The War on Terrorism
Operations DESERT SHIELD and DESERT STORM:
Valorous Unit Award Citations

For extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy. Task Force 1-41 was the first coalition force to breach the Saudi Arabian border on 15 February 1991 and conduct ground combat operations in Iraq engaging in direct and indirect fire fights with the enemy on 17 February 1991. The task Force was part of the VII Corps main attack beginning 24 February 1991 as it conducted a forward passage through 1st Infantry Division elements and began a mission to clear a zone which again resulted in enemy contact. On 26 February, following a 60 kilometer road march, the Task Force immediately engaged in ground combat with armored and dismounted enemy of brigade size. For six hours it was involved in continuous combat with a tenacious and determined enemy occupying extremely well prepared and heavily fortified bunkers. Task Force infantry elements dismounted and engaged the enemy in numerous short range fire fights while methodically clearing the extensive bunker complex. By morning the Task Force had systematically reduced the entrenched enemy positions in zone. Continuing as part of the VII Corps attack the Task Force travelled 85 kilometers in less than 24 hours while engaging at short range multiple, dug in enemy tanks in ambush positions. The Task Force reached its final objective 28 February 1991 with a push which continued the destruction of enemy armored vehicles. During the entire ground campaign, involving their attack through Iraq into Kuwait, Task Force 1-41 travelled over 200 Kilometers in 72 hours and destroyed 65 armored vehicles and 10 artillery pieces, while capturing over 300 enemy prisoners.

For gallantry in action against armor units in the Kuwaiti Theater of Operations on 26 and 27 February 1991. This unit successfully completed the United States Army's first doctrinal night deep attack against enemy formations. Despite an unclear enemy situation, less than ideal flight conditions, and a route of flight through an unexpected intense tank battle, the 4-229th closed with and destroyed massed enemy armor columns and revetted vehicles. With numerous enemy targets still remaining, the 4-229th refueled and re-attacked across enemy lines, once again subjecting themselves to hostile fire. The 4-229th destroyed a brigade sized element thus hindering the reinforcement of the enemy's front line units. The 4-229th's heroic actions reflect the highest standards of our military tradition and directly influenced the successful outcome of Operation Desert Storm.

For valorous actions while conducting combat operations in the Kuwaiti Theater of Operations during the period 17 January 1991 to 3 March 1991. The 1st Squadron, 4th Cavalry led the 1st Infantry Division's attack across Iraq and Kuwait, cutting the Iraqi army's escape route along the Kuwait City/Basrah Highway. The Squadron continued its rapid advance, culminating with the capture of the Safwan Airfield, Iraq. During this drive, the squadron destroyed 65 tanks, 66 Armored Personnel Carriers, 66 trucks, 91 bunkers, and captured 3,010 enemy soldiers. These valorous acts bring distinct credit to the 1st Squadron, 4th Cavalry, 1st Infantry Division (Mechanized), and the United States Army.

The 4th Brigade Tactical Command Post (TAC CP) and 1st Battalion, 1st Aviation Regiment, 1st Infantry Division (Mechanized) distinguished itself by gallantry in action against an armed enemy during the air and ground campaigns of Operation Desert Storm from the 24th to the 28th of February 1991. They served with marked distinction against a numerically superior force during the 100-hour race across Iraq and Kuwait. It left behind a trail of smoldering tanks and personnel carriers, broken-willed enemy soldiers, and closed the Iraqi Basrah-Kuwait City Highway escape route. The violent execution of every mission without combat loss or serious injury remains a tribute to the heritage of this great division, and to fallen comrades-in-arms.

(No Citation Available)

The 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne) distinguished itself by gallantry in action against Iraqi forces in Iraq and Kuwait during the period of 17 January 1991 � 28 February 1991. During the cited period, this distinguished unit conducted numerous direct action and surveillance and reconnaissance missions hundreds of kilometers behind enemy lines. Furthermore, they conducted combat search/air rescue missions and successfully rescued air crews who had been shot down behind enemy lines. Most significantly, during the ground campaign, they fought with every Arab coalition unit of Battalion-size or larger, often leading these forces into battle. Their extraordinary heroism furthers the highest traditions of the United States Army.

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.

Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2d 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 2d Battalion, 70th Armor; the 4th Battalion, 70th Armor; the 2d Battalion, 1st Field Artillery' and the 47th Support Battalion (Forward), the 2d Brigade led the first Division in the largest tank battle against the Republican Guard Forces Command. Throughout the entire operation, the 2d Brigade, 1st Armored Division, demonstrated tenacity, espirit de corps, and courageous professionalism. The actions of the 2d 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.

Headquarters and Headquarters 3d 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 3d Brigade rejoined the Division transitioned to pursuit operations and continued its attack eastward. Executing an aggressive and continuous movement, the 3d 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 EPW's. The Brigade completed this exemplary action without the loss of a single soldier or vehicle and only three WIA's. Through their demonstrated courage, tenacity, esprit de corps and professionalism, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3d Brigade, 1st Armored Division actions reflect great credit upon themselves and the United States Army.

For gallantry in action during covert armed reconnaissance deep into Iraq from 17 February 1991 to 23 February 1991; and for its successful deep attack against Republican Guard forces in Al Basrah, Iraq on 27 February 1991. The armed reconnaissance began seven days before the start of the ground war on 17 February, 120 miles into Iraq. During this period the Battalion forced the surrender of over 540 Iraqi soldiers, a first for Army Aviation. On G day, 24 February, the unit conducted deliberate attacks and reconnaissance missions in the division sector as far north as the Euphrates River valley clearing the way for the largest air assault ever conducted. The 2d Battalion, 229th Aviation Regiment moved 105 miles into Iraq to establish forward operating base Cobra with the 101st Airborne Division. The unit conducted a deep attack on 27 February 1991 to complete the destruction of escaping Republican Guard forces that were fleeing from Al Basrah, Iraq north towards Baghdad along the Al Hammer Bridge causeway. The Battalion closed with the enemy then systematically and methodically annihilated the retreating force amidst heavy anti-aircraft fire and deteriorating weather conditions. The 2d Battalion, 229th Aviation Regiment's heroic actions reflect the highest standards of our military tradition and directly influenced the successful outcome of Operation Desert Storm.

(No Citation Available)

For extraordinary heroism in action and outstanding accomplishments while in combat with the enemy as part of Operation Desert Storm from 17 January to 1 March 1991. Throughout the 44 days of both the air and ground campaigns, 11th ADA Brigade units were involved in almost daily combat actions. The Brigade participated in over 25 battles over the skies of Saudi Arabia and Bahrain. As the only Air Defense Artillery Brigade in theater, the 11th ADA Brigade was called upon to perform a number of complex missions of enormous military and political importance under extremely challenging and hazardous conditions. In every endeavor and combat action, the soldiers of the Brigade performed magnificently, displaying unparalleled gallantry, determination, and espirit de corps while greatly exceeding every expectation of them in combat. The extraordinary heroism and overwhelming skill of the Brigade's Patriot units in engaging and defeating repeated SCUD missile attacks captured the attention and admiration of the entire world. They played a pivotal role in the overall success of allied efforts during operation Desert Storm.

For extraordinary heroism in action during Operation Desert Storm from 24 February 1991 to 26 March 1991. The 1st Engineer Battalion (Combat) was an integral component of the breach of the Iraqi seventh Corps' front-line defenses as part of the lead Division for the main effort of VII Corps. The valorous combat engineers of the Dishard Battalion marked and proofed assault lanes under direct and indirect enemy fire to secure a foothold in enemy territory and pass 1st Infantry Division (Mechanized) and 1st Armored Division (United Kingdom) forward. The Battalion was also a key participant in the subsequent destruction of one and the rout of two Iraqi Republican Guard Divisions. The 1st Engineer Battalion further distinguished itself by demolishing enemy fighting vehicles, weapons, and ammunition left on the battlefield, and by destroying many hazardous cluster bomb concentrations. The Dishard Battalion's courageous determination and tremendous esprit de corps are truly in keeping with the traditions of this proud Battalion. The 1st Engineer Battalion exemplifies the Division's motto; �No mission too difficult, no sacrifice too great, duty first!�

For exceptionally valorous service against the Iraqi Armed Forces during the period 24-27 February 1991. Task Force 2d Battalion, 34th Armor attacked the enemy with such speed and skillful precision that enemy positions were successfully breached and penetrated allowing VII Corps to conduct a successful exploitation. Continuing it's determined attack as part of this exploitation, Task Force 2d Battalion, 34th Armor attacked and utterly destroyed the 9th Armored Brigade of the Tawakalna Division of the Republican Guard. Through their valiant fighting spirit and lethal application of firepower, the soldiers of Task Force 2d Battalion, 34th Armor had significant impact on the success of operation Desert Storm.

For extraordinary heroism from 24 February to 28 February 1991 while conducting a deliberate attack and breaching operation against Iraqi Forces during Operation Desert Storm. Organized as Task Force 2d Battalion, 16th Infantry, the Unit was comprised of HHC, B, C, and E Companies, Second Battalion, Sixteenth Infantry; A and D Companies, Third Battalion, Thirty-seventh Armor; B Company, First Engineer Battalion; Second and Third Platoons, B Company Second Battalion, Third Air Defense Artillery; and Ground Surveillance Radar Teams 1 and 2, B Company, One Hundred and First Military Intelligence Battalion. As the initial VII Corps main effort, Task Force 2d Battalion, 16th Infantry conducted a breaching operation that was vital to the success of the Corps' mission. While under hostile fire the Task Force cleared four lanes simultaneously through an enemy fortified trench system while inflicting heavy casualties. The Task Force continued the attack clearing over 22 kilometers of entrenched enemy positions while maintaining fire superiority and resulted in the capture and destruction of numerous enemy vehicles, equipment, personnel and command bunkers. The overwhelming momentum of the attack and soldiers' fighting spirit drove the enemy from their positions resulting in the ultimate collapse and destruction of the Iraqi 48th Infantry Division. The extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty displayed by the soldiers of Task Force 2d Battalion, 16th Infantry were in keeping with the finest traditions of the United States Army.

For extraordinary heroism in military operations against an armed enemy: Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2d Brigade, 1st Cavalry and the following participating units: 1st Battalion, 5th Cavalry; 1st Battalion, 8th Cavalry; 1st Battalion, 32d Armor; 3d Battalion, 82d Field Artillery; Company B, 8th Engineer Battalion; 2d Platoon, 68th Chemical Company; and 4th Platoon, 44th Chemical Company distinguished themselves by gallantry in action against the Iraqi Army during the period 15 to 25 February 1991, in support of Operation DESERT STORM. Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2d Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division conducted the first brigade/task force level ground operation into Iraq. Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2d Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division conducted a feint in conjunction with G-Day, which fixed enemy forces and protected the left flank of VIIth Corps' penetration. As part of numerous missions conducted prior to G-Day, these successful actions significantly contributed to deceiving the enemy concerning the direction and location of United States Army Forces Central Command's main attack, while covering the westward movement of friendly forces. The heroism and valor displayed by Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2d Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division reflects great credit upon themselves and the United States Army.

For extraordinary heroism during ground combat operations in Operation Desert Storm from 24 February 1991 through 4 March 1991. Organized as Task Force 3/37th Armor, the Unit was comprised of HHC, B, and C Companies, 3/37th Armor; A and D Company, Second Battalion, Sixteenth Infantry; First Platoon of B Company and Second Platoon of C Company, Second Battalion, Third Air Defense Artillery; C Company, First Engineer Battalion; and Ground Surveillance Radar Team B, One Hundred and First Military Intelligence Battalion. As part of the First Infantry Division (Mechanized) and VII Corps main effort, Task Force 3/37th Armor breached the Iraqi defense on 24 February 1991, clearing four passage lanes and expanding the gap under direct enemy fire. The Task Force then attacked 300 kilometers across southern Iraq into northern Kuwait, severing Iraqi lines of communication, and then drove north once again into Iraq to assist in the seizure of the City of Safwan, Iraq, and the securing of the Safwan Airfield for the Coalition Forces-Iraqi Cease-Fire negotiations. During the operation, over fifty enemy combat vehicles were destroyed and over 1700 prisoners were captured. Throughout the Ground War, the soldiers performed with marked distinction under difficult and hazardous conditions. Their gallantry, determination, and Esprit de Corps guaranteed victory and maintained the finest traditions of the United States Army.

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 3d Brigade led the 1st Armored Division and VII Corps' main attack against the RGFC. On 25 February, the Brigade conducted a 113km movement to contact to destroy elements of the 26th Infantry Division resulting in the capture of 299 Enemy Prisoners of War (EPW's). On February 26, the Brigade was ordered to attack east to gain contact with and destroy the RGFC in zone. The 3d Brigade began an aggressive and continuous movement to contact which covered 74km in 12 � hours, while fighting multiple engagements throughout the day and night with elements of the 52d, 17th, Adnan, and Tawakalna Divisions. During one engagement with the Tawakalna Division the Brigade destroyed 27 Soviet T-72's which had established a hasty defense to cover the Iraqi forces withdrawing from the Kuwaiti Theater of Operation. On 27 February, the 3d 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 EPW's and made contact with the Medinah 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 EPW's with the loss of only 2 Bradley Cavalry vehicles, 30 WIA's and 1 KIA. Through their demonstrated tenacity, Esprit de Corps, and courageous professionalism, the units of the 3d �Phantom� Brigade have brought great credit upon themselves, the 3d Infantry Division and the United States Army.

For extraordinary heroism during Operation Desert Storm while conducting offensive ground combat against the Iraqi Army from 24 February 1991 through 4 March 1991. Organized pure with its HHC, A, B, C, and D Companies, the Battalion was augmented with A Company, Ninth Engineer Battalion, which was replaced with B Company, First Engineer Battalion, on 26 February 1991. Fighting with the Second Brigade Task Force as part of the First Infantry Division (Mechanized) and the VII Corps main effort, the Battalion rolled through the breach in the Iraqi defense west of Wadi Al Batin on 24 February and cleared the northeastern sector of the breach site of enemy resistance. It then continued the attack eastward for 260 additional kilometers across southern Iraq into northern Kuwait, then joining the Second Brigade drive north again into Iraq to seize Safwan Airfield for the site of the Cease-Fire negotiations. During the battle, the Fourth Battalion, Thirty-seventh Armor engaged elements of five Iraqi Divisions, destroyed numerous combat vehicles and captured over 450 enemy soldiers, ensuring an unprecedented victory for Coalition Forces. The Unit's soldiers conducted themselves with true distinction and valor, displaying absolute dedication to the mission in spite of demanding and hazardous conditions. Their performance maintains the finest traditions of the United States Army and sets a standard for future generations of soldiers to follow.

For extraordinary heroism while engaged in military action against Iraqi ground forces on 26 February 1991 and again on 2 March 1991. Consisting of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, Company A and Company C of the 4th Battalion, 64th Armor Regiment, Company A of the 2d Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, the 3d Platoon of Battery A of the 1st Battalion, 5th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, and Company A of the 5th Engineer Battalion, Task Force Tusker attacked entrenched Iraqi forces on 26 February 1991 to seize battle position 143, effectively severing the Iraqi Euphrates River Valley line of communication to the Kuwait Theater of operation and destroying the major combat elements the Republican Guards Forces Command's elite 26th Commando Brigade. Later, on 2 March 1991, while serving as the 1st Brigade's reserve force in defensive positions astride Highway 8, east of Basrah, Task Force Tusker attacked into the enemy formations, and in doing so, completed the destruction of the Hammurabi Division and the remnants of several other Republican Guards Forces Command Divisions. Task Force Tusker's extraordinary gallantry and valor in two key combat actions contributed significantly to the success of the 24th Infantry Division's offensive operations in Iraq.

For extraordinary heroism in action against the Iraqi Army during the period of 23 February 1991 to 26 February 1991 the 2d Armored Cavalry Regiment, with its attached, operational control, and direct support units�the Dragoon Battle Group�attacked into Southern Iraq, in the lead of VII Corps with such audacity that the Dragoon Battle Group quickly overwhelmed superior enemy forces, demoralizing them, and taking hundreds of enemy prisoners. On 26 February, during the battle of 73 Easting, the 2d Dragoons Battle Group established contact with the Tawakalna Division, Iraqi Republican Guards Corps, and decisively defeated their advanced elements, as well as elements of other Iraqi armored units, effectively fixing this superior enemy force so that the Corps could maneuver against and destroy them. Throughout this 96-hour period, the 2d Dragoons Battle Group displayed an intrepidity in combat that clearly set them apart from other combat units in the VII Corps. Its actions reflect the greatest credit upon the soldiers of the Battle Group and are in keeping with the highest traditions of American military service.

For extraordinary heroism while engaged in military action against Iraqi ground forces in the Rumayiah oil fields on 2 March 1991. Consisting of Headquarters and service Company, and Companies A, B, C, D, the attack Battalion responded with swiftness and determination to reports that a large armored enemy force was approaching the 24th Infantry Division's security zone from the east. Quickly coordinating an engagement area with the responsible ground Commander, the attack battalion established a battle position to the northwest of the oil fields, effectively cutting the enemy's escape route across the Hammar Causeway. Rotating attack helicopter companies into the battle position, enemy forces were engaged with 30mm cannon fire, 2.75 inch rockets, and hellfire missiles. This devastating application of firepower set the conditions for a swift and decisive counterattack by armored ground forces. During the ground counterattack, the attack helicopters, in conjunction with a small ground element, protected the southeastern flank of the counterattack force by sealing the battlefield from other Iraqi forces in the area. Within hours, the attack battalion destroyed 32 Iraqi tanks, 49 BMP's, 37 trucks, 8 Frog Missile launchers, numerous other assorted artillery pieces, anti-aircraft guns, and support vehicles. This devastating aerial attack assured the destruction of the Republican Guard Forces Hammurabi Division and the remnants of several other infantry divisions.

(No Citation Available)

1st Battalion, 101st Aviation distinguished themselves by gallantry in action during Operation DESERT STORM against a numerically superior enemy in Defense if the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and in the liberation of Kuwait from its Iraqi invaders, on 24 February 1991. 1st Battalion, 101st Aviation acted with extraordinary heroism and aggressiveness in executing air assault operations. The courage, bravery, and dedication to mission accomplishment of the 1st Battalion, 101st Aviation during the air assault operations reflect great credit on themselves and the United States Army.

1st Battalion, 327th Infantry distinguished themselves by gallantry in action during Operation DESERT STORM as they captured a large enemy bunker complex which contained a large cache of ammunition, weapons and soldiers to include a Battalion Commander and his staff, on 24 February 1991. 1st Battalion, 327th Infantry acted with courage, bravery, and dedication to mission accomplishment during combat operations. The actions of the 1st Battalion, 327th Infantry reflect great credit on themselves and the United States Army.

Headquarters and Headquarters Company (HHC), 1st Brigade, 3d Armored Division distinguished themselves by gallantry in action during the period 10 January 1991 to 19 April 1991, in support of Operations DESERT SHIELD and DESERT STORM. Initially encountering light resistance, HHC, 1st Brigade, 3d Armored Division captured small groups of prisoners and destroyed armored vehicles. Gaining full contact, HHC, 1st Brigade, 3d Armored Division engaged enemy forces in a large bunker complex with direct and indirect fires. HHC, 1st Brigade, 3d Armored Division's overwhelming direct and indirect fires completely the 9th Brigade, Tawakalna Division of the Republican Guard. HHC, 1st Brigade, 3d Armored Division's attack transitioned into a 100 kilometer exploitation. HHC, 1st Brigade, 3d Armored Division's battle formation sliced through successive enemy defensive belts, destroying armored vehicles with marching fires and capturing hundreds of prisoners. The extraordinary heroism displayed by Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Brigade, 3d Armored Division reflects great credit upon themselves and the United States Army.

Headquarters and Headquarters Company (HHC), 2d Brigade, 3d Armored Division distinguished themselves by gallantry in action from 28 December 1990 to 11 May 1991 in support of Operations DESERT SHIELD and DESERT STORM. Initially encountering light resistance, HHC, 2d Brigade, 3d Armored Division captured small groups of prisoners, and destroyed armored vehicles. After over 300 kilometers movement to contact, HHC, 2d Brigade, 3d Armored Division engaged enemy forces in prepared defensive positions, engaging the enemy with direct fire, massive artillery and Army aviation. HHC, 2d Brigade, 3d Armored Division destroyed the first lines of defense and an attempted armored counterattack. The extraordinary heroism of Headquarters Company, 2d Brigade, 3d Armored Division reflects great credit upon themselves and the United States Army.

Headquarters and Headquarters Company (HHC), 3d Brigade, 3d Armored Division distinguished themselves by gallantry in action from 4 January 1991 to 11 May 1991, in support of operations DESERT SHIELD and DESERT STORM. HHC, 3d Brigade, 3d Armored Division assembled in the Saudi Arabian desert and moved 250 kilometers to the west in preparation for future ground operations and became part of the Allied Forces' strategic flanking movement. At the start of the ground war in the Kuwait Theater of Operations, HHC, 3d Brigade, 3d Armored Division executed a 300 kilometer attack through western Iraq spearheading the VII Corps' penetration into Kuwait. HHC, 3d Brigade, 3d Armored Division actions contributed greatly to the destruction of two Iraqi Republican Guard Divisions by destroying 300 enemy vehicles and capturing 2,500 enemy prisoners. HHC, 3d Brigade, 3d Armored Division's detailed planning and relentless execution helped ensure the successful end to their mission. Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3d Brigade, 3d Armored Division's extraordinary heroism reflects great credit upon themselves and the United States Army.

For extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy. During the period 24 February 1991 to 28 February 1991, the 4th Squadron, 7th Cavalry and the cited units distinguished themselves while engaged in combat in the Kuwait Theater of operations in support of Operation Desert Storm. The units led the 3d Armored Division 300 kilometers into southern Iraq, while also screening the right flank of the VII Corps during 100 hours of continuous combat. The units were engaged with Iraq's first line of defense and destroyed elements of the Iraqi 26th and 48th Infantry Divisions in prepared defensive positions. As one of the only units of the 3d Armored Division to take on the enemy every day during the 1 00 hours of ground combat, they were among the first of their division to engage the Tawakalna Division of the Republican Guard at the Battle of Phase Line Bullet. During the battle, the units crippled the 9th Armored Brigade of the Tawakalna Mechanized Division of the Republican Guard by destroying 18 enemy combat vehicles, several Iraqi tanks and killed numerous dismounted soldiers before effectively handing the battle off to the 1st Brigade, 3d Armored Division. Throughout the 100 hours of ground combat, the units' air elements distinguished themselves by continuously screening ahead of the division, reporting enemy movements and destroying countless enemy vehicles, equipment and personnel. The devotion to duty, extraordinary heroism and outstanding professionalism displayed by the members of the 4th Squadron, 7th Cavalry and the cited units are in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon themselves and the U.S. Army.