A Grass Valley man injured in Afghanistan was recovering Monday from a second surgery on his right leg at the U.S. Military hospital in Landsthul, Germany.

Army Spc. Noah Bailey, 20, was seriously injured when a roadside bomb exploded Sunday as his convoy conducted combat operations southwest of Deh Chopan.

Two other U.S. soldiers were injured in the explosion, according to the United States central Command.

Early reports that Bailey was injured in a helicopter crash were incorrect, Bailey's family said Monday.

Bailey was riding in the gunner's position in a Humvee when an improvised explosive device, an IED, detonated nearby, said Bailey's mother, Becca Callahan.

Bailey's right leg was severely injured when he was blown out of the vehicle, she said.

The Humvee then rolled onto Bailey's left leg, breaking it in several places.

Bailey was evacuated to the military hospital in Landsthul, Germany, where doctors amputated his right foot just below the calf, Callahan said.

She said she has been talking on the phone to Army officials, who report her son is in good spirits and joking with hospital staff.

"My son is very proud," Becca Callahan said Monday. "He's a really strong kid."

She said the sergeant who was with her son during the explosion said Bailey showed him the tattoo on his right arm, "Death Before Dishonor," as he laid wounded on the ground.

"I took him to get that tattoo before he went to bootcamp," said Bailey's sister Melissa Bailey, 26.

Bailey played football, wrestled and was a pole vaulter at Nevada Union High School. He graduated in 2003.

Nevada Union football coach Dave Humphers recalls Bailey as a "competitive overachiever."

"He battled hard for a starting position," Humphers said. "I know he will overcome whatever obstacle is put in front of him."

Bailey was the starting outside linebacker his senior year.

Shortly after graduation, Bailey entered basic training at the U.S. Army Infantry School in Fort Benning, Columbus, Ga.

Callahan said the U.S. military will transfer Bailey to Walter Reed Medical Center as soon as his condition improves, probably within the week. Sometime after that, he will be fitted with a prosthesis, Callahan said.

"They offered to fly us (the family) out there to see him," she said. "We really appreciate that."

Callahans said any get-well letters or cards for her son should be sent to: Attn: Noah Bailey, 411 Pine Street, Grass Valley, Ca. 95945.

<I>To contact staff writer Robyn Moormeister, e-mail robynm@theunion.comor call 477-4236.</I>