This page www.a-1-8.org: /Docs/activeunit/01-19hearing.php last modified on April 12, 2005 10:42 AM
| A-1-8 Chapter of the 4th Infantry Division |
Active Unit News
Bob Babcock - "Deeds not Words"
President, Americans Remembered, Inc. - http://www.americansremembered.org
President, 22nd Inf Regt Society - http://www.22ndinfantry.org
Past President/Historian - Nat'l 4th Inf Div Assn - http://www.4thinfantry.org
babcock224@aol.com
Click to Send us your news
=======================
3 U.S. Service Members Die in Iraq Attack
By PAUL GARWOOD
.c The Associated Press
TIKRIT, Iraq (AP) - A roadside bomb detonated north of Baghdad on Saturday, killing three U.S. soldiers and two Iraqi civil defense troopers, a U.S. military spokesman said. The deaths bring to 500 the number of American service members who have died since the Iraq war began.
Two Americans also were wounded in the attack, which occurred when a Bradley Fighting Vehicle struck an explosive device on a road near Taji, about 20 miles north of Baghdad, said Lt. Col. Bill McDonald, a spokesman for the 4th Infantry Division.
The vehicle caught fire, killing the three Americans and two Iraqis who were on joint U.S.-Iraqi patrol, McDonald said.
A U.S. quick reaction force rushed to the area and detained three men fleeing in a white truck, he added. Soldiers found bomb-making material in the vehicle, he added.
CNN reported that the Bradley flipped over and caught fire.
Also Saturday, the military said a U.S. soldier died from a non-hostile gunshot wound south of Baghdad. The incident occurred Friday evening near Diwaniyah south of Baghdad, the command said in a statement. No further details were released.
The deaths bring to 500 the number of U.S. service members who have died since the Iraq conflict began on March 20.
01/17/04 05:28 EST
Copyright 2003 The Associated Press.
====================
Two Killed in Tikrit Car Explosion
By PAUL GARWOOD
.c The Associated Press
TIKRIT, Iraq (AP) - An explosive device being transported in a car exploded near a U.S. Army patrol in Tikrit, killing two men in the vehicle - one of them a relative of Saddam Hussein, the military said Sunday.
A third man in the car survived. There were no U.S. casualties.
The white Mercedes Benz exploded late Saturday on a street in the hometown of former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein, said Lt. Col. Steve Russell, commander of the 1st Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment of the 4th Infantry Division.
The car exploded about 150 yards from Russell's patrol, which stopped at a shop in downtown Tikrit just minutes earlier to talk to its owner, he said.
``It was not a suicide bombing. It was a failed attempt to attack coalition forces and they (the car's occupants) killed themselves,'' Russell said.
U.S. soldiers were searching for the vehicle because it was believed to have been involved in several other bombings, including a Dec. 16 explosion in Tikrit that wounded three American soldiers.
One of the men killed Saturday was a nephew of one of Saddam's brothers, Russell said. The man was carrying a homemade bomb made of artillery shells and plastic explosives in his lap when it detonated prematurely, killing him and the driver. Russell would not further identify the bomber.
A third occupant of the car survived the blast with serious injuries and was taken to a Tikrit hospital, where U.S. soldiers were expected to question him later Sunday, Russell said.
The men in the car are believed to have been tipped off to the presence of U.S. soldiers patrolling in Tikrit, and the radio-controlled bomb detonated prematurely in their haste to attack them, Russell said.
In another incident, an explosive device detonated Saturday inside a Tikrit shop, blowing off the leg of the store's owner and damaging the premises, Russell said. The injured man apparently was handling the device or preparing it for use when it exploded.
Tikrit, about 120 miles north of the capital Baghdad, is at the center of the so-called Sunni triangle, a pro-Saddam area where the bulk of insurgent attacks against U.S. troops have occurred.
01/18/04 05:09 EST
Copyright 2003 The Associated Press.
====================
U.S. Army says oil leak into Iraqi river plugged
TIKRIT, Iraq, Jan 17 (Reuters) - The U.S. Army has identified and plugged the source of a leak that sent rivulets of oil coursing down the Tigris River in Iraq, the soldier in charge of oil infrastructure in the region said on Saturday.
Colonel Bobby Nicholson, division engineer for the U.S. 4th Infantry Division, said rainwater flowing towards the river carried the oil with it after it leaked from a stretch of pipeline west of Kirkuk.
Nicholson told Reuters on Saturday that the oil leaked out of a broken section of pipeline when the pipeline's operators, the North Oil Company, tried to charge up a section of the line on December 10.
"They've had this happen there before, but usually they suck the oil back up. It started to rain before they could suck it back up this time," Nicholson said.
Soldiers with the 4th Infantry, based in one of Saddam Hussein's former palaces in his hometown of Tikrit, began noticing the narrow, brownish-black streaks in the muddy Tigris a few weeks ago.
The river flows behind the palace complex and is a major source of water in the region. Most of the water is treated at facilities in the region before being put into water lines that serve the area.
The area where the spill occurred, near oil storage tanks in the city of Ash Sharqat, is at a low point of the land west of Kirkuk. It was unclear how much oil leaked out.
The pipeline, which flows north out of Iraq to the Turkish port of Ceyhan, is not fully functioning yet. The leaking pipeline section is not currently running due to ongoing repairs, which are due to wrap up soon, Nicholson said.
Nicholson said the pipeline segments in his region are used to flow oil to the 290,000 barrel per day refinery in Baiji, north of Tikrit, and to the Ash Sharqat storage tanks that feed it.
The pipeline and Iraq's oil infrastructure are currently being renovated and run by a mix of Iraqis and contractors hired to repair it.
Nicholson is in charge of, among other things, security and support for the oil production and infrastructure in a hydrocarbon-rich region that stretches from just north of Baghdad to Kirkuk in the north, and east to the Iranian border.
01/17/04 10:52 ET
Copyright 2003 Reuters Limited.
===================
59 Years Ago Today - 4ID in Luxembourg:
17 January 1945 - D+226
The enemy occupied hasty and permanent fortifications which were well camouflaged and had excellent fields of fire. Outposts and patrols covered the north bank of the Sauer river. Buildings in this sector were employed by the enemy to house troops and as shelters for machine gun positions.
The 4th Division assumed responsibility for its new sector facing the south banks of the Sure and Sauer rivers, Bettendorf to Bollendorf.
The 8th Infantry Regiment relieved the 10th Infantry Regiment of the 5th Infantry Division within its sector facing the Sure river, during the hours of darkness. At 0730, the 2nd Battalion began movement to its new assembly area vicinity of Ermsdorf, closing therein at 0930. The 8th Infantry reverted to control of the 4th Division at 0900. During the period, two patrols from the 8th Infantry succeeded in crossing the Sure river on a reconnaissance mission to secure information for the projected attack.
At 1000, the 345th Infantry Regiment of the 87th Infantry Division began the relief of the 12th Infantry and this was continued without incident until 2205. The 3rd Battalion meanwhile began movement at 1340 to a new assembly area in the vicinity of Schoenfels; closing therein at 1715. After their relief, the 1st and 2nd Battalions moved to an assembly area in the vicinity of Keispelt and were still enroute at the close of the period.
The 22nd Infantry continued movement to the vicinity of Savelborn, arriving in the new area by 1715. Relief of the 11th Infantry Regiment of the 5th Division was completed at 2100.
18 January 1945 - D+227
After crossing the Sauer river during darkness, CT 8 by-passed enemy pockets of resistance. Opposite CT 22 the enemy continued to defend along the north bank of the Sauer river. At first the enemy's reaction to our crossing was slight but when the situation became apparent, it attempted to halt our attack with all weapons and troops at hand. Considerable small arms and machine gun fire was placed on the river crossings sites and later, an increase in artillery and mortar fire was noted. At our approach, enemy forces in Bettendorf came out of the buildings and counterattacked. This action was repulsed by our advancing troops.
The 4th Infantry Division attacked with the 8th Infantry Regiment at 0300 in conjunction with the attack of the 5th Infantry Division on the left. The attack was launched down the steep snow covered slopes of the south bank of the Sure river to secure crossings and to seize the high ground fronting on the Our river and the Siegfried Line. The attack was launched without an artillery preparation in the hope of gaining the advantage of complete surprise. Before the enemy discovered our intentions, elements of the 1st Battalion, on the left, and the 3rd Battalion, on the right, had crossed the Sure river in two places, using assault boats, and were moving rapidly toward their objectives. It was later in the day before all elements of the two assault battalions were able to cross the river. The 2nd Battalion of the 8th Infantry Regiment was ordered to move forward to cross the Sure river but was unable to cross at the selected site because enemy artillery fire destroyed all boats that the battalion had planned to use. After Company K had succeeded in driving the enemy from the bridge area, this battalion crossed on the foot bridge.
During the day, the 4th Engineer Combat Battalion had labored continuously under adverse terrain (very rough with steep slopes) and weather conditions (ice and snow) and while under fire by the enemy. Their efforts resulted only in one foot bridge (an infantry support bridge and a treadway bridge had been expected as well).
The 12th Infantry completed movement to its new area in the vicinity of Keispelt, closing therein at 0220. Its 2nd Battalion initiated movement at 2000 to Eppildorf and was still enroute at the close of the day.
The 22nd Infantry maintained its defense in the right of the Division's zone of action.
19 January 1945 - D+228
The enemy increased its resistance to our advance. Several pockets of resistance continued to hold out in rear of our forward line. Heavy shelling continued in the vicinity of our bridge sites.
The 4th Division continued its attack to the north with the 8th Infantry and the 2nd Battalion of the 12th Infantry, capturing the town of Bettendorf and the high ground overlooking the Our river. At 1830, supporting engineers completed a treadway bridge and at 1700, an infantry support bridge was completed in another place.
The 8th Infantry was endeavoring to construct bridges across the Sure river, the need for supporting weapons and tanks on the bridgehead was growing. During the hours of darkness, Company C was successful in reaching positions on its objective. Company B, in conjunction with Company A of the 10th Infantry, cleared all the town of Bettendorf by 0930. Company I was successful in reaching the 3rd Battalion objective. Company K remained in position to the rear along the river line where small pockets of resistance were eliminated. Meanwhile Companies E and F continued fighting in the town of Kleinreisdorf. This action continued throughout the day while Company G remained on the high ground to the north of the village to prevent any enemy reinforcements. In the afternoon, the 2nd Battalion of the 12th Infantry moved to positions preparatory to relieving the 3rd Battalion of the 10th Infantry south of Longsdorf.
The 12th Infantry less the 2nd Battalion, remained in division reserve. The 1st Battalion moved to an assembly area in the vicinity of Eppeldorf, closing therein at 1330. The 3rd Battalion remained in an assembly area at Helmdange.
The 22nd Infantry maintained the defense of its sector.
Thanks to Philippe Cornil at www.revive-it.com.
====================
What Our Families Are Hearing From Our Soldiers in Iraq:
1) Technology is great! My son (223rd / MS) bought a camera while home on leave and took back with him on his return. He has emailed a few pictures of himself and friends. It is great to be able to get a note from him every once in a while. I know we are spoiled. When I think about past wars and the length of time that families and soldiers went without hearing from each other, I don't know how they stood it. So, I thank God for technology this morning! Things seem to be slow for the guys, too. They are preparing to shut down their operations, so maybe it won't be too long before we'll have them home..... My prayers are with everyone from the top down on this huge rotation plan. Keep them all safe, Lord.
2) THE 101ST IS ARRIVING IN KUWAIT!!!! My soldier is now on safer soil, thank God! It may take weeks for them to clean up, pack up, and get out of there, but I like the location lots better than Iraq, wouldn’t you agree? So all you 4th ID supporters, the dominoes have begun to fall. Soon it will be your turn to enjoy the news that your soldiers have crossed the border into KUWAIT…next stop, God Bless the USA! AMEN!!!
3) I got a phone call at 445 am this Friday morning from my hubby who is in B Troop 1/10 Cav 4ID. He knows now that I'm going to have our third baby - got to love R&R. We only had 3 mins so we talked about the kids. He said that he would call me back when he has more time. He sounds so good, I was just so happy to hear his voice.
4) Because of your newsletter, I can share with my daughter, 46th Chemical Company, bits and pieces of things that are happening at Fort Hood. I give her the information second hand because the computers are very slow and she only gets a few minutes at the computer. But either way, how lucky we are to be able to communicate with our soldiers via e-mail, so that they do not feel that they're fighting this war all alone, because our hearts and our prayers are always with them. She called Xmas Day and told me that they were served a wonderful meal, with Xmas carolers and they even had a beautiful Xmas tree. She also received a gift. As I understand it, all this happiness brought to our soldiers was due to all the effort of FRG. Thank you FRG. From a grateful army mom.
5) My son called me this morning at work. He is coming home for R&R in 10 days. When I imagine myself hugging him for the first time in over a year all I can do is cry. I am going to start to practice at being composed before he gets here. Anyway he sounded great. He said some of the guys have nightmares and I asked him if he did and he said "Ya, I dream that I am home and I wake up and I'm in Iraq, that's my nightmare" I laughed and felt bad at the same time. He said they are starting to get new guys and showing them the ropes. Said he remembers being as scared as they seem to be. (recent boot camp grads) . He had only been out of Boot camp 2 weeks when he was deployed. He said he is just used to stuff now. He's camp Scunyun, Baqubah. I have recently made friends with a young man going over in 2 weeks, so I suppose I won't be saving much on postage when my son comes home. I still want to support our troops that are replacing ours. Anyway what would I do with all my extra money and time? Clean my house, buy a new car, take a vacation, hire a maid all of the above.
6) I wanted to thank the “big sister” for sharing her brother’s R&R experience. I too am a big sister of a soldier in Iraq – and am so proud of my brother along with his fellow troops. My parents and I share every contact and letter that we receive from our soldier with excitement. We watch the mailbox every day – and hope to hear the phone ring for a late night call. Just like the spouses, other family members (mothers, fathers, sisters and brothers) wait in anticipation for each call or letter – and pray each night for their safe and speedy return. We too, along with so many spouses, fiancés, girlfriends and boyfriends, will be in Texas to welcome our soldier home when he returns to Ft. Hood. Thanks to the other big sisters for their eloquent and heartfelt words.
7) My brother is in Samarra, HHB-3/29FA, and he called me Friday evening. He sounded so upbeat. He said its starting to really seem real that they will be coming home soon. All day Friday, the loaded trucks with computers and other stuff to head back to the USA. He said when his replacements are scheduled to arrive around March 12, and he will begin his journey home around March 15. He sounds excited. He said he's leaving everything there that he's accumulted over the last year for the next group of guys.(except the special stuff family has sent him) But the TV's, play stations, everything they have all bought and built to make it more comfortable and homely he said most guys plan on leaving behind. They could care less about all of it, they just want to get back home. I think it's nice to leave it for the next group. They'll DEFINITLEY have it easier coming in than our guys did as far as having a more comfortable living environment, and for that I'm glad for the next group. They will need it.
8) Thank you for your new section of redeployment tips. My son is a single soldier with the 4th ID and I would love to be able to be there in Fort Hood when he comes home but due to health problems I won't be able to make the trip. He is going to have to face many of the problems that were described in your update on Friday and I appreciate someone thinking of all the single soldiers who are coming home and how difficult it will be for them with no family able to be there to help them. (Editor's Note: Not to worry - those of us who plan to be there will look out for the single soldiers to the best of our ability).
===========================
Families Sharing R&R Moments:
1) My son B/1-10 Cav went back to Iraq from 2 weeks of R&R. It was great seeing him for a few days. He looked wonderful, very healthy and strong, even looked like he had gained weight. His spirit was good and he still had his sense of humor. I am grateful for that, because for any soldiers to still be able to laugh and go through what they are going through is a blessing. It's the small victories as well as the big ones that you have to be thankful for. I have never known time to go by so fast as it did when he was here, but, we cherished every minute that we had to spend with him. I couldn't stop hugging and kissing him and thanking God for sending him home. I cooked his favorite breakfast and dinner everyday, even dessert. We even took a family portrait. Not to rush time, but, I hope that the reminder of their time there go by just as fast as those 2 weeks. I miss him again already. God bless our soldiers. And please God send them back home to us.
2) Our son, 3BCT, C Co, 1/8 Inf, out of Fort Carson, surprised me by coming home for his two-week R&R. He called Wednesday morning (Jan 14) at 0345 and casually asked if I could do him a favor and pick him up at the airport in Fresno at 1430.
I was totally shocked. Turns out my husband knew he was coming home but they didn't know when. He looks great, is our same old son, just much more mature. He's home until 1/29. He's also volunteered to stay longer than the rest of his unit to help get the Bradleys and other equipment ready to ship home so he may be there longer than the others. But most of that extra time will be in Kuwait and not in a combat zone.....Most days I don't know what I would do without your updates. Keep the faith, everybody, and keep praying for all our soldiers to come soon. Proud parents of an infantryman.
3) Well, my husband just returned to Iraq after his R&R. He is in 124th Sig Bn. He could not get enough "real" American food, and God knows what we spent eating out the whole time - haha! He said it is so hard being away from us, but we both know that his job is important. He did say that he can't believe how fast the time has gone, and that he can not believe that he will be home in just a few short weeks! Something funny is that my kids actually believe that he is coming home now that he has been here and left again. I think they thought he had mysteriously vanished and that he never was going to come back! Now it is all they talk about! It is a good thing that you put the number of days until April 1st the beginning of each update, whenever they ask how long until he returns, I just check that day's update, and say, "oh he should be home in....days!" I will say this, those two weeks were a wonderful blessing to all of us. I never even thought how many days he had left until the day before he had to leave again!
===========================
Redeployment Tips
1) I'd like to thank the single soldier for offering some tips to help the single soldiers when they return. Our soldier is also single. We live several states away from Ft. Hood and aren't sure if we'll make it to greet him. We will appreciate it if anybody is there to help him out. Can anybody offer us any advice on what we can do from afar to make his homecoming easier, even if we aren't there in the gym? We've already done the things that were previously suggested - make sure his car registration is updated, and he has proof of insurance, etc. What about his immediate needs - a hotel reservation? But we don't know the exact day he will return..... (Editor's Note: there will be barracks available for single soldiers when they return).
2) From a soldier: After my last year long deployment I had to realize when I got home that my wife had been the one taking care of everything while I was gone. She had to make all the decisions, be Mom and Dad, bill payer, handyman, and all the little things you just take for granted when you are home. You can't come back after being gone for a year or longer and expect to step back into the same role you were doing before you left. Take things slow and gradually work back into doing the things you were before. The biggest burden on my wife was the bill paying, so I took that over. Making decisions about how to handle things is something else you have to work back into doing. Make joint decisions - discuss the matter then you both decide. Keep open communications - that is the srongest piece of advice someone you can give to someone coming home. Relax and discuss things openly. There will be things you won't want to talk about, and you need to let them know. Just keep an open mind and communicate with each other.
3) From the wife of a soldier with three major deployments: Don't feel bad if you think you need help and need to talk to someone like your Unit Chaplain. They are helpful and compassionate and knowledgeable people.
(Editor's Note: How about you husbands with wives deployed - do you have any input to pass on for others to learn from? Also, let's hear more tips for single soldiers).
============================
Back to Active Unit Main News Page