Haiti

Haiti. Airborne. Operation Uphold Democracy began in September 1994. A U.S.-led Multinational Force was deployed to Haiti after a military coup ousted democratically elected President Jean-Paul Aristide. He was restored to office and control of military operations was turned over to the United Nations Mission in Haiti (UNMIH). Several months later, political unrest and street violence threatened to disrupt the 1995 elections. Joint Task Force Bastogne deployed to Haiti in October 1995 and was assigned under UN command to provide security, election support, and medical assistance. No confrontations occurred, peace was maintained, and an orderly election was held in December. , The 1st Brigade was ordered to deploy to Haiti in August 1995. COL John V. Donovan, the 1st Brigade Commander, commanded Joint Task Force Bastogne in Haiti. The Task Force consisted of Company C, 1st Battalion, 327th Infantry and Company B, 2nd Battalion, 327th Infantry , The Haitian Ballots were printed in California. They were large, colorful, and featured 14 candidates. Due to the low literacy rate, the ballots featured each candidate's name, picture, and political symbol. , Security patrols were reduced in order to limit the possibility of intimidating voters on election day. 15% of the electorate turned out to vote on 17 December 1995. René Preval won the election. The task force ensured peace was maintained after the election. They returned home on 5 March 1995. For their actions, the soldiers earned the United Nations Mission In Haiti Medal.