Battle of Medina Ridge
Battle of Medina Ridge | |||||||
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Part of the Persian Gulf War | |||||||
M1 Abrams tanks moving in formation during the Persian Gulf War | |||||||
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Belligerents | |||||||
United States | Iraq | ||||||
Commanders and leaders | |||||||
Edward Dyer Colonel Hatch Colonel James Riley Lt. Col. John Ward |
Ayad Futayyih Al-Rawi[1] | ||||||
Units involved | |||||||
1st Armored Division[2]
75th Artillery Brigade[1]
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Medina Republic Guard Division
Tawakalna Republican Guard Division[7] 52nd Armored Division 17th Infantry Division[7] 10th Armored Division[8]12th Armored Division[9] | ||||||
Casualties and losses | |||||||
2 killed 33 wounded 4 tanks destroyed 2 IFVs destroyed 1 |
839 captured 186 tanks destroyed 127 IFVs destroyed 72 artillery pieces destroyed[12] 118 trucks destroyed 5 air defence systems destroyed[13] |
The Battle of Medina Ridge was a
The battle, which was waged over approximately two hours, was considered by some sources the largest tank battle of the war.[15] It took place west of phase line Kiwi, east of phase line Smash, and north of phase line Grape. Phase lines are map references occurring every few kilometers used to measure progress of an offensive operation.
History
The 1st Armored Division, commanded by Major General Ron Griffith, consisted of some 3,000 vehicles including 348
During the battle the American forces destroyed 186 Iraqi tanks (mostly
As the heaviest armor brigade, consisting of the 6th Battalion, 6th Infantry; the 1st Battalion, 35th Armor; the 2nd Battalion, 70th Armor; the 4th Battalion, 70th Armor; the 2nd Battalion, 1st Field Artillery and the 47th Support Battalion (Forward), the 2nd Brigade, 1st Armored Division acted as the lead brigade during combat operations.
On 27 February, the 3rd Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division was ordered to transition to pursuit operations to establish contact with and destroy the RGFC forces in zone. As the brigade attacked and fought through the Adnan Division, securing a RGFC major logistics base, it captured 465 POWs and made contact with the Medina Armored Division, which was augmented by elements of four other Iraqi divisions. A fierce battle ensued culminating in the destruction of 82 tanks, 31 armored personnel carriers, 11 artillery pieces, 48 trucks, 3
While conducting offensive operations against the Iraqi Republican Guard Forces Command. The 3rd Brigade, 1st Armored Division fought on the division's right flank as it led the VII Corps main attack against the RGFC. Completing the destruction of the RGFC Brigade, the 3rd Brigade rejoined the division transitioned to pursuit operations and continued its attack eastward. Executing an aggressive and continuous movement, the 3rd Brigade fought numerous engagements. The brigade made contact with a tank battalion defending the western flank of a RGFC's major logistics base. The 3rd Brigade, 1st Armored Division raced eastward at a rate of 15 kilometers per hour. In 24 hours of nearly continuous combat, the 3rd Brigade destroyed or captured 547 vehicles, including 102 tanks, 81 armored personnel carriers, 34 artillery pieces, 15 AAA guns and captured hundreds of tons of supplies and 528 POWs. The 3rd Brigade completed this exemplary action without the loss of a single soldier or vehicle and only three soldiers WIA.[7]
1st Armored Division's aviation assets conducted thirty-nine straight hours of continuous combat operations, rotating companies into and out of the battle prior to and after the actions at Medina Ridge. Attack helicopters maintained a steady destructive presence in front of the division, engaging targets of opportunity and rapidly shifting their focus and combat power as the scenario required. The brigade's final battle commenced when the division raced to clear its zone of advance to the Kuwaiti border prior to the impending cease-fire.[7]
Although the Iraqis used a correct defensive tactic by deploying their armor behind the ridge, this was not properly repeated through the rest of the war. In one incident, an Iraqi commander attempted to repeat what had been done at Medina but mistakenly deployed his armor too far from the ridgeline.
In early April 1991, Colonel Montgomery Meigs, the commander of the 2nd Brigade of the 1st Armored Division, paid his respects to his former enemy's Medina Division reporting that, "These guys stayed and fought".[22] The same newspaper articles notes that, "The Americans had more than 100 battle tanks on hand, about the same as the total number of tanks in the Iraqi force. But the Americans had some noteworthy advantages over the Iraqis like attack helicopters and A-10 anti-tanks planes. The Iraqis had no support aircraft."[22]
Task Force 1-37
In a short six-month period during 1990 and 1991, the 1st Battalion, 37th Armor, was alerted for deployment to
The 1st Battalion 37th Armor (
On 24 February, Task Force 1–37 crossed the line of departure as part of
On 24 March, TF 1–37 moved back into Iraq and established a defensive position in the vicinity of the Rumayilah oil fields. For the next three weeks, task force missions centered on refugee assistance and security operations. On 10 April, TF 1–37 began movement to the Rear Assembly Area (RAA) in the vicinity of King Khalid Military City (KKMC), Saudi Arabia. By 13 April, the task force had closed into the RAA and preparations began for the redeployment of the unit to Germany.
On 16 August 1991 the 1st Brigade, 1st Armored Division was re-designated as the 3d Brigade, 3d Infantry Division.
Unit citations
2nd Brigade, 1st Armored Division Valorous Unit Award Citation
Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Brigade, 1st Armored Division distinguished itself by gallantry in action from 26 to 28 February 1991, while conducting offensive operations against the Iraqi Republican Guard Forces Command during operation DESERT STORM. As the heaviest Armor Brigade, consisting of the 6th Battalion, 6th Infantry; the 1st Battalion, 35th Armor; the 2nd Battalion, 70th Armor; the 4th Battalion, 70th Armor; the 2nd Battalion, 1st Field Artillery and the 47th Support Battalion (Forward), the 2nd Brigade led the first Division in the largest tank battle against the Republican Guard Forces Command. Throughout the entire operation, the 2nd Brigade, 1st Armored Division, demonstrated tenacity, esprit de corps, and courageous professionalism. The actions of the 2nd Brigade, 1st Armored Division were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon themselves and the United States Army.[23]
2nd Brigade, 1st Armored Division Units Cited
- HHC, 2nd Brigade, 1st Armored Division
- 6th Battalion, 6th Infantry
- 1st Battalion, 35th Armor
- 2nd Battalion, 70th Armor
- 2nd Battalion, 1st Field Artillery
- 47th Support Battalion
- 4th Battalion, 70th Armor[23]
3rd Brigade, 1st Armored Division Valorous Unit Award Citation
Headquarters and Headquarters 3rd Brigade, 1st Armored division distinguished itself by gallantry in action from 24 to 28 February 1991, while conducting offensive operations against the Iraqi republican Guard Forces Command (RGFC) during Operation DESERT STORM. The brigade fought on the division's right flank as it led the VII Corps main attack against the RGFC. Completing the destruction of the RGFC Brigade, the 3rd Brigade rejoined the division transitioned to pursuit operations and continued its attack eastward. Executing an aggressive and continuous movement, the 3rd Brigade fought numerous engagements. The brigade made contact with a tank battalion defending the western flank of a RGFC's major logistics base. Attacking with all three Battalions on line, the enemy vaporized in front of the brigade, ten armored vehicles destroyed in the first minute of the battle. The brigade's relentless attack continued throughout the day and into the night as it raced eastward at a rate of 15 kilometers per hour. In 24 hours of nearly continuous combat, the brigade destroyed or captured 547 vehicles, including 102 tanks, 81 armored personnel carriers, 34 artillery pieces, 15 AAA guns and captured hundreds of tons of supplies and 528 EPWs. The brigade completed this exemplary action without the loss of a single soldier or vehicle and only three WIAs. Through their demonstrated courage, tenacity, esprit de corps and professionalism, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3rd Brigade, 1st Armored Division actions reflect great credit upon themselves and the United States Army.[23]
3rd Brigade, 1st Armored Division Units Cited
- HHC, 3d Brigade, 1st Armored Division
- 1st Battalion, 37th Armor
- 3d Battalion, 35th Armor
- 7th Battalion, 6th Infantry
- 3d Battalion, 1st Field Artillery
- 125th Support Battalion[23]
3rd Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division Valorous Unit Award Citation
For exceptionally meritorious service as the Advanced Guard Brigade of the 1st Armored Division during offensive operations against the Iraqi Republican Guard Forces Command (RGFC) during Operation Desert Storm from 24 to 28 February 1991. As an attached Brigade consisting of 1/7th Infantry, 4/7th Infantry, 4/66th Armor, 1/1st Cavalry, 2/41st Field Artillery, 16th Engineer Battalion, and 26th Forward Support Battalion, the 3rd Brigade led the 1st Armored Division and VII Corps main attack against the RGFC. On 25 February, the brigade conducted a 113 km movement to contact to destroy elements of the 26th Infantry Division resulting in the capture of 299 enemy prisoners of war (EPWs). On February 26, the brigade was ordered to attack east to gain contact with and destroy the RGFC in zone. The 3rd Brigade began an aggressive and continuous movement to contact which covered 74 km in 12 hours, while fighting multiple engagements throughout the day and night with elements of the 52nd, 17th, Adnan, and Tawakalna Divisions. During one engagement with the Tawakalna Division the brigade destroyed 27 Soviet T-72s which had established a hasty defense to cover the Iraqi forces withdrawing from the Kuwaiti Theater of Operation. On 27 February, the 3rd Brigade was ordered to transition to pursuit operations to establish contact with and destroy the RGFC forces in zone. As the brigade attacked and fought through the Adnan Division, securing a RGFC major logistics base, it captured 465 EPWs and made contact with the Medina Armored Division, which was augmented by elements of four other Iraqi divisions. A fierce battle ensued culminating in the destruction of 82 tanks, 31 armored personnel carriers, 11 artillery pieces, 48 trucks, 3 AAA guns and captured 72 EPWs with the loss of only 2 Bradley Cavalry vehicles, 30 WIAs and 1 KIA. Through their demonstrated tenacity, Esprit de Corps, and courageous professionalism, the units of the 3rd Phantom Brigade have brought great credit upon themselves, the 3rd Infantry Division and the United States Army.[24]
3rd Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division Units Cited
- Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3rd Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division
- 1st Squadron, 1st Cavalry
- 1st Battalion, 7th Infantry
- 2nd Battalion, 41st Field Artillery
- 2nd Platoon, 218th Military Police Company
- 2nd Platoon, 501 Military Police Company
- 3rd Platoon, Battery C, 6th Battalion, 3rd Air Defense Artillery
- 4th Battalion, 7th Infantry (Minus Company D)
- 4th Battalion, 66th Armor
- 26th Forward Support Battalion
- Battery A, 6th Battalion, 3rd Air Defense Artillery
- Company A, 1st Battalion, 35th Armor
- Company B, 16th Engineer Battalion
- Company B, 141st Signal Battalion
- Company B, 54th Engineer Battalion
- Company D, 16th Engineer Battalion
- Civil Affairs Team, 401st Civil Affairs Detachment
- Counter Intelligence, Prisoner of War Team, 501st Military Intelligence Battalion
- Ground Surveillance Reconnaissance, 501st Military Intelligence Battalion
- Nuclear, Biological and Chemical Decontamination Platoon, 69th Chemical Battalion
- Nuclear, Biological and Chemical Reconnaissance Platoon, 69th Chemical Battalion
- HHC, 16th Engineer Battalion
- Long Range Surveillance Detachment, 501st Military Intelligence Battalion[24]
Aviation Brigade, 1st Armored Division Valorous Unit Award Citation
Headquarters and Headquarters Company, Aviation Brigade, 1st Armored Division distinguished itself by gallantry in action against an armed enemy during Operation DESERT STORM from 23 to 28 February 1991. The brigade conducted combat operations to ascertain enemy dispositions along the division's zone of advance. The brigade's aircraft conducted continuous flight operations as the division's movement to contact accelerated into Iraq. Time and again the attack helicopters were employed against Iraqi armored elements forward of the division's ground forces. The brigade conducted thirty-nine straight hours of continuous combat operations, rotating companies into and out of the battle. Because of their integration into the division's close fight, the destruction of the Medina and Adnan Divisions was assured. Attack helicopters maintained a steady destructive presence in front of the division, engaging targets of opportunity and rapidly shifting their focus and combat power as the scenario required. The brigade's final battle commenced when the division raced to clear its zone of advance to the Kuwaiti border prior to the impending cease-fire. The brigade completed its combat operations without suffering the loss of any aircraft, vehicles or personnel. Through their expertise, tenacity, and courage, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, Aviation Brigade, 1st Armored Division actions reflect great credit upon themselves and the United States Army.[25]
Aviation Brigade, 1st Armored Division Units Cited
- HHC, Aviation Brigade, 1st Armored Division
- 2nd Battalion, 1st Aviation
- 3nd Battalion, 1st Aviation
- Company I, 1st Aviation[25]
Historical significance
The Battle of Medina Ridge is recognized as the largest tank battle of the Gulf War by some sources.[15] Other sources put it second behind the Battle of Norfolk.[26]
References
- ^ a b Jayhawk! The VII Corps in the Persian Gulf War by Bourque P.351
- ^ a b c d Jayhawk! The VII Corps in the Persian Gulf War by Bourque, p.355
- ^ a b c Jayhawk! The VII Corps in the Persian Gulf War by Bourque, p.27
- ^ a b Jayhawk! The VII Corps in the Persian Gulf War by Bourque P.352
- ^ Jayhawk! The VII Corps in the Persian Gulf War by Bourque P.353
- ^ a b Jayhawk! The VII Corps in the Persian Gulf War by Bourque P.350
- ^ a b c d e f g h i Desert Storm/Shield Valorous Unit Award Citations
- ^ Bourque p.349
- ^ Bourque p.349
- ^ ISBN 0671791656
- ^ The U.S. Army in the Gulf War, Robert H. Scales, p. 298, Potomac Books, Inc, 1998
- ^ Scales P.299
- ISBN 0671791656
- ^ Bourque, p.355
- ^ a b VUA Citation
- ISBN 0671791656
- ^ a b Richard M. Bohannon cites an M1A1 tank platoon leader from TF 1-37: "Speculation continues concerning what knocked out our four tanks. The three most probable answers are T-72 main gun, dismounted anti-tank missile, or Apache launched Hellfire missile. The fact that Apaches were operating to our rear and witnesses' reports of high round trajectory support the friendly fire theory. However, ballistics reports suggest that 125 mm HEAT rounds produced the damage on some of the tanks. Visual examination of others reveals one obvious sabot hole. Overall, the physical evidence implies that T-72 fire took out our tanks, but the friendly fire possibility cannot be excluded".
Bohannon, Second Lieutenant Richard (1992) Dragon's Roar: 1-37 armor in the battle of 73 Easting. Armor magazine, May–June, 1992, pp. 11-17.
- ^ Jayhawk! The VII Corps in the Persian Gulf War by Bourque, p.352
- ^ Jayhawk! The VII Corps in the Persian Gulf War by Bourque, p.356
- ISBN 0671791656.
- ^ "The Iraqis had skillfully dug in and camouflaged their firing line and placed a formidable protective ring of antiaircraft guns around it. One ZSU-23-4 managed to shoot down an American A-10 aircraft." Certain Victory: The U.S. Army in the Gulf War, Robert H. Scales, p. 298, Potomac Books, Inc, 1998
- ^ a b US troops remember Medina Ridge
- ^ a b c d VUA Citation DA GO-1994-12
- ^ a b VUA Citation DA GO-1994-27
- ^ a b VUA Citation-DA GO 1994-12
- ^ "These were the 6 most massive tank battles in US history". 16 April 2021.
Further reading
- A Global Chronology of Conflict: From the Ancient World to the Modern Middle East. Vol. 2. p. 2609.
- "Desert Storm/Shield Valorous Unit Award Citations". US Army Center of Military History. Archived from the original on 13 December 2014. Retrieved 26 December 2014.
- Bourque, Stephen A. (2001). JAYHAWK!: The VII Corps in the Persian Gulf War. Center of Military History, United States Army. OCLC 51313637.
- Donnelly, Thomas (1996). Clash of chariots: the great tank battles. Berkley. OCLC 34515692.
- Carhart, Tom (1994). Iron Soldiers: How America's 1st Armored Division Crushed Iraq's Elite Republican Guard. New York: Random House.ISBN 0671791656.
External links
- History of 2nd Brigade, 1st Armored Division "The Iron Brigade" at GlobalSecurity.org
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=73yDXCSdW8k
- Scales, Robert H. (1993). Certain Victory: The U.S. Army in the Gulf War (PDF). Fort Leavenworth: U.S. Army Command and General Staff College Press. OCLC 78302979. Retrieved 26 December 2014.