8TH TANK BN COMMAND CHRONOLOGY NOV 90 TO MAR 91 12 APR 91

File: 970107_aug96_decls2_0046.txt
Page: 0046
Total Pages: 60

Subject: 8TH TANK BN  COMMAND CHRONOLOGY NOV 90 TO MAR 91  12 APR 91     

Unit: 8TH TANK BN 

Parent Organization: 2 MARDIV    

Box  ID: BX600007

Folder Title: COMMAND CHRONOLOGY 8TH TANK BN 26 NOV - 31 MARCH 1991                                           

Document Number:          1

Folder Seq  #:          5




                                                  UNCLASSIFIED


                       On 16 February 1991, B Company personnel were instructed to place       their
                    valuables in the upper right leg pocket of their NOMEX. We also
                    re-boresighted. The bombings now are very loud, close and constant,

                       On 21 February 1991, we began taking nerve agent pills and anthrax
                    pills.

                       On 22 February 1991, we received our first actual combat operations
                    order, witnessed by our Battalion XO, LtCol MORGA. All came away knowing
                    their mission. A nervous excitement swept over the company. The bombings
                    are now more severe to our northeast and north. B-52's, artillery, MRLS,
                    fixed wing and battleships are all pounding their targets. A sound we
                    have come to love. We will move through lame Red 1.

                       On 24 February 1991 at 0500, we left our assembly area. At 0523, our
                    lead element entered Kuwait. It was a cool, windy day with light rain.
                    We stayed in the breach longer than desired, and received incoming
                    artillery. Upon moving through the breach, several EPW's were found.
                    They seemed glad to see us. Two B Company Marines tossed hand grenades
                    into a Chinese T-691I to neutralize it. Later, B Company suppressed a
                    trench line resulting in the capture of 3 EPW'S. One a LtCol, an apparent
                    Brigade Commander. The company occupied its assigned battle positions,
                    which was surrounded by several bunkers, containing many weapons.
                    Thousands of EPW's were encountered.


                       At 1915 hours, after setting up a defensive perimeter, we witnessed
                    the explosion of a HUMMWV in the minefield. Our Corpsman, HM3 CLAYTON and
                    and Bridge Crew Sgtls WALLACE and YOUNG, went into the minefield to render
                    aid. The damaged vehicle contained 3 U.S. Army soldiers. One died and
                    two survived. A sobering experience.

                       On 25 February 1991 (AA grid 565105), we moved northwest as Regimental
                    Reserve, an armored counter punch to meet an expected armored force
                    dug-in. Destroyed T-55's and T-62II's were encountered everywhere. More
                    EPW'S, burning hulks and carnage. The day became very dark. At 1400,
                    there was little sunlight. By 1800, one could literally not see a hand
                    six inches from a face. Night vision goggles were ineffective due to the
                   .smoke. The might was spent in a Battalion coil, crewman in their seats.
                       On'26 February 1991, 0500 Reveille (Red Con 1). Extreme darkness
                    caused by cloud cover, burning oil fields and several burning hulks.
                    More EPW'S. Eventually, we moved to the outskirts of Al-Sahra. Our
                    position skirted Kuwait City dump and contained several bunkers and hulks.
                    There was much concern about the bunkers and tanks being booby trapped.
                    We found what appeared to be an Iraqi torture chamber in the landfill
                    site. The war was essentially over with. Bunkers were being checked        out,
                    but with no resistance.


                       On 28 February 1991,  we were told to be prepared to move to Al-Jahara
                    to engage some BMP's and T-72's. The crews were excited, but the mission'
                    was concealed. At 1800, Sgt BOMBARD and crew come to our position after
                    having been lost for five days. They were left by the engineers in the
                    breach lane. They had performed superbly.

1991



                                                       45
                                                 UNCLASSIFIED

Document 60 f:/Week-34/BX600007/COMMAND CHRONOLOGY 8TH TANK BN 26 NOV - 31 MARCH 1991/8th tank bn command chronology nov 90 to mar 91:01029709504317
Control Fields 17
File Room = aug96_declassified
File Cabinet = Week-34
Box ID = BX600007
Unit = 8TH TANK BN
Parent Organization = 2 MARDIV
Folder Title = COMMAND CHRONOLOGY 8TH TANK BN 26 NOV - 31 MARCH 1991
Folder Seq # = 5
Subject = 8TH TANK BN COMMAND CHRONOLOGY NOV 90 TO MAR 91
Document Seq # = 1
Document Date =
Scan Date =
Queued for Declassification = 01-JAN-1980
Short Term Referral = 01-JAN-1980
Long Term Referral = 01-JAN-1980
Permanent Referral = 01-JAN-1980
Non-Health Related Document = 01-JAN-1980
Declassified = 02-JAN-1997