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Persian Gulf War: U.S. Marines' Minefield Assault

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In preparation for the next night, Admire had his combat engineers and some infantrymen begin marking the task force's path through the minefield. With no mine detection equipment, they advanced on their knees, probing into the sand with bayonets and listening for the clink of metal on metal. Mines would be marked with glowing chemical light sticks.

Task Force Grizzly, meanwhile, was still attempting to find a way through the mines. Its latest attempt was curtailed when allied aircraft started bombing Iraqi positions just across the barrier and Fulks withdrew his men to avoid the risk of friendly-fire casualties. With only hours left before the ground war was scheduled to start, Fulks was getting desperate about being able to complete his mission. As sporadic Iraqi artillery fire landed nearby, the colonel called his battalion commanders together to plan a rapid breach, using explosives to clear a path through the mines. Before he had to launch that effort, however, Fulks received a radio message that his scouts could see Iraqi defectors walking through the minefield with their hands over their heads. Thinking quickly, Fulks told the recon teams to run down and give the surrendering Iraqis chemical lights to mark the lane through the mines. Three Marines followed the defectors' path and attacked a bunker, killing three Iraqi soldiers and capturing others. At last, Grizzly had a way to get to its blocking position.

But then the two task forces' leaders received a disturbing radio call from Myatt, who relayed word from Boomer that President Bush wanted to give Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev more time to attempt to persuade Saddam to withdraw his army from Kuwait. That meant Taro and Grizzly were not to push any farther into Kuwait until the deadline passed, about midnight.

Both commanders protested that the delay would not give them time to reach their assigned positions before the division started its attack. Fulks, moreover, was reluctant to pull back the company of marines he already had on the other side of the mines, guarding the lane. 'Boss, you can't do this to me,' he told Myatt.

After a brief delay, Myatt called back to tell him that Boomer had given permission to put a reconnaissance team across, but not to do anything irreversible. Fulks said he quickly ordered an entire battalion through the mines, as 'a recon in force.' Given the same warning, Admire said he told Myatt: 'I will do nothing irreversible. But I can't guarantee that the Iraqis won't.'

While Taro and Grizzly were making their difficult treks deep into Kuwait, the two U.S. Marine divisions moved toward the border, reaching their assault positions on February 23. That night, Boomer sent a message telling his marines that they would attack into Kuwait the next day,

not to conquer, but to drive out the invaders and to restore the country to its citizens….We will succeed in our mission because we are well trained and well equipped; because we are U.S. Marines, sailors, soldiers and airmen, and because our cause is just….May the spirit of your Marine forefathers ride with you and may God give you the strength to accomplish your mission.

Semper Fi.

As night fell on the twenty-third, the marines and navy corpsmen in Taro and Grizzly climbed out of their holes, pulled on chemical protective suits, and checked their gas masks and weapons. Suddenly an explosion stunned the marines of Task Force Taro and destroyed their artillery fire-direction radar van, killing one marine and wounding another. A U.S. HARM anti-radar missile had caused the explosion, another of the friendly-fire incidents that were to blame for nearly half of the marines' casualties thus far.

Shortly before midnight, Corporal Eroshevich and the rest of Taro shouldered their heavy loads and started following what they hoped was a clear path through the minefield — a narrow route outlined by chemical lights. Once through the obstacles, the marines formed into a wedge and moved north, reaching their blocking position about six miles beyond the minefield well before dawn.

The cold, misty, rainy weather was miserable but 'almost ideal for an infiltration,' Admire said. It reduced visibility, limiting the chances that the Iraqis would spot them. The Taro commander hoped for better weather the next morning, when marine air cover might be needed if Iraqi tanks attacked.

While Taro had reached its position without major incident, Task Force Grizzly's troubles continued. First, the march through the mines was delayed when the lead elements had to deal with more Iraqi defectors. Corporal Jackson, driving a communications vehicle carrying two of his battalion's staff officers, had followed a barely visible light on the vehicle ahead of his. 'My biggest worry was the guys off to the side on foot,' he recalled of the slow advance. 'I thought about them, hoped they didn't step on anything,' meaning mines.

Grizzly passed through the first minefield belt without incident. But about eight hundred yards farther, they ran into an unexpected belt of anti-personnel mines. A team of engineers led by Staff Sgt. Charles Restifo crawled through the field probing for mines with bayonets, as TOW gunners used their thermal sights to watch for any Iraqi movement. Restifo earned the Silver Star for his actions.

Despite the new delay, Grizzly was at its blocking position near the second minefield by dawn. The ground war officially began at 4:30 a.m., with the Second Division and the First Division's Task Forces Ripper and Papa Bear starting their penetrations at the first minefield. Rocket-propelled mine-clearing line charges, or 'mick licks,' were used to make the initial breaches. Each line charge consisted of a 110-yard-long cable along which explosives were attached. A rocket on the cable's end would carry the line across the minefield, and the subsequent detonation of the charges was designed to set off any nearby mines.

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  1. 23 Comments to “Persian Gulf War: U.S. Marines' Minefield Assault”

  2. I was a gunner on gun 1 for A 1/11. I'm finding it hard to find any detailed facts on our unit. I do know that my gun was the only Gun to direct fire while in Kuwait. I think it was about 1300 meters. I was on the site and our battery commander I think Cpt. Hughes was giving me the directive while looking through binos and he and the rest of the gun section fired 5 HE Shells ducking in between shots because the small force was firing at us. I beleive they were using M60's and 50 cals. Where is the best place to find more info on this. Also I was honorably discharged when we returned and I heard my gun section recieved bronze stars. I was the one on the site and wondered if they were rewarded a bronze star would I be entitled to one as well? Thanks for your time, Semper Fi

    By Ken Adams on Jul 22, 2008 at 4:11 pm

  3. I was a member of the 1st "Tiger" Brigade of the might "Hell on Wheels" division. I consider it a privilege to have served with the Marines(2nd Marine Division), and our accomplishments are now taught at military schools and have created a standard of how to integrate the services in modern warfare. I am proud to have served my country, and would do it again it. Semper Fi+Hell on Wheels=Swift victory. Huah!

    By Patrick Devolder on Jul 23, 2008 at 3:16 pm

  4. Nice article about TF Taro. TF X-Ray A/1/3 was part of Taro but was issued a FRAGO to conduct the only Helicopter Borne Assault Operation of the Gulf War for the Marine Corps. Twice conducting assaults into oilfields with CAT Teams and inflicting destruction on die-hard Iraqi vehicles and receiving small arms fire at the second oil field. Storming Kuwait International Airport with Close Air Support from Cobras and French Gazelles.

    It was an amazing experience as a LCPL and M249 SAW gunner with the burden of lugging over 150lbs worth of combat gear, to include an extra crate of grenades for the squad.

    CPT Rodriguez
    US Army
    Semper Fi and Rangers Lead The Way!

    By Rod on Jul 28, 2008 at 2:57 am

  5. I was a member of 2nd Reconnaissance Bn. during the first Gulf War. We deployed numerous teams into Kuwait days before the ground assault began. We would walk all night then dig holes and stay in them all day. We remained inside Kuwait for six days and then humped all the way back to the Saudi border in one night.

    By David Clark on Aug 23, 2008 at 11:33 pm

  6. I was part of the Marine Team that planned the mine field clearing. They left out that we had to designe saddels on the AAV's to carry all the pvc pipe to fill the Huge tank ditches in front of both mine fields all well carrying 1500lbs of C4 plus all the other explosives we had to use to clear obsticals on the way to the airport. All in an AAV the a 22cal. can penitrate. Semper Fi.

    By Tony Warren on Aug 24, 2008 at 1:39 pm

  7. I was a member of Task Force Ripper, o341. C Co 1st Bttln 7th MAR DIV wpns plt. Semper Fi brothers.

    By Brent Imker on Sep 19, 2008 at 10:30 am

  8. I was a member of Task Force Grizzly.

    3/7 – We lost 2 Marines (KIA)
    Lcpl. Brian Lane
    Lcpl. Christian Porter.
    14 wounded(WIA).

    Semper Fi Brothers

    http://www.taskforcegrizzly.org

    By Kauffman on Oct 9, 2008 at 11:07 pm

  9. As a gunner on Capt. A. Hart's M1A1 the Crusader, we were fortuneate enough the fire the first shotin the "Reveille Engagement". I wish that we could have ended things then.
    Semper Fi,
    Lee Fowble
    Co. B 2ndPlt. 4th Tk.Bn.

    By Lee Fowble on Nov 25, 2008 at 12:25 am

  10. It was my pleasure to be amongst the distinguished company of such Marine heros. I miss you all; RIP LCpl's Lane and Porter, you will forever be remembered.

    I will always cherish and miss my days as a Marine grunt (0311) with Kilo Company, 3rd Battalion 7th Marines.

    God Bless you all and Semper Fidelis

    By James Flores on Jan 9, 2009 at 1:27 am

  11. I was with 3/7 Wpns Co Dragons attached to L Co. I stayed in upon our return (88-01) but never served with a finer group of Marines and friends "brothers"

    Semper Fi
    MAGTF 4-90

    By Scott Kerrick on Jan 14, 2009 at 10:03 pm

  12. I was with Charlie Co., 2nd LAI Bn. We were four days in country and battle hard by the time the "ground offensive" started.

    I could not have served under a better commanding officer: Captain James Amidon! There couldn't be a finer set of military men than those that I was able to serve with.

    Semper Fi!

    Mark Reece
    Sergeant

    By Mark Reece on Jan 28, 2009 at 12:05 am

  13. I was the Company Commander of Co I, 3/7 the lead element into Kuwait. LCpl Brian Lane was a member of our company and well respected. LCpl Christian Porter was carrying our gear in his 5 ton. We miss you Marines. You will never be forgotten!
    Semper fi
    John Foldberg
    LtCol USMC (ret)

    By John Foldberg on Feb 22, 2009 at 8:38 pm

  14. I was on a TOW hummer originally a part of TOW Co, 1st Tank Battalion, 1st MarDiv. Our platton was put on the berm with 3d Marines hours before the berm crossing. I distinctly recall a Captain asking for any NCO's on our vehicle. There were none…just two LCpl's…JP Wilson and myself. He instructed us to us to keep in touch with a bunch of 0351's that would be following us in a vehicle with no radio. We were on the far left flank of the wedge and were to bound out 500 meters, scan for enemy, and signal back to our rear with a red lens…..maintaining radio silence. It was such a cluster…..I recall looking back across the movement through our thermal and seeing nothing but red…all Marines marching. We decided we weren't flashing a damn thing at a locked and loaded USMC infantry battalion.
    Lots more to the story….but I am glad I found this recap..I was less than 5o0 yards away when the hummer got hit by the HARM. We were in front of it and over a rise…saw the flash and heard the explosion.

    By Rich Wright on Feb 26, 2009 at 11:21 pm

  15. I served with the 1st Tiger Brigade (B Company, 3/41 Infantry) during Operations Desert Shield / Storm. I'm proud to have served with my unit and with the 2nd Mar Div. No other Army unit worked side by side with another branch like we did. I have since caught up with some of the Marines that conducted the breech going into Kuwait and met one Marine that helped clear the lane that I went through. It was both an honor and a privelage to have served with my Marine brothers. "Straight and Stalwart", "Hell on Wheels" and "Semper Fi".

    By Kevin Williams on Mar 18, 2009 at 10:08 pm

  16. Came to 3/7 H & S as the Religious Program Specialist right before we went over the burm. Was only with the battalion for less than a month, but will always be a part of the unit. Was Chaplain Mark Gefaller's bodyguard and have the utmost respect for everyone from 3/7. We went through alot in only a short amount of time. Have never forgotten LCPL Christian Porter or LCPL Brian Lane! Brothers forever!

    Semper Fi
    RPSN Mike Parsons

    By Mike Parsons on May 4, 2009 at 9:07 pm

  17. I served in Alpha Battery, 1st Div. 11th Marines (A1/11). I was suprised to see the above post by Ken Adams on Jul 22, 2008 at 4:11 pm asking about the direct fire our unit was involved in. I to have been looking for more information about this. Ken, If you ever see this, I hope that you get the same credit your gun mates got. I was right there with John Maher making a drop for the guns when this all went down and we returned fire. From the historical point I wonder why this part of history has gone unspoken of? Last, our CO was Cpt. McCarthy, who was followed by Cpt. Hughes after the war. Both are good men and even better Marines. Semper Fi to the Marines of 1991's A 1/11 and all Marines to follow…

    By David Oaks on May 6, 2009 at 5:41 pm

  18. 3/7 had been deployed to Okinawa on a UDP April 1990. It was my honor to join the unit in late May. I caught up with them in Subic Bay/Cubi Point, Luzon, Philippines. It was here that I had the opportunity to work with these fine young men in country during rescue and recovery efforts at Cabanatuan City following the massive earthquake in July. Extended on station, we were eventually transported to Saudi Arabia for Operation Desert Shield in 1991. We arrived in a cold rain, in green camouflage, and quickly moved to a forward position on the line. We did change to brown shortly before Task Force Grizzly stepped off on Thursday to preposition for Operation Desert Storm. I remember the events of the days that followed as though it were yesterday. As with many, it was my first experience with combat. By God’s grace we arrived home in March 1991. My thanks to my fine RP Mike Parsons, to the remarkable fighting men of 3/7, and the selfless medical personnel who accompanied the battalion. I continue to honor the sacrifice of Lcpl. Brian Lane and Lcpl. Christian Porter in my heart along with the 14 brave young men who were wounded in action. Though the years have passed, faces have changed and lives have moved on, I treasure the memory of all the exceptional men of 3rd Battalion 7th Marines and still think of them as family. I pray you are all well and wish you God’s richest blessings!

    By Mark Gefaller LCDR, CHC, USN (Ret.) on Nov 21, 2009 at 7:26 pm

  19. I was a loader on A-22, Aco. 1st Tanks, 1st MARDIV, We were assigned to task force ripper as the obstalcle clearing detachment, I was on the plts. main plow tank. We were part of the spear head through the obstalces for the task force. we cleared all obstalces on route to Kuwait city.Semper Fi. We put up the fight.

    By Samuel F. Pappalardo,jr on Dec 29, 2009 at 6:08 am

  20. My brothers are also Marines and it is hard but I could never relate to the pain they went through. Although my cousin is a gunner and I love him very much!! So that is why I am doing my persuasive paper on Marines and I am going to use part of this as an example and a fact!!

    God Bless you all and Semper Fi!!!
    Oragh!!!

    By Kendra Davis on Jan 8, 2010 at 5:05 pm

  21. Lcpl. K.D. Adams, I do not remember you but, I pulled out my
    Desert ShIeld/ Desert Storm year book to check it out. I also was with
    A 1/11 during Desert Storm with you… 1st FDC. I believe Cpt. McCarthy
    and Cpl. Alvarez were awarded the Bronze Star. I recall that day when
    the enemy fired upon us and all the 155's were pointed level toward the incoming fire and the Cobras flew in and finished them off. I remeber giving Cpl. Alvarez a hard time when he was awarded that day. Do not remember if any of the gun sections getting any awards…
    I had the best time with all of you guys while serving the best branch in the military! I remember everyone calling Sgt. Whit the "Green Goblin" he was ugly! Ha ha… He was cool as hell !!

    By Andy Arredondo on Jan 30, 2010 at 9:36 pm

  22. I was also with A1/11 and I also cannot find any info on our battle at Al Burgan oil field. It's all kind of a blur now. I was a PFC then and the war was my first time in the field since joining the fleet. Thats the best on the job training i can think of! I remember the direct fire incident and then the Cobra's coming in and mopping up. Man, those were the days! God Bless and Semper Fi.

    By Chad Waters on Feb 17, 2010 at 6:51 am

  23. I was a Sgt with Bravo Company, 3rd Platoon, 1st CEB.

    I breached a minefield around Al Wafra. We fired line charges and Cpl Statia from my unit and I crawled through and marked all the remaining mines. Then we made charges from TNT and Det Cord with trunk lines leading to each one, and "BOOM!". 6 months after I got out I was awarded a Bronze Star for that day. I got it at my local MEPS station.

    I've always felt bad because Statia didn't receive any recognition at all and he was next to me the entire time.

    By Victor Jimenz on Feb 26, 2010 at 1:37 am

  24. U was close to where LCpl Porter got hit at I was in H&S Co we took in comeing from the rear we stood no chance no cover i never forget him he is in my heart he was a hell of a man would do anything for his brother Marine we will not forget you

    By angel de la cruz on Mar 5, 2010 at 2:44 pm

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