7TH ENGR BDE COMMANDER REPT VOL 18A

File: 970815_sep96_decls58_0040.txt
Page: 0040
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







              There are sporadic incidents after the cease fire but
          generally all is quiet. Burning Iraqi vehicles liter the area.
          Although ever vigilant, soldiers have opportunity to rest for the
          first time in several days. My men sleep when ever they can.
          There is little energy to remove equipment.

               The Commanding General calls a commanders meeting at the
          Corps TAC. Although commanders are clearly tired and show the
          strain and fatigue of battle there is great excitement. We have
          covered hundreds of miles in record time, fought tough battles
          and defeated the Iraqi Army. one hundred hours to do what some
          thought might take two to three weeks. It is almost
          unbeli4V@ible. There are congratulations all around. The
          Commanding General briefly discusses the situation, our mission,
          rules of engagement, and then warmly and with great feeling
          shakes each of our hands. It is truly a historic occasion and I
          am honored to be standing with these great men on a sandy, windy
          hilltop in Iraq.

               In my heart there is immense pride. Engineers have
          performed brilliantly and with honor, courage, and valor on the
          field of battle. I have lost some engineers. Casualties are
          inevitable. As I walked back to my vehicle, blowing sand stings
          my face. There is the smell of burning oil and rubber in the
          air. I also notice traces of the sweet smell of death -
          something no soldier ever forqets. In the distance there are
          muffled rumbles as burning vehicles explode. I think of all the
          decisions I have made over the past months. It seems like I have
          been in this miserable desert forever. Eight thousand five
          hundred engineers went into combat. I have lost only a very few.
          There is an urge to drop to my knees and thank God. I am very
          tired. Returning to my bivouac site I find solace in the
          security of my sleep bag and fall into a deep sleep.

               We learn that our bivouac area is littered with unexploded
          friendly bomblets from both Air Force and artillery munitions.
          They are seen sticking in the sand. Deadly devi  'ces that kill, at
          the very best, good for blowing off legs and arms. We cautiously
          mark them and arrange to blow them in place. It appears there
          are thousands of these devices scattered throughout the battle
          area. Reports come in of vehicles having wheels or radiators
          blown off. Worse reports detail soldiers killed or wounded by
          these deadly devices. We clear the area around our bivouac using
          C4 explosives, safely detonating each of the small bombs.





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