The 155th Armored Brigade Combat Team was recently awarded the official Navy Unit Commendation in Fort Bliss, Texas.

According to a release from the Mississippi Military Department, the team received the commendation while serving under the II Marine Expeditionary Force during Operation Iraqi Freedom III from 2005-2006.

Director of Public Affairs for the Mississippi Military Department LTC Christian Patterson said 28 soldiers and civilians deployed as part of the task force were killed during the battle, of which 16 were part of the Mississippi National Guard.

Second Lieutenant Terry Hill, public affairs officer at the 155th Armored Brigade Combat Team, said the Secretary of Navy approves the award. He said the Navy Unit Commendation is awarded for heroic actions against an armed enemy or for meritorious service. The 155th ABCT met both of the requirements.

Hill said the commendation is a great honor for the team.

The award recognizes the hard work put forth by the brigade, honors those who were killed during battle and honors their ultimate sacrifice in defending the nation, Hill said.

The award ceremony ended with a color-casing ceremony, the release states.

According to previous coverage, approximately 4,200 enlisted personnel of the Mississippi National Guard 155th Armored Brigade Combat Team in Mississippi will be mobilized in support of Operation Spartan Shield.

In March, 135 members of Poplarville’s Bravo Company were deployed to Fort Bliss in Texas to join other guardsmen across the state for training before eventual deployment, previous coverage states.