7TH ENGR BDE COMMANDER REPT VOL 18A

File: 970815_sep96_decls58_0038.txt
Page: 0038
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







               While our drivers pass out water to the EPWS, the S-2 begins
           a thorough search of each Iraqi. officers are separated from
           enlisted. We are not cruel but there is no foolishness. one
           Iraqi speaks English. He tells us where weapons are located and
           identifies their fighting positions. The area is cleared.

               We give them food. MPs arrive and we turn over our
           prisoners over to them. The oldest prisoner, a Major, about 45
           years old, the youngest a boy of 16. Through an interpreter, the
           Major thanks me, for our care. He grasp my hand, there are tears
           in his eyes. I ask if he has a family. He says yes, a wife and
           daughter. I,tell him I too have a wife and daughter and hope we
           both are Ozick with our families very soon. As we leave all of us
           have a good feeling. We did not have to kill these men, none of
           our solders are wounded and we have performed in a humane manner.
           (A couple of days later after I had seen Quwait City and what the
           Iraqis had done I would not feel so humane).

               The weather clears and the sun rises early but we continue
           our push across the desert. Behind us a score of road graders
           are making a new road across the desert. It stretches over a
           hundred miles from the Saudi border. All around us there are
           sights of battle. Literally dozens of bunkers and revetments
           housing burning and exploding. Iraqi tanks, APCS, and trucks
           litter the desert. Everywhere there is carnage of battle. Ahead
           of us the battle continues. To our north the Ist and 3d Armored
           Divisions are engaged in a furious tank battle with the
           RepQblican Guards Division - Iraqis best force. We are
           overwhelmingly victorious. We turn almost due east driving into
           the heart of Kuwait.

               Crossing the border into Kuwait goes by unnoticed except for
           a line on the map. The desert looks the same for hundreds of
           miles. Everywhere there are columns of black smoke rising from
           burning Iraqi vehicles. Prisoners by the hundreds are captured.

               Our tanks speed forward engaging and destroying Iraq combat
           vehicles and artillery at great distances. Our own artillery
           moves, shoots, and then moves again. In our sector there is
           little incoming fire. We are overwhelmed with our speed and
           great success and unbelievably low casualty rate. Deep down I
           have a glimmer of hope. We just might do this with very few
           casualties. It has seemed too easy. I still fear some terrible
           catastrophe.






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