Library Issues Forum: "The Fires of Babylon: Eagle Troop and the Battle of 73 Ea

On the morning of August 2, 1990, Iraqi armored divisions invaded the tiny emirate of Kuwait. The invasion drew fierce condemnation from the UN, which demanded their withdrawal. Undeterred by the rhetoric, the Iraqi dictator massed his forces along the Saudi Arabian border and dared the world to stop him. In response, the U.S. led the world community in a coalition of 34 nations in what became known as Operation Desert Storm – a violent air and ground campaign to eject the Iraqis from Kuwait. Leading the charge into Iraq were the men of Eagle Troop in the U.S. Army’s 2nd Armored Cavalry Regiment. Commanded by then-Captain HR McMaster, Eagle Troop was the lead element of the US VII Corps’ advance into Iraq. On February 26, 1991, Eagle Troop encountered the Tawakalna Brigade of Iraq’s elite Republican Guard. By any calculation, the 12 American tanks didn’t stand a chance. Yet within a mere 23 minutes, the M1A1 tanks of Eagle Troop destroyed more than 50 enemy vehicles and plowed a whole through the Iraqi front. History would call it the Battle of 73 Easting. Join us as we welcome internationally recognized author and military Historian Mike Guardia as he discusses his newest book, “The Fires of Babylon: Eagle Troop and the Battle of 73 Easting.” A veteran of the United States Army, Guardia served six years on active duty as an Armor Officer. He is the author of the widely-acclaimed “Hal Moore: A Soldier Once…and Always,” the first-ever biography chronicling the life of LTG Harold G. Moore, whose battlefield leadership was popularized by the film “We Were Soldiers” starring Mel Gibson. Guardia has twice been nominated for the Army Historical Foundation’s Distinguished Book Award and is an active member of the Military Writers Society of America. The program will begin on Tuesday, August 2, at 7 p.m. in the Bush Library and Museum’s orientation theater. Following Mr. Guardia’s talk, we will have a reception in the rotunda, where you will have an opportunity to purchase his book and have it signed. The event is free, but seating is limited and reservations are highly recommended. Register online at bushlibrary.eventbrite.com or for more information call (979) 691-4014 or email to reservations.bush@nara.gov