Photo credit: Michael Hnatov
Accession Number: C.2011.731.1
Dimensions: 40.5 in X 40.5 in X 1.5 in
Dimensions (Metric): 102.87 cm X 102.87 cm X 3.81 cm
Credit Line: Gift of 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne)
Description
Framed mission map of Afghanistan depicting where World Trade Center Steel was buried by 5th Special Forces units at key battle sites, October 2001–February 2002. There are several insignia surrounding the map. On the right side is the 5th Special Forces “Coin for Excellence” bearing their motto “De Oppresso Liber” (To free from oppression). On the left side, the coin is matted in reverse, showing the front side of the coin, an emblem modeled after a Roman legionary’s shield.
Along the top of the map are Special Ops insignia and printed text: 'World Trade Center Memorial Sites | Afghanistan." Just below the map itself are insignia representing Task Force Dagger, an emblem representing NIMA, the National Imagery and Mapping Agency, and a quote attributed to President George W. Bush.
Below the map are 9/11 commemorative patches for the primary first responder agencies: NYPD, FDNY, and PAPD, along with the Army Airborne patch.
Historical Notes
Within a month after 9/11, the U.S. Army’s 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne) was deployed to Afghanistan in Operation Enduring Freedom. Each time the unit accomplished a significant mission, members buried a piece of steel from the World Trade Center as a reminder of the events that had brought them to Afghanistan.