WASHINGTON, June 10 (UPI) -- Five members of the Iraqi Civil Defense Force are in line to receive Marine medals and commendations for saving a U.S. Marine's life.
The five ICDC members were patrolling with a Marine platoon on May 30 near Al Karmah when the platoon was ambushed by Iraqi insurgents, who hit one Marine in his leg. The fighters continued to fire at the downed Marine when the five ICDC members sprang into action and dragged the Marine to safety. The ICDC members ultimately routed the insurgents from their ambush site until other Marines and ICDC members could make their way to the scene of the attack.
First Marine Division Commander Maj. Gen. James Mattis will personally award the medals Friday.
The ICDC and other indigenous Iraqi security forces have come under strong criticism in recent weeks for the somewhat spotty performance of battalions when called upon to fight Iraqi insurgents. U.S. officials estimated in one April battle about half the Iraqi forces refused to fight and a small number joined the other side.
