July 2, 2003 -- Audra Schroeder KFOX News at Nine Weekend Anchor/Reporter

A 50-gun salute sounded during a roll call of the United States of America as Fort Bliss celebrated Independence Day.

Major General Stanley Green, "It is therefore fitting and proper that today we will also honor those soldiers whose perseverance and sacrifice allow us to be here today."

The soldiers being honored are the faces of the 507th Maintenance Company that we have become familiar with.

Four of the ex-POW's received the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, and the Prisoner of War Medal.

Edleen Hernandez, Specialist Edgar Hernandez Wife, "He's real excited. He never thought what he did was something to be honored for. He just sees it as it's my duty and that's what I'm here to do."

The fifth ex-POW, Private First Class Patrick Miller was pinned with the Purple Heart, Prisoner of War and the Silver Star Medal, which is the fourth highest honor in the military.

PFC Miller shot several Iraqis during the March 23rd ambush.

And once he was in enemy hands clever thinking kept vital radio frequencies hidden inside Miller's helmet from the Iraqis.

Army Announcer, "The interrogators questioned him repeatedly on what the numbers meant. Thinking on his feet, PFC Miller told his captors that they were prices for water pumps. Disgusted they threw the frequencies and helmet in a fire."

Sgt. Matthew Rose was honored with the Bronze Star Medal plus Valor Device.

A former medic, Rose was the first in the convoy to begin administering to the wounded soldiers, all the while taking small arms fire from all around his position.

Debbie Rose, Sgt. Roses Wife, "He feels a little bit uncomfortable because he really feels he did what anyone would have done because it came so naturally to him."

Norman Rose, Sgt. Roses Father, "But if he would have run and hide, I would still be proud of him because he's my son and I'm extra proud today."

As the El Paso community congratulated the soldiers, the gratitude of a free community and nation was clear.

Debbie Rose, "There has been so much controversy about what really happened out there and whether they performed to the standard they should have and how well trained they were and I think this just shows we acknowledge they knew what they were doing and they performed above and beyond what they were called to do. They are heroes."

A total 14 soldiers were honored with medals, 10 from the 507th and four from the 76th Military Police Battalion.

In addition to Sgt. Matthew Rose and the Former prisoners of war, four wounded soldiers were honored.

Sgt. Curtis Campbell and Specialist James Grubb received the Bronze Star Medal.

Corporal Francis Carista and CPL Damien Luten received the Purple Heart Medal.

All of those soldiers are with the 507th Maintenance Company.

PFC Candice May, Specialist Alan Hill, Specialist Jeremy Bristol and Specialist Pedro Rodriguez all received the Purple Heart for being wounded in attacks in Iraq earlier this month. They are with the 76th Military Police Battalion.