B/1-162 Infantry
Camp Patriot, Kuwait Naval Base
APO AE 09337
Alex Neill
Managing Editor
Army Times
5 July 2003
Dear Alex,
On 24 Jun 03 elements of B/1-162 Inf were providing security into the Ramala oil fields in southern Iraq. My element stopped near the British War Memorial vic Al Basrah and was approached by an Iraqi girl that appeared to be in her early teens and others we assumed were her brothers.
Our 1-162 Inf Battalion Commander, LTC Joseph Cramer, was offered Iraqi currency to purchase. Ultimately, the girl offered LTC Cramer the attached coin and he declined, allowing me, a former 1st Cav soldier the opportunity to purchase it. The girl asked for and I gave her a dollar for the coin.
Judging from the condition, I figured it was left behind after the first Gulf War. I showed it around wondering how it got in the hands of an Iraqi.
Two days ago one of the soldiers that was examining it noticed the worn engraving of a name. Looking close, the name is “CPT ROBINSON”.
This coin has a story. I contacted the 1st Cav Division Association. They are currently trying to track down the CPT Robinson that served during this time.
Regardless, I would like to see this coin come full circle. Any help you can give me uncovering the story and finding CPT ROBINSON or his family would be greatly appreciated.
Unit Background: I am the Commander of Bravo Company, 1-162 Infantry, 41st Separate Infantry Brigade (Enhanced), Oregon National Guard. We were activated on 10 Feb 03 and deployed to our Mobilization Station on 15 Feb 03. We arrived in Kuwait on 19 April 03 and Bravo Company (+) was assigned a Force Protection Mission at Kuwait Naval Base. We are a Light Infantry Company.
Your questions are invited.
Sincerely,
CPT Ed Winkler
Commander
B/1-162 Inf
Oregon National Guard PHOTOS