WITH THE 1ST MARINE DWISION IN DESERT SHIELD AND DESERT STORM               81


   PM 24 FEB (G-DAY)
      SUPPORTOF                         1 9
                                                         Th        �:
       BREACH OF                    .              L T RIPPER
     SECOND?~BELt;
     CLEAR!N~: OPS ~ ~RI~
   BETWEEN BELTS                      a~
       MISSIONS                                   .i~i:
   i/li: DS PAPA B~Afl                   6                :
   a/li: DS RIPPER
   1/12: REIN i/il, 2D PAl TA
   3/12: DS GRIZZLY                                       ~PA REAPI
   6/li: GSA 3/li

   80...................................j............. ~~~ ~.ii �


                                                                      `ARC:


   70.....................................1          .12..................


                                                              AL WA~~AH:
                                                               OILPI~LD


   60.....................................................................

                                                                 BOADEN


                   60              70                    8:0            90

                       Penetration of second obstacle belt.

   Initially,  Colonel Fulford positioned the battalions facing the airfield.
However, the Iraqi attack against the northern flank of 1st Battalion, 7th
Marines, and reports from enemy prisoners indicating that the airfield was
abandoned, prompted Fulford to request that Task Force Ripper reorient to the
northeast. General Myatt concurred. He directed Task Force Ripper to reposition
for a drive to seize the Kuwait International Airport the following morning. Task
Force Grizzly got the mission of clearing Al Jaber. A sweep of the airfield with
thermal sights confirmed prisoner reports. Meanwhile, the task force took up
position for resuming the offensive at first light. Engagements continued into the