Infantry battalion adds to lineage and honors

Photo By Staff Sgt. Kimberly Johnson | Soldiers of the Ohio Army National Guard's 1st Battalion, 148th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Brigade Combat Team were officially awarded the Combat Infantry Badge for the first time since World War II.  

CAMP ARIFJAN, KUWAIT

08.29.2008

Story by Spc. Kimberly Johnson 

37th Infantry Brigade Combat Team

By Pfc. Kimberly Johnson
37th Infantry Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs

CAMP ARIFJAN, Kuwait - Soldiers of the Ohio Army National Guard's 1st Battalion, 148th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Brigade Combat Team were officially awarded the Combat Infantry Badge for the first time since World War II and the Combat Action Badge for the first time in the brigade's history during an Aug.1, 2008, ceremony.

As part of the history-making 37th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, the battalion continues to add to the decorations and honors of the Ohio National Guard's largest combat arms unit.

"There were many CIBs awarded to the 37th back in World War II and eight Medals of Honor, by the way, seven belonged to the 1-148," said Col. Richard T. Curry, 37th IBCT commander, to his troops during the ceremony. "I want you all to know that everything you are doing to accomplish the mission reflects on you as an individual and the 37th."

The Soldiers are conducting convoy security operations during long-haul missions deep into Iraq and are trained to protect the lives of all who are under their watch.

"Convoys are the meat and potatoes of this mission," said Capt. Michael Wood, Company D, 1-148th commander, to his formation. "Never forget that we are the infantry. In the IBCT, you are the guardians of the 4th Sustainment Brigade. You are what make the 37th IBCT great."

The "Buckeye Brigade" has seen service from World War I through Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. Federally activated in 1917, the "Buckeye Division" fought in two World War I campaigns. In World War II, the "Buckeye Division" fought in the Ohio National Guard's bloodiest conflict, losing more than 5,000 men. The Soldiers withstood eight major Japanese attacks in the Pacific Theater under the command of Maj. Gen. Robert S. Beightler, the only National Guard general to retain a division command throughout the entire war.

After the war, the division reorganized several times and was reassigned Sept. 1, 2007, as the 37th IBCT. With the recent reorganization came the return of the unit's historic shoulder sleeve insignia.

As the unit's senior enlisted NCO, Company D 1st Sgt. Jonathon Cepek reminded the Soldiers of their unit's distinguished history.

"You men and your actions are a part of this decorated battalion and to that historic Buckeye patch's history," Cepek said. "It's a good day to be a first sergeant."

Curry spoke directly about the honor the Buckeye patch holds.

"You who receive the CIB are the first Soldiers to receive and wear this patch since World War II," Curry said to the men. "That is a significant and great honor. That's what today is all about-being a part of the 37th, doing it right all the time, disciplined and vigilant all the way through."

Staff Sgt. David Malolepszy and Sgt. Gerald Pruitt were the battalion's first Soldiers to earn CIBs under the Buckeye patch since WW II when they experienced an improvised explosive device detonation April 20, 2008.

"I am proud to watch these Soldiers I have trained for an entire year go through a transformation," Cepek said. "They trained hard, engaged the enemy and are here to talk about it. Along with a commander who leads from the front, we did something right."

• Date Taken: 08.29.2008
• Date Posted: 08.29.2008 17:18
• Story ID: 23030
• Location: CAMP ARIFJAN, KW