Operation Desert Storm, which unfolded 35 years ago, was preceded by the defensive preparations known as Operation Desert Shield. WGAL’s Susan Shapiro recently featured retired Colonel Frank Hancock on “In Focus” to discuss his pivotal role in the conflict and his newly released, detailed book, Operation Desert Storm: How Two Young Intelligence Analysts and an Infantry Battalion Changed the War in Iraq.
The segment also highlighted Colonel Hancock’s continued dedication to the Army Heritage Center Foundation, an organization committed to preserving the experiences of soldiers for educational purposes. You can access the complete interview via the video player located above.
Hancock’s Journey into Military Service
Colonel Hancock revealed that his decision to join the military was influenced by both his family’s legacy and unforeseen opportunities. His father served as a B-24 bomber pilot during World War II, and later, a reserve lieutenant colonel encouraged Hancock to consider the United States Military Academy at West Point. Despite his initial skepticism, Hancock applied, was accepted, and ultimately graduated in 1972. He then embarked on a roughly three-decade career, specializing in the infantry and completing rigorous airborne and Ranger training. His assignments included tours in Germany and with the 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, where he took command of an infantry battalion, comprising approximately 700 soldiers, in June 1990.
From Desert Shield to Desert Storm
Hancock provided a concise overview of the geopolitical factors leading to the conflict. Following a costly war with Iran, Saddam Hussein faced significant debt. Seeking a solution, he initiated the invasion of Kuwait. Subsequently, Iraqi forces positioned themselves close to the Saudi border, sparking grave concerns that Saudi Arabia might be the next target. According to Hancock, President George H. W. Bush was determined to prevent Iraq from controlling both Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, a scenario that would have granted Hussein dominion over nearly half of the world’s oil reserves. The United States swiftly mobilized, initiating Desert Shield as a defensive buildup. Forces began deploying to the region in August 1990, and the coalition ultimately assembled over 600,000 service members to counter what Hancock characterized as a large, well-equipped Iraqi military, heavily influenced by Soviet doctrine and weaponry.
A Battalion’s Story: Intelligence and Communication at the Forefront
Hancock explained that his motivation for writing the book stemmed partly from his direct involvement at the “epicenter” of these events, believing his battalion’s experiences offered crucial insights into leadership and communication. He traced the origins of the project to a War College strategy paper he authored in 1992, which was later digitized by the Army Heritage Education Center. In 2023, he compiled perspectives from 26 soldiers who had served under him to ensure an accurate and comprehensive account.
A pivotal moment involved two junior intelligence analysts, Sergeant Jesus Gonzales and Captain Jose Patino, who uncovered a critical threat overlooked by others. They deduced that an intended helicopter landing zone, contrary to higher-level intelligence reports, was not empty but actually occupied by Iraqi forces adeptly concealed. The analysts presented their findings to Hancock, who, despite initial resistance, escalated the concern through the chain of command. The landing plan was subsequently altered by approximately one mile. When the air assault commenced, intense combat activity was observed in the original, now-avoided area. Hancock later discovered that hundreds of Iraqi troops were dug into the terrain, along with significant ammunition stockpiles. He credits the analysts’ persistence and sound reasoning with averting potentially catastrophic losses.
Lessons, Enduring Legacy, and Continued Service
Hancock reflected on the grueling desert conditions, which necessitated constant and attentive leadership. He observed that the U.S. military of 1990 stood in stark contrast to the post-Vietnam force, having evolved into a highly trained, professional volunteer army benefiting from strong leadership and superior equipment, which contributed to reduced casualties. He also expressed confidence in the capabilities of today’s Army, viewing it as a direct descendant of that era’s formidable force.
Beyond his military endeavors, Hancock remains active through various educational initiatives, refereeing sports, and teaching ballroom dancing, activities he connects back to fundamental leadership and coaching principles. He underscored the profound importance of preserving the stories of soldiers through institutions like the Army Heritage Center Foundation. His book is readily available at major book retailers and via Amazon.