OIF I: The Invasion of Iraq
In early 2003, the 1st Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment (1-327) of the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) deployed to Kuwait as part of the buildup for Operation Iraqi Freedom. The battalion, under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Edmund "Pete" Palekas, was part of the 1st Brigade Combat Team commanded by Colonel Ben Hodges.
As the ground invasion of Iraq began on March 20, 2003, the 1-327 participated in a massive air assault operation into southern Iraq. The battalion's mission was to secure key objectives and clear the way for follow-on forces. During the initial phase of the operation, 1-327 encountered varying levels of resistance from both regular Iraqi Army units and Fedayeen Saddam fighters.
The 1-327 fought its way north through several major Iraqi cities, including An Najaf, Al Kufa, and Karbala. In each of these engagements, the battalion demonstrated its ability to rapidly deploy and engage enemy forces in urban environments, leveraging its air assault capabilities to outmaneuver and overwhelm the opposition.
One of the most significant actions for 1-327 during the invasion phase was its participation in the Battle of Karbala. The city had initially been bypassed during the rapid advance towards Baghdad, but it needed to be cleared to secure the coalition's supply lines. The 1-327, along with other elements of the 101st Airborne Division, engaged in intense urban combat to secure the city, facing determined resistance from Iraqi irregular forces.
As coalition forces approached Baghdad, the 1-327 played a crucial role in clearing the southern approaches to the capital. The battalion's operations helped to isolate Baghdad and set the conditions for the city's eventual fall. Following the capture of Baghdad, the 1-327 shifted its focus to stability and support operations, working to establish security and assist in the initial stages of rebuilding efforts.
In the post-invasion phase, the 1-327 was tasked with securing and stabilizing areas in northern Iraq. The battalion moved to the city of Mosul, which became the primary base of operations for the 101st Airborne Division. Here, the 1-327 worked alongside other units to maintain order, train Iraqi security forces, and support reconstruction efforts.
During its time in Mosul, the 1-327 conducted numerous operations to counter insurgent activities and maintain stability in the region. These operations included targeted raids against suspected insurgent hideouts, establishing and manning checkpoints, and conducting patrols to maintain a visible presence and gather intelligence.
The 1-327's deployment during Operation Iraqi Freedom I lasted until early 2004 when the battalion returned to Fort Campbell, Kentucky. Throughout this deployment, the soldiers of 1-327 demonstrated remarkable adaptability, transitioning from high-intensity combat operations during the invasion to complex stability and support operations in the post-invasion period. Their efforts contributed significantly to the initial success of coalition forces in overthrowing the regime of Saddam Hussein and establishing the foundations for a new Iraqi government.