AWARD RECOMMENDATONS

File: 970327_dec96_decls22_0009.txt
Page: 0009
Total Pages: 27

Subject = AWARD RECOMMENDATONS                                            

Folder Title = AWARD RECOMMENDATIONS                                                                           

Parent Organization = 1 MEF       

Unit  = 2ND MARDIV  

Box ID = BX600094

File Cabinet = Week-51 

File Room = dec96_classified    




                                 UNCLASSIFIED





                                PROPOSED SUMMARY OF ACTION


               For    conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action in
           connection with offensive operations against the enemy during
           OPERATION DESERT STORM in Kuwait from 24 to 27 February 1991.
           Captain Gauthier, serving as Commanding Officer, Company B, let
           Battalion,   6th Marines, performed valiantly in the face of the
           enemy.
               The battalion was operating on a 1500 meter frontage and
           responsible for two breach lanes,     Red I and Red 2, on the left
           flank of the 6th Marine regiment. The success of the battalion's
           mission was crucial to enable remaining elements of the 2d Marine
           Division to negotiate the obstacle belt and continue operations
           against Iraqi forces in zone. Captain Gauthier as one of the lead
           company commanders was tasked with clearing Red I throughout the
           entire obstacle belt.
               Captain Gauthier, at 0430 on 24 February 1991, led his company
           forward from its attack position within 200 meters of several
           burning and potentially explosive high pressure oil heads, through
           two minefields, across several Iraqi company positions while facing
           an open flank and other obstacles in the form of above ground crude
           oil   pipelines. Captain Gauthier moved intrepidly with total
           disregard to the fact that he must travel through an enemy
           firesack which existed between the two minefields while fully
           expecting to be attacked with chemical munitions.
               Captain Gauthier skillfully moved his mechanized company,
           reinforced with a tank and engineer platoon, to the first minefield
           under the most adverse weather conditions - - almost total darkness
           and heavy rainfall. Positioning himself well forward to control
           the efforts of his breach force, Captain Gauthier directed his men,
           rapidly breached the first minefield and moved forward. Soon after
           the first breach was made,          'h=M4 @ I@ 4 @. . . . . .A-@@nat-AA h
                   Ch                            breach with nerve and blister
           a  line    rie,.  """Lng,_in the
         ..iLen ts.  6n au nted and not losing any momentum, Captain Gauthier
           quickly Aj@antnA hj-" man to don cas masks and chemical Drotective
           alnvp-@ anA "n@nr-pAd nnrt-h-" His courageous actions inspired his
           man.
               Between the two minefields, Captain Gauthier, while exposed to
           repeated direct and indirect fire,       skillfully moved about the
           battlefield providing direction and inspiration to his Marines. He
           continually   remained well forward      enabling him to directly
           influence action at the second breach site.
              Upon entering the second minefield, Captain Gauthier's own
           command tractor was immobilized from the blast of two enemy mines.
           Captain Gauthier unhesitatingly unloaded his command group and
           continued to lead the final assault on a numerically superior Iraqi
           company position on Zoot through the breach with numerous exposed
           mines in the spoil. His quick and unrelenting actions allowed let
           Battalion, 6th Marines to secure the left flank of the regiment and
           to continue their northward drive. Using speed and ferocity
           Captain Gauthier continued the attack to keep the enemy off
           balance,   a condition from which the enemy never recovered. His

                                             1


                                        UNCLASSIFIED

Document 27 f:/Week-51/BX600094/AWARD RECOMMENDATIONS/award recommendatons:03249710492223
Control Fields 17
File Room = dec96_declassified
File Cabinet = Week-51
Box ID = BX600094
Unit = 2ND MARDIV
Parent Organization = 1 MEF
Folder Title = AWARD RECOMMENDATIONS
Folder Seq # = 240
Subject = AWARD RECOMMENDATONS
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 = 24-MAR-1997