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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
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DoD Identifies Casualties
The Department of Defense announced today the death of soldiers who were
supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Spc. Genaro Acosta, 26, of Fair Oaks, Calif., was killed on Nov. 11 in Taji, Iraq. Acosta was on patrol when his Bradley vehicle hit and detonated two improvised explosive devices. Acosta died of his injuries. Acosta was assigned to 1st Battalion, 44th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, 4th Infantry Division (Mech), Fort Hood, Texas.
Staff Sgt. Dale A. Panchot, 26, of Northome, Minn., was killed on Nov. 17, south of
Balad, Iraq. Panchot was on patrol when he was fatally injured by enemy fire.
Panchot was assigned to B Company, 1st Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division (Mech), Fort Carson, Colo.
(Let's keep the families and fellow soldiers of SPC Acosta and SSG Panchot in our prayers).
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>From a November 19 Central Command News Release:
OPERATION IVY CYCLONE II
TIKRIT, Iraq– The 4th Infantry Division and Task Force Ironhorse conducted 42 planned attacks last evening as part of “Operation Ivy Cyclone II.” Utilizing, 155mm artillery, 120mm mortars, AH-64 “Apache” attack helicopters and direct fire from Bradley Fighting Vehicles and M1A1 “Abrams” tanks, 4th Infantry Division soldiers destroyed 12 anti-Coalition safe houses and buildings and suppressed 14 mortar-firing locations, as well as, four ambush sites.
Additionally, in six separate coordinated raids 4th Infantry Division soldiers captured 36 individuals suspected of anti-Coalition activities.
During several specific missions Task Force Ironhorse soldiers diminished the capabilities of anti-Coalition forces by targeting specific locations known to be used as platforms for coordination and control of enemy operations.
4th Infantry Division AH-64 “Apache” attack helicopters targeted an athletic field in Samarra that is a known mortar firing point. Three other locations in the same area were also targeted because of their proximity to Coalition positions and the fact that the locations have been used to launch mortars against the Coalition in the past.
As a part of the AH-64’s standard armament, 30mm cannons were used to hit enemy targets, as well as, two 500 lbs. bombs from F16 “Falcons”. Additionally, an artillery battery from 1st Battalion, 66th Armor fired numerous 155mm artillery rounds at specific targets in the same area.
In the Tikrit area Coalition Forces employed artillery, mortars and attack helicopters to target locations that are used by former regime loyalist and insurgents to attack 4th Infantry Division positions.
Operation “Ivy Cyclone II” is the ninth operation associated with the elimination of non-compliant forces with in the 4th Infantry Division and Task Force Ironhorse area of operation.
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US troops arrest two Iraqis plotting to down planes
TIKRIT, Iraq, Nov 19 (Reuters) - U.S. soldiers on Wednesday detained two Iraqi men suspected of plotting to shoot down aircraft with missiles around Saddam Hussein's hometown, a senior commander said.
The detentions in Tikrit came as forces inside the base of the U.S. 4th Infantry Division here fired mortars for the fourth consecutive night at insurgent positions across the nearby Tigris River.
Lieutenant Colonel Steve Russell, commander of the 1-22 (Infantry) Battalion, told reporters intelligence information showed three men were involved in a plot to bring down aircraft operated by U.S.-occupation forces in Iraq.
U.S. forces are hunting for the third man, he said.
"We received information that they were going to use anti-aircraft missiles on coalition aircraft in the Tikrit area. It was close enough (the planned attacks) that we felt we had to act right away."
Insurgents have successfully shot down several U.S. military helicopters in recent weeks in Iraq, killing dozens.
"We're very pleased we got these men and possibly thwarted an attack," Russell said, adding the men had been arrested during raids on Wednesday night.
Russell said troops had not recovered any missiles but the search was still on. He did not specify what type of aircraft the military believed would be targeted.
After midnight, a succession of 120 mm mortars were fired from inside the military base, aimed at fields near the Tigris River, which are a popular area for guerrillas who launch their own mortars at the base.
(Reporting by Dean Yates; editing by Steve Pagani)
11/19/03 18:14 ET
Copyright 2003 Reuters Limited.
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From an Associated Press story:
....Two 2,000-pound, satellite-guided bombs were dropped late Tuesday near Baqouba, 30 miles northeast of Baghdad, on "camps suspected to have been used for bomb-making," said Maj. Gordon Tate, a spokesman for the 4th Infantry Division.
Jets also dropped 1,000-pound bombs on "terrorist targets" near the northern city of Kirkuk, he said without elaborating.
Elsewhere, insurgents fired on a U.S. supply convoy north of Samara on Wednesday, witnesses said. American troops returning fire killed two Iraqis, including a teenager, the witnesses said. There was no confirmation from the U.S. military, but the sounds of gunfire could be heard during a telephone conversation with witnesses. .......
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Another Mid Tour Leave Story
Just thought I'd write and let you know my husband( not sure what unit he's in, they changed while he was on leave) left from Dallas yesterday morning to head back to Iraq from his R&R. He surprised me. I was expecting him sometime in December but, he came in on the 2nd of Nov. He had his parents pick him up in Houston and had me go to their house that evening (his mom had asked if I wanted to go to the movies that night, which was her excuse to get me there). Well, she said I had an e-mail from my husband so I went to the den to check it and the next thing I know I hear my name being called so I turned around to see my husband walking into the den.
It took a few seconds to register in my head what was going on then I had to sit before I fell. All I could do was cry and hold him. It was such a relief to know that I didn't have to worry about him for the next two weeks. I couldn't speak for a while because I was in such shock. We had a wonderful 2 weeks. We went out and bought a computer so I can e-mail him more. He spent a lot of time with our daughter and she attached to her daddy really quick. He held our 2 month old and for the first time our family felt complete. It was a wonderful feeling.
When he left it was a bitter sweet goodbye. It was a lot easier on me this go around knowing there is a maximum of 4 months left til we see each other again. I think they will go fast. One thing is for sure, he left me with a smile and a whole lot of love. And until we meet again I'll see him in my dreams.
Thanks for the updates, they help my day go a little smoother. My husband saw them and thought they were awesome. He said he will log into my e-mail to read them.
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59 Years Ago Today - 4ID in Germany's Hurtgen Forest:
20 November 1944 - D+168
The enemy continued its determined resistance from well camouflaged and thoroughly dug in positions. Antitank and antipersonnel mine fields as well as thick wire entanglements were encountered throughout the 4th Infantry Division's zone of advance.
The 8th Infantry attacked with the 2nd and 3rd Battalions at 1000. The 1st Battalion attack was again impeded by heavy artillery, mortar and flat trajectory tank fire. The 1st Battalion covered 250 yards before heavy fires stopped it. Due to an anti-personnel mine field, the 2nd Battalion was forced to maneuver to the north and its advance was slow until it received the order to consolidate for the night. Heavy artillery and mortar fire prevented the 3rd Battalion from continuing to the south to establish contact with the 22nd Infantry.
Elements of the attacking 1st Battalion, 12th Infantry, were able to advance 100 yards but by 1250, were forced back by extremely heavy and accurate fire. By 1300, elements of the 3rd Battalion lost what little ground they had stubbornly fought for and were forced back. The only gain secured was the one of Company E (450 yards) and it can be attributed in part to the availability of 3 tanks.
Front line elements of the 22nd Infantry were subjected to heavy concentrations of both 120 mm mortars and 150 mm artillery fire during the night. The 2nd Battalion attacked at 0850 to take a limited objective approximately 600 yards astride the main road of Grosshau. Heavy opposition was encountered immediately and it was subsequently discovered that the enemy had launched an attack at the same time. The battalion forced its way forward slowly and at 1000 had company G on its objective. At 1050, a counterattack of an enemy force which included six tanks or self-propelled guns was repulsed with the reinforcement of Company L. The 1st Battalion, delayed, attacked at 0920 and progressed rapidly (300 yards) and by 1017, it had completed its mission. Roads were immediately blocked with mines and bazooka teams. A counterattack was launched by the enemy at 1037 but the 1st Battalion had completed consolidating and the enemy was allowed to come within very close range before being repulsed with heavy casualties. By 1420, the 1st and 2nd Battalions were firmly established upon their objective but heavy artillery and mortar fire continued upon them. The essential bridge had been completely demolished and the almost constant shelling made engineer work extremely difficult.
Thanks to Philippe Cornil at www.revive-it.com and Roger Barton at www.4thinfantry.org.
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37 Years Ago Today - November 20, 1966:
On a personal note, it was 37 years ago today that PFC David Mendez, radio operator for 2nd platoon, Company B, 1st Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment was killed by 'friendly fire' during Operation Paul Revere IV in the jungles along the Cambodian border of the central highlands of Vietnam. Our company was in a blocking position to help troops of the 3rd Brigade, 25th Infantry Division when a 4.2" mortar round fired by them fell into our position. Along with Mendez being killed, ten more of our B/1-22 soldiers were wounded. I'll never forget that afternoon and night for as long as I live.
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What Our Families Are Hearing From Our Soldiers in Iraq:
1) I am 'just a mom' of one of Charlie Rock's (299 Engrs) soldiers, but so proud of my boy and the rest of them over there! Having been in the US Army myself, just after Vietnam, I knew guys who had done time in war...You just never think it could come so close to your own house! My boy is doing well, injured when his 5 ton flipped, but still on duty and battle fatigued or not, he says he is doing what he was born to do, getting the 'bad guys!'
2) I had emailed my son, Bravo Det 502 PSB about his R&R leave and the family's plans for Thanksgiving and Christmas and this was his response: Well as it stands for me, I know not when I'll be on leave. I've moved from Tikrit to Kirkuk. The water, electricity, and food are not the same as what we have at home. I need (younger brother) to send me a memory card or two (we have a playstation 2 out here and it gets aggravating to play games and then not be able to save anything I do). In the mean time, I am playing football games on the PS/2 and actually, getting quite good at it . My buddy reminds me a lot of (older brother stationed on the USS Devastator at Ingleside Naval Station). Let me just be the first to wish you guys an Iraqi Christmas. He sounded in good spirits and we hope his R&R will coincide with one of the family gatherings.
3) I had to respond to the mother who wrote about her son and asking for one day with her child. I, too, am just the girlfriend but I am more than that to him. I too am sitting here alone waiting for him (B 2/20 FA, 4ID) to come home. I truly understand where she is coming from and made it a point that when I talk to him I call his parents and his family and give them the updates. I make it a point for him to call his mother so that she too doesn't have to worry and wonder if he is okay and if he needs anything. I make sure that she knows how much he loves her. I also made it a point that if and when he comes home for his R&R (Dec) that they are with me when I pick him up. Because of her he is in my life and I am truly blessed that she has been in my life. I love her just as much as I love her son.
4) Thank you, Bob, for the updates. Today's just made me cry reading all the letters from the families. My son has called us several times this past week, seems he is on the RANGE, and he has access to a phone. He says he is sleeping in a shack in his sleeping bag, different from the palace accomodations, also he sounded very cold. His dad told him to go and put on something warm, well the next time he called he had his winter wear on. I asked him where he was having Thanksgiving Dinner, he said out of his truck and most likely Christmas too. But he was ok when he said this to us. I told him we sent off his presents and that he had to wait until Christmas to open them, but his dad stepped in and said," No he does not have to wait!!" And of course he said." I wasn't going to wait anyway, MOM." Anyway he says he is on the range with about 20 troops and that they would be there for about three weeks. His last words on the phone were, "keep the cookies coming!" (Editor's Note: I'll bet he doesn't eat Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner out of his truck. If this is like all previous wars, every attempt will be made to serve full dinners with all the trimmings on those key days. Even in the Hurtgen Forest on Thanksgiving 1944 they got cold turkey sandwiches as the battle raged).
5) For the Mom who wrote A Mom Talks about her Son. Oh my, you said it so beautifully for all us Moms, thank you. And as you, I too wake up to read this site first thing. Thanks again to the hard work Bob does for us all. My son called, he is with the 4th ID Band - Tikrit. He sounded so good! Tired but well. Said it was getting cold there now. Doing lots of guard duty but he never complains, at least not to me. I asked him how the morale was he told me it was good. I said, "you never complain just was wondering." He answered, "Mom this is just why I signed up, to help others, and besides, I think I look handsome in a uniform." We laughed and we laughed a lot. Felt good to hear him laugh. He told me to make sure that we don't sit at home during the Holidays and get depressed, to go out. To spend it with friends. I assured him we would do that. Seemed not long ago he was in diapers - oh my how the years have gone by. Now I hope that time goes by even faster so he and all our troops will be home soon. God Bless each of them and all the families who have lost loved ones. We Stand United As One For All Who Serve This Great Country The USA.
6) I had to reply about "The Mother Talks About Her Son " piece. It has given me a completely new understanding of a mother's relationship with her soldier. Even though it is my brother serving in Iraq, I am left here to care for my mother who is here worrying about her son fighting in this war. I have never understood her thoughts as much as I do now. My brother has been in the service for more than half his life (BRT 2nd Brigade, TF Ironhorse) yet the pain my mother feels for her son is no different than the pain of this much younger mom. My heart goes out to them and so many others like them. There is obviously a sense of pride beyond words, but the agony a mother must feel for her soldier/child must be unbearable at times. Thanks to this sweet momma who shared her heart with so many. It has helped me to be able to be there even more for my own mom as we wait for this war to be over. (Editor's Note: Over the months that I have written these updates, I, too, have come to understand the agony my mother and father went through when I was in Vietnam).
7) To the lady who asked where to get a "surefire flashlight" please tell her to go to www.surefire.com - she will find many to chose from. Thanks. (I also heard you can get these from www.rangerjoe.com) - understand the ones from Ranger Joe's will clip on the rifle).
8) Thanks to everyone for all the great news lately. I went through some kleenex while reading today's update! I did hear from my son (1/68 AR, C co.) on Saturday. It had been a couple weeks, so I was anxious to talk to him. He was a little down in the dumps this time, at least at the beginning of the call. He said it's always the same and now they are not letting them travel due to all the recent attacks (they have to travel to use PX and mail packages), at least they have phones now where he is. I asked him what he needs and he said basically nothing, doesn't want anyone to send him any "things" for Christmas, just basic goody boxes. He doesn't want any more stuff to have to pack up when it's time to leave. Like everyone else, I am so proud of my soldier. I am so happy to hear also that those who have come home on R&R have received such good treatment from the public. Sometimes you just don't know how people are going to react. God bless all our soldiers.
9) My son is in the 173rd ABN BDE assigned to 4ID Headquarters. I hear from him more than most (which I’m truly thankful) and my heart goes out to those who don’t (the worry doesn’t change). I was in the post office mailing packages to three soldiers and one gentleman stopped by and said to tell my son that another veteran capt from the 4ID said to keep up the good work. The way he said it clearly gave me the impression that he was in the Vietnam war. It sort of startled me but I thanked him kindly and went about my business. In a flash it hit me. I have had my blinders on thinking about my son being at war and what was happening in Iraq and not giving the credit to ALL VETERANS for their contribution to our freedom and that his Mother must’ve been praying daily, as I do, for him to come home safely. Before he left I made sure I thanked HIM for his service to our country. A lesson learned. My son says they are doing a lot of GOOD that never shows in the newspapers but they know it and the people of Iraq know it. He says he’s gotten mail, packages and e-mail from friends of friends and strangers and wanted me to let everyone know how much they appreciate the support from home.
10) Just got off messenger with my husband (1/68 AR). Of course when he called we had just walked in the doors to Walmart-had to turn around & go home because the phone connection was so crappy. We finally gave up & went to the computer. He wondered where our baby was (I'm 41 weeks pregnant now) & why I was at Walmart & not at the hospital. He's starting to go a bit crazy because we've only got about 6 weeks before he comes home to PCS - I told him we've done 8 mos, we can do another 2! Loved all the homecoming stories & the one from Mom.
11) My husband is with SVC 3/29 FA. And being a mechanic, works a lot of hours keeping the vehicles running. I don't know how they do it. I mean, if anyone over here in the states was working at their secular job 24/7, I don't think they would make it. So, I was so glad to hear from my husband when he was on a 4-day R&R rotation in Qatar (13th-16th). It was so wonderful for those few days getting a call every morning and night. After months of getting calls long enough to hear each others voice and know that the other was OK, it was great to really talk. I know he needed it just as much as I did. I feel rejuvenated. I told him it was the next best thing to having him come home for the 2 weeks (no word yet). As everyone knows, it is getting colder over there for them. A suggestion from my husbands commander is to send those hand & foot warmers (the ones that you break and it starts heating up). You can get a six-pack for about 2 bucks at Wal-Mart. God Bless All of Our Troops.
12) I just wanted to tell everyone about a successful Christmas project. I got together with MOPS of East Cobb (mothers of preschoolers, Marietta, GA) and presented my idea to do stockings for the soldiers of Bravo Co./588th En.Bn., Ft. Hood (my husband's unit). The 65 or so moms, including myself, were all excited to be able to give something back to those who are giving so much. We ended up with pillows, games, and 24 (3 ft. tall) stockings filled with toiletries, disposable cameras, snacks, and linens. We had the children color pictures and make holiday decorations for the guys to hang up. It makes me so happy to read about all of the other wonderful people doing this same type of thing. The soldiers deserve more than we could ever do, but at least this may help to brighten up their holiday away from home. God bless our troops and their families!!
13) WE HEARD FROM OUR SON TODAY (4am OUR TIME) BUT ANYTIME IS A GREAT TIME TO HEAR FROM HIM! HE IS WITH THE 4TH ID A-CO 1-4 AVN, AN APACHE PILOT. THEY HAVE BEEN REALLY BUSY AND THE INTERNET AND PHONE LINES ARE SPORADIC. HE SOUNDED WONDERFUL AND UPBEAT AND IT WAS SO GOOD TO HEAR HIS VOICE. YOU KNOW A MOTHER CAN TELL WHEN THEY SOUND "OKAY", AND HE DID.
14) My son left tonight to go to the airport as he has to leave at 6:00 AM to head back to Iraq after two WONDERFUL weeks of midtour leave.I want to thank the Army for allowing so many to come home to be with their families!My son saw lots of people who didn't know him personally that said "Thanks for what you all are doing for us back here in the States" This leave has been a great moral booster for him and the stories he will take back to his buddies in Iraq will also be a moral booster for them! He told us the guys over there do not know how much we all care for them. God bless all of the guys and girls in the military over in Iraq and all the families back here.From a thankful 4th. ID MOM (No Unit Given)
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