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

The Basra Highway 181
man’s land, dodging unexploded munitions and small-arms
fire to rescue wounded Iraqi soldiers and, in the process, capture
more prisoners. Once back inside the perimeter, they
brought the wounded to the squadron aid station. In their urge
to help, American soldiers emptied their vehicles of field rations
and water, and exhausted most of their medical supplies
on the Iraqi wounded. 61 Realizing the danger they were in and
because the operation was not yet over, squadron leaders
stepped in to stop the troopers from giving away all of their
supplies, items they might need during the next day. In spite of
the danger of attack, many vehicles reduced their crew to only
two combat crew members, as others tried to help keep the
Iraqi wounded comfortable and alive. 62 Wilson’s troopers were
taking a risk, since even a limited Iraqi probe would cause intense
confusion within the perimeter.
There were numerous examples of how the troopers sought
to aid the Iraqis once they stopped fighting. As the evening
wore on, several A Troop combat lifesavers were sent over to
help the medics who were treating the wounded Iraqis. One of
the Iraqi soldiers, who had hidden behind a tank as A Troop
crested the ridgeline above the highway, suffered burns, shrapnel
wounds, and a compound fracture when the tank was hit.
He was in a state of shock as the A Troop lifesaver and the
medics got him stabilized. The transformation of the troop from
soldiers intent on killing the enemy to “Red Cross” workers
was amazing. It was as if a switch had been thrown and they
were now in the help mode. 63
Chaplain Lou Parker was in the perimeter that night and
was able to take a little more detached view of the fight than
those trying to defend themselves and supervise the prisoners.
He helped MAJ Hansen and his medical team provide care to
the many injured Iraqis. As the night wore on, he saw the
medics’ stress begin to get the better of them and he walked
among them coaching and counseling. He was personally
moved when Hanson grabbed his sleeve and implored “Don’t
you leave. You’re my moral support.” Several Iraqi doctors
were taken prisoner who spoke nearly fluent English. They assisted
the medical personnel and helped Parker minister by interpreting
his prayers. Many of the prisoners recognized the