Division West Soldiers receive the prestigious Order of Saint Maurice

Courtesy Photo | First Army Division West Soldiers pose for a photo after a ceremony in which 10 Soldiers were awarded the Order of St. Maurice during a ceremony at the Zum Edelweiss restaurant in Killeen, Texas, recently. The ceremony was hosted by the 2nd Battalion, 393th Infantry Regiment, 120th Infantry Brigade. (Photo by Capt. Ryan Fritz, 120th Infantry Brigade, Division West Public Affairs)  

FORT HOOD, TX, UNITED STATES

11.17.2014

Courtesy Story

First Army Division West

By Capt. Ryan Fritz, 120th Infantry Brigade, Division West Public Affairs

FORT HOOD, Texas – Ten First Army Division West Soldiers were recently awarded the Order of St. Maurice during a ceremony at the Zum Edelweiss restaurant in Killeen, Texas.

The ceremony was hosted by the 2nd Battalion, 393th Infantry Regiment, 120th Infantry Brigade.

Soldiers awarded the honor included Maj. Grant Flynn, Capt. Robert Jones, Command Sgt. Maj. Donald Walton, Sgt. 1st Class Michael Davis, Maj. Gen. Warren Phipps Jr., Lt. Col. William Duvall IV, Lt. Col. Thomas Wilson Jr., Maj. Anthony Kazor, Maj. Daniel Hewerdine, and Command Sgt. Maj. Jeffery Moses.

The Soldiers were nominated by existing awardees and were selected by the Order of Saint Maurice board at the National Infantry Association using a vigorous vetting process ensuring the future integrity of the honor.

The Order of Saint Maurice is given to Soldiers and Civilians who have served the infantry community with distinction, made a significant contribution in support of the infantry, and represent the highest standards of integrity, moral character, professional competence, and dedication to duty.

Lt. Col. William Duvall, a native of South Carolina and commander of 1st Battalion, 393rd Infantry Regiment, 479th Field Artillery Brigade said, “23 years ago I started out as an infantryman. To finally get this award as an armor officer is very special. This is the most special honor I have received in my career.”

The award was named in honor of Saint Maurice, who was the Primicerius of the Theban Legion in the Roman Army during the 3rd century. Saint Maurice and his men, all Christians, refused orders from Augustus Maximus Hercules to makes sacrifices to the Roman gods and to kill innocent civilians during a campaign. Eventually he and all of his men were massacred.

The United States Army created the Order of Saint Maurice in 1995 to honor those who display the virtues of Saint Maurice and who support the infantry. To date more than 14,000 Soldiers and civilians have been awarded the honor.

“The infantryman is always there. He is always stickin-it to the enemy,” said Col. Daniel Hurlbut, 120th Brigade commander, during his impromptu speech.

Being awarded the Order of Saint Maurice puts the individual into an elite group of people who have served in or supported the infantry. Notable awardees include Gen. Colin Powell, U.S. Army; Ross Perot, U.S. Navy; Command Sgt. Maj. Basil Plumley, U.S. Army; and Lt. Gen. Harold Moore Jr., U.S. Army.

• Date Taken: 11.17.2014
• Date Posted: 11.17.2014 14:57
• Story ID: 148041
• Location: FORT HOOD, TX, US