Thread by @USArmy

Today, we salute and honor the #Veterans of the #OperationDesertStorm. Listen as SFC (Ret.) Fred W. Brown Jr. recounts his experience from thirty years ago.

Let's celebrate their service! Share a photo or a story or your favorite #DesertStorm Vet.

#ArmyHistory

The #PersianGulfWar (1990–91), was an international conflict that was triggered by Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait on August 2, 1990.

Saddam Hussein, ordered the invasion and occupation of Kuwait with the apparent aim of acquiring that nation’s large oil reserves.

#DesertStorm

By January 1991, the allied coalition against Iraq had reached a strength of 700,000 troops, including 540,000 U.S. personnel and smaller numbers of British, French, Egyptians, Saudis, Syrians, and several other national contingents.

#DesertStorm

The allied coalition’s military offensive against Iraq began on Jan. 17, 1991, with a massive air campaign that continued throughout the war.

Over the next few weeks, this sustained aerial bombardment, destroyed Iraq’s air defenses and several key targets.

#DesertStorm

By mid-February the allies had shifted their air attacks to Iraq’s forward ground forces in Kuwait and southern Iraq, destroying their fortifications and tanks.

#DesertStorm

Operation Desert Sabre, a massive allied ground offensive, was launched northward from northeastern Saudi Arabia into Kuwait and southern Iraq on Feb. 24, and within three days Arab and U.S. forces had retaken Kuwait city in the face of crumbling Iraqi resistance.

#DesertStorm

Meanwhile, the main U.S. armored thrust drove into Iraq some 120 miles (200 km) west of Kuwait and attacked Iraq’s armored reserves from the rear.

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By February 27, these forces had destroyed most of Iraq’s elite Republican Guard units after the latter had tried to make a stand south of Al-Baṣrah in southeastern Iraq.

#DesertStorm

By the time that U.S. Pres. George H.W. Bush declared a cease-fire for February 28, Iraqi resistance had completely collapsed.

#DesertStorm

Estimates of the number of Iraqi troops in the Kuwait theatre range from 180,000 to 630,000, and estimates of Iraqi military deaths range from 8,000 to 50,000. The allies, by contrast, lost about 300 troops in the conflict.

#DesertStorm

Thank you everyone that posted pictures of your Vet from Desert Shield/Storm.

Keep them coming!