1990-1991: Under the command of MG Thomas Rhame, the 1st Infantry Division (Mech) deployed over 12,000 troops.
In response to Iraq’s 1990 invasion of Kuwait, an American-led coalition assembled its forces in Saudi Arabia in Operation Desert Shield. Under the command of MG Thomas Rhame, the 1st Infantry Division (Mech) deployed over 12,000 troops. On February 24, 1991, the Big Red One was the spearhead that pierced the Iraqi defenses. This action allowed the Coalition armored forces to penetrate deep into Iraq and cut off the escape route of the fleeing Iraqi army. In 100 hours of ground combat, the Division destroyed more than 500 tanks and captured more than 11,400 Iraqi prisoners or war.