720th
March 2006 Battalion Time Line
~~~~~ 720th Military Police Battalion Reunion Association History Project ~~~~~
89th Bde.
This Page Last Updated ~ 25 March 2007 ~ Click on all thumbnail photographs to enlarge for viewing.
 
     Regardless of MOS 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, photographs, or, if you can provide information on any events 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 to the recording of the Battalion history and always welcomed here.
 
20 March, Monday, 0900 hours, Fort Hood The 720th MP Battalion was recognized for its efforts during the earliest part of Operation Iraqi Freedom with a Valorous Unit Award in a ceremony at Fort Hood, Texas.
click on ribbon
        The Soldiers of the 720th were deployed to Iraq from March 2003 to March 2004, where they operated mainly in Tikrit and Samarra in support of the 4th Infantry Division in the Suni Triangle. The citation recognizes the battalion for its actions of April 15, 2003, to November 5, 2003. They performed many military police missions, including area security, convoy escort, and detainee operations. They also started a program of joint operations with the Iraqi police.
4th

        Lieutenant Colonel Robert M. Taradash, Battalion Commander, spoke directly to the Soldiers of the Battalion.

"Today we honor these Soldiers for their sacrifice and for their courage under fire. You are truly the best of our nation’s youth and your willingness to serve the country voluntarily during a time of war provides a glimpse into the making of our newest, greatest generation . . . As with all medals and ribbons, these have little material value but the sacrifice, service, and valor that they represent are the most valued form of recognition among Soldiers. As we depart the field this morning and begin the transition to other assignments and other professions, I want you to carry with you the spirit of the Gauntlet family that has been burned into you during two years of hard combat. You are taking with you qualities that few in this society have but many cherish."

        Immediately following the award presentation, the Soldiers, their families, and members of the 720th Military Police Battalion Reunion Association moved to the front of the battalion area for the rededication of the Gauntlet Memorial and the unveiling of an additional marker. The memorial was originally dedicated on 19 January 2002, honoring the battalion’s participation in World War II; the Vietnam war; and expeditions in Panama, Somalia, and Bosnia. An additional granite slab was added for Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.