The Last Great Tank Battle of the 20th Century: 73 Easting

The Battle of 73 Easting, fought during the Gulf War in 1991, was a significant clash between US and Iraqi forces. This battle, named after a coordinate line on military maps, saw the US Army's Eagle troop engage and destroy a large number of Iraqi Republican Guard tanks and armored vehicles. The battle was a decisive victory for the US, showcasing the superiority of American tactics and technology in armored warfare. It is considered the last major tank battle of the 20th century.

The Lead-Up to the Battle

Following the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait in August 1990, a coalition of forces, led by the United States, assembled to liberate Kuwait. This coalition, known as Operation Desert Shield, evolved into Operation Desert Storm in January 1991, with the objective of driving Iraqi forces out of Kuwait. The US Army's 1st Infantry Division (Mechanized) was deployed to Saudi Arabia as part of this operation.

On February 24, 1991, the coalition launched a massive ground offensive, aiming to push Iraqi forces back into Iraq. The 1st Infantry Division, led by Major General Michael A. Shafer, was tasked with attacking along a designated axis, known as 73 Easting. The objective was to secure a strategic highway and prevent Iraqi forces from reinforcing their defenses further south.

The Battle

The battle commenced on the morning of February 26, 1991. The Eagle troop, part of the 1st Infantry Division's 2nd Armored Division, was tasked with leading the attack. They faced a formidable Iraqi force, including T-72 tanks, BMP-2 infantry fighting vehicles, and artillery units.

The US forces employed a combination of advanced tactics and technology to overcome the Iraqi defenses. They used a strategy known as the 'AirLand Battle Doctrine', which emphasized coordinated air and ground operations. The US Air Force provided close air support, targeting Iraqi artillery and tank positions. Meanwhile, the Eagle troop utilized their superior M1 Abrams tanks, equipped with advanced armor and fire control systems, to engage the Iraqi forces.

The battle lasted for several hours, culminating in a decisive victory for the US. The Eagle troop destroyed a large number of Iraqi tanks and armored vehicles, with minimal casualties. The battle was a testament to the effectiveness of US tactics and technology in armored warfare. The Iraqi Republican Guard, considered the elite force of the Iraqi army, was effectively decimated at 73 Easting.

Significance of the Battle

The Battle of 73 Easting is significant for several reasons:

• It marked a decisive victory for the US in the Gulf War, showcasing the superiority of American tactics and technology.
• It was a major setback for the Iraqi Republican Guard, effectively breaking their fighting spirit.
• It served as a demonstration of the effectiveness of the AirLand Battle Doctrine, highlighting the importance of coordinated air and ground operations.
• It is considered the last major tank battle of the 20th century, marking a shift in military strategy towards lighter, more mobile forces.

Conclusion

The Battle of 73 Easting was a pivotal moment in the Gulf War, demonstrating the power of modern military technology and tactics. It was a decisive victory for the US, showcasing the effectiveness of the AirLand Battle Doctrine. The battle also marked the end of an era, signifying a shift in military strategy towards more mobile and less tank-dependent forces. It remains a significant historical event, studied by military strategists and historians alike.