The new exhibit features a life-sized mock-up of a M1 Abrams Tank with an artist rendering of the actual Persian Gulf attack battle in the background.
Supporting the display are storyboards describing the movement of VII Corps and the actual Battle of 73 Easting, which Brig. Gen. Markus Laubenthal, the U.S. Army Europe chief of staff, referred to as "the last great tank battle of the 20th Century."
"The 73 Easting Battle is a great example of young leaders understanding the battle plan, the commander's intent and executing battlefield decisions while on the move and in an environment is undoubtedly complex," said Laubenthal. "What ensured victory on this day 25 years ago is the same thing that will help ensure victory today -- junior leaders and well-trained formations who are prepared to adapt and execute mission command in a volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous environment."
Also present at the exhibit opening were several veterans of the Persian Gulf War.
One of these veterans was retired Col. George Seiferth, a company commander assigned to the 3rd Armored Division and his unit followed the 2nd Armored Cavalry Regiment into the battle.
"Besides the miserable weather, you just didn't know what was ahead," said Seiferth, reminiscing on what he saw that day. "You heard the guns. Yet, when we passed through the 2ACR sector and saw the burning vehicles and multiple oil fires, we realized the significance of the battle that transpired."
This particular exhibit is the fifth rotational exhibit organized by Molly Bompane, the U.S. Army Europe curator.
Previous rotational displays have included depictions of Normandy Beach, the Ardennes and a WWII victory celebration in Pilsen.
"What makes these exhibits special is the fact that they are located in the workplace," said Bompane. "Out of 103 museum entities located throughout our Army, U.S. Army Europe is one of the few, if not the only one, embedding these large museum-style rotational displays in the locations were we work."
Laubenthal concluded the exhibit opening by encouraging staffs to capitalize on the historical exhibits in the MCC as an opportunity for learning and educating family and colleagues on our rich U.S. Army Europe history.
The 25th Anniversary of the Persian Gulf War Exhibit resides just inside the main doors of the MCC and is open to anyone authorized access to Clay Kaserne during normal business hours.
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About us: U.S. Army Europe is uniquely positioned in its 51 country area of responsibility to advance American strategic interests in Europe and Eurasia. The relationships we build during more than 1,000 theater security cooperation events in more than 40 countries each year lead directly to support for multinational contingency operations around the world, strengthen regional partnerships and enhance global security.
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