Atlanta Journal and Constitution April 28, 2003
Symbols of combat
By Wayne Snow
Military patches and medals, what do they really mean?
Soldiers, sailors and Marines wear many types of patches on their uniforms. The patches identify each as a member of a certain group. The patches also help build a sense of togetherness among the troops.
Medals also are an important part of military life. They are awarded to people who do great work or show a lot of courage.
The war in Iraq
Many have fought this year in Iraq. The main groups fighting on the ground have been the 3rd Infantry Division, the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force, the 101st Airborne Division and the 173rd Airborne Brigade.
3rd Infantry Division (Mechanized)
Georgia can be proud of this division, which is based at Fort Stewart, near Savannah.
In Iraq, one of its brigades captured the airport in Iraq's capital, Baghdad. The unit also was brave in heavy combat in Najaf, Karbala and Baghdad. The division is nicknamed the "Rock of the Marne" in honor of a famous battle it won in France in World War I. It also had a heavy combat role in World War II.
1st Marine Expeditionary Force
It is based at Camp Pendleton in California. This large force consists of air and ground troops.
In Iraq, the Marines moved into Baghdad from the southeast after being in heavy fighting.
Twelve years earlier, this force was involved in heavy combat in the first Persian Gulf War.
101st Airborne Division
Its members are nicknamed the "Screaming Eagles." They are based at Fort Campbell in Kentucky.
With helicopters and paratroopers, this unit can move fast and often operates behind enemy lines.
In Iraq, the Screaming Eagles helped protect the long American military supply line. They also were involved in heavy fighting in the cities of Najaf, Karbala and the capital, Baghdad.
The Screaming Eagles are most famous for their courage in the Battle of the Bulge in World War II and for being big heroes in the Tet Offensive in Vietnam.
173rd Airborne Brigade
Its members are nicknamed the "Sky Warriors" because they are paratroopers. They parachute out of aircraft and jump into military action. The brigade's home base is in Italy.
The Sky Warriors are most famous for their Vietnam War roles. This year, they parachuted into northern Iraq. They helped a lot in capturing the cities of Kirkuk and Mosul.
One famous soldier
Audie Murphy, a poor orphan from Texas, was one of the most honored soldiers in American history. He served in the 3rd Infantry Division in World War II.
He fought in nine major military campaigns, which took him to Italy, France and Germany.
Murphy earned 33 awards. In fact, he got every decoration for bravery the United States had to offer. He was such a great soldier that he earned some of the medals more than once!
The Medal of Honor, the top award, was given to him for his role in holding off an attack in 1945 by German tanks and infantry in Colmar, France.
He wrote a book about his life called "To Hell and Back." It was a best-seller and became a popular movie in the 1950s. Who was the star? Audie Murphy himself.
Murphy also starred in several other movies, many of them Westerns. In 1971, he died in a plane crash at the age of 46.
Top military medals
Military medals honor people or units for their special service to America. The highest military decoration for courage is the Medal of Honor.
Medal of Honor
The Medal of Honor was created during the Civil War. Fewer than 3,500 people have received it. Only 150 of them are still alive.
It is given to soldiers, sailors or Marines who risk their lives in combat and show bravery in combat "above and beyond the call of duty."
Distinguished Service Cross, Navy Cross, Air Force Cross
These are the second-highest honors for courage. The Distinguished Service Cross is given by the Army. The Navy Cross is earned in the Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard. The Air Force Cross is awarded by the Air Force. These medals honor those who prove their "extraordinary heroism" in combat.
Silver Star
The Silver Star is the third-highest military decoration for courage. It is awarded for gallantry in combat.
Purple Heart
The Purple Heart is given to anyone in the American military who is wounded in military action.
Sources: GlobalSecurity.org, Home of the Heroes, World Book Encyclopedia, U.S. Army, Knight Ridder Tribune
Copyright © 2003, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
