GRAFENWÖHR, Germany – In a formal ceremony on Camp Herkus, Lithuania marked by allied solidarity and shared purpose, Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 14th Field Artillery Regiment, 41st Field Artillery Brigade, assigned to Task Force Pergalė were awarded the Lithuanian Armed Forces Medal for Contribution to Mutual Support by the Lithuanian Land Forces on Feb. 24, 2026 in recognition of outstanding service, operational excellence and steadfast partnership.
The award reflects Task Force Pergalė’s significant contributions while deployed to Lithuania over the past six months, where the unit played a critical role in advancing long-range fires capability and strengthening NATO convergence and interoperability along the Eastern Flank Deterrence Line.
Central to that effort was the successful implementation of a High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) Apprenticeship Program designed to train and certify Lithuanian HIMARS batteries through Artillery Table V qualification. The program culminated in a live-fire exercise in Kairiai Training Area, Lithuania on Feb. 3, 2026, demonstrating readiness and partnership in support of NATO deterrence objectives.
Beyond technical certification, Task Force Pergalė partnered closely with the Lithuanian Defence Staff to exchange doctrine, tactics, techniques and procedures, and lessons learned from major training exercises and real-world operations. This deliberate convergence of knowledge and leadership accelerated Lithuania’s long-range fires capability while reinforcing shared standards across allied formations.
The Lithuanian Armed Forces Medal for Contribution to Mutual Support is presented to units and personnel who exemplify exceptional commitment to collective defense, operational integration and enduring military partnership. During the ceremony, senior Lithuanian Land Forces leaders commended Task Force Pergalė for its professionalism, adaptability and mission-focused leadership, noting that the relationship extends beyond training events and reflects a long-term investment in regional security.
“It is a significant distinction and an honor because it represents Lithuania’s visible gratitude for our efforts in their country as we postured combat-credible forces in support of the Eastern Flank Deterrence Line,” said Maj. Stephen Leong, Task Force Pergalė officer in charge. “We are humbled to receive this recognition and proud of what our Soldiers accomplished alongside our Lithuanian partners.”
Task Force Pergalė’s efforts underscore the power of convergence: integrating people, platforms and processes across allied formations to generate combined combat power. Through disciplined execution, shared expertise and mutual trust, the partnership enhances multinational readiness and strengthens deterrence across the European theater.
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