INVESTIGATION OF THE CIRCUMSTANCES SURROUNDING THE COMBAT DAMAGE

File: 980717_aug97_decls4_0003.txt
Page: 0003
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      



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

     AETV-TF-ADC-S
     SUBJECT:   Investigation Of the Circumstances Surrounding the Combat
     D.wage to Alpha Troop 4-7 CAV


     main gun, missiles and machine guns were being fired by both sides;
     and dismounted Iraqi infantry was everywhere.
     3.  On 9 and 11 March a meeting was held with    the AMC Battle Damage
     Assessment Team.   On 12 March I inspected each vehicle accompanied
     by                        Division Surgeon,              43 Ord Det
     (EOD) and                 Division Chemical.   We took readings of  the
    -entrance and exit holes   with a AN/VDR-2. The AN/VDR-2 measures
     micro centigrays per hour. The conversion is I micro centigray
     equals I(IO      centigray.

     4. Based on this inspection and the interviews (see sketch), I
     have determined that:

         a.   A-24 was on the left flank and was the first track hit.
     A-24 was forward of the line 500 meters ahead of the rest of the
     platoon. He moved west to rejoin the line and was hit as he
     turned back to orient northeast. The round entered in the left
     front center of the turret section and exited the right rear
     center. The Alpha readings on the entry area were 1.24 micro
     cen'@igrays and 18.9 micro centigrays at the exit area.     Track  was
     hit with a 120mm M29Al SABOT round.

         b.   A-36 was oriented to the east and was the second track hit
     (by other than small arms fire). It was hit at the left front
     turret by a chemical energy round, probably a SAGGER, which exited
     the left center top of the turret.    Alpha zeadings were negative.

         c.   A-31 was the third track hit.   It was hit while moving east
     to west.   The track was hit with two rounds which entered the right
     front under the turret and exited the left front under the turret.
     The entry area had a reading of 2.8 micro centigrays, the exit area
     hacl a reading of 4.0 micro centigrays and a fragment had a reading
     of 6.8 micro centigrays. Track was hit by 120mm M29Al SABOT rounds.

         d.   A-22 was the last track hit.   It was oriented east.    The
     round entered the left rear turret and exited the right front
     turret. The entry area had a reading of 6.2 micro centigrays and
     17.9 micro centigrays for the exit area.     Track was hit by 120mm
     M29Al SABOT round.

     5. Conclusion:

         a.   A-24 was hit by a 120mm M29AI SABOT round that was probably
     fired by 4/34 Armor.

         b. A-31 and A-22 were hit by 120mm M29AI SABOT rounds that
     were fired by 4/34 Armor or 2nd ACR.

         C.   A-36 was hit by a chemical energy round, probably a SAGGER.

                             .EnR nP'F'TrLA6 WGE-
                                        3              5 U.S.C. 552 (b)(6)