Fallen Elkhart soldier honored with Purple Heart

GRANGER, Ind. -- An Elkhart soldier who was killed in Afghanistan last December was honored Thursday.

Congresswoman Jackie Walorski presented a Purple Heart to Staff Sergeant Jesse Williams' mother, Deborah Passerallo.

His 6-year-old daughter Madison was also present.

The ceremony was held Thursday at Granger Community Church.

Staff Sergeant Williams was 30 years old when he died in a Blackhawk helicopter crash in Afghanistan on December 17th. Five other American soldiers were killed in the same accident.

He had served in the U.S. Armed Forces for almost 8 years prior to the accident.

Staff Sergeant Williams was laid to rest with military honors on January 3rd following his funeral, a service attended by almost 800 people.