720th
April 2004 Battalion Time Line
~~~~~ 720th Military Police Battalion Reunion Association History Project ~~~~~
89th Bde.
This Page Last Updated ~ 2 November 2007 ~ Click on thumbnail photographs to enlarge for viewing.
If you recognize or participated in any of the events listed on this Time Line page and would like to contribute any information, personal stories, documents, media articles or photographs, or, if you can provide information on any incidents not listed, please take a moment to contact the History Project Manager at the Email Link provided for you on each page. Your contributions are important and always welcomed.

3 April, 0200 Hours, Operation Iraqi Freedom III Under the command of CPT Chris Kasker the 410th MP Company 169 strong, was deployed for the second time to the Iraqi theater.

        Upon arrival into the theater, the company conducted a transfer of authority from the 1165th (Alabama National Guard) and 2175th (Missouri National Guard) Military Police Companies and immediately began operations within their Area of Responsibility (AOR).

        The initial configuration of the company was all platoons were located at Camp Falcon (Al Rashid) with two Guardian M1117 Armored Security Vehicle (ASV) teams tasked out to provide support to the Marines in the city of Fallujah.

        The company was attached subordinate to the 231st MP Battalion (National Guard Headquarters Unit, Prattville, Alabama) at Camp Graceland/Falcon just outside of Baghdad.

231st

         One Platoon from the 410th Military Police Company was chosen to be the Personal Security Detail (PSD) for the Battalion Commander. The missions to which the company was assigned were: check point operations, cordon and searches, Armored Security Vehicle Common Remotely Operated Weapons Station (ASV/CROWS) training, 31st Combat Support Hospital detainee ward security, forward operating base tower security, area security, high value detainee security escort and various convoy escorts.

        The 410th was also missioned to train, assess, and mentor numerous Iraqi police stations in Baghdad to include: Al Daura, Al Bilat, Al Khadra, Al Mammon, Al Ghazalia, Abu Ghraib, Al Yarmuk, the Organized Crime Unit, and the Major Crime Unit Detention Facility.
The Battalion Returns Home To Fort Hood, Texas
20 April, Fort Hood, Texas Starker Gym was the scene of another jubilant homecoming for troops returning from Iraq. The homecoming for troops chiefly from three units marked another celebration of a job well done for Fort Hood soldiers. Family, fellow troops and commanding officers gathered to welcome home soldiers from III Corps' 720th Military Police Battalion in addition to members of the 4th Infantry Division.
4th
22 April, Fort Hood, Texas The Battalion (minus the 410th still on duty in Iraq) was honored for its service with Task Force Ironhorse in Operation Iraqi Freedom-I by Major General Ray Odierno, Commanding General of the 4th Infantry Division. More than 500 troops from the battalion received the Army Commendation Medal, while the company commanders received Bronze Stars for their service. The highlight of the ceremony at Gauntlet Field was the presentation of medals to four of the battalion's members who deserved special honors. 1LT Darrell Hunter, Bronze Star for Valor and Army Commendation Medal, SFC Milton Nation, Bronze Star and Purple Heart, SSG Antoine Taylor Bronze Star and Purple Heart, and SSG Michael Hernandez,Army Commendation Medal and Purple Heart.
     If you can identify the companies of the honorees presented medals, or provide any photographs of the ceremony, please contact the History Project Manager via the Email Link at the top of this page.
Project Managers Note: The 401st MP Company during the command of CPT Marc C. Blair would be awarded on 16 March 2005 the Valorous Unit Award "for extraordinary heroism in military operations against an armed enemy," for the time period 15 April 2003 to 5 November 2003 during Operation Iraqi Freedom-I.