Duffel Blog

Share this post
Army 2nd Lieutenant Leads Platoon Five Kilometers Without Getting Lost, Awarded Medal
www.duffelblog.com

Army 2nd Lieutenant Leads Platoon Five Kilometers Without Getting Lost, Awarded Medal

Paul Sharpe
Mar 19, 2012
Share this post
Army 2nd Lieutenant Leads Platoon Five Kilometers Without Getting Lost, Awarded Medal
www.duffelblog.com

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.

"When you are a butter bar, not too much is expected of you, other than that you can't land nav[igate] to save your life."

But Bailey was ready for the challenge. Soon after his platoon introduction, he participated in a company-wide training exercise in the Italian countryside. With only a compass and a map…

Keep reading with a 7-day free trial

Subscribe to Duffel Blog to keep reading this post and get 7 days of free access to the full post archives.

Already a paid subscriber? Sign in
Previous
Next
© 2023 Duffel Blog LLC
Privacy ∙ Terms ∙ Collection notice
Start WritingGet the app
Substack is the home for great writing