[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 15]
[Senate]
[Page 20526]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING OUR ARMED FORCES

  Mr. BAYH. Mr. President, I rise today to honor the accomplishments of 
the Hoosier soldiers of the 1st Battalion, 293rd Infantry from the 
Indian National Guard, who have become the first National Guard 
battalion in the Nation to receive the Combat Infantry award since 
World War II.
  The Combat Infantry award is a highly coveted honor given by the 
Department of the Army to soldiers who have satisfactorily performed 
infantry duties as part of a unit that participated in ground combat. 
The Infantry badge honors soldiers who have operated under the worst 
conditions, yet still successfully performed his or her mission in a 
combat environment. In addition, medics who supported the soldiers will 
receive the Combat Medical Badge. I am immensely proud that it is an 
Indiana battalion that has become the first unit in more than 50 years 
to earn this distinction.
  All members of the battalion will receive the Combat Infantry award 
as a symbol of our Nation's gratitude for the bravery they demonstrated 
and the sacrifices they and their families have made during Operation 
Iraqi Freedom. The 1st Battalion, 293rd Infantry is the first Indiana 
National Guard unit to go into combat since the Korean war. As this 
award recognizes, they have made an exemplary return to battle, 
honoring themselves and their home State of Indiana through their 
efforts.
  The battalion has been stationed in Iraq for nearly 7 months. During 
their time in Iraq, the soldiers of the 1st Battalion, 293rd Infantry 
have provided security for the Talil Air Force Base, a key airstrip in 
Southern Iraq. The unit took over responsibility for the base just days 
after the war's deadliest battle took place on April 1 too secure 
control of the airstrip.
  I am proud to honor the soldiers of the 1st Battalion, 293rd 
Infantry. The thoughts and prayers of all Hoosiers are with them as 
they continue their role in rebuilding Iraq. May God watch over the 
soldiers as they complete their duty and may God bless the United 
States of America.

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