W~H THE 2D MARiNE DIVISION IN DESERT SHIELD AND DESERT STORM 61 to determine the 1st Marine Division's position and its plan for the day. At first light, it was reported at Phase Line Red, while the 2d Marine Division was 10 kilometers north. But when the 1St Marine Division launched its attack against Kuwait International Airport at 0600, it caught up rapidly. Coordination between the two divisions was critical as they began to draw closer. Although there was some cross-boundary fire, close coordination between the two divisions prevented any friendly casualties .~ As the 1st Marine Division began its move, the I MEF staff was eager for the 2d Marine Division to seize its objective at Al Jahrah. This was especially critical since reports in the early morning indicated that Iraqi forces were withdrawing back to Iraq. Intelligence reports and the Kuwaiti resistance told of convoys forming in Kuwait City and moving through Al Jahrah and the Mutlaa Ridge area. The I MEF staff knew that Iraqi forces were withdrawing from Kuwait.~~~ This possibility had been discussed among General Keys and some of his staff officers, including Colonel Richard and Lieutenant Colonel Ottavio J. Milano. Over the previous two days the experiences of the Iran-Iraq War were recounted. It was recognized that if pressed hard, the Iraqis would withdraw back to Iraq rather than face the loss of their Army. Such a move by the Iraqis would work well for the division. Now the Iraqis were obviously attempting to escape from a tightening noose. This meant that the division could catch them at their most vulnerable, as the Iraqis traveled in the open. Also, it meant that the division would avoid the house-toThouse fighung which might occur if the Iraq were trapped in the urban environment of Al Jahrah and Official USMC photograph At the division coni,nand post in Kuwait, LtCol James Battaglini, third from right, and other officers plan the asivance toward MEF Objective B, Al Jahrah.First Page | Prev Page | Next Page | Src Image |