13 Facts About Amos Yarkoni

Amos Yarkoni, was an officer in the Israel Defense Forces and one of six Israeli Arabs to have received the IDF's third highest decoration, the Medal of Distinguished Service.

Amos Yarkoni was the first commander of the Shaked Reconnaissance Battalion of Israel's Southern command.

Amos Yarkoni's family were Muslim Bedouin of the Mazarib tribe.

Amos Yarkoni served in a number of units during the War of Independence, eventually settling in the Minorities Unit, and proved himself to be an excellent tracker and patrolman, continually astounding his fellow soldiers with his abilities.

In 1953, Amos Yarkoni passed the Officer's Course, and went on to become the Commanding Officer of the Minorities Unit.

Amos Yarkoni accepted the recommendation, and the IDF tracking and counter-terrorism unit was formed under his guidance and command.

The unit fielded both Jews and non-Jews, yet when it came to Bedouin recruits, Amos Yarkoni was careful to accept only Bedouins from northern Israel, so that they would not have to fight against their tribal brethren.

Amos Yarkoni was based in the Negev for many years, and was involved in countless operations.

Amos Yarkoni was wounded many times, and his body was peppered with bullet and shrapnel wounds.

Amos Yarkoni lost his right hand in combat in November 1959, and was badly wounded in the leg in an explosion.

In 1961, after his recovery, Amos Yarkoni was re-appointed as Commanding Officer of the Shaked Battalion.

Amos Yarkoni was awarded four campaign ribbons for his service during four conflicts, as well as one aluf citation and the medal of distinguished service.

Amos Yarkoni died on February 7,1991, after a prolonged battle with cancer, aged 70.