WITH THE 1ST MARINE DWISION IN DESERT SHIELD AND DESERT STORM           101


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                                             Photograph by author, 23 Fchruary 1991
One of the iraqi rocket launcher' put out of action hy Battery H, 3d Battalion, 14th
Mannes, in the afiernoon.

   As the division shook off the counterattack and redeployed further into the
Al Burqan Ojifield, the burning wells came to play a significant part in General
Myatt's tactical  planning. Instead of bypassing the Al Bttrqan Oil field as
originally decided--scientists said the burning wells produced toxins that made
the area uninhabitable, thus it was seen as a barrier--the Iraqi attack proved that
a large unit could operate and survive there. General Myatt had to adjust the
advance of the   division's right flank to encompass the ojlfield. In effect, the
change put Task Force Papa Bear, the division reserve, on an axis of advance
through the oilfield that committed it to a series of engagements lasting the
entire day. The engagements turned out to be as frequent and as fierce as those
encountered in the main attack by Task Force Ripper.
   The burning wells belched thick black smoke that completely obscured the
battlefield. Poor visibility concealed the three Iraqi brigades and enabled them
to attack without being detected. As a result General Myatt needed to ensure
the oilfield did not hide any more surprises. Rather than it being the barrier that