INVESTIGATION OF THE CIRCUMSTANCES SURROUNDING THE COMBAT DAMAGE

File: 980717_aug97_decls4_0006.txt
Page: 0006
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)


                                             BmPs and Infantry. We were
         engaged by and were engaging Tanks,
         firing TOW missiles, 25mm and Coax from those vehicles. Oriented
         to the east and the southeast and I believe one to the northeast.
         We looked at the Iraqi defensive positions the next day and they
         had a good cross fire set up. One Bradley was obviously hit with
         small arms fire, possibly a 17.5 or a SMP round that entered the
         front slope and busted up the transmission. Another Bradley came
         forward to evacuate the casualties and was hit with what the Tank
         Commander thought was a SAGGER missile. The Bradley Commander was
                    but I can't remember the bumper number. There is a lot
        lpyeiiow marking where the round entered which would indicate that
         it was an HE round. Those soldiers were evacuated to the Platoon
         Leaders' Bradley and as he was moving back to get out of fire he
         took two, what appeared to be, SABOT rounds that appeared to come
         from the east-southeast. I don't believe that either of those
         Bradleys were hit by 4/34 Armor. The way they were oriented end
         the way the rounds hit I don't think that the rounds could have
         come from 4/34 Armor. Sir, I don't know if the rounds could have
         come from 2d ACR. I think they were well tied In on our flank and
         I don't believe that they had any elements forward to have been
         shooting back at the angle that those rounds hit. The last Bradley
         took what appeared to be HE rounds on the left side of the vehicle
         just below the turret behind the driver. Two rounds, sir. I don-t
         know where those rounds came from. I believe the crew would know
         that. Those holes did not appear consistent to be SABOT rounds.
         There is some melting around where they went in. I don't believe
         that those three Bradleys were hit by 4/34 Armor. I don't think
         they were hit by 2d ACR but they could have been yes, sir. On two
         of the Bradleys there was a lot of molten metal that had been
         literally melted around then and scarring from what looked like a
         heat round. Some were clearly hit with SABOT rounds with clean
         holes In and out. Sir, it was between 1630 and 1700, the sun was
         going down, it was dusk, starting to get dark, visibility was not
         good, 300 to 1000 meters. We were firing TOW missiles at about 500
         meters and taking enemy tank fire at 500 meters and less. We were
         mainly using thermal sights, sir. Day sights were just not picking
         up well.

                                                     Headquarters and
         Headquarters Troop, 4th Battalion, 7th Cavalry was present during
         the questioning of                           and had nothing
         further to add.
         @@uestioned                                                    A
         Troop, 4th Battalion, 7th Cavalry and he 6idi-fhe
         following statement in substance:

                    Tell me what happened from your perspective.

                     We got in to a fire fight with 6 T-72s and numerous
         M"   Me PU7410 grid. A-24 was first track hit. The medics

                                CnO nC'@T@Tnl
        5 U.S.C. 552 (b)(6)
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