Posted on 04/15/2007 9:48:36 AM PDT by SandRat
MOSUL Eleven Soldiers of the 169th Fires Brigade, Colorado Army National Guard, received the Combat Action Badge Saturday in a ceremony here. This is the best way to present this badge, to all of you who faced the enemy and returned unscathed, said Brig. Gen. Francis J. Wiercinski, the deputy commanding general for Multi-National Division-North.
During a military movement on January 29th a roadside bomb detonated near the vehicles carrying 11 Soldiers and the brigade commander of the 169th Bde., along with the deputy commander of the 4th Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division out of Ft. Hood, Texas.
There were no injuries as a result of the blast, which took place in the northern city of Mosul.
The following Colorado Army National Guard Soldiers received Combat Action Badge (CAB) today: Spc. Shaun R. Christiansen, Sgt. James P. Franklin, Sgt. Brian J. Goodburn, Master Sgt. Thomas B. Hasting, Sgt. Josiah B. Inman (not present for ceremony), Spc. Sean M. Johnson, Col. Kenneth J. Lull, Sgt. 1st Class John M. Podhirny, Spc. Brian S. Reynolds, Staff Sgt. Kyle P. Sullivan, Sgt. Clifford R. Yohn, and Lt. Col. Michael A. Boden of the 4th Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, Ft. Hood, Texas.
On 2 May 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 CAB is not intended to award all Soldiers who may serve in combat zones or imminent danger areas.
The eligibility criteria specify that the Soldier must be personally present and actively engaging or being engaged by the enemy, and performing satisfactorily in accordance with the prescribed rules of engagement.
The Soldiers continue to serve in Operation Enduring Freedom upholding the standards for which they stand for.
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