VICENZA, Italy — Army Platoon Leader 2nd Lt. Michael Bailey was recently awarded an Army Commendation Medal, with enthusiastic approval from his commanders. The new lieutenant, recently graduated from West Point, arrived this month in Italy and was assigned to 3rd Platoon, Battle Company, 173rd (Airborne).

"Having a new platoon leader in, especially from West Point, is like having that annoying little cousin over your house," said Sergeant First Class Anthony Mileo, Bailey's platoon sergeant. "They ask a bunch of questions, have no idea what the hell they are doing, and generally couldn't find their way out of a paper bag."

The commander of Battle Company, Capt. Randall Lewis, agreed.