The Road to Safwan: The 1st Squadron, 4th Cavalry in the 1991 ...

174 The Road to Safwan
around, Burdan also began looking for a way to get these unprotected
supply trucks into the perimeter. Making contact
with the B Troop defenders, Burdan returned to the combat
trains and began leading them to safety. Just as they began to
move into the area, Doug Morrison returned and resumed control
of the logistics elements, guiding them into their evening’s
positions. Morrison had managed to maneuver this precious
cargo through the on-going fire-fight, past Iraqi soldiers, and
through areas covered with unexploded munitions without
loss. Burdan then remained in the perimeter and joined Wilson
in controlling both the defense and the ever-increasing accumulation
of Iraqi prisoners. 37 As the two leaders stood in the center
of the squadron, Wilson commented, “We’re either going to get
our ass chewed severely for being out here and being on the
road, or we’re going to be heroes.” 38
After his arrival, Burdan began improving the coordination
between the two cavalry troops and brought some order to the
confusion within the perimeter. He dismounted his Bradley
and made his way to the southernmost contact point between
the two troops. The fires from the burning vehicles and oil wells
provided enough light that the troops did not need night-vision
goggles. The S3 expected to find the road under the firm control
of the troops. However, upon his arrival it became apparent
that the needed responsibilities had not been worked out. As
Burdan was talking to one of the sergeants at the contact point,
the sergeant gestured to something behind him. He turned to
see five armed Iraqis walking down the road towards him.
With his Bradley crew providing over watch, he drew his pistol,
and along with the sergeant, moved to intercept the Iraqis.
The enemy stopped about ten feet from away and threw down
their weapons. Burdan had them searched, and while they
waited for a detachment from A Troop to take them to Camp
Favors, he had a chance to talk with one of the prisoners who
turned out to be a graduate of an American college. The captured
Iraqi felt that it was proper for his army to have conquered
Kuwait and, although they had been stopped this time,
they would be back again. After the Iraqis were escorted out of
the area, Burdan contacted the two troop executive officers and
had them meet him at the contact point so they could organize