Photo By Pfc. Christopher McKenna | Brig. Gen. Ali Jassim Mohammed Hassen Al-Frejee, 4th Brigade, 6th Iraqi army division...... read more read more
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By Pvt. Christopher McKenna
3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division
CAMP STRIKER, Iraq – The Red Knight Rakkasans celebrated Saint Barbara's day at Forward Operating Base Mahmudiyah, March 7, with a ceremony where 25 individuals received the Saint Barbara medal.
Twenty-one Soldiers were presented the Honorable Order of Saint Barbara medal and four individuals received the Ancient Order of Saint Barbara medal.
"We are proud to continue the tradition of Saint Barbara's Day with the Red Knights," said Lt. Col. William Zemp, commander of 3rd Battalion, 320th Field Artillery, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division.
Saint Barbara is the patroness saint of those in danger from thunderstorms, fire, explosion and sudden death. In the early years of artillery, misfires, muzzle bursts and exploding weapons were not uncommon, which is why the artillery sought the protection of Saint Barbara.
"I see artillery as an awesome deliverance of ordinance on a foe," said Col. Dominic Caraccilo, commander of 3rd BCT, 101st Abn. Div. "It is an honor for me to be here today, amongst artillerymen, able to present these awards."
The Order of Saint Barbara is an honorary society of the U.S. Army field artillery. The Ancient Order of Saint Barbara is the most distinguished level, with recipients being highly capable artillerymen who stand out amongst their peers.
Amongst the recipients of the Honorable Order of Saint Barbara medal were Command Sgt. Maj. Gregory Patton, 3rd BCT, 101st Abn. Div. command sergeant major, and Brig. Gen. Ali Jassim Mohamed Hassen Al-Frejee, commander of the 4th Brigade, 6th Iraqi army division.
The medal itself has a representation of Saint Barbara on the front, and Civil War-era cannon on the back. The medallion is worn with Saint Barbara facing out and the cannon facing toward the chest.
"Artillery men and units are now running full spectrum," Caraccilo said. "In a brigade combat team nowhere does it say infantry, logistics, field artillery; it's a combat team."
| Date Taken: | 03.07.2008 |
| Date Posted: | 03.17.2008 10:43 |
| Story ID: | 17419 |
| Location: | BAGHDAD, IQ |
| Web Views: | 295 |
| Downloads: | 196 |
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