The soldiers, along with eight others who were based in downstate Mount Vernon, provided logistical, medical and transportation support in combat areas near Kabul.
"They served at a time that was extremely pivotal for this country, and history will mark your performance," said Col. Christopher Lawson of the U.S. Army.
"I'm so happy. I'm glad to see my mother, my girlfriend, my aunt, my family, my cousin. I'm just glad to see them all," said Michael Quartillo of the Illinois National Guard.
The military says the team successfully completed more than 1,000 combat logistic patrol missions without a single casualty.
