7TH ENGR BDE COMMANDER REPT VOL 18A

File: 970815_sep96_decls58_0022.txt
Page: 0022
Total Pages: 49
Subject = 7TH ENGR BDE COMMANDER REPT VOL 18A                             

Parent Organization = ARCENT      

Unit = VII CORPS   

Folder Title = 7TH ENGR BDE-COMMANDER REPT-VOL 18A -FORWARD AND COMMANDERS PERSPECTIVE                         

Document Number =          1

Box ID = BX000313








           Instincts that sense danger are keenly awake. There is not much
           rest. I remind myself that I must monitor the fatigue level
           closely. Soldiers know their leaders care for their well being
           and while conditions may be miserable, they are giving one
           hundred and ton percent of their effort. They find comfort when
           I am among them at night, joking and offering words of
           encouragement. I find comfort knowing they are ready and up to
           the task at hand. There are not many stars out and I wonder if
           he will attack tonight. My helmet bears down, the flack jacket
           seems too tight and I instinctively check my weapon and bayonet.
           It is late and I am tired. My spirits surge as the mess sergeant
           quietly makes his rounds with hot soup and coffee. We are good
           for a few more hours.

               Morning comes and in the predawn hours we go to 100% alert.
           That is the time when he likes to attack. Weapons, vehicles,
           people, and equipment are checked, positioned and are ready. it
           makes for short nights and very long days but is so very
           essential for survival. The first light reveals tired bearded
           faces. Eyes red from fatigue and straining into inky blackness.
           Another day starts. More work for Engineers. There never seems
           to be "down time".

               The guards are lucky with maybe a few hours of deep sleep
           then it is back to work, operating equipment or training. Day
           and night it continues.

               Word arrives via the shortwave radio that the American
           Congress has voted full approval for the President to use force
           if necessary. The word spreads quickly among soldiers.
           Unanimously there is relief. Our biggest fear was that Congress
           might delay approval. our intelligence tells us that every day
           we delay the enemy continues to strengthen his defense, dig more
           barriers, and emplace more mines. Delays can be measured in the
           increased loss of American soldiers. We know now that the 15th
           is a binding date. There are no indications he is withdrawing.
           We watch and wait coiled like a tight spring, ready to execute
           any number of plans that were meticulously prepared and rehearsed
           to the last detail. will he come first? The question is written
           on the face of thousands of soldiers.

               Another long cold night. It is raining. Soldiers are
           always miserable in rain but it never slows our mission
           accomplishment. Dawn finds long lines of muddy, tired solders
           awaiting breakfast. Inside the mess tent soldiers eat hot
           biscuits and cradle steaming hot coffee in both hands. Faces
           need shaves. Fingernails are dirty. Equipment is muddy.



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