AAR 1ST MARDIV IN SWA

File: 970725_dec96_decls34_0111.txt
Page: 0111
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



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               and a defense was established (vic QT 863352).

                     By 0800, 27 February, organized resistance had ceased in
               TF Papa Bear's zone. The war from TF Papa Bear's perspective
               was over.

                     During the three day period of active combat operations
               against Iraqi forces, Task Force Papa Bear advanced over one
               hundred kilometers from its assembly area in Saudi Arabia to
               the outskirts of Kuwa,t International Airport. Highlights of
               this rapidly unfolding attack were the assualt breach of two
               Iraqi obstacle belts on 24 February; the repulse of a major
               counterattack at the Al Burqan oilfield on 25 February, which
               involved elements of at least three Iraqi brigades; and the
               conduct of a f orty kilometer mechanized attack on 26 February
               which resulted in the isolation and control of Kuwait
               International Airport.

                     Task Force elements are credited with the destruction of
               102 talks, 41 APC'S, and 62 other vehicles of various types and
               descriptions. Over sixteen hundred Iraqi EPW's were captured
               by the Task Force, while many others were bypassed or disarmed
               and left to follow-on units to process.
                                                        5 U. S. C. 5 5 2 IRI@6)
                     Lance Corporal               of A Company, 7th En
               Support Battalion was the only Task Force Marine to be killed
               in combat. His death on the evening of 26 February in the last
               major skirmish with Iraqi forces at Kuwait International
               Airport, was a tragic loss deeply felt by his Marine comrades.
               14 Marines received wounds from direct combat with Iraqi
               forces.

                     The rapid advance and tactical successes which Task Force
               Papa Bear enjoyed would not have been possible without the
               untiring efforts of t-6e Marines and Sailors involved in the
               combat service support arena. The Task Force combat and field
               logistics trains and CSSD-11 provided the life blood needed to
               propel Papa Bear to the outskirts of Kuwait city.
















                                   UNCLASSIFIED