56                                  U.S. MARINES IN THE PERSIAN GULF, 1990-1991


                          a


                                 // ~~,7 ff~'


                                             Drawing by Sgt Charles 0. Grow, USMC
SSgt McGovern, chief scout for Task Force Taro, 11 February 1991.

prior coordination. After hearing this, General Myatt immediately passed control
of these aircraft to Colonel Fulks. By then, there was not enough time left to
complete the reconnaissance and Colonel Fuiks canceled the attempt.
   Task Force Taro also began 22 February with an engagement. At 0815,
fdrward observers spotted a force of enemy armor. Colonel Admire ordered an
artillery barrage by the 1st Battalion, 12th Marines, which destroyed one vehicle
and forced the others to withdraw north. At 1400, Colonel Admire ordered the
2d Battalion, 3d Marines, reinforced by Company C, Task Force Shepherd, to
attack and seize OP 3. They f~~und the police station empty of enemy troops
and returned to the task force assembly area at 2000, juSt before the 3d
Battalion, 3d Marines, crossed the line of departure on its march into Kuwait.
It took 55 minutes more for the battalion to reach the actual border. At 2140,
the 2d Battalion started its march and by midnight the lead elements of Task
Force Taro came within sight of the first obstacle belt and began establishing
"Battle Position Casino."  While the rest of the task force marched north,
Company K, 3d Battalion, 3d Marines, began its task of identifying and marking
the minefield. Company C, Task Force Shepherd, which crossed into Kuwait
at 2300, was on hand to provide covering fire if needed.