File:1st Marine Expeditionary Force (I MEF) Navy Unit Commendation Citation 2004-2005 Iraq.jpg

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.

For the President,

[signature of Donald C. Winter]

Secretary of the Navy