By Matt Leingang
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Retired Brig. Gen. James L. Bauerle attaches the Iraqi campaign streamer to the battalion colors in front of 222 members of the 478th Engineer Battalion in Fort Thomas Saturday. The Cincinnati Enquirer/TONY JONES

Their job was to clear minefields and to escort the Marines through heavy fighting in Iraq.

During 33 days of combat, a period that demanded four major river crossings and destroying Iraqi bunkers, Army reservists from Greater Cincinnati proved they were more than up to the challenge.

On Saturday, the Fort Thomas-based 478th Combat Engineer Battalion received the Presidential Unit Citation for its service in Iraq, the highest award an Army unit can receive.

"It's nice. It gives you a sense of accomplishment," said Sgt. Robert Williams, 29, of Beavercreek, Ohio.

More than 200 of the battalion's members were honored at a small ceremony at the Army Reserve Center in Fort Thomas before an audience of about 100 friends and relatives. Every soldier who participated in the campaign received a ribbon to wear on his or her uniform.

"I'm so proud of my son," said Sherry Hammons of Erlanger, whose son, Sgt. Jeff Hammons, is with the battalion. "They deserve this honor, especially because there's a remote possibility that they could go back."

Some unit members said they were disappointed that no weapons of mass destruction have been found in Iraq, but they remain dedicated to the overall mission.

They also asked that Americans not lose their patience.

"We have a commitment to the people of Iraq, and we need to bring stability to that country," said Spc. James Woodson, 23, of Cleves.

E-mail mleingang@enquirer.com