Page 109 - 100 Hours to Destiny

ROLLING THROUGH THE CARNAGE

2/25/91 @ 1600 hours– 4 pm Kuwait time

We had reached what the S-2 Marine Captain had talked about in
that original pre-invasion briefing so many days ago. And true as life, we
were indeed passing through the final line of defense of the Iraqi Army.
As of the last few clicks, Delta Company was encountering far more
battlefield litter – trucks, anti-aircraft weapon emplacements, overturned
enemy jeeps, destroyed main battle tanks, and things on fire making it
obvious that our Marine Air Forces had recently attacked this area with a
vengeance. As we rode through, one could only imagine the determination
of the well-trained pilots on a mission to do their best to pave a path for us;
Yet enemy troops still alive… lurked… and presented a potentially deadly
danger. In this area there were no POWs walking about as before, it was
strange and eerie. Of course, for all eyes to see dead enemy troops were
strewn about the wreckage, the air assault had taken its toll.
Delta Marines’ heads were on a swivel, especially on this seemingly
never-ending debris field. On and on we continued to press forward on the
advance.
“Delta Company this is Delta 6, Battalion has ordered us to halt for
the night. We are moving too far ahead for other assets to catch up and
move in place in support. So, for now, find a good position, nobody pushes
out in front of the line. Delta, stay online and stop. Let’s do some radio
checks and set in for the nightfall.”
“Copy,” came from both Platoon Commanders, who handed down
further directions.

Listen: Oilfield Fire &
Gunny with TOWs

Gunny and I made the decision to go prowl around our immediate
area and investigate. I was curious to look inside some of the war-damaged
equipment, and even be so bold to go into a couple of the enemy bunkers
that were easily seen right next to us. We were like kids in a candy shop,
investigating the inner workings of abandoned tanks, trucks and large
weapon systems that were not American built. Also, to get a glance into the
lifestyle of these troops that had lived out here for months on end, down
inside an actual enemy bunker. And wow, was it all different! A first-class