58                                  U.S. MARINES IN THE PERSIAN GULF, 1990-1991


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                                        Depanment of Defense Photo (USMc) 0338 6 91
Company C, 2d Light Armored 1nfi~ntry Battalion, pauses during its mo'emern into
Kuwait, 25 February 1991.

about 1830, as it was wont to do every day at about that time." This left the
column navigating by the less accurate means of a lensatic compass, and in the
darkness the Marines drifted to the west. Not long after, Colonel McFlraft
realized that they had entered the minefield reported earlier, and that there were
not only mines present but unexploded cluster-bombs as well. Fortunately,
Master Gunnery Sergeant Terry L. Dale, the Headquarters Battalion sergeant
major, had placed a box of chemical light sticks in the back of the colonel's
HMMWV before they had left, on the chance that they might be of use. These
  chem-lights" were used to mark the way for the following vehicles, as Colonel
McElraft and Master Gunnery Sergeant Dale carefully explored the way ahead
and removed dud cluster-bombs by hand. In this way, the column snaked its
way through the minefield, and late in the evening General Boomer arrived at
the division's forward CP.~~
      As on the previous day, the number of EPWs gathered became a pressing
difficulty. By this time the two EPW. camps had been established, but they were
soon filled with Iraqis who were hungry and thirsty, and many of whom
required medical treatment. They also needed to be transported from the battle
area, but their movement would require large numbers of vehicles and would


    ~avigation across the flat, featureless desert terrain, in extreme darkness and without the
support of electronic aids was a problem faced by many of the division's commanders on this
night.  However, there were some methods to assist the assault battalions in their forward
movements. For instance, Battery D, 2d Battalion, 10th Marines, commanded by Captain Robert
F. Kiuba, Jr., fired illumination rounds set to burn on the desert floor.  These beacons helped
to guide both the 1st Battalion, 6th Marines, and the 2d Battalion, 2d Marines. (Summary of
Action for the Recommendation for the Award of the Bronze Star medal to Captain Robert F.
Kluba, Jr.)