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

184 The Road to Safwan
When out of contact with his senior headquarters, Wilson made
the decision to continue his attack toward the Basra Highway,
believing that his commander would support his initiative in
this confusing situation. Squadron leaders, such as Mike Bills,
Ken Pope, Chris Philbrick, Bill Wimbish, Doug Morrison, and
John Burdan took the initiative to make decisions in the absence
of detailed orders. These leaders relied on their understanding
of what their commander wanted accomplished, rather than on
more restrictive command and control. Focusing on mission accomplishment,
they took risks that resulted in the squadron’s
success and a harrowing night on the Basra Highway.