The Sledgehammers were the third of five surge brigades deployed to Iraq in 2007 to stop the flow of insurgents into Baghdad. The Madain qadha, a part of Baghdad province, is about the size of Washington, D.C.

The unit performed as they were designed.

‘‘When we arrived crime was out of control,” Grigsby said. ‘‘We were attacked four to five times a day. Now shops are open. We get attacked once every other day.”

The colonel estimated there are now only three Sunni insurgent groups with about ten members each in his area of operations, ‘‘where they ran wild before.”

Grigsby said there were 631 murders in the area during 2006 and 253 in 2007.

Grigsby credited help from Iraqi security forces and the Sons of Iraq with helping to decrease the violence. Another key factor has been the provincial government investment of more than $81 million to help get the economy moving.

The Sledgehammers have also helped build or refurbish schools and improve water-distribution facilities. In the city of Salman Pak, the heavy brigade combat team helped revitalize a market and renovate a hospital, Grigsby said.

The colonel told how his men have been gaining the trust of the locals by patrolling on foot. The 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team has noticed some ‘‘ripple effect” from the fighting in nearby Sadr City, but it was put down by the Iraqi police and the Sons of Iraq.

The brigade has been deployed for 41 months since 2002. They will return to Fort Benning and receive a 48 hour leave before having ten half day training sessions and then enjoying 30 day leave. The Soldiers will then have somewhat limited duty for the next six months to allow them time to get readjusted with their families, Grigsby said.

The fine work in Iraq came at a price. The unit lost 19 Soldiers during their deployment.

‘‘Our country should be so grateful or the American Soldier, who always gets it done,” he said.

The 1st Armored Division’s 2nd Brigade will take over from the Sledgehammers. The new unit will be commanded by Col. Pat White.