AAR 1ST MARDIV IN SWA

File: 970725_dec96_decls34_0110.txt
Page: 0110
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




                  concentration of smoke and oil in the air.     The Task Force
                  by-passed most Iraqi positions and directed    EPWs to move to the
                  rear towards follow-on units. PLRS and GPS     were ineffective
                  due to no PLRS master station and the heavy    smoke overhead
                  blocking the GPS signal. This required use     of compasses and
                  odometers. When 3/9 crossed PL Margaret, it breached two
                  substantial wire obstacles. At approximately 1800, 3/9 moved
                  into the agricultural area (Vic QT 8533) southwest of the
                  airfield tl,.at contained scores of bunke.,,7s, APC'S, and fighting
                  positions. The defending enemy force was the 20th Infantry
                  Regiment, 3rd Armor Division. 3/9 received sporadic automatic
                  weapons fire and pushed on through. Progress was slow due to
                  zero visibility and the unclear enemy situation. By 2300, 3/9
                  breached the Kuwait International Airport perimeter fence and
                  occupied a battle position (Vic Qt 8738).

                       At 1635, 1/1 crossed PL Dianne and began to push east
                  towards the radio station (Vic QT 8733). There were numerous
                  tanks and APCs in the area and several fire fights occurred.
                  At 1830, the first of two firefights with civilian vehicles
                  occurred. These vehicles carried fleeing Iraqi forces and were
                  subsequently destroyed. Closer to the airport, an APC bolted
                  from a building and got to the hard surface road. It was
                  engaged and hit by TOWS. Enemy troops dismounted and were
                  killed by D Co 1/1. Because of the vehicles location between
                  both 1/1 and HqCo, both units received friendly and enemy fires
                  while engaging the target. By 2200, all significant fires had
                  ceased.

                       Ist Tanks moved in trace of 1/1 and occupied a BP (Vic QT
                  8930). Progress was slow due to oilfield pipelines
                  crisscrossing the route of movement. At approximately 2100,
                  tanks occupied its BP and was prepared to protect the Task
                  Force right flank.

                       Throughout the day, CEB's moved in trace of lst Tanks and
                  once across PL Dianne, moved to occupy a BP (Vic QT 870300).
                  CEB's M-6OA3 talks engaged fleeing Iraqi vehicles with main
                  guns and automatic weapons, destroying (1) type 63 APC, (1)
                  jeep, and (1) cargo truck. In the midst of this engagement,
                  Lance Corporalmkg]&KOX-16'.Ygi    "Aft Co, 7th Engineer Support
                  Battalion was Kiiiea in action.

                       The Task Force Command Elements initially followed in
                  trace of 1/1, crossing, PL Dianne at approximately 1715. PL
                  Margaret was crossed at 2115 and the CP established (Vic QT
                  857321) by 2130.   The fleeing APC engaged by 1/1 caused fire to
                  pass through the CP. The Logistics Trains followed in trace
                  throughout the day's movement and by 2200, established the LOC
                  (Vic QT 825237).   The RAS was immediately set up to receive
                  wounded from the engagements at the airport.

                       The Task Force reported its progress to Division, and at
                  approximately 2300, Division directed that all movement be
                  stopped. At approximately 0200,- 3/9 was ordered to move back
                  outside the airport pe-imeter. LAI.-had:k>een ordere!d to seize
                  the airfield at .0400 a'nd the Commanding General was concerned      51
                  about "blue-on-bljel- fares.   3/9's move was completed by 0430
                                       UNCLASSIFIED