OPNS DESERT SHIELD STORM DIARY 807TH MASH

File: 970815_sep96_decls54_0026.txt
Page: 0026
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

several hours to allow the soldiers of the division to clear our
path of obnoxious strangers. Approximately 48 hours (and 2
more rain soaked, bitter cold nights in 5 ton trucks) later we
arrive at Objective Python near Phase Line Smash (grid coordinates
N300532/E461852). We are 110 'miles north of Garcia, and only 70
miles south-southeast of the Iraqi city of Basra. We are to find
out later that we were the northernmost MASH in the VIIth Corps!
Dismounting from our trucks, we find ourselves black as coal from
the charcoal which has leeched out of our chemical suits and onto
our skin. Fortunately, it keeps the stink of our body odor in as
well as the nasty chemicals out. Suddenly, we here the voice of
the first sergeant, as he calls, "Dig in, Iraqi tanks are on the
way!lf We are all concerned about this unexpected development, and
dirt begins to fly as holes are dug between the trucks. Then, as
quickly as this started, it stops. Once again, a rumor has placed
us all on edge. This type of thing was to become common, as our
isolation led to a chronic lack of solid information. This
dearth, however, was always ready to be filled by enterprising
young soldiers who think they can "fill in the blanks."
The engineers must grade seven acres of desert flat to erect
the hospital, and the ground must be staked out first before we
can place our temper tents and isohuts, but while we are waiting
for this to occur the first helicopters fall from the sky with
their cargoes of broken soldiers. We are not "officially" open
yet, but the wounds will not wait. We begin to take care of the