Private First Class Scott K. Walker Jr. (center), a Houston native and an infantryman with 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, stands at the position of attention while he is awarded the French Fourragere April 13. The 2011 graduate of Lake Gibson Senior High School in Lakeland, Fla., was one of 31 new members of the historic unit belonging to 2nd Marine Division to receive the fourragere. ::r::::n::::r::::n::The 5th and 6th Marine Regiments are the only units in the Marine Corps authorized to wear the French Fourragere. Every service member with the regiment s wears the award on their left shoulder of select uniforms for as long as they remain a member of the unit. ::r::::n::::r::::n::The two regiments were awarded the combat decoration after their participation in three significant battles during World War I: the Battle of Belleau Wood, Battle of Soissons, and the Battle of Champagne. The regiments’ victories contributed to the opening of the western approaches to the Argonne Forest, where American expeditionary forces partnered with their allies to launch their last offensive of the war. ::r::::n::::r::::n::“I have a lot of catching up to do … to prove I deserve to be in this unit and to make the ones before me proud,” said Walker, who is an adventure race enthusiast. “This actually means something. I am going to strive to better myself just so (my friends and family) can see I deserve to wear this while I’m with this unit.”::r::::n::::r::::n::::r::::n::