727th Trans Company receives Navy Presidential Unit Citation 

By Sgt. Denyce L. Harkness

KUWAIT - It was an inspiring moment, not usually seen on an Army camp when a colonel from the Marines stepped forward to present South Dakota's 727th Transportation Company with the Navy Presidential Unit Citation, Feb. 22, 2004.

Amidst the surge of Army troops beginning their year in theatre and others cleaning gear to return home, Col. David G. Reist, of the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force, formally presented the 727th the prestigious award.

The 727th Transportation Company (PLS) was one of four units attached to the Transportation Support Group (Forward), during Operation Iraqi Freedom I. 

The Navy Presidential Unit Citation was instituted by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1942. It is presented to units that display such gallantry, determination, and esprit de corps in accomplishing its mission under extremely difficult and hazardous conditions so as to set it apart from and above other units participating in the same campaign. The degree of heroism required is the same as that which would warrant the award of a Distinguished Service Cross to an individual.

 The Navy Presidential Unit Citation, dated 12 December 2003, was awarded to the 727th and the other few participating Army units attached or assigned to the First Marine Expeditionary Force for action in Operation Iraqi Freedom from 21 March to 24 April 2003. 

In his opening remarks Col. Reist said that the one thing he remembered was that the 727th attitude was tremendous. "We could not have done our mission without you," he said.  "I see First Marine Division patches on some shoulders, it's great to see. Marines haven't seen that since WWII, so wear it with pride as it was given with a tremendous amount of pride."

Col. Reist pulled the formation in and presented the Presidential Unit Citation to each individual soldier, shaking hands and thanking some by name - making the formal presentation a more personal event. 

He emphasized closeness and comradery the Marines and the 727th Transportation Company developed in the six months the two branches worked and lived together.