7TH ENGR BDE COMMANDER REPT VOL 18A

File: 970815_sep96_decls58_0037.txt
Page: 0037
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







          Their sleek vehicles sporting brightly colored Union Jack flags,
          weave up the roads. Everywhere there is great spirit. They
          shout, "Way to go Yank." We yell back, "Give em hell." There
          are waves, smiles and handshakes. We are wet, muddy, and tired,
          yet filled with an unbelievable energy level flushed with success
          so far. Casualties are exceptionally light and no chemicals have
          been used.

               I chew on a wet cigar. The radio updates me on progress of
          our Sappers. I issue instructions. It is time to move my TAC
          forward again. We study the map, check electronic grid locations
          and move to lead the TAC through the breach. The road is rough
          and I ive up trying to stay dry. The mud mixes with charcoal
          from the bulky chemical suit. No one needs camouflage, nature
          and the elements have marked us just fine.

               We move cautiously cross country. A small command and
          control element with our bradleys providing security on either
          side - their 25mm guns pointing outward. The chaplain has
          volunteered to ride in one of the bradleys. I see him perched in
          the track commander's hatch. There is a good feeling knowing he
          is there. He likes being up front where the action is, with the
          soldiers. They like having him there too.

               The weather continues to be miserable. Sand and rain sting
          the face as the wind continues full force. My driver cautiously
          moves through obstacle systems carefully avoiding unexploded
          munitions, and always looking for mines. Behind us the commo van
          lurches along. In the distance there is another line of bunkers
          and trenches. There is movement. Men appear out of the midst.
          There can be no doubt, they are Traqis. Hearts beat fast and
          adronalin pumps. We are too close to turn. On the radio I
          announce, "Enemy, 12 o'clock, 400 meters." The bradleys are
          ordered forward ASAP. My Hummv is alive with movement as we
          quickly chamber rounds in weapons. My door is open and I urge us
          forward faster. we must close quickly. My senses shout
          caution - ambush. We stop 200 meters away. The bradleys are in
          firing positions. My Intelligence Officer, XO, and driver are
          out instantly. The Iraqi's are on line. We prepare to engage
          them. The Iraqis finally produce a white flag. They are
          motioned forward. They move slowly and hesitantly, dropping
          equipment. My team is positioned now to open fire throughout the
          area. I shout and demonstrates hands up. They comply. Quickly
          we separate them, place them on the ground and only then is there
          a brief moment to relax.






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