| In
early 2003, select divisional units were designated to deploy
in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom through the initial phase
of combat culminating in the liberation of the Iraqi people
from the tyrannical rule of Saddam Hussein. In the fall of 2003,
the division as a whole was ordered to prepare for deployment
to Operation Iraqi Freedom II. In January, division elements
began deploying to the theater of operations and in April 2004
the division assumed command and control of Task Force Baghdad.
During the divisions tour of duty, Task Force Baghdad’s
ranks swelled to more than 39,000 uniformed members including
active duty, reserve, national guard Soldiers, US Marines, and
international coalition partners. The division engaged the enemy
across multiple lines of operation, helping the Iraqi people
forge a new, democratic government—the first in that nation’s
history. Task Force Baghdad fought numerous engagements with
the insurgents throughout the city. On several occasions division
units were called on to conduct or support major offensive operations,
which further stabilized a country striving for a return to
peace. Two major events in the march toward true democracy occurred
during the division’s year in the Iraqi capital: first,
the coalition returned sovereignty to the people of Iraq in
June 2004; and second, the national elections of January 2005
proved illustrative of the resolve of the Iraqi people to gain
control of their country. The division transferred authority
to the 3rd Infantry Division in February 2005 and completed
redeployment on April 2. As a commemorative to the division’s
tour of duty, this painting by James Dietz captures the essence
of a street scene in Baghdad with Cav troopers and the equipment
they used in the effort to help the Iraqi people “turn
the corner” on the road from tyranny to democracy. |
|
Overall
size: 31" wide x 19" high.
Image size: 25" wide x 12.50"
high.
| Turn
The Corner by James Dietz |
| 250 Publisher Proof Edition. |
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