7TH ENGR BDE COMMANDER REPT VOL 18A

File: 970815_sep96_decls58_0039.txt
Page: 0039
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








               Bypassed bunkers and trenches are attacked by combat
          engineers. mappers quickly clear hundreds of fighting positions
          and immediately start destroying Iraqi equipment. Guns are
          destroyed, tanks are blown up, trenches are covered over and more
          bunkers are crushed. Everywhere there is a flurry of activity.
          As fast as the battle moves there are more engineers right behind
          the lead elements. Roads appear in the desert spanning hundreds
          of miles. Almost immediately the logistical convoys move
          forward. On one occasion a lone engineer vehicle is observed
          driving across the desert carefully avoiding enemy positions and
          following a predetermined heading. His purpose is to mark the
          way for_A.Major Corps Supply Route (MSR). Fifty meters behind
          his ve@icle are five giant graders making a road. Another fifty
          meters behind the graders an endless convoy of over 300 vehicles
          inches forward on the new road. Fuel, food, and ammunition must
          move forward. This action goes on around the clock.

               we are tired, dirty, and our food has been cold MRSs and
          lots of water. We force the water down. If wounded it helps if
          your body is already hydrated. Still no chemicals. This is
          nothing short of a miracle.

               We establish a tactical bivouac near the Iraqi border. All
          around us are destroyed Iraqi vehicles and equipment. Trash and
          debris litters the area. The 2d Armored Cavalry and Ist Infantry
          Division fought savagely here. My troops are exhausted. But,
          there is still little time for rest.

               Intelligence reports the Iraqi forces are crumbling
          everywhere. Iraqis began a final last attempt to leave Quwait
          City. We hear they go on a looting, raping, killing, and
          torturing spree. They have clogged the single remaining roadway
          leading north to Iraq. The Air Force catches them and they are
          savagely bombed and strafed.

               Word comes that a cease fire will occur at 2200 hours, 28
          February 1991 - our time. we have almost pushed the Iraqis into
          the sea. f,ead elements of lst Infantry Division supported by my
          sappers are north of Quwait City, just a few miles from the Gulf.
          Marines, Arabs, and British forces are in Quwait City. Further
          north is the XVIII Airborne Corps. There is an all out push by
          allied forces to do as much damage as possible before the cease
          fire. We want to completely destroy his Army.







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