Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – An attack on Tower 22 in Jordan in January brought an Army Reserve major from Litchfield to action.

Three people died, but Chase Wilhelm is credited with saving one or more lives. And, typical of soldiers and first responders, he is quick to share the credit.

“The 340 other people at that base did their jobs and ran into those flames as well,” Wilhelm said. “I’m honored, and I consider everything I was given today as a representation of their work.”

At a Governor’s Mansion ceremony hosted by Gov. JB Pritzker, Wilhelm – chief chaplain for the Illinois Department of Corrections – earned the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart,