1st Cav Division – Helping rebuild Iraq

It is always important to note that men of war are among some of the most generous and gentle people to walk the planet. This release from the 1st Cavalry Division PAO demonstrates the difference these 8th Cavalry Regt’ troopers are making; one community at a time.

 

Soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, travelled to Hawijah in Kirkuk province to deliver micro-grants May 2.

According to Staff Sgt. Jared Wiegand, a Fort Wayne, Ind. native, and pay agent with 1st Bn., 8th Cav Regt., the micro-grant amounts ranged from $1,500 to $2,500. The amounts were determined based on services and equipment local shop owners requested.

8th Cav Regiment MOH Recipient

This Second Lieutenant served in the very same company that my father served with in Korea. Had Dad decided to reenlist, it is likely, though not certain, that he would have been in the same platoon as this fine officer. Had he reenlisted, he would have received a promotion to Sergeant and would most assuredly have seen action in the first wave of troops to Vietnam.

 

Courtesy of the 8th US Cavalry Regiment Association derived from:

http://www.history.army.mil/moh.html

 

*LEISY, ROBERT RONALD
Rank and organization: Second Lieutenant, U.S. Army, Infantry, Company B, 1st Battalion, 8th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division. place and date: Phuoc Long province,
Republic of Vietnam, 2 December 1969. Entered service at: Seattle, Wash. Born: 1 March 1945, Stockton,Calif.

Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. 2d Lt. Leisy, Infantry, Company B, distinguished
himself while serving as platoon leader during a reconnaissance mission. One of his patrols became heavily engaged by fire from a numerically superior enemy force
located in a well-entrenched bunker complex. As 2d Lt. Leisy deployed the remainder of his platoon to rescue the beleaguered patrol, the platoon also came under intense enemy fire from the front and both flanks. In complete disregard for his safety, 2d Lt. Leisy moved from position to position deploying his men to effectively engage the enemy. Accompanied by his radio operator he moved to the front and spotted an enemy sniper in a tree in the act of firing a rocket-propelled
grenade at them. Realizing there was neither time to escape the grenade nor shout a warning, 2d Lt. Leisy unhesitatingly, and with full knowledge of the consequences, shielded the radio operator with his body and absorbed the full impact of the explosion.

This valorous act saved the life of the radio operator and protected other men of his platoon who were nearby from serious injury. Despite his mortal
wounds, 2d Lt. Leisy calmly and confidently continued to direct the
platoon's fire. When medical aid arrived, 2d Lt. Leisy valiantly refused
attention until the other seriously wounded were treated. His display of
extraordinary courage and exemplary devotion to duty provided the inspiration and leadership that enabled his platoon to successfully withdraw without further casualties. 2d Lt. Leisy's gallantry at the cost of his life are in keeping with the
highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit on him, his unit, and the U.S. Army.

Dog Company, 1-8 Cavalry – FRONTLINE 2/10

Here’s part two of the series from FRONTLINE covering Dog Company of the 8th Cavalry Regiment. Listen to the Sergeant’s statement at 2:15.

 

1-8 Cav Medics Teach Lifesaving Skills to IA soldiers

FORWARD OPERATING BASE WARRIOR, Kirkuk, Iraq- Hands on training was the approach for Iraqi Army soldiers of 2nd Battalion, 15th Iraqi Army Brigade, who, for the first time, began learning combat life saving skills with assistance from medics of 1st Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, at an IA outpost near Forward Operating Base McHenry, Kirkuk province, Iraq, March 29.

For the Michael Moore types out there who think that all the Army does is kill, rape and pillage, the above article is glaring proof otherwise. Also, the IA soldiers realize that America will not always be there:

"Every Soldier in the Iraqi Army should know how to do these skills," said Salem Hussein, a non-commissioned officer with the 2nd Bn. 15th IA Bde.

"America is going to leave one day," said Hussein. "We are going to be the only ones out on patrols, and we need to know how to save each others' lives."

I guess the whackjobs just thought the Army was simply an occupying force that was there simply to impose its will on the Iraqi people.

The 8th Cavalry Regiment. Honor and Courage.