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OSU alumnus earns Purple Heart, Bronze Star for efforts in Afghanistan
Oto was driving lead vehicle when his convoy was attacked by rebel forces last September
Samantha Blann
Issue date: 4/22/09 Section: News
Former OSU student Dominic Oto has received the Purple Heart for wounds sustained during an ambush in Afghanistan. For his heroic actions, Oto also earned the Bronze Star for service in the National Guard.
"I was in the wrong place at the wrong time," Oto said. "I didn't do anything heroic."
On Sept. 20, 2008, Oto was driving the lead vehicle of a six-vehicle convoy of both Afghan and U.S. soldiers when his vehicle was attacked by rebel forces.
Oto's vehicle was struck by a 500-pound makeshift explosive device, which blasted the 37,000-pound vehicle 20 feet into the air. The vehicle landed on its roof and slid to a stop.
"I never even saw the guy who [blew the vehicle up]," Oto said.
Master Sgt. Jerry Glesmann pulled Oto out of the vehicle. Oto and another soldier survived the ambush, but three of his comrades were killed from the blast.
In order to receive the Bronze Star, an individual must distinguish his or herself by heroic or meritorious actions while being engaged in military operations involving a conflict with an opposing force. The award was amended in August 1962.
The Purple Heart is awarded to a military individual, in the name of the U.S. president, who was wounded or killed in any action against a U.S. enemy or as a result of an enemy act. The medal was first introduced in August 1782 by then-Gen. George Washington.
Friends of Oto describe him as the perfect example of a soldier.
"He risked his life for his country," said Tye Nagel, assistant professor of military science. "You can't ask for a better patriot than that."
Nagel and Oto became friends when they were both assigned to the same unit. Nagel said he knew Oto by reputation for almost 10 years before they became friends.
"I feel pretty humble to be in the presence of such a great guy," Nagel said. "We've become pretty close buds."
Having served approximately 12 years off and on in the National Guard, Oto was recently promoted to major. Oto is currently a human resource agent for the National Guard.
"It's a great job," Oto said. "I get to help people."
Oto was born in Pennsylvania and grew up in Florida. He joined a National Guard unit in Oregon, which paid for 90 percent of his tuition at OSU.
Oto went to school at OSU for three years and received an associate's degree. Oto said he applied a lot of what he learned at OSU, particularly Arabic studies, to help him in the Middle East.
"OSU and the National Guard has really provided a platform for my life," Oto said. "I never in my life dreamed that I would have these experiences."
"I am proud to be an alumnus of OSU and the ROTC program there," Oto said. "They gave me so many opportunities."
Samantha Blann, staff writer
news@dailybarometer.com, 737-2231
"I was in the wrong place at the wrong time," Oto said. "I didn't do anything heroic."
On Sept. 20, 2008, Oto was driving the lead vehicle of a six-vehicle convoy of both Afghan and U.S. soldiers when his vehicle was attacked by rebel forces.
Oto's vehicle was struck by a 500-pound makeshift explosive device, which blasted the 37,000-pound vehicle 20 feet into the air. The vehicle landed on its roof and slid to a stop.
"I never even saw the guy who [blew the vehicle up]," Oto said.
Master Sgt. Jerry Glesmann pulled Oto out of the vehicle. Oto and another soldier survived the ambush, but three of his comrades were killed from the blast.
In order to receive the Bronze Star, an individual must distinguish his or herself by heroic or meritorious actions while being engaged in military operations involving a conflict with an opposing force. The award was amended in August 1962.
The Purple Heart is awarded to a military individual, in the name of the U.S. president, who was wounded or killed in any action against a U.S. enemy or as a result of an enemy act. The medal was first introduced in August 1782 by then-Gen. George Washington.
Friends of Oto describe him as the perfect example of a soldier.
"He risked his life for his country," said Tye Nagel, assistant professor of military science. "You can't ask for a better patriot than that."
Nagel and Oto became friends when they were both assigned to the same unit. Nagel said he knew Oto by reputation for almost 10 years before they became friends.
"I feel pretty humble to be in the presence of such a great guy," Nagel said. "We've become pretty close buds."
Having served approximately 12 years off and on in the National Guard, Oto was recently promoted to major. Oto is currently a human resource agent for the National Guard.
"It's a great job," Oto said. "I get to help people."
Oto was born in Pennsylvania and grew up in Florida. He joined a National Guard unit in Oregon, which paid for 90 percent of his tuition at OSU.
Oto went to school at OSU for three years and received an associate's degree. Oto said he applied a lot of what he learned at OSU, particularly Arabic studies, to help him in the Middle East.
"OSU and the National Guard has really provided a platform for my life," Oto said. "I never in my life dreamed that I would have these experiences."
"I am proud to be an alumnus of OSU and the ROTC program there," Oto said. "They gave me so many opportunities."
Samantha Blann, staff writer
news@dailybarometer.com, 737-2231
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