NAM.2025-05-5-2-1

Yellow vehicle recognition panel, made by the soldiers in the field, 1991. Bears vehicle call sign no ‘21’ and the inverted ‘V’ Coalition Forces recognition symbol, marked in black masking tape. This sign was attached to the rear compartment of L/Cpl Lynch’s Scorpion CRVT (Combat Vehicle Reconnaissance Tracked), when it was hit by friendly fire on 27 February 1991, in Kuwait, during the Gulf War. This kind of vehicle recognition sign was specifically displayed by all allied vehicles to avoid blue on blue incidents. Part of a collection of objects relating to the service of L/Cpl Declan Lynch, Gulf War, 27 February 1991. Associated with Operation DESERT STORM (1991), Gulf War (1990-91). Just before 11:00am on 27 February 1991, as a recce section of 2 Scorpions was taking the surrender of Iraqi soldiers, Call sign 21 Scorpion was hit in the front by a round from a US M1 Abram tank. Gunner/operator L/Cpl Lynch was outside, at the front of the vehicle, when the sabot round hit the vehicle and was lodged in the gearbox. He was injured by shrapnel on both legs, chest, minor to face, hand, right eye, and suffered hearing damage. The vehicle recognition panel and manufacturer’s plate, along with the sabot round were removed from the vehicle when it was recovered from the battlefield and handed to him on his return to his unit.

DESERT STORM, Operation, 1991 (Gulf War 1990-1991)