that’s received the Purple Heart,” Casteel said. “It’s the best time of my life.” 

On Tuesday, the soldiers received the Purple Heart medal just steps from George Washington’s tomb, where Army Secretary John McHugh laid a wreath.

“The men and women of the United States Army, like Washington before, can always be counted on to deliver and to serve with honor and integrity,” McHugh said. “Sacrifice for one’s country, Washington wrote, will bestow a man more real honor than the most distinguished victory.”

The U.S. Army was founded on June 14, 1775. In 1782, Washington established the Purple Heart medal. It was first awarded to three Revolutionary War soldiers.

“Thank you for your service. Thank you for all that you do keeping this nation great. And above all, happy birthday, U.S. Army,” McHugh said.