This page www.a-1-8.org: /Docs/activeunit/01-07hearing.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
========================
Eerie Calm Settles in After Saddam Capture
By PAUL GARWOOD
Associated Press Writer
TIKRIT, Iraq (AP)--Sniper attacks and driveby shootings are the new hit-and-run tactics confronting the U.S. occupiers of Saddam Hussein's birthplace, punctuating an eerie calm that has settled on this tense town since the dictator's capture. Following months of multiple attacks, the number and strength of daily hits has decreased in the face of a heavy U.S. military presence and the humiliating circumstances of Saddam's capture.
In the past week, U.S. soldiers suspect the same gunman has scored two hits, wounding one trooper in the stomach and hitting the other with two bullets in the back. Luckily for the second soldier, his flak jacket stopped the bullets. On Tuesday, another patrol came under fire, apparently from an assault rifle. No soldier was injured and the gunman escaped an intensive search of the area and raid on one house.
Tikrit, the heart of the so-called Sunni Muslim Triangle of Saddam die-hards, has been one of the most concentrated areas of anti-coalition attacks since the United States led the invasion in March, particularly in the months after President Bush declared an end to the war in May.
In scores of attacks since April, insurgents have killed five U.S. soldiers and wounded 52, including Saturday's sniper victim, who was evacuated to Germany for medical treatment. Peaks in the strikes were recorded in June-July, when 23 soldiers were wounded and one killed, and October, when three U.S. soldiers died and nine were wounded.
Lt. Col. Steve Russell, commander of the 1st Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment of the 4th Infantry Division that is based in Tikrit, said small cells of Iraqi fighters caused most of the June-July casualties by engaging U.S. forces in small arms fire, while the October attacks came mainly from homemade bombs, often planted by the side of the road. Russell said U.S. forces met each peak with ``aggressive responses'' -- killing or arresting many of those believed responsible for the strikes. U.S. casualty figures in the following months plummeted.
Improved intelligence gathering, with hundreds of informants coming forward to offer information, also led to multiple arrests. ``We have never taken the approach of handing out lollipops in the hope that they would like us,'' he said of residents of the town 100 miles north of Baghdad. ``That doesn't work in this city. Different populations need different treatment.''
The military does, however, hand out books, clothes and soccer balls to children and this week even gave Peugeot cars to local sheiks around Tikrit--a perk that was a trademark of Saddam.
The Associated Press witnessed an example of the army's blunt means of getting its message across Tuesday on foot patrol with U.S. soldiers from the 4th Infantry's Charlie Company, which is based inside a palace where Saddam used to celebrate his birthdays with hundreds of supporters and military parades.
In tight formation, the small team patrolled up and down Tikrit backstreets, looking for suspicious activity and trying to ferret out details that might lead to suspects. During the two-hour patrol, the squad forced their way into two houses, seizing a rifle in the home of one woman who shouted ``I hate Americans, you killed my son!''
Asmaa Ahmed Khattab showed the AP a picture of her 20-year-old son, who she said was killed along with several friends by U.S. forces in July. An hour later, the crack of a single bullet momentarily stopped the soldiers in their tracks before they set off in pursuit. They burst into a nearby home, where Iraqi men were drinking tea under an olive tree.
``You tell me what you want and I will help you, but don't scare the women,'' said the owner, Tikrit University professor Bassem Saleh. ``The shot didn't come from here,'' he said. ``We love you and we think you are improving things here in Tikrit.''
The near-miss reinforced the new threat facing soldiers in Tikrit, of sneak attacks by a gunman either hidden or in a car that flees from the scene. ``It feels calmer out here and the numbers of attacks are going down, but they are coming up with new tactics,'' said patrol leader Sgt. Matthew Lesau, 25, of Pagapago, American Samoa. ``Even though it seems quiet, you know they are still out there.''
Russell, the commander, said ``Things are getting quieter, but we definitely can't say the attacks have ended. There will be those that will never be convinced except by a bullet in the head.''
AP-NY-01-07-04 0505EST
Copyright 2004, The Associated Press.
========================
An excerpt from an article by LTC Rick French, CO of 2-20 FA (MLRS) that appeared in the Deep Strike Tribune, Vol XXI, dated 5 Jan 04:
NCO Creed
..... It is an honor and a privilege to be called "Sergeant." It is not a right. Not every soldier that enters the Army will become a Sergeant and that is good. We only want our best leaders being called a noncommissioned officer. After the promotion ceremony, in front of the battery, SGT Hembree, standing tall and without hesitation, began to recite one of the best creeds ever written, The NCO Creed:
No one is more professional than I. I am a Noncommissioned Officer, a leader of soldiers. As a Noncommissioned Officer, I realize that I am a member of a time honored corps, which is known as "The Backbone of the Army". I am proud of the Corps of Noncommissioned Officers and will at all times conduct myself so as to bring credit upon the Corps, the Military Service and my country regardless of the situation in which I find myself. I will not use my grade or position to attain pleasure, profit, or personal safety.
Competence is my watchword. My two basic responsibilities will always be uppermost in my mind -- accomplishment of my mission and the welfare of my soldiers. I will strive to remain tactically and technically proficient. I am aware of my role as a Noncommissioned Officer. I will fulfill my responsibilities inherent in that role. All soldiers are entitled to outstanding leadership; I will provide that leadership. I know my soldiers and I will always place their needs above my own. I will communicate consistently with my soldiers and never leave them uninformed. I will be fair and impartial when recommending both rewards and punishment.
Officers of my unit will have maximum time to accomplish their duties; they will not have to accomplish mine. I will earn their respect and confidence as well as that of my soldiers. I will be loyal to those with whom I serve; seniors, peers, and subordinates alike. I will exercise initiative by taking appropriate action in the absence of orders. I will not compromise my integrity, nor my moral courage. I will not forget, nor will I allow my comrades to forget that we are professionals, Noncommissioned Officers, leaders!
As SGT Hembree was reciting each word, clearly articulating what it means to be an NCO, I witnessed his transformation. You could hear the pride in his voice when he stated, "No one is more professional than I."
As I continued to listen, I began to look at the faces of the soldiers standing in formation listening to him. I could tell they felt the same way I did at that moment. This is why we serve. We are part of the greatest Army on earth. Its ranks contain the best soldiers, noncommissioned officers and officers our nation has to offer. We are far from home for a noble purpose and we will not fail, if for no other reason than for each other. Happy New Year!! DEEP STRIKE!
=======================
4ID Historical Highlights:
In no particular order of importance, here are some key dates and accomplishments in the long and proud history of the 4th Infantry Division. I will include more as space permits during lull periods in news from Iraq. Today, the focus is on World War I:
1) On December 3, 1917, the order creating the 4th Division was issued by the War Department. The division was formed at Camp Greene, North Carolina (which is now within the city limits of Charlotte, NC). The division was made up of four infantry and three artillery regiments. The original infantry regiments in the 4ID were the 58th, 59th, 47th, and 39th. The original field artillery regiments were the 77th, 13th, and 16th. (Note: We were called 4th Division in World War I - picked up Infantry in our name in World War II).
2) The first Commanding General of the 4th Division was Major General George H. Cameron, a graduate of the 1883 class at West Point. (He is buried at Arlington National Cemetery under a large headstone that was donated by World War I veterans of the 4th Division).
3) Before leaving Camp Greene, the Ivy Leaf design, prepared by General Cameron, had been adopted as the insignia of the Division. It was derived from the Roman Numeral IV, and was especially appropriate, as in the language of flowers, the ivy means "steadfast and loyal," two qualities which have ever distinguished the 4th Division.
4) The 4th Engineers were the first troops of the Ivy Division to sail to France for World War I. They embarked on April 29, 1918. The entire division, with strength of 29,180 officers and men, soon followed. By June 5, 1918, the entire 4th Division was in France.
5) The first casualties in the 4th Division, as a result of an enemy act, occurred at sea when the Moldavia, a refitted British liner with Companies A and B of the 58th Infantry Regiment on board was torpedoes and sunk by a German submarine with the loss of 56 men, all but one being Company B men. This occurred at 2:40 on the morning of May 23, 1918, at a point about midway between Land's End and the Isle of Wight.
6) Prior to entering into the trenches and combat, the 4th Division trained with both the British and the French armies.
7) On July 4, 1918, two battalions, one each of the 39th and 58th Regiments, were sent to Paris to march in a parade honoring the American 4th Division. There they marched with one battalion of Marines, fresh from its exploits in Belleau Wood, through the thronged streets of Paris to receive the salute of the great Republic. While these two battalions were winning praise for the Division by their excellent bearing and fine behavior, the rest of the men were celebrating behind the front with a series of field events, boxing matches, and ball games. When evening came the French instructors and non-commissioned officers banqueted the different units of the Division with a charm and enthusiasm that made soldiering lose its harshness and retain only the joy of fraternal comradeship. (Interesting how our relationship with the French was so different then than it is today - after we have saved them in two World Wars).
....to be continued.
Source: The 4th Division in the World War by Christian A. Bach and Henry Noble Hall, Issued by the Division 1920.
======================
What Our Families Are Hearing From Our Soldiers in Iraq:
1) I have learned, at least I thought I had learned, not to read your updates at work. Today I didn't have time to read it before I left. I don't know CPT Paliwoda's family or even his soldiers. I read every word of every entry (through a flood of tears) and just wanted to thank his family. It is because of soldiers like him, our Army is what it is today. We are all lucky there are men and women like CPT Paliwoda who choose to serve and pay the ultimate price to keep all of us safe. The world lost many great men and women for the price of freedom. I just hope it is not taken for granted. The girlfriend of an great A Co. 2-8 In (M) Soldier!
2) Christmas was made extra special this year when I got a call from my son. He is in Tikrit in the 3/66, attached to the 1-22nd. We had a wonderful conversation for an hour and a half. We were able to just chat and talk about so many things. It really made my holiday! I hadn't heard from him in about 6 weeks prior to that. I am so proud of him and all of the brave soldiers serving in Iraq....My husband & I had just commented on how nothing is said about Iraq anymore. We thougt it odd. Just remember our soldiers still need to hear from us. Keep sending those cards and letters.
3) From a Vietnam vet of the 4ID and B Company, 4th Engineers: I commanded CPT Paliwoda's company at Fort Lewis during 1964-66. Please relay my sympathy to his parents, his fiancée and the members of Bravo/Beast Company. From the comments given by those acquainted with his command-style and obvious devotion to his soldiers and their families, I would love to have served with him. His loss will be sorely felt.
4) I've heard from my boyfriend (HHC 3-66 AR in Bayji) pretty often the past week or two. He works with computers and was installing some new phones today. He called me on 3 of the phones to make sure they were working, and they had 3 more that they were hooking up. Also, they're going to be installing a bunch of new computers and have a cafe set up with the phones and computers. He hasn't mentioned anything major happening to them recently in Bayji, so I'm crossing my fingers that it stays this way until they come home!
5) Heard from my friend in E/704th Sunday. He's been at Walter Reed for treatment of Leishmaniasis from the sand flea bites since 12 December. He finished his treatment and should be flying home to see his folks for 5 days of convalescent leave before he goes back. He said he went to some great holiday parties while he was in DC to include one with GEN Myers and lots of other powerful folks. I can't wait to see the pictures. He was also able to get his DA photo taken and his records reviewed for the promotion board (something he wouldn't have been able to do in Iraq). He sounded in good spirits and can't wait until it's home for good and off to the closest Jimmy Buffett concert!
=======================
Families Sharing R&R Moments:
1) He's here!! The entire family met him at the airport. Think that was a bit overwhelming for him. The first three days have been a time of decompression. As long we drive in the middle lane and not too near the median or the shoulder of the road, he is fine. Still scans the areas constantly. Almost lost him in the parking lot of a favorite restaurant when a car backfired on the street. We have parties planned this weekend for family and friends. He should be rested well by then. .....Last night, my husband got a call from an Army buddy that had spent weeks tracking him down. My husband was a helicopter scout pilot in Vietnam and had rescued the man who called after his bird went down. The caller is trying to get verification for a Purple Heart for a crew member. As our son and I listened to my husband's half of the conversation, I reminded him of your advice on getting contact information now. .....
Showed our son the notebooks and CD we have of the daily updates you have provided. He was amazed and thrilled. He said he knew someday he would want to share these with his children.
2) Our son who is with the 720th MP BN gave us the best Christmas ever! He was able to get leave and come home to Arizona to surprise us. I had "no" clue. My husband however, handles our son's finances and saw that he had used his debit card in the States. My husband did not, however, share this with me. He didn't want to ruin it for our son. Needless to say, that when he got here, there was a lot of screaming, hugging, and crying (caught on video!) I did not want to let him go, but he said something about needing to breathe! ha ha We were then able to go and surprise his 19 year old sister and there was more hugging, and crying (also caught on tape, once I took the lens cap off!) While home he got to spend time with his family, friends and go dirt bike riding (his favorite). He also has a little brother who is 9 that thinks his brother hung the moon. Every report or paper or story he needs to do for school has something to do with his big brother. One such report...What Makes A Hero. "My brother is my hero, because he is in the army and fought for the U.S.A. He is in Iraq. He is in the 411th. He used to be the kernel (his spelling) driver. He kicked down a door. He saved a guy's life. I was so glad and I am sure his kernal (a little differently spelled this time, ha ha ) was glad. I wish my brother hadn't left. My brother is the best brother. He is my hero when he comes home." Some morning when our son was home our little one could hardly wait for him to wake up so he kept peeking in his room to see if he was awake. His father and I did too, but for other reasons, like knowing where he was and that he was safe. It was such a blessing to have him home, which made it very difficult to watch him go. Our faith in God keeps us going. May God Richly Bless all of our soldiers and their families.
3) My husband is a chaplain with the 2nd BCT, 204th FSB, and recently came home for two weeks. We have three children, and the youngest was five months old when he deployed. I was somewhat leery of how well my youngest would be able to bond with her daddy. While he was deployed for seven months we told her every day that daddy loved her and would let her hold a laminated picture of him. My mother-in-law made two toys that also had his picture on it. We then sprayed polo on the toys (a teddy bear and a cube), and always told her "Daddy loves you," as she would hug the bear. So, minutes after he came home, we slapped some polo on him before he came into contact with Erika. After seeing her two big sisters allow daddy to pick them up, she walked over to him and let him hold her. By the time he left, she was playing with him, and blowing kisses! I want others to know they can do so much to facilitate good bonding between a soldier and their child. He said it was the best two weeks of his life.
4) My husband that is with HHB 1/17th FA came home New Year's Eve and surprised the kids. They thought my brother was coming in, (talk about a SURPRISE) they were so very excited to see daddy. (MOM GOT ONE OVER ON THE KIDS). Spending this time with him is time that will never be forgotten. I want to thank all of my friends for understanding and giving me and my family time and space. My husband looks good. Lost some weight. Whatever he wants cooked, I will cook. His mom is coming to make him Tamales. (his favoriite) Thank you to all of my friends and family for all of the support while he is gone and while he is here.
======================
Back to Active Unit Main News Page