of several highly professional Marines, of all grades. Each has contributed advice or knowledge to the completion of this work. All have unhesitatingly given that most precious commodity, their time, to ensure that what is written here is accurate.

I most especially thank Brigadier General Edwin H. Simmons, the Director of Marine Corps History and Museums, for having had the confidence to assign me to this most rewarding task. I also received great encouragement from the Deputy Director, Colonel Daniel M. Smith, and excellent advice from the Chief Historian, Mr. Benis M. Frank. Special Assistant Captain Roberta E. Breden most skillfully guided me through the intricacies of word processing and computer systems. While in the Kuwaiti Theater of Qperations and also back in the United States, I have been able to rely on my fellow Marine historians. Colonel Charles J. Quilter I! met me at Al Jubayl, briefed me on the tactical situation and the work of the historical section, and ensured that I went forward to the 2d Marine Division without delay. His visits and telephone calls were always encouraging. I owe special thanks to Lieutenant Colonel Charles H. Cureton, who recommended me for the billet of the division's historian. His ideas on the structure of a division historical program were professional and comprehensive. Lieutenant Colonel Ronald J. Brown read the initial draft of this history; his comments and criticisms were appropriate and helped to keep the narrative clear.

At the 2d Marine Division, there have been numerous officers and enlisted Marines who assisted with my work. My thanks and respect are given to each of the regimental, brigade, and battalion commanders and the members of the division general and special staffs. Each bore a heavy responsibility and each has been gracious in answering my many questions. First among these was the commanding general of the division, Major General William M. Keys; both before and after the ground campaign he found time in a busy schedule to answer my questions or to be interviewed for the record. The division's chief of staff, Colonel James K. Van Riper, ensured that I had access to appropriate meetings and briefings. Colonel Ronald (3. Richard, the assistant chief of staff, G-3, kept me provided with all I required to complete my work. My comrades in the Breach Control Group, and most especially Lieutenant Colonel Howard P. Shores II, Lieutenant Colonel John Kiser, and Captain James T. Van Emburgh, all demonstrated those qualities expected from Marine officers: aggressiveness, intelligence, and endurance. It was an honor to be a part of the team. On the division (3-3 staff, Lieutenant Colonel Ottavio J. Milano, Lieutenant Colonel James R. Battaglini, and Lieutenant Colonel John Lynn spent many hours with me, going over the course of the campaign and the most important decisions. Captain Steven G. Ackerman and Captain W. James Kimberly both ensured that the documentary evidence of the division's actions was properly retained. In the 2d Marine Division Combat Camera Team, Master Sergeant Herbert Gray, Gunnery Sergeant Kelly P. Turner, Gunnery Sergeant Charles Archuleta, Staff Sergeant Jack R. Ruark, Staff Sergeant Michael Masters, Sergeant James L. Roberts, Corporal Clark J. Schindler,

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