OPERATION DESERT SHIELD STORM 16 MAY 92

File: 970815_sep96_decls20_0013.txt
Page: 0013
Total Pages: 30
Subject = OPERATION DESERT SHIELD  STORM   16 MAY 92                      

Parent Organization = ARCENT      

Unit = VII CORPS   

Folder Title = SPREAD SHEET SUMMARY-MAP AND HISTORY OF 82 ENG BN TRAVELS 16 MAY 92                             

Document Number =          6

Box ID = BX000301






     07 Jan 91; The Dynamite Base PX annex has its Grand Opening. 2ACR CPX
     OPORD is issued to Company Commanderg.   The Battalion receives an OPORD
     from 2ACR for the defense of LBA. In cage of a preemptive strike, Blue
     Babe and the 2ACR are the only combat units in sector.


     08 Jan 91: D Company sends dozers, bucket loaders, and SEE to the 87th
     Maintenance Battalion to assist in the construction of a perimeter berm and
     survivability positions. The mission is completed on the gth.


     10 Jan 91: Ammo, which previously was issued and held by squad leaders, is
     issued to soldier level. B Company sends a SEE out for the day to
     construct survivability positions for the 87th Chemical Company. The
     Battalion deploys for a CPX.


     11 Jan 91: Battalion participates with 2ACR in a CPX. 2ACR sets up a
     SIMCTR and the Companies send out their TOC. HFC's participation is the
     Battalion TOC. ALOC, and company operations. The exercise plan used is
     tailored after a possible scenario for upcoming future operations. The CPk
     is fast and furious. It seems that the 2ACR is literally racing toward
     BASRAII. Spot reports become so numerous that they are difficult to manage.
     The Iraqi forces utilize chemical munitions and more than half of a line
     company becomes casualties after being caught in an artillery barrage.


     12 Jan 91: Commander attends 7th EN Brigade meeting.


     13 Jan 91: HUMINT sources report that Iraq will launch a preemptive attack
     tomorrow at 0300. The CPX is cut short and the Battalion moves back to the
     base camp. The move back is during the evening in a torrential rain. it
     takes 3-1/2 hours to go 17 milesl Vehicles are continually getting stuck.
     LTC Slattery holds a late night Command and Staff meeting to remind us to
     get our 'heads on straight' and make sure everyone is briefed on HHC's
     alternate defense positions and defense of LBA. Stand-to is 0500-0700 with
     50% security after stand-to.


     14 Jan 91: 2ACR conducts AAR on CPX.


     15 Jan 91: At 0700 local time the United Nations deadline passes without
     any incident.


     16 Jan 91: Camouflage nets begin coming down and being packed into the
     MILVAN. They provide no utility in the desert on the offense. The
     Commander attends a 1900 meeting at the 7th EN Brigade. A Command and
     Staff meeting is called at 2200 hrs by the Battalion Commander. We are not
     definitely told that the war would start that evening, but that it is
     highly likely around the 0300 local time frame. Along with a warning
     order, a synopsis of the air war is provided. Everyone is awed at what the
     Air Force intends to do, hopefully they will come through with minimal
     losses. Briefly, the Air Force intends to bomb 24 hours a day, for 14 days
     utilizing almost every airframe in their inventory. The Battalion will
     move out with the 2ACR on D+6. The meeting ends with a prayer by Chaplain
     Roberts. The prayer is for the Air Force and Navy crewman about to be
     engaged in the largest air campaign since Vietnam.