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MarkHolloway · Posted: Wed Jan 17, 2007 12:31 am Post subject: For Burik....

You are correct. The name on the gun tube is UNITED AIRLINES FLIGHT 175. The bumper numbers are "TF 1-64 A-23". Now, can you tell me about the RPG hit on it? We'd like to hear the story.

Burik · ***Power User*** Offline Joined: Mar 05, 2006 Posts: 119

Mark:

So you saw the tank? I'm not sure about A23. Is the hit at the grenade box on the left front turret? Going from memory as I sit here...

I do know Sgt Olson's tank, A24, was hit by a mortar on the TC hatch and some of the vision blocks were shattered. I do not know if they were replaced before they turned the tanks in, since the damage happened in April and they did not leave until July. A24 (American Airlines Flight 77) had a number of bullet strikes on the right side skirts, and mortar shrapnel on the gun barrel, and coax MG barrel.

Is the rest of the platoon there? They all were named after the four planes that went down on 9/11.

There is an interesting story about almost the whole platoon getting bogged down in soft sand early in the war and they had to pull themselves out on their own under small arms fire.

Did you get my PM?

Mark, you really got my interest picqued!!

Bob

Dontos · Posted: Wed Jan 17, 2007 3:39 am Post subject: Re: For Burik....

A shot from A Co 1-64 Ar, during OIF as they rolled thru An Najaf.

Don

MarkHolloway · Posted: Thu Jan 18, 2007 12:45 am Post subject: Re: For Burik....

Yes, the tank sustained RPG damage on the left side of the turret. I believe there was shrapnell marks on the commander's hatch so it was open when hit. Wondered if TC was wounded. Must me the same tank. I haven't seen any other tanks with 'flight numbers' on their tubes but I'll keep an eye out.

Burik · ***Power User*** Offline Joined: Mar 05, 2006 Posts: 119

There's not too much of a story behind that. It happened during the first thunder run. The commander was not injured. I don't know if he was down in the hatch at the time or he just got lucky with the shrapnel.

MarkHolloway · Posted: Fri Jan 19, 2007 12:55 am Post subject: Re: For Burik....

Burik,

Just so happened I inspected "ANSWER TO THIS" today. I heard they wanted to photograph it so I think your buddy at the 3d ID Museum called our commander on it. So I guess it could go to Ft Stewart. Smile

Burik · ***Power User*** Offline Joined: Mar 05, 2006 Posts: 119

That's great they were able to get together. I hope it gets to Ft Stewart. The curator is very dedicated to his job. He went to Baghdad after it fell and tracked down Sgt Smith's location (Medal of Honor recipient - posthumously) and brought back his IBA and M4 where it is on display in the museum with his story.

I just wish they had more space at Ft Stewart for a proper display. The museum is in a tiny building and most of the items the museum has are in storage. They have a running T72 from the Gulf War, and now getting ANSWER TO THIS is meaningful since it was at the head of the thunder run into Baghdad.

The curator even tracked down the M113 Sgt Smith was in when he was killed. I will build this M113 in model form as a gift for the museum. I hope I can do the project justice.

Bob

Maple_Leaf_Eh · ***Power User*** Offline Joined: Jan 24, 2006 Posts: 517

- Burik

That's great they were able to get together. I hope it gets to Ft Stewart. The curator is very dedicated to his job. He went to Baghdad after it fell and tracked down Sgt Smith's location (Medal of Honor recipient - posthumously) and brought back his IBA and M4 where it is on display in the museum with his story.

The curator even tracked down the M113 Sgt Smith was in when he was killed. I will build this M113 in model form as a gift for the museum. I hope I can do the project justice.

Bob

Dedicated indeed! Artifacts from CMH (and Victoria Cross) winners are precious. An M4 is a shortie M16, but what is an IBA?

Burik · ***Power User*** Offline Joined: Mar 05, 2006 Posts: 119

IBA stands for Interceptor Body Armor. It's the flak vest US troops have been wearing since just before OIF1.

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