Ghostriders 1976-1995 by William Walter

Author:William Walter [Walter, William]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781637581582
Publisher: Knox Press
Published: 2022-04-07T13:18:03+00:00

Combined effects of two 105mm rounds fired by AP-01 and Ranger small arms fire on a sedan approaching a Ranger position near Torrijos Tocumen Airport. Rangers covered the remains of the two PDF soldiers near the vehicle. (Credit: Martin Klukas)

The Rio Pacora Bridge

The PDF Battalion 2000 was located at Fort Cimarron, about 30 kilometers from Panama City. The battalion was a PDF stronghold that could present significant resistance to US forces during the initial phase of Just Cause. Early in the planning stage, the Pacora River (Rio Pacora) was recognized as a geographical obstacle that isolated Ft Cimarron from Panama City. There was only one major bridge that crossed Rio Pacora; therefore, JSOTF control of the bridge would prevent PDF Battalion 2000 soldiers from crossing the span to reinforce PDF forces in Panama City. AP-03, commanded by Capt Francis (Robert) Gabreski, was tasked to support Task Force Black to prevent Battalion 2000 from crossing the bridge and interfering with the airfield seizure at Torrijos-Tocumen and destruction of La Comandancia.

Since the PDF was tipped off of an impending invasion, Battalion 2000 was nearing the bridge as AP-03 arrived overhead. Headlights from PDF vehicles were seen approaching while 23 soldiers from the 7th Special Forces Group led by A/3/7 Commander Major Kevin Higgins and supported by USAF Combat Controller MSgt John Eklof were inserted by two MH-60 and one UH-60 helicopter. As AP-03 approached the bridge, sensor operator MSgt Russ Spitzmacher detected a nine vehicle convoy of M35 trucks. AP-03 could not establish radio contact with TF-Black for clearance to fire, so they were unable to take any action.97 As the first truck began to cross the bridge, TF-Black engaged the lead vehicle with Anti-Tank weapons and small arms, halting the column. By the time radio contact was established, Battalion 2000 troops were within danger close firing parameters of TF-Black and AP-03 was immediately cleared to fire by Major Higgins.

Capt Gabreski opened fire with 20mm HEI. Gunfire raked over the convoy, causing PDF soldiers to abandon their vehicles and retreat. Some fired their weapons wildly at US forces as they withdrew. A group of PDF took up positions along the tree line on both sides of the road and continued to probe US positions unsuccessfully for the remainder of the night. Every time they advanced, they were met with fire from TF-Black and AP-03. When Gabreski’s crew ran low on fuel, Capt LeBrun’s crew (AP-05) took their place. Since the bridge spanned a major Highway, civilian vehicles continued to travel towards the bridge all night, most likely unaware of the military operation in progress. Accordingly, it was difficult to determine if vehicle occupants were hostile or just everyday Panamanian citizens in the wrong place at the wrong time. To limit the possibility of targeting innocent civilians, AP-05 resorted to firing 40mm rounds in front of vehicles to encourage them to stop or turn around. In one case, just after two rounds of 40mm HEI detonated in front of a Jeep, the driver slammed on the brakes, dismounted, ran into the tree line and disappeared.

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