173rd Airborne Operation Enduring Freedom Tie

In the spring of 2005, the 173rd began its second deployment in three years to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom VI. The 1st Battalion, 508th Infantry Regiment spearheaded the deployment in February by deploying forces along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border in Regional Command East. The remainder of the Brigade deployed to Regional Command South, with all elements of the Brigade demonstrating unparalleled bravery fighting anti-coalition forces in the bloodiest spring since the original invasion in 2001. Sky Soldiers fought the Taliban and Al Qaeda in the Provinces of Helmand, Zabul and Kandahar. The Brigade excelled in all aspects of the deployment to include facilitating a peaceful parliamentary election process in the fall of 2005. Seventeen Sky Soldiers made the ultimate sacrifice in support of Operation Enduring Freedom VI. Five Sky Soldiers were awarded the Silver Star for their heroism, bravery and valour during this operation.