Iraq War (2003-2011)

1. Invasion of Iraq / Operation Iraqi Freedom (2003) – The initial phase of the Iraq War, where U.S. and coalition forces quickly overthrew Saddam Hussein’s regime through a combination of airstrikes and ground assaults.
   • Monument: The National Infantry Museum at Fort Benning, Georgia, has exhibits and memorials dedicated to the soldiers who fought in Operation Iraqi Freedom.

https://www.georgewbushlibrary.gov/research/topic-guides/the-iraq-war

2. Battle of Baghdad (2003) – U.S. forces, primarily the Army’s 3rd Infantry Division, advanced on Baghdad and swiftly captured the city, leading to the fall of Saddam Hussein’s government.

1. • Monument: The U.S. Army’s role in Baghdad’s capture is commemorated at the U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center in Carlisle, Pennsylvania.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Baghdad_(2003)

3. Battle of Fallujah (2004) – A series of intense battles, particularly the Second Battle of Fallujah (Operation Phantom Fury), where U.S. Marines and soldiers fought to retake the city from insurgents in one of the fiercest urban battles of the Iraq War.

1. • Monument: The Fallujah Memorial at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, honors the U.S. Marines who fought in the brutal battles of Fallujah.

https://www.marines.mil/News/News-Display/Article/3350301/operation-vigilant-resolve/

4. Battle of Nasiriyah (2003) – One of the earliest battles of the Iraq War, where U.S. Marines fought to secure key bridges and push toward Baghdad, suffering heavy casualties but achieving critical objectives.

• Monument: The U.S. Marine Corps Museum in Quantico, Virginia, features exhibits on the Iraq War, including the Battle of Nasiriyah.

https://www.marines.mil/Portals/1/Publications/U.S.%20Marines%20in%20Battle_An-Nasiriyah%20%20PCN%2010600000700_1.pdf

5. Operation Red Dawn (2003) – The operation that led to the capture of Saddam Hussein by U.S. forces near Tikrit, marking a significant moment in the Iraq War and the end of his regime’s leadership.

• Monument: The National Infantry Museum in Georgia features exhibits on Operation Red Dawn and the capture of Saddam Hussein.

https://www.army.mil/article/116559/operation_red_dawn_nets_saddam_hussein

6. Battle of Ramadi (2006) – U.S. forces, particularly the Marines and Army, engaged in intense urban combat in Ramadi to wrest control from insurgents. It was a key battle in the U.S. effort to stabilize Anbar Province during the Iraq War.

• Monument: The Ramadi Memorial at Camp Pendleton, California, honors the U.S. Marines who fought and died in the battle.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Ramadi_(2006)

These battles and monuments reflect the significant contributions and sacrifices of the U.S. military in the Iraq War, highlighting key moments that shaped the course of the conflict.