AAR 1ST MARDIV IN SWA

File: 970725_dec96_decls34_0080.txt
Page: 0080
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





                     Second Battalion,            Seventh Marines, began combat operations on
                 22 Februari 19        'SI.--   The Battalion Command Post received numerous
                 adjusted morta@, "r'o'unds.            Puffs of smoke and a group of suspected
                 enemy     observers      @Aqere located four kilometers north of the                     Iraqi
                 controlled        a i      I t .    LCpl     Stephen   s ,    attached      to the       Heavy
                 Machine Suns Pi            on, was sent out to' destroy the enemy position.
                 Although       exposed@"to enemy direct fire@' itnd                 nertar@" roundst-tie
                 nevertheless         fired     for effect after only one adjustment                      round$
                 causing      one secondary explosion and ten                  enemy      casualties.          He
                 remained remarkably calm and collected during this action,                               never
                 seeking cover from enemy fire.                   His actions allowed a section of
                 heavy     machine       guns     to engage the enemy with MK-19                 and      MP--50
                 caliber rounds.
                     On    23    February 1991,          LCpl Stephens once again                engage@     the
                 enemy     from     the     vicinity of        the     Iraqi     minebelt.         Using     two
                 -adjusting rounds,          he fired for effect and caused the destruction
                 of   two mortar tubes and the elimination of four enemy personnel.
                 While     exposed       to enemy fire,          and without regard           for      his   *ten
                 safety,      LCpl     Stephens calmly called for and adjusted                       artillery
                 fire      to destroy the enemy position.                   His confidence and            valor
                 i.inder   fire were an inspiration to all present,                       and,allowed        Task
                 Force     Grizzly       to    conduct a deliberate            minefield         breach      with
                 minimum      risk and casualties.               LCpl Stephens' courage and 'skill
                 were      in keeping with the highest standards and traditions of the
                 Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.



























                                                 UNCLASSIFIED