58 U.S. MARINES IN THE PERSIAN GULF, 1990-1991 ~~~~;;~~.~~t ..~ ..................,.~~.. -. ..~ . Depanment of Defense Photo (USMc) 0338 6 91 Company C, 2d Light Armored 1nfi~ntry Battalion, pauses during its mo'emern into Kuwait, 25 February 1991. about 1830, as it was wont to do every day at about that time." This left the column navigating by the less accurate means of a lensatic compass, and in the darkness the Marines drifted to the west. Not long after, Colonel McFlraft realized that they had entered the minefield reported earlier, and that there were not only mines present but unexploded cluster-bombs as well. Fortunately, Master Gunnery Sergeant Terry L. Dale, the Headquarters Battalion sergeant major, had placed a box of chemical light sticks in the back of the colonel's HMMWV before they had left, on the chance that they might be of use. These chem-lights" were used to mark the way for the following vehicles, as Colonel McElraft and Master Gunnery Sergeant Dale carefully explored the way ahead and removed dud cluster-bombs by hand. In this way, the column snaked its way through the minefield, and late in the evening General Boomer arrived at the division's forward CP.~~ As on the previous day, the number of EPWs gathered became a pressing difficulty. By this time the two EPW. camps had been established, but they were soon filled with Iraqis who were hungry and thirsty, and many of whom required medical treatment. They also needed to be transported from the battle area, but their movement would require large numbers of vehicles and would ~avigation across the flat, featureless desert terrain, in extreme darkness and without the support of electronic aids was a problem faced by many of the division's commanders on this night. However, there were some methods to assist the assault battalions in their forward movements. For instance, Battery D, 2d Battalion, 10th Marines, commanded by Captain Robert F. Kiuba, Jr., fired illumination rounds set to burn on the desert floor. These beacons helped to guide both the 1st Battalion, 6th Marines, and the 2d Battalion, 2d Marines. (Summary of Action for the Recommendation for the Award of the Bronze Star medal to Captain Robert F. Kluba, Jr.)First Page | Prev Page | Next Page | Src Image |