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34,000 medals given in first quarter of 2008

Nearly 34,000 combat decorations and badges were awarded during the first three months of 2008, according to the latest medal count for Iraq and Afghanistan.

A total of 80,210 medals have been awarded since December 2001 for Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan, and 389,996 for Operation Iraqi Freedom, which began March 15, 2003.

The latest medal count is through March 31.

The statistics include valor and service medals, Combat Infantryman Badges, Combat Medical Badges and Combat Action Badges.

The CAB, established three years ago, recognizes the service of soldiers who come under fire in a combat zone but who are not eligible for the Combat Infantryman or Combat Medical Badge.

As part of the phased introduction of the badge, the Army has authorized a Combat Action Streamer for units that have served or are serving in theater.

Only one streamer is authorized per unit for the global war on terrorism, regardless of how many times the unit has deployed.