Cavalry Troopers recognized for bravery

Courtesy Photo | Spc. Germany Bruton, 5th Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad, salutes Lt. Col. John Richardson IV, squadron commander, following the presentation of a Combat Action Badge ceremony, Dec. 11, on Joint Security Station Ghazaliyah I. Bruton is a member of the squadron personal security detachment and was involved in a Dec. 1 attack, which wounded three Soldiers from his unit.  

BAGHDAD, IRAQ

12.11.2008

Courtesy Story

Multi-National Division Baghdad

By 2nd Lt. Cait Smith
Multi-National Division – Baghdad

BAGHDAD – There was sense of somberness in the air as the Troopers of the 5th Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad, waited for the beginning of the 1st Combat Action Badge ceremony held by the squadron, Dec. 11, at Joint Security Station Ghazaliyah I.

The ceremony was a serious event for the ten Troopers, who experienced firsthand the violence that can happen at a moment's notice in Iraq. The Troopers involved were recognized for their bravery and quick action during an attack on a coalition forces convoy, Dec. 1.

"I have faith in all of our Troopers. We will respond with appropriate violence, engage the enemy, close with him and destroy him," said Sgt. 1st Class Andrew Thomas, 5-4 Cav. Regt., 2nd HBCT, 1st Inf. Div. "We are all American Soldiers: the best trained fighting force in the world; the actions of these Troopers last week only demonstrates that."

1st Sgt. Stephanie Ricks, Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 5-4 Cav. Regt., stood proudly in front of his formation as he called the Troopers forward to be recognized. The Troopers, in turn, stood with a sense of pride in what they had done to help their comrades, who were hurt in the attack. With a sense of regret, they knew the whole team who withstood the attack was not present.

Three Troopers were wounded during the attack and were recovering, but they were definitely remembered by those who were in attendance.

"The personal security detachment guys had a hard night when they got attacked, but they all made it through," said Pvt. Gregory Steigler, 5-4 Cav. Regt. "I wish we had all of them here with us, and we are all the stronger for making it through."

Lt. Col. John Richardson IV, squadron commander, pinned the 10 Troopers with their CABs. Command Sgt. Maj. Robert Tompkins, the squadron senior enlisted leader, and Staff Sgt. Richard Sullivan followed behind, shaking each Soldier's hand and recognizing their achievement.

The Troopers of the 5-4 Cav. Regt., said they felt it was significant and memorable CAB ceremony because of the absence of those injured and the valor of those present.

• Date Taken: 12.11.2008
• Date Posted: 12.14.2008 10:06
• Story ID: 27673
• Location: BAGHDAD, IQ