February 27, 1991 · Iraq Theater
February 27, 1991
On February 27, the 1st Armored Division encountered the Iraqi Medina Luminous Division — the elite of Saddam's Republican Guard — dug into a 15-kilometer ridge line. In what became the largest tank battle of the war, 348 M1A1 Abrams tanks attacked the Medina's 300 T-72s. American tanks engaged Iraqi positions from over 2,500 meters — far beyond the effective range of the T-72's fire control system in any conditions, let alone a sandstorm. In less than two hours, the Medina Division lost 186 tanks, 127 APCs, and nearly 1,800 men. The 1st Armored Division lost four killed. The battle effectively ended organized Iraqi resistance.
Commanders