The Alabama National Guard soldiers who rescued passengers when a Louisiana church bus wrecked on Interstate 20 near Meridian are being honored with commendation medals.

The 47 soldiers were returning to Aliceville, Ala., from drill at Camp Shelby, Miss., July 12 when the tire blew out on a 30-passenger bus in front of them carrying members of the First Baptist Church of Shreveport, La.

The bus rolled over three times. The soldiers had to lift the bus so trapped victims could be freed. They also directed traffic and helped the injured until emergency personnel arrived.

A ceremony was scheduled Friday at the Capitol for Gov. Bob Riley to present the soldiers with Alabama Commendation Medals.

The wreck injured more than twenty people and claimed the lives of two teenagers. Brandon Ugarte died in the accident. Maggie Lee Henson died about three weeks later.