Operation Desert Sabre involved a fierce tank-against-tank campaign that outstripped even World War II’s savage battle of Kursk
The most pitched tank battle in the history of warfare was fought not against the Nazis in Europe or North Africa—but just 30 years ago, in the desert of Iraq.
Abrams M1A1 battle tanks and other combat vehicles rumble over the desert in northern Kuwait. The campaign’s success depended on coalition forces finding ingenious ways to navigate through Saddam’s sprawling mine fields.In three epic encounters—dubbed 73 Easting, Medina Ridge, and Fright Night —armored behemoths from both sides relentlessly went muzzle-to-muzzle, turning the sprawling desert into history’s most concentrated tank shooting gallery.
“First of all, don’t ever say it was a hundred-hour war—that’s a disservice to the Air Force and other military personnel who began engaging with the Iraqis in January,” says Fontenot, sitting in the den of his home in Lansing, Kansas. Behind him hangs a painting of two U.S. tanks charging toward the viewer, “the way the Iraqis saw them.”
“This is my beast,” he smiles. “I was on these things for 18 years. For Desert Storm, I was in one for 100 hours straight—only came out to go to the bathroom, or help fuel, or hold a machine gun while the other guys fueled.” Early on the morning of February 24, coalition forces secretly stretched some 300 miles along the Saudi-Iraqi border. Iraqi military officials had some suspicions, but did not act on them.
Walking around the American Heritage Museum’s M1A1, Beaulieu notes that the tank’s advanced suspension system gave it a surprisingly smooth ride, even on the roughest desert terrain. Pointing to a nearby 1960s vintage Sheridan M551 tank, which also saw service in Desert Storm, he adds, “Compared to riding in that tank over there, this is like a Cadillac.” Ironically, the Sheridan was actually built by Cadillac.
“Sleep just didn’t happen,” says Richert. “The minute you stopped, you’d fall asleep. Maybe you’d get a 20-minute nap, and that would be it for the next eight hours.” The sky was illuminated with tracers. As tanks passed low hills or depressions, Iraqi fighters jumped from hiding, aiming rocket-powered grenade launchers, trying to take the tanks out from behind. Only quick action from the tank’s machine gunners prevented disaster.
“There were so many factors,” he says. “It was raining mud, for crying out loud. We had clouds and smoke that played tricks with visibility. Someone said visibility that night was like looking into a closet with sunglasses on.”
Argentina Últimas Noticias, Argentina Titulares
Similar News:También puedes leer noticias similares a ésta que hemos recopilado de otras fuentes de noticias.
Forex Today: Fed, war and inflation not enough to take down Wall StreetWhat you need to take care of on Thursday, March 17: The American dollar ended the day lower after the US Federal Reserve monetary policy decision. Th
Leer más »
UN seeks $4.27 billion in appeal for war-ravaged YemenA United Nations appeal for Yemen is aiming at raising $4.27 billion to alleviate what it describes as the world’s worst humanitarian crisis, with 161,000 people likely to experience famine there in 2022
Leer más »
NATO ministers discuss boosting Ukraine — and avoiding a wider warThe NATO chief said that while hundreds of thousands of troops were on alert in Europe, it was the alliance's responsibility to keep the situation from escalating beyond Ukraine.
Leer más »