82D AIRBORNE DIVISION (TASK FORCE ATLANTIC)
The 82d Abn Div deployed the Division Ready Brigade (DRB) consisting of 1st Bde (-) with the 4-325th AIR replacing 3-504th PIR. 1st Bde's mission was to conduct a parachute assault on Torrijos airport, isolate and neutralize PDF forces at Panama Viejo, Tinajitas and Ft. Cimmarron and deny PDF reinforcement of Panama City from within AO. Upon completion of combat operations, the Bde conducted stability operations until redeployment from 10-12 Jan.
1st Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment (PIR)
1-504th PIR parachuted onto Torrijos Airport several hours after H-Hour. At 0830, the battalion air assaulted into Tinajitas, the location of the PDF's 1st Infantry Company. The battalion received heavy ground fire from San Miguelito en route. On final approach to the landing zone (LZ), the helicopters received constant fire from the objective. The troopers received both direct and indirect fire as they maneuvered up the hill to the objective. The battalion had a long hard fight in taking Tinajitas due to the steep terrain and PDF defense. The objective was secure by 1430 but the unit continued to receive sporadic sniper fire from surrounding buildings. The battalion then conducted security sweeps on 21 Dec. On 22 Dec the battalion began stability operations. These continued until 10 Jan when the battalion was relieved by elements of the 7th Inf Div (L) and redeployed from 10-12 Jan.
2d Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment (PIR)
At 20 0200 Dec, 2-504th PIR parachuted onto Torrijos Airport which was being secured by the 1-75th Ranger Regiment. 2-504th PIR air assaulted into Panama Viejo four hours later. Their mission was to secure the PDF military complex at Panama Viejo, home of the 1st Cavalry Squadron and the Panamanian Military Counter-Terrorist Unit (UESAT). The PDF units had been alerted and resisted, but the battalion secured its objectives by 1200.
While D-Day operations were still ongoing, the 82d Abn Div was ordered to secure the Marriott Hotel and rescue civilians trapped there. B/2-504th PIR fought its way from Panama Viejo, and secured the hotel. The next morning 29 American civilians were evacuated by armed convoy to Panama Viejo and then flown to safety. Stability operations in or near Panama City continued until 10 Jan when the battalion was relieved by elements of the 7th Inf Div (L) and redeployed from 10-12 Jan.
4th Battalion, 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment (AIR)
4-325th AIR parachuted onto Torrijos Airport early on 20 Dec. A Co then led the battalion's combat operations by air assaulting into Ft. Cimmarron, location of the PDF's Battalion 2000. After directing fire from an AC-130 against its objective, the company hit its LZ at 1000 hrs. They met limited resistance and found 13 killed in action, 10 destroyed vehicles, and three 120-mm mortars. The company consolidated and awaited linkup with the remainder of the battalion on 21 Dec.
On 22 Dec the battalion was given responsibility for the security of the district containing the Papal Nunciatura. Stability operations continued until 10 Jan when the battalion was relieved by elements of the 7th Inf Div (L) and redeployed from 10-12 Jan.
Table
of Contents, Volume I
Combat,
Part 1
Combat,
Part 3
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