JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST -- The 3-313th Logistics Support Battalion celebrated their centennial during a change of command ceremony wherein Lt. Col. John Turner Jr. relinquished command to Lt. Col. Binh Nguyen, on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, Jan. 28, 2017.
On this 100th anniversary members of the French consulate attended and re-awarded the French Croix de Guerre to the battalion in memory of their service and heroism during World War I. The Croix de Guerre, translating to “Cross of War” is a medal awarded by the French government that recognizes units who distinguish themselves during acts of heroism involving combat with the enemy.
“We will never forget the sacrifice of the young Americans who came to France 100 years ago,” said Madame Anne de Broca-Hoppenot, the honorary consul of France, New Jersey. “With the complexity of our world, we will need this alliance to be strong again to guarantee the peace of all our people.”
The 3-313th has been honored with the Croix de Guerre four times throughout its history and its members are entitled to wear this decoration while in service dress uniform.
For Turner Jr., his hope is that the medal will instill a sense of pride and work ethic in the unit.
“It reminds us of the dedication and the sacrifice that has gone on before,” Turner Jr. said. “Hopefully it will remind the men and women who serve here that our mission is to be as good as, or better, than those who gave so much before us.”