AAR 1ST MARDIV IN SWA

File: 970725_dec96_decls34_0067.txt
Page: 0067
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-.



                               ANECDOTE FROM KUWAIT CITY OBSERVATIONS

                 Initial impression of the city was quite shocking. of course, we
               had all heard the news reports of the intense looting. and
               destruction however, it hit closer to home actually seeinq the
               devastation instilled by the six month long occupation by the Iraqi
               military.  The once beautiful buildings and monuments were stripped
               and either severely damaged or completely destroyed.     Beache!s were
               torn up by extensive trenching and. continuous layers of anti-
               personnel mines which obviously ta@ke some t-ime to restore back to.
               their original state.
                 My first encounters  with some of the Kuwaiti people proved to
               change the lifeless and deserted city into a city of new hope and
               prospects of a new beginning.    Children carrying bags of candy were
               running through the city throwing candy and occasional kisses to any
               xervice member walking by.    Their mothers were standing behind them
               smiling and speaking words of thanks and gratitude.      It seemed to
               make the prior six months well worth the sweatinc and some of the
               frustrations we had all experienced.
                The overall setting was similar to    the 4th of July with all the
               small arms fire into the air and tKe   intense happiness and pride in
               their national colors.   Sumoer to bumper cars on the roadways were
               continuously honking horns and shouting phrases like OWe love you
               President Bush'  and OGod bless the U.S." towards the servicemen on
               the sidewalks.   The exuberant and estatic people seemed to override
               the depressions  of their now severely war-torn city.     Within the
               first few days,  people were already observed picking up trash off
               the streets and  clearing the many obstructions on the road,4avs.
               Again, obviously as a direct result of their happiness and D,r4-de @-r.
               not only their country, but the coalition nations.      The cratitud@-
               towards the servicemen was immeasurable and will never be forootten
               by the Marines and Soldiers who were able to meet with the
               previously exiled Kuwaiti's.    They will never by forgotten.

                         Submitted by Cp2 J. J. Gerber, PO 3dMAR Reit S-2




















                                   UNCLASSIFIED