AAR 1ST MARDIV IN SWA

File: 970725_dec96_decls34_0106.txt
Page: 0106
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





                  At 1700, I/i followed Ist Tanks through the breach, and
             moved north to expand the breachhead. Both B Co 1/1 and TOWs
             reported incoming artillery and small arms fire. TOWs      . I
             destroyed (3) tanks and (3) APCs during heavy fighting.    B Co
             1/1 called in AH-lWs, engaging and destroying (4) armored
             vehicles. A Co 1/1 moved east and engaged enemy vehicles and
             dismounted infantry. D Co 1/1 was tasked to assist lst Tan)@s
             in EPW handling. One platoon remained with ranks and escorted
             hundreds of EPWs back to the Task Force EPW collection point on
             the north side of the obstacle belt.

                  After the assault elements had moved through the lanes
             created by 3/9, Engineers moved forward and attempted to clear
             two additional lanes. One of these lanes turned sour when a
             mine plow rake attached to an M6OA3 was damaged beyond repair.
             Because of these difficulties, only three of the four planned
             lanes were ever completed.

                  The Task Force "All Command followed lst Tanks through the
             breach and established the Task Force command post (vic OS
             873898).  The "B" Command remained on the south side of the
             breach coordinating movement into the breachhead. At
             approximately 1730, the "B" Command turned lane control over to
             the TF S-4 and proceeded through the breech to the north side.
             After clearing the minefield in its effort to rejoin the "All
             Command, the "B" C-7 AAV was fired upon by an enemy T-55. The
             enemy tank was immediately engaged and destroyed by TOWS from
             lst Tanks By 1800, the Task Force Command Group had reunited
             without further incident.

                  Task Force Log Trains monitored the progress of the battle
             and moved in trace of the assault elements. Due to the
             continuing enemy resistance in the breachhead, the decision was
             'made to leave the Log Trains south of the second obstacle belt
             for the evening.

                  At 1800, Task Force X-Ray aborted its heliborne landing
             into BP X-Ray. The helicopters departed to the south and the
             Task Force was informed the landing would be reattempted on the
             morning bf 25 February. During the early evening, the Task
             Force consolidated its position, occupying the ground south of
             the 93 grid line and cast to.BP X-Ray.

                  At 2200, the Task Force S-4 brought refuelers forward
             through the minefield breach lanes and refueled the Task Force
             in preparation for the next day of fighting. Intence fog made
             the four hour return journey of the refuelers to the south side
             of the belt extremely difficult and hazardous.

                  The Task Force received its new mission via Division frag
             order at 2330. The mission required the Task Force to block to
             the east and northeast while the Division consolidated in zone.
             Division intended an early morning landing of TF X-Ray (1/3)
             in order to anchor the Division's right flank.    Following the
             landing of X-Ray, Task Force Papa Bear had an @on.,oxiter mission
             to;@nntimue the attar-k @to.-the. northwest.
                                     UNCLASSIFIFD