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>From the Great Falls, Montana Tribune - Dec 16:
Local woman gets in early on capture scoop
By SONJA LEE
Tribune Staff Writer
Great Falls native Maj. Josslyn Aberle was among the first to know Saturday afternoon when troops captured Saddam Hussein in an underground hideout south of Tikrit. Aberle is the public affairs officer for the Army's 4th Infantry Division, the unit that has been on the hunt for Saddam.
Aberle on Monday contacted the Great Falls Tribune -- her first phone call out of Iraq on the subject -- to give her account of the events that took place over the last few days. Aberle is a spokeswoman for 33,000 soldiers and provides information to members of the media embedded with her division.
Military officials received intelligence from Baghdad Saturday morning that Saddam could be hiding on property just 15 kilometers southeast of Tikrit, said Aberle, a 38-year-old, 1983 C.M. Russell High and 1989 Montana State University graduate.
During the next three hours, 4th Infantry Division soldiers and special operations forces formulated a plan and secured Saddam. Aberle said the "spider hole" where Saddam was found hiding was only about eight feet from a lean-to and tiny mud hut.
"It was very filthy; there was one light bulb and no running water," she said. Soldiers found new clothing and some packages in the hut, she said.
"We got the impression that he hadn't been camped out there for weeks or months," she said. "He had moved quite frequently and had a number of these 'spider holes.'"
The division in the past had been through the same area where Saddam was found, but soldiers had not been to the particular structure next to the hole where he was located Saturday, Aberle said.
The hole where Saddam was hiding was six to eight feet underground and reinforced, she said. The bottom was about three feet long and three feet wide, and his hiding place contained only a light bulb and a fan and vent to move air in and out. It was covered with Styrofoam, a tarp, dirt and bricks, she said.
On Monday, Aberle spent most of her day escorting members of the national media to the small community of Ad Dwar, where Saddam was found. At least 40 different reporters and photographers from news agencies including USA TODAY, the New York Times and all of the major television networks as well as foreign networks and newspapers, visited the hiding place.
"It was quite an adventure," Aberle said. "Every single one of them had to get into the hole."
Aberle, who hasn't slept since Saturday, said she has received a number of calls from colleagues who sympathize with the tough job she is facing, but at the same time wish they were there as history unfolds.
Capt. David Kurle, media spokesman at Malmstrom Air Force Base, echoed those thoughts. Kurle said the public affairs officers in Iraq have done a good job handling Saddam's capture. "She must be extremely busy right now," he said. "And she obviously is in an enviable position."
When the Saturday operation was complete, a general notified staff, including Aberle that Saddam was believed to be in custody. Officials, however, still waited for DNA testing to verify the man soldiers had captured was Saddam, she said. "We were 98 percent certain when he came out of the spider hole," she said. "He identified himself. He said, 'I'm Saddam Hussein, president of this country. I'm willing to negotiate."
Aberle said Saddam appeared "resigned to his fate." He had a pistol and made no attempt to reach for it or to resist arrest, she said.
When staff was notified that Saddam's identity was verified, there was a "quiet hooray," she said. "We got that call. We got him," she said. "The brigade commander said, 'We've captured HVT (High-Value Target) No. 1.'"
Aberle said there is a feeling of satisfaction among troops in the 4th Infantry Division. "To be able to catch Saddam, it was a great day for the coalition, but an even better day for Iraq," she said.
She said the mission in Iraq never hinged on catching Saddam, but having him in custody is a relief. After 35 years of leading a brutal regime, Saddam's mere presence created an aura of fear in Iraq, she said. Saddam's loyal supporters were able to leverage that fear, she said.
"That threat is gone now," she said. "They don't have to be afraid or worry that Saddam might come back."
During a press conference in Baghdad when Saddam's capture was announced, Aberle was standing nearby. She said many Iraqis recognized her unit patch, denoting the 4th Infantry Division. "When they saw our patches, the next thing we knew they were hugging and kissing us and patting us on the back," she said. "It was moving and truly a historic moment."
Aberle said the world needs to know about the amount of work that soldiers are doing in Iraq. Soldiers are rebuilding schools, hospitals, water plants and the police force. "If people could just spend one day over here, they would understand Saddam or no Saddam, it is a good thing we are here and a valid mission," she said.
Aberle has been in Iraq since March, and expects to return to the United States and her home in Fort Hood, Texas, in the spring.
J.J. Aberle, Josslyn's brother who lives in Great Falls, said he knows his sister is doing a great job. When he heard the news of Saddam's capture, he thought his sister was probably in on the planning. "I'm terribly proud of my little sister," J.J. Aberle said. "We are pretty lucky to have someone as squared away as she is in charge."
Her parents Joe and Lillian Aberle, and brother J.J. all continue to live in Great Falls.
Copyright Great Falls Tribune 2003.
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>From LTC Joe Martin, CO of 1-67 Armor in Iraq:
DEALER OPERATION FOOTLOCKER
Last summer, the Death Dealers (1-67 AR) made an observation that many children were playing in the streets without shoes. We noted this observation in our bi-weekly message back home and they responded in spades. Many families shipped shoes to us for distribution. Of note, relatives of LTC Joe Martin solicited support from the Westside Christian Church in Topeka. The church conducted a drive that received local media publicity and they were able to collect in excess of 1,000 pairs of shoes and the postage to send the shoes to us in Iraq.
During Ramadan, the soldiers of TF 1-67 sorted the shoes by size preparing them for distribution. On 15 November, a group of TF 1-67 soldiers led by CPT Kris Howell moved to a small rural village south of the city of Kanaan. The shoes were downloaded shortly after arrival in the village and arranged by type and size so that the children and some adults could pick out any pair of shoes they desired. It touched the heart to watch from little tottler to teenager to adult citizen pick a brand new pair of shoes. They received the donations just in time for the rainy season and were very appreciative of the generousity.
Task Force 1-67 has also collected and distributed hundreds of pounds of school supplies and other donations from the homefront. It seems that everyone has the goal of helping the Iraqis embrace their new found freedom.
Acts like these have demonstrated to the Iraqis and the soldiers of TF 1-67 how we all can work together to make Iraq a better place one child at a time.
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A Soldier's Humor in His Christmas Letter Home
It's great that our soldiers maintain their sense of humor during the tough times in combat zones. Here is a letter sent to family and friends by a soldier in 1/68 AR FSE out of Fort Carson, CO:
Hi everyone! We don't have any snow in Iraq but there's plenty of mud. Perhaps during Christmas we'll make a mud-man or mud-angels. The Iraqi's are trying to get in the spirit by throwing snowballs, but again there's no snow so they throw rocks. It is the thought that counts, I'm sure. To spread the cheer we often carry these improvised snow balls and return the gesture.
One of the most enjoyable jobs I have is working with the interpreters. I'm sure it was lost in the interpretation, but instead of spreading the Christmas spirit we searched his bag and found some Christmas spirits. He was bringing in Champagne and beer for the soldiers so he got a pink slip to wrap around the lump of coal Santa will put in his stocking. It's too bad, he was the one offering to be my personal body guard and assassinate anyone I asked him too. Good help seems hard to find these days. His buddies are trying to make up for his shortcomings by offering to bring in a huge Christmas tree. They woefully explain that there is no way to bring it in, however, so again it'll have to be the thought that counts.
Still training the Iraqi Civil Defense Corps. In the spirit of friendship, certain ICDC
are given American sounding names. They seem rather grateful to receive the honorific titles such as Dracula, Tuna and Elvis. They give us Arabic sounding names like infidel. It's quite a cozy relationship......
The communications are good enough that I get to call Laurie 5 times in a single
day...just to say hello. I mean literally, it takes 5 calls to string together enough air time to get that one word out. The silver lining is that hey, she and I do get to talk. It's rather nice though now I'm broken in to this type of interrupted communication I imagine my ordering our first meal at home will be quite an adventure. The pizza shop will probably think I'm a prank caller the first few dozen times I call. It should get better by the next day, however.
That's it for now, thanks to everyone for the support. It's been fantastic and there is
never a doubt in anyone's mind that America's support is directly behind the troops. My gratitude goes out to everyone on behalf of your boys in the muddy boots. Take care!
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59 Years Ago Today - 4ID in Luxembourg - Battle of Bulge:
19 December 1944 - D+197
Throughout the northern part of the Division's zone of action, the enemy continued aggressively although no notable progress was made by him except in the vicinity of Consdorf where the road to Berdorf was cut by patrols. The heaviest fighting was from Hill 329 where the enemy estimated as one battalion were reported to be well dug in. Throughout the period, enemy troops were reported moving across the Sauer river from Minden to Steinheim, reinforcing its forces in and around Echternach.
The day dawned cold and foggy with visibility limited to a very few yards. During the early morning hours, the enemy pounded our positions with heavy artillery fire and seemed to be reinforcing its troops on the bridgehead. Throughout the division sector, the situation was confusing, but an intelligence summary seemed to reveal that the enemy was regrouping and generally hiding out in wooded areas, mostly draws. The enemy was having considerable difficulty in maintaining communications and our constant artillery interdictions of its stream crossings prevented him from reinforcing its units with as much supporting armor as planned. The situation was also confusing to the enemy.
The 12th Infantry succeeded in gaining contact with some isolated units, in many cases only temporary. Nevertheless armor and infantry teams were successful in carrying sorely needed supplies to them. Local counterattacks were continued with systematic elimination of small infiltrating groups of enemies.
As our lines were becoming more stable, better communications resulted and prompt supporting fires were delivered, by both artillery and armor, resulting in heavy casualties upon the enemy.
By nightfall, the enemy was decidedly failing in its attempts to force back this shoulder of its counteroffensive.
Company I, reinforced, maintained its positions at Dickweiler and continued contact with Company L in Osweiler. Small enemy patrols constantly harassed their positions and at 1300, Company I repulsed a small attack. At 1500, Company C 70th Tank Battalion moved to Osweiler and took up defensive positions north of the town. The enemy laid many concentrations of artillery and mortar fire, notably at night. In the interim, the 2nd Battalion 22nd Infantry moved into Osweiler against light opposition, made contact with Company L and both units consolidated their positions to defend the town.
Company E, still firmly entrenched in Echternach even though a part of the town was held by an enemy force much larger than its own, was given permission to withdraw but the commanding officer elected to remain. An order to evacuate was issued by the CO 12th Infantry by 1800.
Companies A and G maintained their positions in the vicinity of Lauterborn and continued to prevent enemy infiltration. Task Force Riley resupplied Company E in Echternach in the early morning. Another team of this Task Force had secured Hill 313 by 1300 against stiff resistance.
The road from Consdorf to Berdorf had been cut by enemy patrols and three of our tanks were immobilized by bazooka fire. Task Force Standish continued its attack to the east from Berdorf and closed upon Hill 329 at 1110. Meanwhile the 159th Engineer Combat Battalion maintained its positions in the vicinity of Scheidgen and in the afternoon proceeded to rout pockets of enemy.
At 1000, Task Force Luckett launched a coordinated attack with Task Force Chamberlain of CC A 10th Armored Division and the heaviest resistance was encountered by Company E of the 8th Infantry. Then the CO of Task Force Luckett received orders that his mission merely consisted of denying the enemy the use of the road net in the vicinity of Mullerthal and Company E was withdrawn. In the interim, Task Force Chamberlain was ordered withdrawn to the vicinity of Consdorf.
By the close of the day, it began to appear that the main force of the enemy attack had been spent, unless he could improve his stream crossings and bring up substantial reserves.
The 8th Infantry continued to improve its positions and despite the conflagration on the immediate left flank, training was continued. Enemy activity consisted of several small reconnaissance patrols. Harassing artillery fire and moderate concentrations of mortar and artillery fire were received by front line elements.
The 22nd Infantry reported that there was no direct enemy contact, just some enemy artillery fire. By 1635, the 3rd Battalion was relieved by the 4th Reconnaissance Troop and moved to an assembly area in the Schrassig-Montfort area, closing therein at 1800. The Battalion passed to Division reserve.
20 December 1944 - D+198
The 4th Infantry Division was relieved from First Army and VIII Corps and assigned to Third Army and XII Corps.
Due to the seriousness of the tactical situation and the under-strength of the Combat Teams, sixty-one men from the Divisional HQ were sent into the line of the CT 12 sector to aid in holding the positions.
The weather had not improved and the fog was dense. Tenacious defense was continued throughout the day and elements of the 80th Infantry Division moved into reserve battle positions to the rear of the 12th Infantry. Most of the daylight hours were spent in small engagements, numerous enemy patrols searching for soft spots.
The 12th Infantry maintained its positions in the Osweiler-Dickweiler area where enemy patrol activity was specially notable. In the late afternoon, the 2nd Battalion of the 22nd Infantry with two tanks of the 70th Tank Battalion made an attack west of Osweiler toward the high ground against an enemy force estimated to be about 400 strong. After an advance of about 500 to 700 yards, contact was made and positions formerly held by the enemy in the wooded draw were taken but the engagement did not continue after darkness. The artillery and mortar fire steadily increased in the town of Osweiler and buildings fell under the barrages, forcing the supporting tanks to take up new positions.
In the Echternach area, all reports previously made that Company E had attempted to infiltrate back to our lines had proven incorrect. Before withdrawing from this sector, Task Force Riley was unable to get through to help Company E.
Companies B and F and several tanks of the 70th Tank Battalion, together with Task Force Standish, successfully repulsed another enemy attack in the vicinity of Berdorf, and brought artillery fire to bear on a force of ten enemy tanks, causing them to pull back. Late in the period, orders were issued to withdraw to the south in the direction of Consdorf and at 1800, the movement was initiated and then completed after an ambush from the enemy.
Task Force Luckett continued to defend its sector in the vicinity of Mullerthal. Much time was spent in the construction of effective road blocks and the laying of mine fields. The artillery and mortar support was utilized to the fullest extent.
Late in the day, the 9th Armored Division, on the left, reported that a penetration of their lines had been effected and that the town of Waldbillig had fallen to the enemy.
No changes in the situation of the 8th Infantry and 22nd Infantry.
Thanks to Philippe Cornil at www.revive-it.com.
(Are you still thinking that only the 101st Airborne and LTG George Patton were key in the Battle of the Bulge? You can see our 4ID soldiers did a fantastic job in stopping the German thrust into Luxembourg - as did many other fine units all along the line).
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What Our Families Are Hearing From Our Soldiers in Iraq:
1) Got a call from my son (Army). He is with the 720 th MP located in Tikrit. Of course his first words were " We got him!' Says it has been a 'great week" for the troops but also a busy and dangerous one. Lots of loyalists in the area. But I say again, he was okay, tired but in good spirits!
2) (I'm not believing it - I didn't even get a second note to include here today. Don't forget to send me updates on what your soldier is doing - and I am resuming my R&R coverage, too).
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Families Sharing R&R Moments:
1) I wanted to share with you that my son came back for his two week R & R on
Monday. He is with B-Co 4th Eng attached to the 1-8 out of Fort Carson and has
been in Balad. It was very exciting and emotional when he came through customs. I
thought it was great that they have Veterans with USO aprons greeting them, cheering and clapping. He is very thin but otherwise is in great spirits. I can't believe the change in him!! He says this has been an experience that he wouldn't have missed! I feel like a kid left me 9 months ago and a man came back!. I didn't know what to expect but it is wonderful to have him sit and talk to me for hours at a time, telling me funny stories, we've gone shopping and he keeps his arm around me - this coming from a kid that would plop down on the couch after a quick hello, or bring ten of his buddies home from the base so I could cook and they could go out on the town!! I am so happy to have this time with him and it makes me feel better about the time he has left when he goes back. I am so proud of all of our soldiers!! God Bless Our Troops!!
2) My son has been deployed since March, and between March till present day I've only heard his voice a couple of times. I also wanted to tell you that he came home for R&R, during Thanksgiving. It was a GREAT surprise. The first week, all he really wanted to do was rest, maybe even a little too much. Second week, went so fast, we couldn't believe it. Even though it was only for a little while, it was great. Though he is now back in Iraq. I just wanted to tell everyone that I felt so good to have him home, and I pray for him and all soldiers that are out there! .....Have a Merry Christmas!
3) From a soldier's email to his wife: "Yes, it makes me a little bitter and jealous (not coming home for R & R), but we're only human and many who will not get to go home are feeling that way over here right now. Yesterday I was talking with a fellow officer (from another unit) and like me is towards the bottom of his list as well. He reminded me of the reason why I put myself on the list where I did - because leaders take care of their soldiers. I know you are probably gritting your teeth right now, but that is what it means to take care of one's soldiers. It's just like putting the needs of my family before myself, and right now being over here and making this country a better and safer place so the world can be more secure in the future is part of taking care of you guys. Years ahead we can hold our heads high and say we made sacrifices, as did those who came before us, to a cause bigger than us and feel good about it. We will get through this and be stronger for it.".....An exemplarary leader and husband! From a proud 4ID wife.
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