INVESTIGATION OF THE CIRCUMSTANCES SURROUNDING THE COMBAT DAMAGE

File: 980717_aug97_decls4_0001.txt
Page: 0001
Total Pages: 10
Subject = INVESTIGATION OF THE CIRCUMSTANCES SURROUNDING THE COMBAT DAMAGE

Box ID = BX002451

Folder title = INFORMAL INVES OF NIGHT ATTACK CONDUCTED BY 2D BDE 26-27 FEB 91                                 

Unit = TRADOC      

Parent = TRADOC      





                                DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY
                          Headquarters, 3d Arnored Division
                                APO New York 09760-1 000


       AETV-TF-ADC-S                                      14 March 1991


       MEMORANDUM FOR COMMANDING GENERAL

       SUBJECT: Investigation of the Circumstances Surrounding the Combat
       Damage to Alpha Troop 4-7 CAV


       1   Purpose.   The  purpose of  this informal investigation is to
       determine the sequence of events and circumstances of the 4-7
       Cavalry Squadron combat action between 1500-1730, 26 march in         the
       vicinity of PU 747 100. This investigation specifically looked
       into the possibility of fratricide during this action.
       2. Discussion.                                    5 U.S.C. 552 (b)(6)
           a. Overview

           (1) At the time, the 3rd Armored Division was continuing the
       attack to the east with the lst Bde on the right (south), the 2nd
       Bde on the left (north), and the 3rd Bde following.        The 4-7 CAV
       was screening the Division right flank.      The 2nd ACR was on the
       Division's right (south) flank.     Three contact points had been set
       up on the right flank, 01 at PU4010, 02 at PU5010 and D3 at PU6010.
       The 10 eas@@-west grid line formed the boundary between the 3rd AD
       and the 2nd ACR.    This had been adjusted up from the 07 east-west
       gr            the vicinity of 01 (PU4010).     The lst Sde, according
       to*"Wthe commander and                          (ADC-M) had been charged
       to coordinate the boundary with the 2nd ACR.       Additionally, the 4-7
       rav ni@n mode contact at Dl, D2, and 03.      According ton            and
                   (4-7 CAV Commander   ' the 1 st 8de zone was from the TO to
       the 17 e-a-s-t-west grid lines.              asked for a 3 km zone on
                            10 to the
       the south from the              13 ea  st_ wes@ grid lines.
       said he could not accommodate a 3 km zone but would give the 4
                                                                             -7
       CAV a one km zone on the south from the 10 to the 11 east-west grid
       line.  The lst Bde was moving in a wedge formation with 4-34 Armor
       on thc- right (south).   The 4-7 CAV was on line with the lead
       elements (center) of the lst Bde, which put them ahead of the 4-34
       Armor.

           (2)  At the time of the contact, the 4-7 CAV according to
              the Alpha Troop Commander, was still across the 12 east-west
      ""n the north and on the 10 east-west grid on the south and
       attempting to compress between the 10 and 11 east-west grid line

                                               WGF! 8?2@!10



                                         5 U.S.C. 552 (b)(6)