English: 1st Marine Expeditionary Force (I MEF), Navy Unit Commendation (NUC) Unit Award Citation 2004-2005 Iraq War
Date
Source
U.S. Naval Museum
Author
Ray Mabus
Text of letter
THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20350-1000
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
NAVY UNIT COMMENDATION to
I MARINE EXPEDITIONARY FORCE (REINFORCED)
for service as set forth in the following
CITATION:
For exceptionally meritorious service during assigned missions
in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM from 2 August 2004 to 1
February 2005. I Marine Expeditionary Force (I MEF) (Reinforced)
conducted a coordinated campaign across a 400-mile arc of the
Euphrates River Valley to eliminate insurgent control over the key
cities of An Najaf and Al Fallujah and the remainder of the local
population in the I MEF Area of Responsibility: The battles for An
Najaf and Al Fallujah were the largest U.S. led urban operations
since the Vietnam War. Both battles saw the introduction of new and
innovative tactics, techniques and procedures which became key to I
MEF's success. Throughout 24 days of intense conflict in An Najaf,
the Marines conducted destruction raids on insurgent strongholds,
captured weapons caches, and engaged in fierce close-quarters
battle. During this operation, I MEF killed more than 1,500 enemy
insurgents while simultaneously preserving the sacred Imam Ali
Shrine and Mosque Complex. In response to violent insurgent actions
in Al Fallujah, a coalition force of 12,500, led by I MEF, boldly.
breached the city's fortifications and destroyed a heavily armed and
well-entrenched fanatical enemy. Countless acts of individual
bravery in Al Fallujah resulted in more than 2,000 enemy killed or
captured as the Marines, Soldiers, and Sailors fiercely fought and
cleared the city, house by house. By their outstanding courage,
resourcefulness and aggressive fighting spirit in combat against the
enemy, the officers and enlisted personnel of I Marine Expeditionary
Force (Reinforced) reflected great credit upon themselves and upheld
the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States
Naval Service.