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Hard-Hit Guard Unit Warmly Welcomed Home

More than 5,000 people turn out to welcome home an Army National Guard unit that lost five members during a year-long tour of Iraq. Delivering supplies and mail around Baghdad, the unit, from Paris, Ill., drew more than 100 mortar attacks and came under enemy fire 60 times. The unit sustained injuries that earned soldiers 32 Purple Heart awards.

Copyright 2005 NPR

Cheryl Corley is a Chicago-based NPR correspondent who works for the National Desk. She primarily covers criminal justice issues as well as breaking news in the Midwest and across the country.
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