The two veterans suspected of conducting terrorist attacks in separate incidents each earned "Global War on Terrorism" medals from the U.S. Army.
Shamsud-Din Jabbar, 42, of Texas, worked primarily in human resources and IT for the military. He received several commendations, including the Global War on Terrorism service medal, CBS News reported.
Jabbar went from fighting terrorism for his country to committing a terrorist act on New Year's day when, according to the FBI, he drove a rented truck down Bourbon Street, intentionally striking pedestrians. Jabbar then died in a shootout with police. The FBI said that 15 people were killed and more than 30 wounded in the attack.
Jabbar, according to the FBI, had an ISIS flag with him and had spouted extremist rhetoric in videos.
Matthew Livelsberger, 37, of Colorado, is believed to have rented a Tesla cybertruck and driven it to Las Vegas where it exploded in front of President-Elect Donald Trump's hotel. The vehicle was loaded with fireworks and gas cannisters, the Associated Press reported. Livelsberger shot himself before the vehicle exploded.
The incident is being investigated as an act of terrorism.
Livelsberger was a highly-decorated, special forces veteran. Among his citations was the Global War on Terrorism service medal.
Livelsberger had served in the Army since 2006 and had been deployed twice to Afghanistan and also served in Ukraine, Tajikistan, Georgia, and Congo, the AP reported. He received several commendations including two Bronze Stars, including one with a valor device for courage under fire, a combat infantry badge, and an Army Commendation Medal with valor. The AP reported that Livelsberger was on approved leave when he died.
Although both Livelsberger and Jabbar served at Fort Bragg (now Fort Liberty) the AP reported that their time there did not overlap. The FBI and police do not believe the two attacks were connected, the AP reported.
