The 5/20th Infantry's first deployment to Iraq was historic — soldiers from the battalion were the first in the 3d Brigade, 2d Infantry Division to enter combat in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. The brigade deployed with 683 personnel, 74 Stryker vehicles, and 149 prime movers, replacing a 50,000-soldier division in its area of operations.
The battalion operated across a much larger area than initially anticipated, responding rapidly — often within 24 to 72 hours — to support major operations across multiple provinces. The Stryker's combination of speed, protection, and infantry firepower proved its value in combat for the first time.
On December 15, 2003, the battalion rolled through the city of Samarra at intervals throughout the day. Company C conducted the first patrol. Company B encountered contact, including insurgents using children as cover — one of the first moral complexities the battalion would face.
The battalion conducted operations throughout the Tigris River Valley region, rapidly deploying to support operations in Al Kut and An Najaf. The brigade's ability to cover large distances quickly became a defining capability.
Continued operations in and around Samarra. SGT Jacob Herring was wounded on February 8, 2004, returned to duty, and was killed in action on April 28, 2004 — earning two Purple Hearts, the second posthumously.
Charlie Company participated in Operation Sykes Hammer in Tal Afar, conducting Cordon and Search operations with Iraqi National Guard forces. This operation demonstrated the battalion's ability to integrate with Iraqi security forces — a capability that would become critical in later deployments.
The battalion returned to Fort Lewis after 12 months in Iraq. Three soldiers had been killed in action. More than 70 had been wounded and awarded Purple Hearts.
| Name | Date | Location | Circumstances |
|---|---|---|---|
| SGT Jacob L. Herring | 28 Apr 2004 | Samarra | KIA. Previously wounded 8 Feb 2004. Two Purple Hearts (second posthumous). |
| PFC Jesse J. Martinez | Details being verified | — | KIA. Details being gathered from unit veterans. |
| CPL Demetrius L. Rice | Details being verified | — | KIA. Details being gathered from unit veterans. |
More than 70 soldiers from the first deployment were awarded the Purple Heart. The following roster was compiled from unit battle history records. Soldiers marked with an asterisk (*) received the award posthumously.