AAR 1ST MARDIV IN SWA

File: 970725_dec96_decls34_0105.txt
Page: 0105
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




            "B" Command Group turned control of the lanes over to the TF
            S-4 and by 1205 had rejoined the "All Command Group.

                 The TF Log Trains were initially established on the south
            side of the breach, awaiting notification that enemy resistance
            had been sufficiently suppressed to allow passage north. The
            RAS was established on the south side to handle any casualties
            incurred during the breach. At 1200, the completed flow of
            combat units through the breach allowed for the displacement of
            the Log Trains. By 1400, the Log Train:; were deployed on the
            north side of the breach and control of the lanes was turned
            over to Ist Division MPS.

                 At 1435, 3/9 began moving up to its attack position while
            receiving sporadic shell fire in its zone. The battle in TF
            Ripper's zone, north of the second obstacle belt, spread into
            Task Force Papa Bear's on order zone, causing a delay in 3/9's
            breaching efforts. By 1500, 1/11 had displaced forward and the
            Task Force Slmr. mortars were positioned. The planned
            neutralization fires on the defensive positions were executed.

                 Division's intent was for the Task Force to quickly clear
            the second belt and establish a breachhead in order to land TF
            X-Ray (1/3) inside the Task Force zone prior to darkness. By
            1520, 3/9 had passed through Ist Tanks' zone and began its
            breach of the second obstacle belt (vic QS 890860).    OCD's
            launched their line charges across the minefield to establish
            two lanes; however, one lane's line charges did not detonate,
            requiring an alternate lane to be established. By 1600, only
            one lane was open; the other lane turned sour due to an M-60
            roller tank disabled by an AT mine. 3/9 commenced work on yet
            another alternate lane. A division of Cobras reported in to
            the Task Force and were initially used by 3/9. 3/9 passed
            through the breach and immediately engaged (5) T-55 tanks
            retreating to the northwest, killing two of them. Continuing
            its assault against Iraqi defenses, 3/9 incurred 10 casualties
            from enemy mortar fire. All casualties were evacuated by AAV
            to 3/9 BAS. Traffic moving north through the'lane was stopped
            in order to allow the nedevac AAV to pass south. 3/9 continued
            its assault, clearing tre'nches defended by the 22nd Brigade,
            5th Mechinized Division, and destroying a 73mm recoilless
            rifle, an AT-3 with ammo, and (3) 82mm mortars tubes with ammo.

                 Cobras continued working the area between Al Burgan and
            the second belt. Tank main guns, artillery from 1/11, TOWs and
            81mm mortars were all'firing on enemy positions.

                 Despite only one lane being cleared, lst Tanks passed
            through the breach at 1615 and began engaging reveted tanks and
            infantry in bunkers. TOW Co moved to the right flank and
            engaged troops in bunkers and trenches with M-19s and small
            arms. As TOWs came into position, they engaged and destroyed
            (6) T-55/62s. I Co, 3/9 (attached to ist Tank Bn) moved into
            its battle position and immediately became encumbered with EPWs
            who surrendered by the hundreds. Ist Tanks repositioned its
            units to shape,its defense by moving TOWs back and -P-xtending
            their fr=tage -to'.f=n a:screen line. In doing so, TOWs
            encolmtered a T-55 which was ivmediqtely destroyed.            51
                                 [INCLASSIFIED