7TH ENGR BDE COMMANDER REPT VOL 18A

File: 970815_sep96_decls58_0033.txt
Page: 0033
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








           They watch the night through infrared night sights and thermal
           energy sights. They provide protection for engineers ready to
           engage the enemy with extremely lethal firepower if he threaten
           the cutting operations. They are a team. I see a close bond and
           comradeship.

                Further back artillery is positioned, prepared to provide
           immediate fire power if needed. other artillery continues to
           fire deep into the enemy lines at targets previously located
           through intelligence sources. There is no lot up in our effort.

                Deadly attack helicopters operating completely blacked out,
           pilots fl@ring with night vision goggles, make deep penetrations
           in the enemy sector. The enemy can not see us and we attack him
           unmercifully. Apache helicopter gunships unleash a storm of air
           to ground missiles at any suspected target. Much deeper in the
           enemy rear the Air Force continues around the clock bombing. The
           earth trembles for miles as the mighty B-52s devastate the
           desert.

                I visit combat engineers poised along the border. Nights
           are black and troops are tense but ready to do their job.
           Soldiers kneel making last confessions to priest. Letters are
           passed to the rear hastily written to loved ones. Almost all
           have the same first line, "Honey, if you receive this it will
           mean I did not make it. Please be strong  ..... I love you ....

                Looking in the faces of my soldiers I see some fear but
           overwhelmingly I see determination and seriousness. These are
           the same faces that were in landing craft off Omaha Beach 6 June
           1945, on Two Jima, at Pork Chop Hill, the base of Hamburger Hill,
           or in the C-141 aircraft just prior to the airborne drop on
           Grenada. it is a serious anxious look, no horseplay, just pure
           professional dedication to the task at hand. In every heart
           there are prayers, "Good please take care of my team.... help me
           do this.... please be with my family if .... 11 I know these
           prayers for I have muttered them countless times in the past, in
           other combat situations.

                There is much touching, hugging, patting of backs and always
           a thumbs up. I see young men, young enough to be my son,
           struggle with emotion and anxiousness. I hug them and we both
           receive strength.







                                           29