SECARMY Christine Wormuth on Awarding Presidential Unit Citation in support of Operation ALLIES REFUGE

Statement from Secretary of the Army Christine Wormuth:

The Soldiers of the 82nd Airborne Division and Joint Task Force 82 (JTF-82) demonstrated heroic discipline and courage during the execution of the non-combatant evacuation operations in support of Operation Allies Refuge at Hamid Karzai International Airport, Kabul, Afghanistan. The bravery of the Soldiers on the ground and the dedication of those who supported every evacuation flight exemplify the ideals of service with honor and compassion. Until the last aircraft departed, the 82nd Airborne Division and members of JTF-82 held the line and provided the safe passage needed to evacuate over 100,000 U.S. citizens, Afghan civilians, and family members. It is a privilege to recognize these Soldiers for their actions during the tumultuous days of August 2021 and to honor their courage at a time when the entire Nation relied on them to complete their mission – which they did with great distinction.

U.S. Army units that participated in the non-combatant evacuation operations in support of Operation Allies Refuge receiving the Presidential Unit Citation include select elements from the following units:

•           Headquarters, 82nd Airborne Division

•           1st Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division

•           2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division

•           1st Attack Battalion, 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade

•           2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division

•           3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division

•           DIVARTY, 82nd Airborne Division

•           82nd Sustainment Brigade

•           16th Military Police Brigade

•           82nd Combat Aviation Brigade

•           50th Expeditionary Signal Battalion, 35th Signal Brigade

•           1st Battalion, 101st Field Artillery Regiment, Massachusetts National Guard

•           319th Ordnance Company, Washington Army National Guard

•           1st Battalion, 194th Armored Regiment, Minnesota National Guard

•           249th Engineer Battalion, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

•           USA Network Enterprise Center, Qatar

•           160th Special Operation Aviation Regiment

•           8th Psychological Operation Group

•           95th Civil Affairs Brigade

•           U.S. Army Special Operations Command

Additional information, including presentation ceremonies, will be published by the Department of the Army as it becomes available. For additional questions, please contact the Office of the Chief of Public Affairs at usarmy.pentagon.hqda-ocpa.mbx.mrd-press-desk@army.mil.