OPNS DESERT SHIELD STORM DIARY 807TH MASH

File: 970815_sep96_decls54_0022.txt
Page: 0022
Total Pages: 44

Subject = OPNS DESERT SHIELD STORM DIARY 807TH MASH

Parent Organization = ARCENT

Unit = VII CORPS

Folder Title = SUBORDINATE COMMAND HISTORICAL REPORTS-2D COSCOM-332D MED-341ST MED-912TH MED

Document Number = 3

Box ID = BX000308

campaign seems to be accelerating according to the BBC and the
0 number of flights we hear passing over our compound. Tapline road
is packed even more full of traffic than we thought possible. The
Ist Armored Division tank and mechanized infantry companies were
moving on 14 February 1991, the same day a SCUD struck Hafr al
Batn. We all wonder where the Patriot interceptors are.

Our destination is Tactical Assembly Area Garcia, the final
staging area before we cross into Iraq. We find that getting lost
in the desert is a relatively common experience, and no vehicle is
to leave without five days supply of food and water on board. The
advance party was unable to find this area, and through a
number of areas we ended up arriving at Garcia (map
coordinates N2850/E4508) after midnight, traveling the last 5
miles in pitch blackness with only blackout lighting to guide us.
We spend the night in the back of our 5 ton trucks, with 14 to 16
people all trying to eke out some sleep. Our support groups
accompany us, and now consist of the 928th Ambulance Company, the
146th Air Ambulance Company, the 328th Medical Battalion, and the
123rd Clearing Company. The next morning, 246 ragged, cranky
individuals tumble from the back of 5 ton trucks to the most
beautiful morning we've seen so far. Above us, we watch a
returning bomber refuel from a KC-10 tanker aircraft. We find
ourselves completely surrounded by Ist Armored Division, bristling
with tanks and armored personnel carriers.