A Town of Tonawanda native soldier who was wounded in Iraq received a Purple Heart Award Sunday.

Sgt. David S. Caputi, a 42nd Division Tactical Command Post 1 team leader was wounded when the Hummer he was driving was hit by an improvised exploding device and engaged by small-arms fire on May 8th, 2005. Sgt. Caputi escaped the wreckage and took himself and two soldiers from the danger zone to a nearby combat surgical hospital specter in Iraq. He and the other soldiers were treated for serious injuries.

Sgt. David S. Caputi was honored during a ceremony at the Masten Street Armory. He now resided in Grand Island with his wife and four children.

He is a 10-year Army National Guard veteran and a 42nd Division Tactical Command Post 1 team leader. Despite his wounds, he has gone on to complete over 200 missions.