Criteria The Bronze Star Medal may be awarded to individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces of the United States in a combat theater, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding ac... The Bronze Star Medal may be awarded to individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces of the United States in a combat theater, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or by meritorious service not involving aerial flight. MoreHide
Criteria The Purple Heart may be awarded to any member of the Armed Forces of the United States who, while serving under competent authority in any capacity with one of the Armed Forces, has been wounded, kill... The Purple Heart may be awarded to any member of the Armed Forces of the United States who, while serving under competent authority in any capacity with one of the Armed Forces, has been wounded, killed, or who has died or may die of wounds received in armed combat or as a result of an act of international terrorism. MoreHide
Criteria The Prisoner of War Medal commemorates military service as a prisoner of war. It is awarded to any member of the Armed Forces who, since April 5, 1917, has been or shall be taken prisoner or held capt... The Prisoner of War Medal commemorates military service as a prisoner of war. It is awarded to any member of the Armed Forces who, since April 5, 1917, has been or shall be taken prisoner or held captive while engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States; while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force; or while serving with friendly forces engaged in armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which the United States in not a belligerent party. MoreHide
Criteria The National Defense Service Medal is awarded for honorable active service as a member of the Armed Forces during the Korean War, Vietnam War, the war against Iraq in the Persian Gulf, and for service... The National Defense Service Medal is awarded for honorable active service as a member of the Armed Forces during the Korean War, Vietnam War, the war against Iraq in the Persian Gulf, and for service during the current War on Terrorism. In addition, all members of the National Guard and Reserve who were part of the Selected Reserve in good standing between August 2, 1990, to November 30, 1995, are eligible for the National Defense Service Medal. In the case of Navy personnel, Midshipment attending the Naval Academy during the qualifying periods are eligible for this award, and Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) Midshipmen ae only eligible if they participated in a summer cruise that was in an area which qualified for a campaign medal. MoreHide
Criteria The area of eligibility encompasses all land area of the country of Iraq and the contiguous water area out to 12 nautical miles, and all air spaces above the land area of Iraq and above the contiguous... The area of eligibility encompasses all land area of the country of Iraq and the contiguous water area out to 12 nautical miles, and all air spaces above the land area of Iraq and above the contiguous water area out to 12 nautical miles. To be eligible for the Iraq Campaign Medal, a Service member must be assigned or attahced to a unit participating in Operation Iraqi Freedom in Iraq for 30 consecutive days or for 60 nonconsecutive days or meet one of the following criteria: Be engaged in actual combat against the enemy under circumstances involving grave danger of death or serious bodily injury from enemy action, regardless of the amount of time the individual has served in Iraq; While participating in Operation Iraqi Freedom or on official duties (regardless of the time spent in Iraq) is killed, wounded or injured to the extent that he or she requires medical evacuation from Iraq; or, While participating as a regularly assigned aircrew member flying sorties into, out of, within, or over Iraq in direct support of Operation Iraqi Freedom; each day that one or more sorties are flown in accordance with these criteria shall count as one day towards the 30 consecutive or 60 nonconsecutive day requirement. Service members who qualified for the War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal by reason of service between March 19, 2003 and April 30, 2005 shall remain qualified for that medal. However, any such person may be awarded the Iraq Campaign Medal in lieu of the War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal for that service, at his or her request. In addition, any Army soldier who was authorized the arrowhead device may be awarded the Iraq Campaign Medal with arrowhead device in lieu of the War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal with arrowhead device. No service member shall be entitled to both the War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal and the Iraq Campaign Medal for the same act, achievement, or period of service. Only one award of the Iraq Campaign Medal may be authorized for any individual. The Iraq Campaign Medal may be awarded posthumously to any Service members who loses his or her life while, as a direct result of participating in qualifying operations, without regard to the length of time in the area of eligibility, if otherwise applicable. MoreHide
Criteria Individuals authorized the award of this medal must have participated in or served in support of Global War on Terrorism operations on or after September 11, 2001 and to a future date to be determined... Individuals authorized the award of this medal must have participated in or served in support of Global War on Terrorism operations on or after September 11, 2001 and to a future date to be determined. MoreHide
Criteria The Army Service Ribbon is awarded to members of the Regular Army, National Guard, or Army Reserve for successful completion of initial entry training. In the case of personnel who receive a Military ... The Army Service Ribbon is awarded to members of the Regular Army, National Guard, or Army Reserve for successful completion of initial entry training. In the case of personnel who receive a Military Occupational Specialty identifier based on civilian or other-service acquired skills, the ribbon is awarded upon honorable completion of four months active service. Only one award of this ribbon is authorized, even if an individual completes both officer and enlisted initial entry training. MoreHide
Criteria The Overseas Service Ribbon is awarded to all active members of the Army, the Army National Guard, and to Army Reservists who are credited with a normal overseas tour completed since August 1, 1981 (p... The Overseas Service Ribbon is awarded to all active members of the Army, the Army National Guard, and to Army Reservists who are credited with a normal overseas tour completed since August 1, 1981 (provided they have an active Army status on or after August 1, 1981). This ribbon may not be awarded for overseas service recognized by another United States service medal. MoreHide
FOB Kalsu is positioned in Iskandariyah, Iraq. In May 2003, the 220th Military Police Brigade directed the 504th MP Battalion to expand its area of responsibility north along MSR Tampa, from CSC Scani
FOB Kalsu is positioned in Iskandariyah, Iraq. In May 2003, the 220th Military Police Brigade directed the 504th MP Battalion to expand its area of responsibility north along MSR Tampa, from CSC Scania to the intersection of MSR Tampa and Alternate Supply Route Jackson, south of Baghdad. The extended area, which later became known as the true start of the Sunni Triangle, was the most problematic area of the battalion's area of responsibility. In an effort to stop enemy activity and continue to provide a secure MSR for troop movement, the battalion established FOB Kalsu, named in honor of First Lieutenant James Robert Kalsu, a Buffalo Bills defensive lineman killed in Vietnam on 21 July 1970.
Initially occupied by the 105th Military Police Company (Buffalo, New York) and then the 300th Military Police Company, FOB Kalsu quickly became a critical site with two objectives to provide immediate emergency response to convoys under attack and, due to its location, operate continuous MSR combat patrols in the battalion's most active area. FOB Kalsu's location at the start of the Sunni Triangle, just south of Baghdad, has made it an essential location to conduct operations against enemy forces and provide rapid assistance to coalition forces traveling on MSR Tampa. The 105th and 300th were engaged in more than 50 direct enemy contacts along MSR Tampa. As a result of FOB Kalsu's strategic placement, the battalion effectively responded to 20 IED attacks against coalition convoys, and combat patrols discovered more than 25 IEDs before detonation. Although FOB Kalsu came under frequent attack by enemy rocket-propelled grenade, small arms, mortar, and rocket fire, the units continued to provide an effective and aggressive defense, ensuring that the FOB remained open. FOB Kalsu was transformed from a bombed and abandoned former regime military antiaircraft radar station to a US military base whose sphere of influence extended well beyond the battalion's original expectations. The FOB now supports more than 350 soldiers from the battalion and the 2-505 Parachute Infantry Regiment and is slated to become a long-term base in support of future Operation Iraqi Freedom operations.
Marines, sailors and soldiers welcomed the opening of a new dining facility 15 August 2004. The new dining facility replaces a temporary tent they had used since the Army's field dining facility was closed here nearly three weeks ago. The new facility offers service members a refuge from the heat, dust and stress of working at a forward operating base. The dining facility, named Unger Hall, is named after Army Spc. Daniel Paul Unger, 19, Company A, 1st Battalion, 185th Infantry Regiment, 81st Brigade Combat Team, who was fatally wounded during a rocket attack here May 26. He died the following day.
FOB Kalsu is known to its soldiers as often being very dusty. The dust consists of a very fine, powdery mix of sand. This dust coats almost everything in the base and also makes its way into much of the equipment.
FOB Kalsu is a smaller base in relation to many other FOBs in Iraq. Its infrastructure is more temporary with soldiers mostly living and working in tents that are protected by blast walls. There are a few temporary buildings that house some of the offices on base.
LT Kalsu was the only pro-football player to lose his life in Vietnam and this FOB is honored with his name.
The PX consists of two large reinforced tents, one of which sported the main PX and the other holds a bazaar. The bazaar resembles a flea market and is run by Iraqis. Everything from electronics to musical instruments to jewelry and knives are sold.
Camp Karbala is known to most as Camp "Kilo". Bulgaria has the largest contingent of troops at Kilo, which is supposed to be smaller and less secure than the America
Camp Karbala (a.k.a. Camp "Kilo")
Camp Karbala is known to most as Camp "Kilo". Bulgaria has the largest contingent of troops at Kilo, which is supposed to be smaller and less secure than the American-run FOB Lima.
