Courtesy Photo | Multi-National Division - Baghdad Soldier's stand tall and proud in formation as they...... read more read more
By Spc. Anthony Henderson
18th Military Police Brigade Public Affairs,
Multi-National Division - Baghdad
BAGHDAD – A Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldier was awarded the Purple Heart, and seven of his comrades were awarded the Combat Action Badge, in a ceremony, March 16, at Forward Operating Base Rustamiyah; the eight Soldier are assigned to 54th Military Police Company, 95th MP Battalion, 18th MP Brigade.
Sgt. Colin McColley, a military police noncommissioned officer, who is a native of Flint, Mich., was awarded the Purple Heart after suffering wounds during a terrorist's improvised-explosive device attack on his convoy while conducting a Police Transition Team mission in support of training Iraqi police.
Also during the ceremony, seven Soldiers from his team were presented Combat Action Badges for their actions following the IED attack. McColley was the only Soldier injured.
Soldiers awarded the CAB were: Sgt. Aaron Fullerton, a native of New York; Sgt. Steven Yarbrough, a native of Bradenton, Fla., Sgt. Daniel Smith, a native of Granhaven, Mich.; Spc. Anthony Miller, native of Louisville, Ky.; Spc. Justin Harvey, a native of Des Moines, Iowa; Pfc. Kyle Kloeckl, a native of Spearfish, S.D.; and Pfc. Matthew Valentine, a native of New Port News, Va.
"I know that when you're back in garrison, and you read stories of Soldiers receiving Purple Hearts and CABs, it doesn't have the same impact," said Maj. Geoff Stewart, executive officer, 95th MP Bn., and native of Granville, N.C. "You don't realize the sacrifice, selfless service and honor these Soldiers display while in combat. I've had the opportunity to fully understand what it means to be in the company of heroes because that's exactly what these Soldiers are – heroes."
The Purple Heart is awarded in the name of the President of the United States to any member of an Armed Force who, while serving with the U.S. Armed Services after April 5 ,1917, has been wounded or killed, or who has died or may hereafter die after being wounded; in any action against an enemy of the United States; in any action with an opposing armed force of a foreign country in which the Armed Forces of the United States are or have been engaged; while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in an armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party; as a result of an act of any such enemy of opposing armed forces and as the result of an act of any hostile foreign force.
On May 2, 2005, the Chief of Staff, Army, approved the creation of the CAB to provide special recognition to soldiers who personally engage, or are engaged by the enemy. The requirements for award of the CAB are Branch and military occupation specialty immaterial. Assignment to a Combat Arms unit or a unit organized to conduct close or offensive combat operations, or performing offensive combat operations, is not required to qualify for the CAB. However, it is not intended to award all soldiers who serve in a combat zone or imminent danger area.
The Chief of Staff, Army, approved the creation of the CAB to provide special recognition to soldiers who personally engage, or are engaged, by the enemy.
| Date Taken: | 03.22.2008 |
| Date Posted: | 03.24.2008 15:19 |
| Story ID: | 17683 |
| Location: | BAGHDAD, IQ |
| Web Views: | 127 |
| Downloads: | 39 |
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