A-1/5th SFG(A) receives prestigous award

[Dan]

http://www.theleafchronicle.com/arti...EWS01/81114016

5th Group receives prestigous award
By JAKE LOWARY • The Leaf-Chronicle • November 14, 2008

Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 5th Special Forces Group on Friday received the second-highest award for an Army unit Friday at Fort Campbell.

The company, which consisted of about 80 soldiers, defeated the Mahdi Militia and numerous Sunni insurgent groups during a period from July 20 to Dec. 1, 2004 in Iraq. By defeating the insurgent forces, the group helped liberate the cities of An-Najaf and Al-Fallujah and also paved the way for the first democratic election in modern Iraqi history.

Although the award was "long overdue," according to 5th SFG Commander Col. Christopher Conner, those in the unit said was simply important that the unit was recognized.

A ribbon was placed on the top of the company's colors to signify the achievement.

[Eagle5US]

It would have been nice if they would have indicated WHAT the award was in the article

I would think that it would be the Valorous Unit Award, which (IIRC) is secondary only to the Presidential Unit Citation.

Eagle

[Dan]

http://www.theleafchronicle.com/arti...NITY/811150318

Green Berets earn prestigious award
Valorous Unit Award equivalent to an individual receiving Silver Star
By JAKE LOWARY • The Leaf-Chronicle • November 15, 2008

It took four years, but the soldiers of Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 5th Special Forces Group on Friday received the "overdue honors" they deserved.

The Green Berets, about 80 in total, were presented the Valorous Unit Award — the second-highest award for a military unit — for their efforts from July 20 to Dec. 1, 2004.

The award is considered the equivalent of an individual receiving the Silver Star.

Maj. Paul Pfeiffer, commander of A/1/5, as it is more commonly known, said it is "exceptionally rare for an element this small to be awarded this honor."

"Today we break from the routine," he said to the small crowd. "As Special Forces soldiers, we often pride ourselves at being the quiet professionals. We do our job — most of the time exceptionally well — and continue on with little fanfare."

Friday's ceremony was an exception.

During their six-month tour, the soldiers liberated two Iraqi cities — An-Najaf and Al-Fallujah — defeated the Mahdi Militia and several other Sunni insurgent groups and paved the way for the first democratic election in modern Iraqi history.

Over the course of their deployment, the soldiers earned 27 individual awards for valor, including the Silver Star, 13 Bronze Stars and seven Purple Hearts. They also lost a comrade, Capt. Mike Tarlavsky, who died Aug. 12, 2004, while leading a group of Iraqi counterparts on a raid in An-Najaf to capture Shiite extremists.

Master Sgt. Larry DeBusk earned a Bronze Star with Valor during that deployment.

Although Pfeiffer called the award "overdue," DeBusk said it was nice to finally get credit for the efforts he and his comrades had made. DeBusk will soon deploy to Iraq for the sixth time.

"It's nice to see the company is recognized for all of its hard work during that rotation," he said.

He also understands the delay.

"Things take a while in the Army," DeBusk said.

DeBusk said the election was a critical part of the deployment and the progress in Iraq. "We were a big part of that, and we're really proud of that," he said.

The company commander at the time, Lt. Col. Dean Franks, who in a few months time will take command of 1st Battalion, said he and the other soldiers on the parade field do get a sense of accomplishment from seeing the ribbons atop the company colors.

"It's just part of the bastion of freedom and liberty, the right to vote," he said.

Jake Lowary covers military affairs. He can be reached at 245-0719 or by e-mail at jakelowary@theleafchronicle.com.

[Eagle5US]

Much better article.
Thanks Dan

[SF_BHT]

Thanks for posting it and the update.

I never get tired of seeing our SF units get recognized for the blood and sweat that the have put in their Operations. They are truly a great example of QP's.

[Razor]

Great job, brothers!