The editors of the book American Presidents, Frank Magill and Robert Watson say “On February 23, General Norman Schwarzkopf ordered a ground assault. He commanded 700,000 troops, nearly 500,000 of them Americans; 200,000 of these wheeled in a great armored arc to trap and crush retreating Iraqi formations. Within four days, Kuwait had been cleared of Iraqi invaders. As the punishment coalition forces were inflicting on the retreating Iraqis began to look like a massacre, Bush ordered an end to the war” (Frank Magill, Robert Watson page 792) The Gulf war was a major victory for President Bush. He overcame a number of difficulties and struck a big and important blow for the forces of international order. (Frank Magill, Robert Watson 792) The…show more content… Simultaneously, the US Airborne Corps launched a sweeping attack across southern Iraq's mostly undefended desert, led by the Armored Cavalry and the well trained Infantry Division. This was vastly protected by the French Division. The 101st Airborne Division conducted a large air assault into enemy territory. The 101st Airborne Division had struck approximately 150 miles behind the enemy lines. It was declared as the deepest air assault operation in history. (Wikipedia) According to Wikipedia “Approximately 400 helicopters transported 2,000 soldiers into Iraq where they destroyed Iraqi columns trying to flee westward and prevented the escape of Iraqi forces.” (Wikipedia 7) The Screaming Eagles would travel about fifty to sixty more miles into Iraq. By night, the Airborne cut off a highway which was an extremely vital supply line running between Basra and the Iraqi forces. The 101st Airborne had unfortunately lost a few soldiers during this small war but captured thousands of enemies. The French force quickly overcame Iraq's Infantry Division, only suffering few casualties and taking a very large number of prisoners, and also took up multiple blocking positions to prevent an Iraqi attack on the coalition. The movement was protected by the U.K’s 1st Armored Division. Once the allies had gone deep into Iraqi…show more content… The plan was to carry out strategic bombing, gain Air superiority, bomb the Iraqi artillery, troops and trenches and then finally launch a ground offensive.” (History of war, page 2) There was no mistake that despite the impression given in the media of smart bombs they were not overly accurate. (history of war) “For example the F-117 had a hit rate of 55%, while the older F-111 hit the target 70% of the time with laser guided bombs.” (History of war, page 2) The most important part was the ground offensive. Only ground forces in particular infantry can take and hold ground, although airpower was vital in softening up the Iraqi trenches and forces, it is nearly impossible to dislodge or destroy an opposing force without the use of ground troops. (History of war
