FORT STEWART, GA -- Two Soldiers were awarded the Purple Heart for injuries sustained during their deployment as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom V.

"George Washington had watched for over five years, as his Soldiers fought and died. So he said, 'the Soldier needs an award.' He came up with this piece of purple cloth, but the idea was that the Soldiers who won it, won it for valor, for incredible military merit," said Maj. Gen. Tony Cucolo, the 3rd Infantry Division commanding general.

Sgt. Benjamin Davis and Spc. William Joblin received the Purple Heart for separate Improvised Explosive Devices that injured them during OIF V. Davis - for wounds received in action, Aug. 24, 2007 during a rapid crater repair mission. Joblin - for wounds received in action, Jan. 4, 2007, also during a rapid crater repair mission.

"I'd like to thank those who supported me during my time of recovery, my wife and platoon," said Davis, who said he is grateful to be back and fully recovered.

Joblin spoke along similar lines, "I'd also like to thank those who supported me through these rough times and God bless the troops who are still over there; bring them home safely."

"They are incredible Soldiers who have endured as you have, and have also felt the sting of combat," Cucolo said to the 92nd Engineers Battalion. "They have looked Death in the face and survived. I want to look at this formation as your commanding general and thank you as one of the few of the 1.1 million Americans who have raised their right hand and said, 'I will defend the ideals of the Constitution of the United States.' There are about 300 million Americans out there, but you are part of the select few."