NYC Indie Films

The Battle of OP4

THE BATTLE OF OP4 A Documentary Filmed, Directed and Produced by Rene Ortiz On January 29, 1991 lines drawn in a Saudi Arabian sand were shifted by the winds of a battle, thereafter known as “OP4.” This battle pitted a relatively small scout company of US Marines and Air force pilots against invading Iraqi tanks, whose objective was to take over the oil fields of Kuwait. Here are the unvarnished recollections of Marines from Delta Company, their beloved Captain, “Rock” Pollard, and then major Jeffrey Powers of the scrimmage that claimed the lives of 11 young marines, all lost to “friendly fires” and the lives of many times more Iraqis. In the words of Captain Pollard “This was my Marines first battle. 70% were under the age of 19. This was their first gunfight. First time that they’d seen what combat was like. First time they’d seen anyone die.” Indeed, nearly a quarter century later, the sights and smells of that battle, mangled nearly incinerated tanks and turrets strewn about and of countless skeleton. Wild burned and melted flash causing eyes to well up with tears as he mummers “and from that day on it was real.” Let this film serve as a reminder to all that while some battles may be necessary, the reality of war is that the smell of victory is anything but sweet.

Categories: Action , Documentary , History , War