February 26, 1991 · Iraq Theater
February 26, 1991
As Eagle Troop fought at 73 Easting, the 1st Infantry Division (The Big Red One) and 2nd Armored Division attacked Objective Norfolk — the main defensive position of the Republican Guard Tawakalna Division. In the largest nighttime tank battle since World War II, over 500 coalition tanks crossed open desert in a sandstorm, guided by GPS and thermal sights that could see through the dust and darkness. Iraqi T-72s and BMP fighting vehicles were destroyed by the hundreds. By dawn, the Tawakalna Division — considered the backbone of the Iraqi Army — had ceased to exist as a fighting force.
Commanders