Hospitalman Third-Class Jacob M. Schlauder of Stonington received a Purple Heart medal on July 23 for his action during a deployment to Afghanistan. He was wounded on Jan. 25 when an IED struck his vehicle. He was knocked unconscious but when he regained consciousness he helped save a Marine's life, said his mom Melissa Schlauder of Stonington. He is dealing with a traumatic brain injury and is going through therapy, she said. He will remain in the military.

Schlauder was one of eight military service members from the 1st Battalion 9th Marine Regiment who received Purple Heart medals at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina.

"I am obviously very proud of Jacob and you know I think Jacob considers the Purple Heart as something to commemorate the Marines he was with that did not come home," she said.