7TH ENGR BDE COMMANDER REPT VOL 18A

File: 970815_sep96_decls58_0023.txt
Page: 0023
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







          Water drips off of wet ponchos into the powdered eggs. There is
          not much humor this morning, just quiet discussions of the
          night's activities, the artillery, and the days work load. Many
          soldiers ask the sane question, "Sir, when we gonna go? i.et's
          get him now, we're ready." I respond, "be patient, stay ready,
          our time is coming soon, real soon." They are ready too.
          Everywhere I see soldiers that are ready. I an cold, wet, and
          tired but my soldiers give me a good feeling. My last cigar is
          lit, this is Sunday and I will attend church. I have a very good
          feeling.
               The VII Corps Commanding General called a meeting for all
          major subordinate commanders late on 16 January 1991. This was
          an unscheduled meeting and rarely do all commanders gather at one
          location in a hostile environment. We all know something big was
          about to happen.

               There was an electrifying emotional undercurrent at the
          meeting. There was no tension only the suppressed excitement
          that we were on the verge of history. The meeting itself was
          historic. All present could sense that our lives would change
          drastically in the next few hours. The Commanding General's
          remarks were brief, to the point, and clearly articulated our
          course of action. The time had finally come. A photo session
          was held. There were warm words of encouragement, sincere
          handshakes, and backpatting. There were hugs of support. one
          could sense the enormous bonding, mutual respect, and support
          shared only by men who experience war. We were ready. It was
          almost an emotional relief that action would soon start.

               At our tactical locations security was increased and more
          meetings went on far into the night. our Chaplain offered a
          prayer for all of us and the airmen who would soon lead the way.
          After two hours sleep a flash message arrived jolting all awake.
          Battle stations were manned. Security was 100%. The allied Air
          Force was bombing strategic, operational, and tactical targets in
          Kuwait and Iraq. The sky overhead rumbled with.aircraft. we
          Silently prayed, wished our Air comrades good luck and good
          hunting, and kept a sharp eye for Iraqi terrorist and special
          Forces.

               For hours we followed the war through an endless stream of
          messages and radio traffic. shortwave radios monitored the news
          as ABC graphically portrayed the hour by hour action in
          considerable detail. Long days and even shorter nights was the
          norm as we went to 50% security at night with 0400 starting
          toward 100% security not later than 0500 hours.



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