AAR 1ST MARDIV IN SWA

File: 970725_dec96_decls34_0032.txt
Page: 0032
Total Pages: 130
Subject = AAR  1ST MARDIV IN SWA                                          

Parent Organization = MCCDC       

Unit = WDID        

Folder Title = AFTER ACTION REPORT 1ST MARINE DIVISION IN SOUTHWEST ASIA   WDID SWA 0073                       

Document Number =          1

Box ID = BX600145



                                      UNCLASSIFIED








            - 14Z5, 3/9 moved up to its attacks, position for the 2d obstacle belt amid
              sporadic artillery and mortar shell-Fire.
            - 1500, 1/11 and TF SIMM mortars initiate planned neutralization fires on
              2d obstacle belt.
            - 15'-O, Z,/9 began breach of 2d obstacle belt OS 890860.       Same type of
              obstacles. Red lanes line charge didn't detonate.
            - 1600, Only one lane was open and operational, the other being fouled by
              disabled mine-roller tant,; worp, was underway on a bac@,-up lane.
            - 1610, 3/9 engaged 5 T-55 tanks on-north side of --d breach, killing two.
              3/9 engaged enemy with Cobra's, tank main guns, artillery (1/11) and
              SIMM mortars, as well as integral infantry direct +ire weapons.
            - 1615, Z:/9 incurred 10 casualties -from enemy mortar fire during the
              brl-achhead expans2or..
            - 1615, Enemy forces -Facing TF at @-d obstacle belt identified as 22d
              Brigade, 5th Mechanized Division.       IstfTanks passed through the only
              operational lane and enaaged enemy bur@kers and trenchworks.
            - TOW Co, Ist Tanl,s accounted +or 6 T-55/6@- @@ills an the north side of
              the 2d obstacle belt.
            - 16:@C), I Co ':;/c?, attached to Is@ Tanls became inltdated with literally
              hundreds of EP'V.1's
                     1/1 Moved thlo,tah brcacri in --(j belt.  During breachhead exi3.insiort
              1/1 accounted +or :; tanks, 7 AF'C's and many enemy @,IA.
              D Co 1/1, tasl:ed to assis@ Ist TRnt.s with EFW handling.
              TF "A" Command *allowed 1/1 through breach and established CP (vic QS
              27-.896) .
                    TF "P" Comirar.@@ er.oved through breach. Received fire -From T-'@'@ tan@
              enrc@L,tL- tc TF CF'.
              1750, breachhecid line was est 3500 ri x 5000 m.
                    TF Xrav helicopters observed in area and departed without
              I ancii ng.
              21@)(1, Consolldztior. of De4ensc- F'osit2ons.  Approx 1700 EF'W's escorted
              to collection point.
              2Z7-0, TF received new mission, would not move till l(loo on (3+1 (25 Feb)
              S-4 brought re-Fuelers -Forward and refueled the TF.

            KING
            - 00(')I, @1/11 departed assembly area in trace of TF Ripper c:rossing
              Kuwaiti border at 0205 and arriv:ng in attack positions grid OS 676e at
              C)7@Z7.1: mission DS TF Ripper.
            - 0355, 5/11 mission changed to general support reinforcing (GSR) 3/11.
              5/11 lS5mm Batteries answer calls -For -Fire -For 3/11 "sister" batteries.
            - 05C)7, 3/11 in trace of TF Ripper, crossed LOD.
            - 05C)7, TF Ripper crossed line of departure enroute to Ist obstacle belt
              with 7@/11 in trace.
            - 06c@9, CFL "Z in effect.
            - 0804. @'N/11 becan moving through Ist obstacle belt breach.
            - 08:@(), 5/11 Recon, Survey and advance parties displaced through TF
              Griz=ly breach site.
            - 091)t), Z@/12 began displacement by echelon displacing I ZS/14 through
              breach in order to provide continuous direct support to TF Grizzly.
              1 :;/14 occupied 4iring position grid DS 710840, 4irecap ready at
              110(l.                         UNCLASSIFIED
                                                     /y