Dagger non-commissioned officers close out tour with induction into Audie Murphy Club

Courtesy Photo | Staff Sgt. Alejandro Pulido, a tanker, from Orange County, Calif., assigned to 1st Battalion, 63rd Armored Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, accepts his certificate of initiation for the Sergeant Audie Murphy Club, here, Sept. 12, from Command Sgt. Maj. Rory Malloy, Multi-National Division-Baghdad.  

BAGHDAD, IRAQ

09.12.2009

Courtesy Story

Multi-National Division Baghdad

VICTORY BASE COMPLEX, Iraq — The Sergeant Audie Murphy Club, dedicated to excellence in leadership, has become synonymous with the highest principles in the Army. The club is based on the dedication and unassuming nature of the most highly decorated Army Soldier of World War II— Audie Murphy.

A ceremony was held here, Sept. 12, to welcome eight new members into the club; non-commissioned officers who earned the prestigious honor of becoming an SAMC member by proving themselves as great leaders.

Receiving the honor at the end of a deployment to Iraq makes it that much more special, said one of the inductees.

"It's definitely a culminating event for this tour," said Sgt. 1st Class William Collins, a personal security detachment platoon sergeant from Baltimore, assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division. "Soldiers have been going hard for more than 11 months. Receiving this honor is for all the Soldiers."

The NCOs prepped for months for the chance to be selected.

"I got together with another NCO and we used our time to maximize our chances," said Staff Sgt. Brett Harper, a personal security detachment platoon sergeant, Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 5th Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment. Induction to the SAMC is based mostly on how Soldiers handle themselves in a leadership role.

"A lot of the preparation was thinking about situational questions, like escalation of force, we spent a lot of time studying and thinking of vignettes," said Harper.

The whole spectrum of NCO duties and responsibilities, including weapons certification, first aid and physical training are taken into consideration, but they are only part of the selection process. It's about knowing how to apply the regulations and the policies, said Command Sgt. Maj. Rory Malloy, Multi-National Division-Baghdad, from Campbellsburg, Ind., the guest speaker at the ceremony.

For these NCOs, this deployment was about having the character to face challenges on the battlefield and remain resilient through it all. Becoming an Audie Murphy member is much more than just appearing before a board of senior sergeants, added Malloy.

He also compared the values put forth by the newly inducted NCOs with the values of Audie Murphy, who fought courageously for his fellow Soldiers and for his country.

"These NCOs have demonstrated excellence by showing a commitment to our Soldiers and to our Army throughout the year," Malloy continued. "They have demonstrated outstanding dedication and duty in leading our Soldiers."

Malloy reminded all the Soldiers in attendance of Audie Murphy's triumphs of courage in the face of insurmountable odds. For his combat action during World War II, Audie Murphy received the Medal of Honor and 32 additional U.S. decorations. He was also awarded medals and citations for valor from France and Belgium.

"You are Audie Murphy's legacy, you will walk in his footsteps, and you will live up to his image from this day forward," Malloy conveyed.

Malloy also addressed the expectations that come with being a part of the elite SAMC.

"They will be expected to live up to a much higher standard than that of their peers." Malloy continued, "They are the standard-bearers." And many of the Audie Murphy members become sergeants major, he added.

He praised the current group of NCOs being inducted and recognized the entire Dagger BCT for their outstanding service.

"Your presence and support speaks for itself. You have been recognized by [U.S. forces] and by the Iraqi people," said Malloy. "You have lived up to the great history of the Dagger Brigade and you are now a storied part of its history."

The feeling of becoming a member of SAMC was an indescribable moment in time for one of the NCOs.

"There's no way to explain it. To be recognized as that top percent of NCOs and join the Audie Murphy club is a great feeling," said Staff Sgt. Alejandro Pulido, a tanker, from Orange County, Calif., assigned to 1st Battalion, 63rd Armored Regiment, 2nd BCT, 1st Inf. Div.

Each of the newly inducted NCOs were awarded an MND-B command sergeant major coin of excellence, a brigade command sergeant major coin of excellence, an Audie Murphy medallion, a certificate of initiation and an Army commendation medal.

These NCOs are keeping the Audie Murphy legend alive to be passed on to future generations of Soldiers. The recognition of their achievement comes at the end of one journey and the beginning of another, as they prepare to return to their home duty station.

• Date Taken: 09.12.2009
• Date Posted: 09.17.2009 04:13
• Story ID: 38899
• Location: BAGHDAD, IQ