Due to the real threat of being attacked by chemical weapons, the 299th was in MOPP 2 while traveling through the Karbala Gap. By 1000 on 2 April 2003 the unit was through the Karbala Gap and on the way to Objective Peach.
After being bogged down through rough terrain with deep sand, the unit arrived at Objective Peach at 1700 on 2 April 2003. A second reconnaissance team was sent ahead of the main body to link-up with the first reconnaissance team and assess the situation. The battle over objective peach was in full swing. The second reconnaissance team moved to the fixed bridge site on the Euphrates River along with command elements from the 299th and 54th Engineer Battalion. The reconnaissance of the bridge revealed that two lanes of the four-lane bridge were safe for travel. The reconnaissance also determined what was required to fix the existing bridge to increase the flow of traffic across it.
The main body set up a bivouac site 7 kilometers from the bridge at Assembly Area Gators. The unit witnessed the capturing of approximately two-dozen republican guard soldiers that were hiding behind a berm 200 meters away from the company’s area. Both reconnaissance teams returned to the AA at 2100 on 2 April 2003.
The next morning, the unit was given the order to emplace an Assault Float Bridge and a Medium Girder Bridge over the Euphrates at Objective Peach. The unit began preparing the riverbanks for the emplacement of the assault Float Bridge at noon on 3 April. The unit also prepared the Medium Girder Bridge site by removing the protruding rebar from the blown portion of fixed bridge. By 1600, the preparation for bridging was complete. The unit began conducting bridging operations at 1900 on 3 April 2003 after being delayed due to restrictive traffic flow to the bridge site.
The 299th completed a 185-Meter Assault Float Bridge by midnight on 3 April. This event marked the first time US forces have assembled the Assault Float Ribbon Bridge in combat.
By sunrise on 4 April 2003, the unit completed the emplacement of a 40-Meter Single Story Medium Girder Bridge over the damaged portion of the fixed bridge.
Both bridging operations were conducted simultaneously and provided increased crossing capabilities. With the completion of the bridges. OBJ Peach increased of one to three operational lanes across the Euphrates. This significantly aided the maneuver commander's rapid advance into Baghdad and provided for a lane for retrograde traffic.
The 299th remained at Objective Peach for three weeks – assuring mobility for the 3rd infantry Division.
The Assault Float Bridge was removed and the unit moved to Balad Airfield to continue operations on 23 April 2003. The single-story MGB was signed over to the 671st Engineer Company (MRB) and remained on the fixed bridge at OBJ Peach.
See Also: NEW! Narrative of Medal of Honor awardee SFC Smith's actions at OBJ Saints, April 4th 2003. 2nd PLT, B Co. 11th Eng., SFC Smith's unit, helped clear the bridge at OBJ Peach.(External Website) Objective Peach Narrative by Company Commander (Word Document) PBS' Frontline: Invasion of Iraq: Interview with Lt. Col. Ernest "Rock" Marcone (External Website) News Talk Radio: Iraqi Prisoners of War by Gareth Schweitzer (mp3 audio) News Talk Radio: Iraqi Troops Remain South of Baghdad Plans for Baghdad by Gareth Schweitzer (mp3 audio) NEW! 299th's Emedded BBC Reporter Peter Grant broadcasts from our bridge site on the Euphrates River (RealVideo)
| Objective Peach: Euphrates River
| Objective Peach: Euphrates River
