Petraeus pins 88 Black Lions

Courtesy Photo | Gen. David Petraeus, Multi-National Forces – Iraq commander, speaks to a crowd of Iraqis at a soccer game during his visit to northwest Rashid, a District in southern Baghdad, Feb. 20.  

BAGHDAD, IRAQ

02.13.2008

Courtesy Story

4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division

By 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division

BAGHDAD – Multi-National Forces – Iraq Commander, Gen. David Petraeus honored Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers during a visit to northwestern Rashid in the Iraqi capital, Feb. 13.

During his visit, Petraeus pinned combat awards on 88 "Black Lions," of Company B, 1st Battalion, 28th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Inf. Div., at Combat Outpost 881, had lunch with company commanders and toured the surrounding neighborhoods.

After he presented 75 Combat Infantryman's Badges, eight Combat Action Badges, and five Combat Medical Badges to the Soldiers, Petraeus said, "The Black Lions have performed magnificently, dominating the enemy and being an important catalyst for the reconciliation process. The badges awarded today represent the mark of a combat professional."

Before the ceremony, the commander of coalition forces in Iraq ate lunch with Task Force Black Lion company commanders, and then visited a packed soccer field where he was greeted warmly by both Iraqi soccer teams.

While there he praised Younis Mahmoud, the captain of the Iraqi national soccer team to the delight of the Iraqis present.

"The teams were shocked that General Petraeus knew Younis Mahmoud," said Abu Jelal, the Jihad neighborhood action committee chairman. "It really impressed our young people that the highest-ranking American knew so much about one of Iraq's national heroes."

After departing the soccer field, Petraeus walked north toward the Jihad market, discussing progress and challenges with local leaders and business owners.

"The Micro-Grant Program is very productive for re-starting our market (and) the reconciliation committee provided us information on how to apply to Capt. Ducote for a business grant" said a local electronics store owner.

Ducote, who has since been promoted to major, is Co. B. commander and charged with the security of the neighborhood.

For one Soldier having the MNF-I commander pin awards on the Black Lions was made sweeter by Petraeus' visit to the surrounding neighborhoods.

"We were honored to have Gen. Petraeus pin on our CIBs today, but it was just as important for him to see the efforts of our Soldiers and the local Iraqi leaders in Jihad (neighborhood) – it was a great day," said 1st Lt. Charles Phillips, 24, of Eugene, Ore.

• Date Taken: 02.13.2008
• Date Posted: 03.10.2008 10:37
• Story ID: 17180
• Location: BAGHDAD, IQ