Naval Aircrewman Corporal Colby R. Yard having successfully completed the prescribed course of instruction as established by the Chief of Naval Operations, and by the virtue of his having fulfilled the conditions and stipulations set by the United States Navy and the United States Marine Corps, is hereby designated a CH-53E Naval Aircrewman.

Having met all the requirements and conditions set forth by the United States Marine Corps is hereby authorized to wear the Combat Aircrew Insignia in recognition of direct combat and combat support missions while attached to Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 361, Marine Aircraft Group 16, during Operation Iraqi Freedom II.

Colby is the son of Karl and Leana Yard, La Harpe and Robin Huffman, Sulligent, Alabama. He is expected back from Iraq to California March 2 and home for his sister's wedding on Sunday, March 12.