7TH ENGR BDE COMMANDER REPT VOL 18A

File: 970815_sep96_decls58_0029.txt
Page: 0029
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








               Artillery is forward, prepared to cover the assault, and
          already firing at detectable targets. Shoot and move. It is
          done with precision. Tanks and fighting vehicles are configured
          in combat formations. The goal is speed, intensity, and savage
          lethality. Conbat engineers are forward of all. They prepare
          mine clearing charges, demolitions and a dozen other nasty
          devices to clear trench lines, level berms, blast anti-tank
          ditches and destroy bunkers. Their fight will be up close and
          personal. The speed of armor assaults will rely on the
          engineers' ability to clear the way quickly. construction
          engineers with giant earth moving equipment are poised to widen
          the initial breach sites. Everything is timed down to the
          minute. Al'! are ready.

               Soldiers use their last few days in personal preparation.
          Equipment is checked and rechecked. Weapons are cleaned and
          bayonets sharpened. More ammunition, grenades, and anti-tank
          missiles are distributed. Personal gear is separated. only
          essential combat gear will go forward. All other items are
          stored in duffle bags. Last letters are written. The cooks,
          realizing this will be the last hot meals for a while a began a
          great effort to serve the best hot food available. Hair is cut
          particularly close and final showers -- in "cool" water are
          taken. Last minute clothes washing is completed as is sewing on
          buttons and repairing uniforms. Chemical protection suits and
          masks are checked. For some, last phone calls home are made.
          For security reasons nothing is said or written about upcoming
          operations, but reassurances and expressions of love are passed.
          For some it will be the last ever. Soldiers know this but are
          not deterred. Morale and spirits are high. All know that the
          sooner we go, the sooner it will end and we can return home to
          our loved ones. In our hearts there is comfort because all
          America is behind us, supportive and sending best wishes and
          prayers. It is comforting and greatly appreciated.

               Forward hospitals are erected and replacements began to
          arrive in anticipation of casualties. Chapel se  'rvices take on
          new meaning as more and more soldiers face reality. All are
          ready. We watch and wait for the President's signal to go.

               It is Valentine's Day 1991, and I take note that my soldiers
          have not had a day off since 8 November 1990. That is 108 days
          of straight operation, many around the clock under extremely
          adverse conditions. Morale and spirit continues to remain solid.
          I am convinced that this is the best trained most dedicated and
          professional force ever assembled. Thank God for a grateful
          nation! The men and women in Saudi are laying their lives on the
          line for America. When we go home, these sacrifices must not go
          unnoticed.


                                          25