ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. (Sept. 3, 2015) -- Soldiers from 20th CBRNE Command (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, Explosives) were awarded the Armed Forces Service Medal for their service in Liberia.
American troops who deployed in support of Operation Unified Assistance between September 16, 2014, and June 30, 2015, are authorized to wear the medal.
Part of the 20th CBRNE Command, the 1st Area Medical Laboratory, or 1st AML, and 48th Chemical Brigade both served in Liberia during the U.S.-led operation to contain the worst Ebola outbreak in history.
The Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland-based 1st Area Medical Laboratory deployed in October 2014 and led a joint task force which also included the Naval Medical Research Center, as well as civil affairs and military police personnel.
Task Force Scientist tested Ebola samples at six mobile laboratories and provided same day results to health care providers.
The Fort Hood, Texas-based 48th Chemical Brigade took command of the humanitarian assistance operation from the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) in March and led the transitional headquarters until they returned home in June.
Brig. Gen. William E. King IV, the commanding general of the 20th CBRNE Command, said Operation Unified Assistance demonstrated the importance of having trained and ready CBRNE forces.
"Our Soldiers helped to save lives and stop the Ebola outbreak," said King, a native of Killeen, Texas. "Our nation and our Army can be justifiably proud of what we accomplished in West Africa."
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