Page 118 - 100 Hours to Destiny

“Go, Witcher! Hammer down.”
The responsive logistics vehicle tore into the Kuwaiti sand. All 8
wheels engaged…. I actually stood on the gas and rose out of my seat to
press harder and harder on the accelerator pedal. The idea of being up there
with the TOWs was going to feed the addiction… the adrenaline rush… the
need for involvement in battle. Gunny was shouting in my ear, “Go! Go! Go!”
And I grinned like a Cheshire cat. At this point nothing else would do but to
be right there with those TOWs, shooting missiles downrange into enemy
targets.

Listen: Monte with
TOWs

Gunny and I arrived in our souped-up logistics vehicle. No more than
I had put her in park than both of us were racing off the vehicle – like kids in
a candy shop - to visit the Marines of the TOWs and watch the battle raging
just 2700 meters north of Delta’s FARP line. The hammerheads of the TOW
variants were up and delivering death packages. I had the privilege to jump
up on board with one of the TOWs (Silver Two, with driver Thad Bunch and
gunner King) and look downrange through the gunsight. It was my first time
to look through the actual sight system of the TOWs. As I peered through the
gunsight, I had to quickly pull my face away in shock. I couldn’t believe the
clarity and up-close feeling I immediately had. It took a moment to realize
that I wasn’t standing right next to enemy troops. (The comparison was to be
looking through a high-powered telescope and observing craters on the
moon.) The enemy troops were scurrying around, and I could see them
yelling at each other, throwing equipment onboard trucks, trying to escape
as missiles from other TOW variants made impact. I was set back…. I could
not believe that I was actually observing the hasty actions of retreat from the
“once feared Iraqi Army”. Here I was observing the power of the USMC, 1st
Marine Division, the most celebrated USMC division of all times, tear down
Iraqi defenses, with ease. It was almost like child’s play.
“Delta 6, Delta 6 this is Delta 7. The TOWs are in full control and are
literally destroying a light enemy task force approximately 1700m to our
direct north. Despite the barrage unleashed by the TOWs, enemy forces are
making their way through the smoke north yet have suffered casualties.”
“Roger. I copy Delta 7. The threat is minimal, and the TOWs are in
control of the situation. Let us know if you need 25mm support. American