Operation Desert Storm - 26 Feb 1991

 26 February 1991 – Persian Gulf War – Operation Desert Storm 

Task Force Papa Bear (1^st Marine Regiment) Operations Report 

08:00   Task Force Papa Bear moved north toward Kuwait City.  Numerous EPWs were disarmed and directed south during the fast-paced movement north. 

11:00   The task force reached PL RED. 

13:00   Papa Bear had reached PL DIANNE.  The soot from burning oil wells darkened both Marines and vehicles as they moved past abandoned Iraqi tanks, armored vehicles, and anti-tank guns. 

13:15   The task force commander met the commanding general to finalize plans for the final assault on Kuwait International Airport.  The plan called for Papa Bear to isolate the airport from the south and west. 

16:30   The lead elements of the task force began the final assault.  The movement toward the airport was slowed by scattered enemy resistance, oil field pipelines and the blackened skies which rained an oily mist from the burning oil wells.  When 3/9 crossed PL MARGARET, two substantial wire obstacle were encountered and breached while sporadic automatic weapons fire was received.  The task force continued to push through toward the airport.  Several fire fights ensued as fleeing Iraqis tried to escape to the north and west. 

22:00   By this time, the lead elements of the task force had reached their blocking positions.  Throughout the night, the remainder of the task force moved to within 1 kilometer of the airport.