Operation Desert Storm - 27 Feb 1991

 

27 February 1991 – Persian Gulf War – Operation Desert Storm 

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

06:00   TF Shepherd cleared the Kuwait International Airport. 

08:00   Organized resistance had ceased in Papa Bear’s zone.  From Papa Bear’s perspective, the war was over. 

During the three day period of combat operations against Iraqi forces, Task Force Papa ear advanced over 100 kilometers from its assembly area in Saudi Arabia to the outskirts of Kuwait International Airport.  Highlights of this rapid attack were:

• The assault breach of two Iraqi obstacle belts
• The repulse of a major counterattack at the Al Burgan Oil Field
• The 40 kilometer mechanized attack to isolate and control Kuwait International Airport

The repulse of the Iraqi counterattack was the largest combat engagement fought by any Marine Corps’ unit during the war. 

Task Force Papa Bear is credited with the destruction of 102 tanks, 41 APCs, and 62 other vehicles.

Over 1,600 Iraqi soldiers were captured by the task force, while many others were bypassed or disarmed and left to follow-on forces to process. 

Fourteen task force Marines received wounds from combat with Iraqi forces. 

Lance Corporal James Waldron of A Company, 7^th Engineer Support Battalion was the only task force Marine to be killed in the combat.  His death on the evening of 26 February, in the last major skirmish with Iraqi forces at Kuwait International Airport was a tragic loss deeply felt by his fellow Marines. 

The rapid advance and tactical successes enjoyed by Task Force Papa Bear would not have been possible without the dedicated efforts of every Marine and Sailor in the task force.  The professionalism and courage displayed by each member of Task Force Papa Bear was exemplary and in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.