tenure. A key event of this rotation involved a task force from 3/7, Task Force-"TQ" (comprising Kilo, Lima, Weapons, and H&S Marines), establishing a new US presence in al-Taqaddum, Iraq, in order to deny access and movement to ISIL holdings in Anbar province. This was discussed in American society as a sign of going back down the path to US combat "boots on the ground" in Iraq once again. Task Force "Al-Asad" (composed largely of Kilo, Weapons, and H&S Company Marines), built partner capacity, trained, and assisted the Joint Task Force and Iraqi forces in their fight against the Islamic State in Anbar, deepening the U.S. role in efforts to halt the recent momentum of the extremists. Battalion Operations solidified the entire Training Exercise and Employment Plan (TEEP) for 17.1, while on 15.2; returning home in October 2015. 2016 - 2017 - 10th Tour Continuing preparation for their second bout with SPMAGTF-CR-CC, the battalion immediately executed a comprehensive pre-deployment training regimen aboard the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center and special-purpose non-standard schools across the United States, further capitalizing on the organic skillsets of the Marine Corps infantry battalion and lessons learned. Deploying in October 2016, this diligent preparation effectively and directly prepared The Blade to excel across the AOR, supporting combat operations in Mosul, Iraq alongside joint and Iraqi Security Forces securing and liberating the besieged city in dense, urban street fighting against ISIL, supporting State Department and US Department of Defense initiatives in Syria fighting to disrupt ISIL and protect Internally Displaced Person (IDP) refugees around the Jordanian border, and sustained missions throughout the AOR. The battalion returned home in April, 2017, ready for another round. 2018 - 11th Tour From March 2018 to October 2018 the battalion once again deployed in support of Operation Inherent Resolve, 3/7 was spread across the Middle East including areas in Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan, Kuwait, and Jordan doing mainly anti–ISIL operations. A handful of men served on all three SPMAGTF-CR-CC rotations. Medal of Honor recipients World War II PFC Arthur J. Jackson – 18 September 1944 PFC Wesley Phelps – 4 October 1944 Korean War 2ndLt Robert D. Reem – 6 November 1950 Sgt James E. Johnson – 2 December 1950 2ndLt George H. Ramer – 12 September 1951 SSgt William E. Shuck, Jr. – 3 July 1952 Pvt Jack W. Kelso – 2 October 1952 SSgt Lewis G. Watkins – 7