FEMALE ON THE FLOOR! THE STORMING OF PANAMA BY U.S. FORCES Map 1

• TASK FORCE ATLANTIC

Mission: Neutralize the PDF 8th Infantry Company in Colon, the Atlantic gateway to the Canal, and also the PDF Marine Infantry Company at the port of Coco Solo. In the top left of the map above, this Task Force is situated near COLON.

• TASK FORCE ATLANTIC

Mission: Protect U.S. housing area at Gamboa and capture the Gamboa prison. Gamboa is below Colon.

• TASK FORCE RED

Mission: Take Rio Hato, headquarters of the 6th and 7th Rifle Companies. "Macho de Monte" of the Panama Defense Forces. Paratroopers, supported by heavy air cover, have a fierce fight. Bottom left where the three chutes are at.

• TASK FORCE PACIFIC

Mission: Engage PDF Cavalry squadron at Panama Viejo and the PDF 1st Infantry Co. (Los Tigres) at Tinajitas. They encountered stiff resistance. Mid-top, next to the Panamanian flag is TINAJITAS and then the next arrow points down to PANAMA VIEJO near the Marriot (Doug, Aaron and I stayed there for a couple of nights.)

• TASK FORCE RED

Mission: Capture Torrijos International Airport in an airborne assault. Move out to secure the bridge over the Pacora River to block the PDF's 2000 Battalion at Fort Cimarron from moving into the city. Ice storm delays airlift and 2000 Battalion convoy is attacked from the air. Top right: TOCUMEN, RIO PACORA, CIMARRON and 3 more chutes.

• TASK FORCE BAYONET

Mission: Capture the Comandancia, central H.Q. of the Panama Defense Forces, and secure the central Canal area including Ford Amador, joint military installation of U.S. and Panama. Bottom right. Just under Task Force Red.

• TASK FORCE SEMPER FIDELIS

Mission: Secure the Bridge of the Americas, spanning the Canal and the Pan American Highway and protect Howard Air Force Base. This mission was the job of Marines and MP companies. I guess they were protecting us at Ft. Kobbe too, since it's hard for a novice to tell where one ends and the other begins.

My job during this time, and I think I've already said, was to support the Marines with MRE's, ammo, and water. We would leave the supplies at drop off points.

Photo is copyrighted 1990. Focus Publications, El Dorado.