I deployed to Saudi Arabia as a first lieutenant with the 1-41st Field Artillery…

I deployed to Saudi Arabia as a first lieutenant with the 1-41st Field Artillery out of Fort Stewart, Georgia in direct support of the 1st Brigade, 24th Infantry Division (Mech) in late August 1990.  I was a member of the advance team from the Division. The 24th ID was the “Heavy Division” of the XVIIIth Airborne Corps Rapid Deployment Force along with the 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions. Our Division was positioned initially in a tactical assembly area (TAA) close to the port of Dhahran while we awaited the arrival of our equipment (photo).

Upon the arrival of the Battalion main body and our equipment in theatre, we deployed northeast to a series of defensive assembly areas near the Saudi -Iraq border. I was promoted to Captain in November 1990 (photo) and assigned as the Assistant Brigade Fire Support Officer with responsibility to control our artillery battalion fires under the direction of the Brigade Commander. During the period of September-December of 1990, we trained extensively as a Brigade to include working with our Saudi counterparts on joint artillery missions.  I was imbedded with a Saudi Artillery unit for approximately three weeks to support their training (and to make sure they didn’t kill any of our guys in the process!).  (photo).

In early January 1991, the Division moved into position along the Iraq border in preparation for the attack into Iraq. During that time, we fired a number of artillery missions to suppress Iraqi radar and air defense assets in support of the coalition air strikes into Iraq. 

After the ground war kicked off on February 24th, the Division covered hundreds of kilometers through Iraq. Initially, we experienced light resistance mostly small arms fire and mortars. 

We fought our first major engagement on Feb. 26 against Iraqi mechanized infantry and armor battalions (to include the Republican Guard Forces)  at Jalibah airfield.  After securing the airfield, we fought east against a number of Republican Guard divisions leading up the total destruction of the Hammurabi Republican Guard Forces at the now famous Battle of Rumaila in the Euphrates River Valley on March 2nd.   I was awarded a Bronze Star Medal for my actions during those two battles.

After the cease fire, we returned to Saudi Arabia to recover and to load our equipment at the port in Dhahran.  We were billeted at the infamous Khobar Towers. 

I returned to Ft. Stewart on April 11, 1991. I resigned my commission in August of 1991 but continued to serve 7 more years in the National Guard and Army Reserves attaining the rank of Major.  Today, I serve as the Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army for Southern California.

I believe my service during Operation Desert Storm was the most impactful experience of my life and I am proud to have played a small but important role in the history of our United States Army.

-Richard Pascoe
Cardiff, California