Fallujah Diary
Embedded with the 'Desert Rogues' in Fallujah, Iraq

 Photo gallery: Fallujah Diary

NPR Correspondent Eric Westervelt with a captured Iraqi T-72 tank. Photo: Spc. Shane Brooks, U.S. Army, for NPR News

July 30, 2003 -- For three weeks in March and April, the U.S. Army's 3rd Infantry Division formed the western flank in the invasion of Iraq. The 2nd Brigade's Task Force 1-64, the "Desert Rogues," often led that fight. They waged fierce battles with Iraqi forces in Najaf, Karbala and Baghdad. The Rogues were the first U.S. forces to enter the Iraqi capital on April 5. They helped to secure the western half of the city on April 7.

Six weeks later, the 2nd Brigade was sent to Fallujah, the restive Sunni Muslim city west of Baghdad. In sweltering heat and blowing dust, soldiers patrolled the streets, gave out free gasoline and set up checkpoints. They also came under fire. Many were injured and some died.

NPR's Eric Westervelt traveled with the Desert Rogues during the buildup to war and the invasion. Last week, he and NPR producer Charlie Mayer caught up with the soldiers just before they repositioned back to Kuwait.

More NPR Stories from Fallujah:

 7/18/2003: Westervelt reports on a U.S. soldier who was killed in Fallujah.

 7/19/2003: NPR's Scott Simon interviews Sgt. Phillip Riley, who is stationed just outside Fallujah.

 7/20/2003: Westervelt reports on U.S. troops system of reward and punishment to combat attacks on U.S. forces.

 7/20/2003: Westervelt reports on a memorial service in Fallujah for Spc. Joel Bertoldie.

 7/22/2003: Westervelt describes the complex relationship between the Iraqi civilian authorities in Fallujah and U.S. troops.

 7/23/2003: Westervelt reports on the state of morale in Fallujah.

 7/23/2003 - 7/24/2003: Tony Cox talks interviews African-American soldiers stationed in Fallujah.

 7/26/2003: Westervelt reports on a critical shortage in Fallujah -- interpreters -- and how this is affecting U.S. operations.

In Depth

 For more coverage about events in Fallujah and the rest of Iraq, vist NPR News Coverage: Beyond the War in Iraq

 Find other NPR reports by Eric Westervelt

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