US ARMY QUARTERMASTER CENTER & SCHOOL Historical Vignettes

DUTY, SERVICE, AND SACRIFICE

On January 15, 1991, the soldiers of the 14^th Quartermaster Detachment, a water purification unit out of Greensburg, Pennsylvania, was mobilized for duty in the Gulf War – just one day prior to the initiation of air strikes against Baghdad. They spent the next 30 days at Fort Lee, learning to use the newest and most advanced water purification equipment, before arriving in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia on February 19^th. The next six days were spent on continued training, in preparation for movement to the field.

On the evening of the seventh night in country, the men and women of the 14^th QM Detachment were relaxing in their temporary home, contemplating what the future might hold. At approximately 8:30 P.M. an Iraqi Scud missile slammed into their quarters, with truly horrendous effect. Amid the rubble lay 28 dead Americans, 13 from the 14^th Quartermaster Detachment. An additional 43 soldiers suffered grievous injuries. The survivors returned home in March to a hero’s welcome. The Chief of Staff of the Army, General Gordon R. Sullivan, later said:

"The soldiers of the 14^th were not battle-hardened warriors. On the contrary, they were in a unit whose mission was to preserve life by purifying water. The product of their labors would have sustained life. This quality – the ability to have compassion, the desire to help others – is the true essence of our nation."

"And the 14^th Quartermaster Detachment has become a symbol of the broader sacrifice of our nation for what we believe. We must remember, heroism is not measured only by bravery in battle. Heroism is measured as well by a WILLINGNESS TO SERVE, is realized in the striving, and is proven by the risk of being in harm’s way when you are most vulnerable."

"Make no mistake. The soldiers occupying a barracks in far-off Dhahran . . . especially those who made the supreme sacrifice, are heroes. . . . They answered the call of DUTY. They paid the ultimate price for freedom."

Compiled by the
U.S. Army Quartermaster Corps Historian
Fort Lee, Virginia

Return to the Historical Vignettes contents...