197TH INF BDE MECH ODS SUMMARY OF OPNS 17 JAN 10 MAR 91

File: 971203_aug97_sagwi1_0003.txt
Page: 0003
Total Pages: 20

Subject = 197TH INF BDE MECH ODS SUMMARY OF OPNS 17 JAN 10 MAR 91

Box ID = BX007009

Folder Title = REQUEST FOR DECLASS AND UPLOADING OF DOCUMENTS 11 JUL 97

Unit = OSAGWI

Parent Org = USAGWD

DF-PARTMENT OF THV ARMY
HFAOQUAJITUS IJM INFANTRY DRIO.SME (MISCHA141ZIED)(SePAFtATZ)
rORTaE4XIN43,GZORCIIA 3IM-SM

WtT v

24 April 1001

MEMORA21DUM'FOR Members at the Sledgehammer Brigade

SUBJECT:. Chronology of the 197th Infantry Brigade (M) (S)
Participation in the Gulf War

1. During the period 24 February through 10 March 1991, the
197th Infantry Brigade (Mechanized) ' (Separate) participated in
ground operations in the country of Iraq du3@ine the Gulf, War
while attached to the 24th Infantry Division (Mechanized)
Ground operations in-the country of Iraq actually began on
21 February 1991 when-units of the brigade commenced croag
border, c!ounter-7@econnaissance operations. Ground operations
terminated when the brigade moved south and closed into an
assembly area in the,kingdom ot.Saudi Arabia in preparation for
sea and aeria.1 redeployment to the United States.
2. The Contends of this booklet have' been prepared for- your use
and as a memento for your part in OPERATION DESERT STORM. Each
of you were.key to the success of the Brigade and each of you
should be Justifiably proud of our accomplishments. - We attacked
362 kilOMeterE in three days cutting off the Ira i Army's
ability to retreat from Kuwe:it and Southeast Iraq. ThL&
occupation of the Eupbraiea River Valley by the Brigade and the
24th Infantry Division also denied Saddiim Huagien the ability to
reinforce his army.'in'the Xuwaiti Theater- of Op4E7rations.. We
played an extremely 'important role in the defeat of the Iraqi
Army.
3. Please accept my sincere appreciation and gratitude for your
extraordinary accomplishments. . W4@ slept in holes in the ground,
moved hard and fast and secured our objectives in a much quicker
time than anyone expected. You accomplished all that I asked of
you and more, and you'did it safely and with minimal casualties.
Each at you played an important role in aca43mplishing,the
Brigade's various mia'ions and each of you shared in the
hardships. Be proud of your accomp@,ishnients; you are truly
ofessionals. Thanks :for a Job well done in the normal
-LEDGEHAMMER manner.
OD@ORE W@R@4r,@l
COL, IN
commanding