Private Alberto Pulles Jr., a Miami native and an infantryman with 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, shakes hands with his battalion commander, Lt. Col. James A. Ryans, after receiving the French Fourragere April 13. Pulles was one of 31 new members of the historic unit belonging to the 2nd Marine Division to receive the fourragere, most of which recently graduated the School of Infantry East. ::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::“It’s an honor to be a part of 3/6 and it makes me feel proud. I have to make myself part of the unit and prove myself,” said Pulles, a 2011 graduate of Miami Springs Senior High School. “I am going to try to do the best I can do and make everyone proud.” Pulles said he plans to do everything as fast as he can, so he does not let anyone down, because he has a lot of legacy to live up to and added, “It’s big shoes to fill.”::r::::n::::r::::n::::r::::n::