The First Baghdad Thunder Run, Iraq 2003 - Animated

The Operations Room2 minutes read

American forces secure Baghdad International Airport after overpowering Iraqi resistance, marking the start of the ground assault on Baghdad. Amid intense fighting, Captain Jeffrey Houston's tank is immobilized, leading to a risky armored assault known as the Thunder Run facing heavy Iraqi opposition.

Insights

  • The assault on Baghdad International Airport by American forces caught Iraqi Special Republican Guard soldiers off guard due to the collapse of the power grid, leading to a one-sided fight where American tanks easily destroyed Iraqi T-72 tanks.
  • Despite facing heavy Iraqi resistance during the Thunder Run armored assault on Baghdad, American forces displayed resilience and quick thinking, such as Captain Conroy's actions in spotting and neutralizing a white truck laden with explosives, showcasing the bravery and tactical acumen of the troops under intense combat situations.

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Recent questions

  • What event marked the beginning of the ground assault on Baghdad?

    The assault on Baghdad International Airport.

  • Who was relieved of command for unsatisfactory progress during the operation?

    Colonel Joe Dow.

  • What risky armored assault on Baghdad commenced on April 5, 2003?

    The Thunder Run.

  • What decision was made when efforts to put out a fire on a disabled abam failed?

    The decision to abandon the vehicle and destroy it.

  • Who missed the airport exit due to thick smoke but managed to correct the course?

    Lieutenant Robert Ball's Abrams.

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Summary

00:00

"Thunder Run: Assault on Baghdad Airport"

  • At just before 11 p.m. on April 3, 2003, Iraqi Special Republican Guard soldiers at Saddam International Airport relax in entrenches after American artillery and aircraft bombardment.
  • The collapse of Baghdad's power grid plunges the airport into darkness, leading to some guards dozing off at their posts.
  • American tanks breach the airport perimeter, catching the Republican Guard soldiers by surprise.
  • The Iraqi T-72 tanks are destroyed by American tanks in a one-sided fight.
  • Marone's Task Force 369 secures Baghdad International Airport after overcoming Iraqi resistance.
  • The assault on the airport marks the beginning of the ground assault on Baghdad.
  • Colonel Joe Dow is relieved of command by Major General Jim Mattis for unsatisfactory progress.
  • Charlie Company of the second tank Battalion faces an ambush near the town of Dala.
  • Captain Jeffrey Houston's tank is immobilized in the kill zone, leading to intense fighting.
  • The Thunder Run, a risky armored assault on Baghdad, commences on April 5, 2003, facing heavy Iraqi resistance.

16:02

Rescue, Firefights, and Sacrifice in Thunder Run

  • Diaz and his crew, along with the Battalion executive officer, try to save a stricken abam amidst RPG rounds, with Captain Conroy supporting the salvage operation.
  • Conroy spots a white truck laden with explosives heading towards his tank, prompting desperate firing on the vehicle until a nearby Bradley destroys it.
  • General Blunt, monitoring the Thunder Run from Baghdad International Airport, orders Perkins to resume movement after a lengthy stop to support the damaged Abrams.
  • At the disabled abam, despite initial efforts to put out the fire, it reignites, leading to the decision to abandon the vehicle and destroy it to continue the mission.
  • Lieutenant Robert Ball's Abrams, now leading the column, misses the airport exit due to thick smoke, but manages to correct the course after a U-turn through the median guard rails.
  • As the column faces enemy fire near the airport, a Bradley is hit by an RPG round, injuring the driver, while Staff Sergeant Booker is fatally wounded by another RPG round in his tank, receiving posthumous honors.
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