In this first part of a three-part interview concerning his experiences in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Major Tom Hough discusses his command of Bravo Company, 2nd Battalion, 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment from the kickoff of major combat operations in March 2003 through his change of command in July 2003. Among the topics covered are the predeployment training his battalion went through; his company conducting the decisive operation to seize key bridges in the town of As Samawah, including a detailed, firsthand account of the fighting against Fedayeen forces; the challenges of being a leader in combat; and finally his company's later move into Baghdad and taking on of an additional stability and support role. As Hough said, "At this time, we were a company of two hats. In the daytime, we were out shaking hands, kissing babies, protecting the refinery and meeting the people, and at nighttime we were doing raids and cordon and searches all night long."

Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited