Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Robert Jordan | Spc. Michael Cortes (left), of Wilson, N.C., receives congratulations from 2nd Lt....... read more read more
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BAGHDAD — For U.S. Army infantrymen, all of their training comes to task when faced with the realities of combat.
Emerging from that crucible, they are set apart from all others. It is in that spirit that the Army recognizes infantrymen with the Combat Infantryman Badge.
Soldiers of Company B, 252nd Combined Arms Battalion, 30th Heavy Brigade Combat Team, received the prestigious award at a ceremony on Forward Operating Base Falcon, south of Baghdad, Oct. 8.
The 13 Soldiers earned the honor, only awarded to infantry Soldiers, after an explosive formed projectile attack hit their seven-vehicle convoy in June 2009.
"There are 300 million Americans, only a few serve, of those only a few have what it takes to be infantry and close with the enemy in battle," said Capt. Benjamin Wynn, Co. B commander, from Raleigh, N.C.
The Soldiers recognized were Sgt. Nicholas Gonzalez, of Raleigh, N.C.; Spc. Timothy Aycock, of Wilson, N.C.; Sgt. Elgin Cofield, of Rocky Mount; Pfc. Joshua Forbes, of Wilson, N.C.; Sgt. Josh McGarity, of Winston-Salem, N.C.; Pfc. Aaron Milan, of Sacrin, Ohio; Spc. Michael Cortes, of Wilson, N.C.; 2nd Lt. Matthew Taylor, of Fayetteville, N.C.; 1st Lt. Bruce Riggins, of Fayetteville, N.C.; Spc. Patrick Schmeltzer, of Salisbury, N.C.; Pfc. Kevin Shinn, of Wilson, N.C.; Pfc. Brenden Briggs, of Gastonia, N.C. and Spc. Brenden Martin of Gastonia, N.C.
The badge, a rifle on an infantry blue background ringed by an oak wreath, began in WWII as recognition of Soldiers who had been direct battle with the enemy as an infantry Soldier. The award can only be earned by infantry Soldiers in combat.
"It distinguishes you from everybody in the Army, this is what every [infantry] Soldier wants," said McGarrity.
"It is the most prized award in infantry," said Staff Sgt. Rosa.
| Date Taken: | 10.08.2009 |
| Date Posted: | 10.12.2009 01:20 |
| Story ID: | 39965 |
| Location: | BAGHDAD, IQ |
| Web Views: | 13,336 |
| Downloads: | 13,202 |
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