A/1-506 IN Mission Summary

Before serving as the vanguard of freedom on the Korean Demilitarized Zone and in the hostile environs of Al Anbar, Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF), the Gators fought in World War II and Vietnam, participating in sixteen campaigns. The 1-506th IN has been decorated twelve times. Each of these honors serves as a distinct reminder of the unit's proud heritage, and its dedication to the preservation of freedom.

1-506th IN stood alone as the most forward deployed American combat forces north of the Imjin River, less than 2 kilometers from the DMZ. While Alpha Company (Gators), 1-506th IN served in Korea, they executed a continuous training cycle to refine their warfighting ability and manned guard posts on the Unification Bridge. Unification Bridge stretches over the Imjin River and serves as the primary route from South Korea to Panmunjom on the DMZ, where meetings and negotiations between North and South Korea take place. This bridge is symbolic to the Korean people of ultimate reunification of the two Koreas. During the one year tour, Currahees eventually grew accustomed to sleeping against the haunting blare of North Korean propaganda pumped through massive loud-speakers. Prior to May 2004, no one in Gator Company expected that they would be enduring the oppressive heat of the desert and growing accustomed to the cacophonous prayers shouted through mosque loud speakers in Iraq.

In late May 2004, the Gators were given orders deploy in support of OIF at Camp Habbaniyah, Iraq. For the duration of June and July 2004 (44 days), the Currahees prepared for combat operations in Iraq that concluded its 17-year service to the people of South Korea. Although the Gators are designated as an Air Assault unit from Korea, they were given Armored Humvees and began operating in Al Anbar, Iraq as a Motorized/Air Assault Infantry unit. Like the Gators of the past, they hit the ground running; arriving in Iraq and almost immediately going on the offensive in their new area of operations. Operating aggressively and efficiently, the Gators sent a strong message to the insurgents while maintaining a position of "no better friend, no greater enemy."

The Gators participated in over 200 combat missions that ranged from humanitarian assistance to Route Security to Combat Raids, Movements to Contact, and Sniper Missions. In every mission, the Gators distinguished themselves as disciplined Soldiers who always accomplished the mission. Contributing mightily to Task Force Currahee's success, Gator Company detained over 250 known insurgents who would later serve hard time in prison where they could no longer stand in the way of freedom. Gator Company also uncovered dozens of enemy caches containing enemy hundreds of enemy weapons and munitions that would have been used against Iraqi civilians and coalition forces. Every Gator distinguished himself in the line of fire and was awarded the Combat Infantryman Badge or the Combat Action Badge.

The Gators have demonstrated a mighty warrior ethos. Operating at the tip of the spear in a complex and hostile combat environment, this company has served to extinguish tyranny and promote freedom. In every way, Gator Soldiers have brought great credit upon themselves and the United States and have served to further the honorable legacy built by the Currahees of past battlefields.

Rest in peace fallen heroes: CPT Luke C. Wullenwaber and PFC James E. Prevete