OPERATIONS DESERT SHIELD 82D ENGINEER BATTALION 28 AUG 91

File: 971208_sep96_decls2_0025.txt
Page: 0025
Total Pages: 57
Subject = OPERATIONS DESERT SHIELD    82D ENGINEER BATTALION  28 AUG 91   

Box ID = BX000301

Folder Title = 82D ENG BN AFTER ACTION REVIEW COMMENTS  5 APR 91                                               

Unit = VII CORPS   

Parent Org = ARCENT      






            24 Mar 91: The Battalion again goes into an intensive maintenance
            mode in preparation of future missions. Activities also include
            preparation for redeployment to KKMC and then on to Bamberg. Today
            the Battalion begins taking malaria pills. Meanwhile A and C
            Companies, back with their respective Squadrons, assist in
            screening operations. D Company provides dozers and bucketloaders
            to A Company. A Company supervises obstacle construction at 2/2ACR
            checkpoints. Platoons also complete a zone recon to verify
            demolition target list of Iraqi equipment. A Company Support
            Platoon builds combat trails to connect troop trails to the main
            roads. SEE tractors help with drainage and sanitation missions
            throughout the 2/2ACR zone. Throughout the period below the
            Demarcation Line. C Company assists 3/2ACR in controlling refugees
            and processing and detaining EPW. In all, 250 EPW are handled. B
            and D Companies continue destruction of IZ equipment and munitions.

            25 Mar 91: SFC Walls returns from KKMC with some showers/field
            latrines, maintenance parts and heavy equipment. ILT Wither gets
            two complete sets of chemical battle dress overgarments (BDO) for
            future missions in Europe.

            27 Mar 91: Just north of the Tallil Airfield and south of the town
            of An Nasiriyab are the ruins of the ancient city of Ur. Chaplain
            Roberts, along with other chaplains from the Regiment, begin giving
            tours to soldiers.



            31 March 91: Chaplain Roberts conducts an Easter Sunrise Service
            for the Battalion. Commander holds Officers' Call.



            01 Apr 91: COL Raines visits the Battalion and is briefed on the
            current situation of the Battalion and future plans and operations.
            During COL Raines remarks, he states the Battalion 'performed
            absolutely brilliantly' during the war in support of the 2ACR. He
            also comments that he had not visited the Battalion because he knew
            that Blue Babe was running well; he had been receiving great
            reports on a regular basis from the Commander oO the 2ACR, COL
            Holder; and therefore spent his time with units who were not doing
            as well.



            02 Apr 91: At approximately 1945 hours, the Dynamite Base Camp is
            alerted by the sound of a tremendous explosion originating from
            somewhere north. The Battalion and Regimental FM nets begin
            sounding like a late night radio talk show with everyone sending
            spot reports and everyone requesting updated information. Within a
            short period of time, a new series of explosions lit up the sky
            with a fireball that is easily 800 feet high. The base camp is
            quickly transformed from a white light area to one of total light
            discipline. Soldiers scramble for available space in trenches and
            all are ordered to don flak jackets. The Battalion goes to REDCON
            1 in preparation for evacuation on defense, depending on how the
            situation develops. After the third set of explosions, information