March 15, 2015
After Action Report – Operation Norwind 2015 Fort Indiantown Gap
To our efforts, another successful event we celebrate as we were able to set out what we intended to do. To quote our Task Force Commander Capt. Guditus "Let me first thank you all for the outstanding professionalism, attitude, esprit de corps and combat effectiveness you displayed while assigned to Task Force Guditus. Your unit set the benchmark for the others in the Task Force to follow."
Day One, travel was kicked off with 7 different origin to destination Operation Norwind at FIG was accomplished smoothly with fine weather. Upon arrival of most members, proper setting of residency at the assigned barracks was established following registration and turning in of Ammo. The evening went with the welcoming of new members along with the usual social gathering and capped with staff and members meeting to prepare for the 2 day battle.
Day Two, the event started with continental breakfast as usual with bagels & muffins. Proper protocol of weapons and equipment inspection done by the Allied command was impressed with our standard. Convoy to the battlefield did not commence till late of the day as temperature steadily climb to manageable levels of playing time.
It wasn't long till we identified who we can count on as a team player to our Task Force that was merged with other Special Operations forces that included US & Canadians ABN along with Ranger Units. Regardless of some of the misfortunes in the group the 101st ABN 502nd PIR along with the 506th HHC were able to spearhead most of the battle aggressively, to capture and hold our objective "The Bridge" many times over of which our SSG Bauer proudly resonated to name it after us. The Germans counter attacked to reclaim the bridge to no avail as their futile effort of onslaught was reduced to cinders once the smoke cleared.
Post battle weapon cleaning instruction for the new recruits at the barracks was conducted with our 1st Sqd. Sgt. Cessna. Dinner was served with the local Pizzaria delivery and few toast while in the hands of poker and craps.
Day Three. After a remarkable performance by our Airborne units 502nd was again in the lead to attack to face the front line and stop the German advance that started out as a stalemate. After a few tactical input adjustments from our staff, we were able to push the Germans back and take the hill under heavy machine gun fire that allowed the a coordinated efforts of the 3rd ID's flanking maneuver and the 4th Armor decimating the enemies half trucks and armored personal. As a result German high command was forced to concede their territory to us under the flag of ceasefire to allow them to regroup and claim their dead and wounded.
The day was ended with an almost impossible task of advancing through high grounds, rough terrain and knee high snow covered woodlands. But through our gallant efforts and determination, led by our 2nd Sqd. Sgt. Gaynor we were able to outwit the German forces by having a two-prong attack that kept the Germans at bay allowing the rest of the Allied forces to capture the German Command Post.
Our success and great efforts would not have been possible have we not sustain ourselves with the proper training, leadership chain of command and the individual physical fitness gained for this event. Because of the snow covered terrain brought about by the weather, navigation and communication proved to be a challenged. Again I need not magnify the importance of training well on map reading, land navigation and communication (both HQ & Platoon level) while under the duress of battle. Thanks to XO Lt. Smith for his skill in RTO communication in keeping the Command and Control intact. It would have a different result had we not had his talents. Kudos as well to our brevetted leadership role by Sgt. Cessna and Cpl. Kulksar.
There are other good Allied Units out there besides us but we cannot always assume that all can and be relied upon to cover our flanks. Therefore we must be vigilant in our efforts to continue prodding our goal. Elicit a reaction and learn from it to set an example. I need not proclaim in detail the difference a sound unit with proper discipline amongst the ranks as you saw the comparison to some axis and allied both. Their shortcomings is the reflection of command leadership.
From what you have seen and a part of, on behalf of our staff, we hope that we have encourage you enough with fervor motives to join us once again to our next training days to follow this April. We will be joined by other visiting units as guests. Your continued support in this exciting event will show force and clear indication of who and what is the 502nd is all about. Don't miss it! Till next meeting gentlemen and God speed!
Victor B. Cabrera, 1LT
Baker Co., 502nd, 101st ABN Commanding
