Atlanta Veteran Remembers Anniversary of Operation Desert Storm
These days, Ramon Sims, a retired Atlanta Gulf War soldier, is far removed from combat, enjoying time with his grandchildren and volunteering at his church, but his memories of Operation Desert Storm remain, 34 years later.
The 65-year-old Army Veteran recalled how on the early morning of January 17, 1991, warplanes, attack helicopters, and missiles belonging to U.S. and allied troops struck a variety of military and government targets in Iraq, commencing a campaign—code-named Operation Desert Storm—that sought to force Iraq to end its occupation of Kuwait.
“My unit was among the hundreds of thousands of Coalition forces led by U.S. General Norman Schwarzkopf,” Sims said. “He was the best general I ever served under. His troops nicknamed him Stormin’ Norman and he captured the public’s imagination with his John Wayne swagger and frank talk about the war’s progress.”
Sims noted that the ground offensive lasted a mere 100 hours from the start of the assault on Feb. 24, 1991, until a cease-fire ended the fighting on Feb. 28, 1991. “As I look back on my 25 years in the Army, Desert Storm was a pivotal moment in military history where U.S. troops were in a position to accomplish what they had trained for,” he added. “ I salute all the brave American men and women who courageously answered the call and played a significant role in helping the Coalition of 35 nations achieved its primary objective of liberating Kuwait.”
We honor the service of all our Desert Shield/Desert Storm Veterans who demonstrated America's resolve to defend freedom and deter aggression throughout the world.