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.