ANTHOLOGY AND ANNOrATED BIBLIOGRAPHY                                        169

   The success of the infiltration mission by Task Force Taro and Task Force
Grizzly, on the division's right and left flanks, respectively, had significant
impact. We penetrated the Iraqi defenses, surprised the enemy forces, operated
behind enemy lines to distract the enemy's attention from the main assault, and
secured the flanks from anticipated Iraqi armor/mech counterattacks.       The
confidence and morale of the main assault forces were enhanced significantly
with the knowledge that the attack had been successfully initiated and was
proceeding as planned.
   Thereafter, the main assault task forces executed the primary breach on the
Iraqi first defensive barrier.  We had anticipated that the Iraqis would defend
relatively lightly at the first barrier, but would defend in strength at the second
barrier. Consequently, we deduced that once we had penetrated the first barrier
and were consolidating to attack the second barrier, the division's advance would
be vulnerable to Iraqi artillery fire and armor/mech counterattacks.  The ene-
my's numerical superiority in armor and artillery assets rendered it imperative
that the attack proceed with utmost speed between the two barriers.  The rapid
and continuous attack was dependent upon Marine close air support to neutralize
Iraqi massed armor counterattacks and supporting arms fires.
   Unfortunately, the prevailing northeasterly thunderstorm winds and the
massive smoke clouds from the approximately 600 oil wells that had been
exploded and ignited by the Iraqis reduced ground visibility to about 100 meters
and neutralized the crucial Marine air support.  As if by divine intervention,
however, approximately one hour prior to the required decision time for the
execution or delay of the attack on the second barrier, the winds shifted from
the south and clouds disappeared and the skies cleared.  The attack continued as
planned.   The second barrier was assaulted and secured.
   On 25 February, Task Force Taro conducted the only Marine helicopterborne
assault of the war. Assaulting into the flaming inferno of the Burgan oilfields,
Task Force Taro elements expanded the security and screen of the division's
right flank.   Then on 26 February, the task force executed an all-night
movement to attack positions south of Kuwait International Airport.  At sunrise
on 27 February, in trace of the 1st LAl Battalion, Task Force Taro secured the
airport and the Marine Corps' final objective of the war.     A cease-fire was
proclaimed on 28 February and negotiations were initiated for Iraqi compliance
with the United Nations resolutions as a prelude to peace.
   This article has focused almost entirely on the Hawaii Marines, Task Force
Taro.   The victory on the Arabian Peninsula was achieved by the contributions
of all our Nation's Military Services as well as the Arab and multinational
forces.    It was a joint and combined effort.    We are appreciative of the
contributions of all concerned and proud to have played our small part in the
ultimate outcome.