Posted on 06/05/2009 5:41:08 PM PDT by SandRat
BESMIYAH — Iraqi Army Col. Abbas Fadhil Abdul Sahib, commander, Besmiyah Combat Training Center, was recently inducted here into the Order of Saint Maurice. The Order of St. Maurice is awarded by the National Infantry Association and the Chief of Infantry of the United States Army. The award is named after Saint Maurice, the leader of the Roman Theban Legion in the 3rd century.
U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Steven L. Salazar, former commanding general of MNSTC-I’s Joint Headquarters Army Advisory Training Team, presented Abbas with the Peregrinus level award, a level reserved for foreign military personnel who have served in or supported the U.S. Army Infantry.
“This is for all of the people and those who have helped,” Abbas said as he accepted the medal and plaque.
“Someday, you will see us in our dress uniform with the Order of Saint Maurice medal,” Salazar told the assembled group.
Abbas joined the Iraqi Army on July 21, 2003, and has served as commander of the training center since 2005.
During his command, Abbas has been instrumental in training hundreds of Iraqi Infantry Soldiers and officers, most notably M1A1 Abrams Tank and 60mm, 81mm and 120mm mortars training.
Currently, Abbas is providing direct support and development of the Infantry Officer Basic Course, at Kirkush.
Notable members of the order include former general and Secretary of State Colin Powell, John Abizaid, U.S. Central Command commander, and H. Ross Perot.
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