tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86602167750383776272024-03-13T13:13:12.024-07:00Little Lead Crusade in EuropeThis is my blog dedicated to wargaming various aspects of the Second World War in Europe, on land and in the air, in various scales.Just Jackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03552962741823929433noreply@blogger.comBlogger96125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8660216775038377627.post-42275985285020388982023-03-21T15:48:00.000-07:002023-03-21T15:48:33.214-07:00Hell on Wheels, 'Blade Force' Fight #10<p>All,</p><p>1030 Local Time<br />26 November 1942<br />Near Chouigoui, French Tunisia</p><p>At dawn the tanks of 10th Panzer Division crashed into Blade Force's rear, back at Chouigoui Pass. Colonel Watters' 1st Battalion, 1st Armored Regiment, bore the brunt of the assault. Equipped solely with M3 Stuarts, the American tankers did not fare well, as one might expect (according to 29-year old 2nd Lieutenant Freeland A. Daubin, a platoon leader in A Company, 1st Battalion, 1st Armored Regiment, he "...discovered why his unit's 37mm weapons had performed so poorly even at point-blank range. In the chaos if its first operation, his battalion had been issued training ammunition instead of the newer armor-piercing rounds, which were still sitting int he supply depots of Algiers."). Nevertheless, TF Reisman was tasked to send any available tanks and tank destroyers back to Chouigoui Pass in order to stem the flow of panzers from the north. </p><p>Captain Avery, the Tank Company commander, immediately grabbed up the tanks he had to hand and began pushing back to the west, towards Chouigoui Pass. The column briefly became disoriented, so that it actually passed the German column and ended up approaching it from the southeast;* the Germans saw the fledgling American armored force coming and dispatched a small detachment to handle it.</p><p>This is a fictional engagement, but it still should have happened with Americans in the east and Germans in the west, but I forgot about that when I set the table up and so I had to make up that part about Captain Avery becoming disoriented and having to turn around, thus attacking from the southeast, sorry ;)</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOMaWbWvbvKzPVEX9t_ZfLCJ_vmuzVtk165H18MofM7Bu-ynl2QBn8_YW9uNHCRSNMTd5dp32Cncrin11WLPircFEVbUYZj5EkPI_IRhxbtvY0vimrG33OD_rEEc0ffvfKsRkIOIMDjBGjBqWC5k5kmWl-gWIsOdn7HrEFzfzjSGbpwLJo8JqTUg-u/s4032/IMG_9010.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOMaWbWvbvKzPVEX9t_ZfLCJ_vmuzVtk165H18MofM7Bu-ynl2QBn8_YW9uNHCRSNMTd5dp32Cncrin11WLPircFEVbUYZj5EkPI_IRhxbtvY0vimrG33OD_rEEc0ffvfKsRkIOIMDjBGjBqWC5k5kmWl-gWIsOdn7HrEFzfzjSGbpwLJo8JqTUg-u/w400-h300/IMG_9010.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Overview, north is up. There is a walled farm at bottom left (St Joseph's Farm, other elements of Blade Force had fought a battle here yesterday); other than that, the battlefield is framed by rocky escarpments and, broken only by sand dunes (which are impassable to vehicles) and rocky ground. </div><div><br /></div><div>This is a straight up tank fight, no infantry or support weapons (well, some US halftracks used as tank destroyers), and no real finesse, just gonna duke it out at point-blank range. Every now and again I like to do this, but two issues: 1) I really need to do it on a bigger table, 4' x 4' does not cut it (for me) in 15mm, and 2) this is the one area where I feel 5Core Company Command doesn't shine, it just doesn't feel right to me for fast-paced armored actions. But I think I have a solution, courtesy of my good buddy Shaun. He and I were discussing the rules and even though we were discussing different facets, he brought up a different mechanism and it hit me that it would (probably) be perfect for tank-on-tank fights: rather than using the regular "Five Men in Normandy"-style activation, I should try the "Five Men at Kursk"-style activation.</div><div><br /></div><div>Alas, Shaun and I's conversation occurred after I'd already played this, but I've resolved to play out at least one more tank-on-tank fight in North Africa (Kasserine, maybe El Guettar? Maybe both? Yeah, probably both!) on at least a 5' x 4' table, maybe even full 6' x 4', and to use 5MAK-style activation.</div><div><br /></div><div>**Briefly, for those wondering:<br />-5MIN: when it's your turn, roll 1D6. If it's a 1, everyone gets to move, without drawing reaction fire, but they're not allowed to shoot. If it's a 2-5, count your total number of stands, divide it by three, and activate that many stands (with some provisions for 'group moves). If it's a 6, everyone that's able to fire (good order or pinned and has an enemy unit in line of sight) gets to shoot, but after it's all over, every enemy unit that's able to fire gets to take a shot.</div><div><br /></div><div>-5MAK: when it's your turn, count up your total number of stands and roll that many D6. Assign each D6 to a stand and carry it out, in order of your preference. 1s mean that stand gets to move without drawing reaction fire, 2-5 means that stand gets to move and fire, but is subject to react fire, and a 6 means that stand gets to fire (with a bonus, if I recall correctly, and without being subject to return fire, also if I remember correctly, but I'm not sure, it may allow for return fire).</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiky-rgXmdwZ9ziuBaa8gvWgAqeayzZrDe07uA8aMMgg1gFbJsiEh4MhDDLz9I2yLni3eh4jtfIQU4Fud6rMQmVhN5HRhlOH5Gf9bxdQjhh2LigDfPcjaBQPRZiJ2Uwm2k933bk8KhCJaF3JY99D0yHFE3pM3MmjtAb-jjvhtKw3lQ8b77711nyZ2cd/s4032/IMG_9011.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiky-rgXmdwZ9ziuBaa8gvWgAqeayzZrDe07uA8aMMgg1gFbJsiEh4MhDDLz9I2yLni3eh4jtfIQU4Fud6rMQmVhN5HRhlOH5Gf9bxdQjhh2LigDfPcjaBQPRZiJ2Uwm2k933bk8KhCJaF3JY99D0yHFE3pM3MmjtAb-jjvhtKw3lQ8b77711nyZ2cd/w400-h300/IMG_9011.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The opposing forces, with Americans on the left and Germans on the right.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIhKQ1ef-199UdJCM_SPuvUgQfKUl_YyZaxwDPgBPD6YfYjQShbepiZa_TuyEqP7XpmaH-3htPJYzw9VqYnUdqf0gVP-mqOEs6lObB3B0N6dIXpY2lfu8P_Gzk3wRrxn2c2hiIVbZslZsGz0MRANEe2TJqXiA9MsffI6JCmxl8SNXLhm5iEgF53bXl/s4032/IMG_9012.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIhKQ1ef-199UdJCM_SPuvUgQfKUl_YyZaxwDPgBPD6YfYjQShbepiZa_TuyEqP7XpmaH-3htPJYzw9VqYnUdqf0gVP-mqOEs6lObB3B0N6dIXpY2lfu8P_Gzk3wRrxn2c2hiIVbZslZsGz0MRANEe2TJqXiA9MsffI6JCmxl8SNXLhm5iEgF53bXl/w400-h300/IMG_9012.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The vaunted Yanks, looking to blunt the spearhead of 10th Panzer Division's thrust from the north, behind Tebourba and Blade Force's advance to the east (at Djedeida and then Tuni), and here we see the combat debut of the US Tank Company Commander and his Executive Officer!</div><div>Commander: Captain Avery (in the M3 Grant, because I don't have enough M3 Stuarts and didn't want to use an M5 Stuart, which wouldn't really be an issue but I'd previously stated the two M3 Grant Platoons* were strung out across Algeria and still hadn't reached the battle area; I guess that just meant the Grant platoons, not the CO's vehicle)</div><div>Stuarts:<br />-1st Lieutenant Seay, filling in since both Stuart platoon leaders are out of action (Lt Figures is WIA and Lt Hastings is KIA, with no replacements as of yet)</div><div>-Sgt Gibson</div><div>-Sgt Daigle</div><div>-Sgt Simpson</div><div>-Sgt Parella</div><div><br /></div><div>M3 GMCs (halftracks mounting 75mm guns)</div><div>-2nd Lt Swayne</div><div>-Sgt "Cut-throat" Cuthbert (who won the Silver Star in his last fight, for knocking out three French tanks with three shots!)</div><div>-Sgt Johnson</div><div><br /></div><div>*For your reference, the Tank Company has twenty-two tanks, with one each for the Company Commander and Executive Officer (which I figured would both be M3 Stuarts, but apparently one M3 Grant and one M3 Stuart), then two five-tank M3 Stuart Platoons and two five-tank M3 Grant Platoons. I plan on keeping the Grant/Stuart split through Sicily (yes, I know it should be Shermans for Sicily, but I want to keep my Grants for as long as I can!), but will change to one M5 Stuart Platoon and 3 M4 Sherman Platoons (the CO and XO will have Shermans, too) for Salerno and stay like that for the rest of the war.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7sYzoxry_hJ15HirEa0lK_-IG5X0XNNTOHL7TVTYW76G7oAw9lxjQYZmRSYLDIfBAS0RdA4w4VA341VYhET_eZMYIs_mDHpwC_-QarbVhtWSvajbHLRN1LpOj7Vh9uaqRVeJyDhEzm7sVYASvkI-Brr2Th2pWKLn-wKDxpySTQqYI7OkTlPU61uOV/s320/IMG_9013.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7sYzoxry_hJ15HirEa0lK_-IG5X0XNNTOHL7TVTYW76G7oAw9lxjQYZmRSYLDIfBAS0RdA4w4VA341VYhET_eZMYIs_mDHpwC_-QarbVhtWSvajbHLRN1LpOj7Vh9uaqRVeJyDhEzm7sVYASvkI-Brr2Th2pWKLn-wKDxpySTQqYI7OkTlPU61uOV/w400-h300/IMG_9013.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The Germans:<br />-Commander (in a Panzer IVD. with short 75mm)</div><div>-6 Panzer IVGs (with long 75mm)</div><div>-2 Panzer IIIJs (with long 50mm)</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMP4yEwnxftACl5SjdIb2GSicrDH6ECSnsA8vfFTlcRG5xh_PgmQMtWij1VbEEMLVQ7wpj9UqLA11HW8kM9Ije-ooH1GLvtABoa_IDv2ySa1mshuh5B_aLR_kbOeM5J83Dfn0eP32RR0vA7RxAk7ektXXfIG846ZIe2S_ey6OErF44s8n-U5E-N7gm/s4032/IMG_9014.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMP4yEwnxftACl5SjdIb2GSicrDH6ECSnsA8vfFTlcRG5xh_PgmQMtWij1VbEEMLVQ7wpj9UqLA11HW8kM9Ije-ooH1GLvtABoa_IDv2ySa1mshuh5B_aLR_kbOeM5J83Dfn0eP32RR0vA7RxAk7ektXXfIG846ZIe2S_ey6OErF44s8n-U5E-N7gm/w400-h300/IMG_9014.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Overview, now with troops. The US force is broken into three separate elements: three Stuarts at far left, three M3 GMCs at the Walled Farm (bottom left), and the Grant and two Stuarts at bottom center left (just right of the Walled Farm), while the Germans have broken into two different elements, both at top right, but with their right-hand column looking to shoot straight west (left) and their left-hand element looking to shoot straight south (down), looking to conduct a double envelopment of the US force.</div><div><br /></div><div>The US left-hand element is led by Lt Seay and he has Sergeants Gibson and Parella with him, while the US right-hand element is led by Captain Avery and he has Sergeants Simpson and Daigle with him. The three M3 GMC tank destroyers intend on holding down the center, with a pretty decent field of fire running north-northeast from the Walled Farm, bisecting the table.</div><div><br /></div><div>I'm really not happy with how this looks; the last thing I want is for my opposing tanks to end up nose-to nose, practically in melee combat, the tank commanders firing their pistols at each other... </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSoZ3sjYxrc8LsKAqEp4zOZ3xX18ufH1FxiP0tgx31WARwulUDlcZs2rO2PWmDKZDW34Qa9UNiR2I2dBNOqVV7w9HEg-NDATXkkNOSVBNo3XSPL4A_dQO71XivufFQq0UweG0H61Cv8u5IH1KSCwzc4VegRaHS532pUSuOb9T8I8xn-W4V6tagbWFS/s4032/IMG_9015.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSoZ3sjYxrc8LsKAqEp4zOZ3xX18ufH1FxiP0tgx31WARwulUDlcZs2rO2PWmDKZDW34Qa9UNiR2I2dBNOqVV7w9HEg-NDATXkkNOSVBNo3XSPL4A_dQO71XivufFQq0UweG0H61Cv8u5IH1KSCwzc4VegRaHS532pUSuOb9T8I8xn-W4V6tagbWFS/w400-h300/IMG_9015.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>A closer look at the US setup, from west to east, with Lt Seay's group at left, the M3 GMCs at right, and Captain Avery's group just above them.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdDsgz859cr8rmiFkRfDImGROeUESZa38Gw5093yZ-NwN3YsP46c9PErpO_qylQIzpzYQkWOt1Q9mL-IuKHgydkIAkDXFnkOMNeVqaSTfxRKZtZxikab3IcWhtLgR9C60G7QckjRZIiwBLEa5EBDnPt3-Bz-1dBphk_FYbrKPi3Kbyj031zmFwt_9P/s4032/IMG_9016.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdDsgz859cr8rmiFkRfDImGROeUESZa38Gw5093yZ-NwN3YsP46c9PErpO_qylQIzpzYQkWOt1Q9mL-IuKHgydkIAkDXFnkOMNeVqaSTfxRKZtZxikab3IcWhtLgR9C60G7QckjRZIiwBLEa5EBDnPt3-Bz-1dBphk_FYbrKPi3Kbyj031zmFwt_9P/w400-h300/IMG_9016.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>And a closeup of the two German groups.</div><div><br /></div><div>The US wins initiative (the one time I didn't want to), and now it's time to fight!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6DGkTZBJROzs_Xqys9t0O-4r6oHdF4OAkqhv3WjsHOG6NZm0Db_jeK7Z2-wLtRhGi3wLM00xtX21Me5spwPFYZHy9iTxDH5XNXgb53MkXQyRi30KCl3vh0_2SqswRu6xyrpMyWMRf0H-9U8TgVYXFepQjTx14FM7XqmYrfpKJs04UkRoRws4L4C5_/s4032/IMG_9017.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6DGkTZBJROzs_Xqys9t0O-4r6oHdF4OAkqhv3WjsHOG6NZm0Db_jeK7Z2-wLtRhGi3wLM00xtX21Me5spwPFYZHy9iTxDH5XNXgb53MkXQyRi30KCl3vh0_2SqswRu6xyrpMyWMRf0H-9U8TgVYXFepQjTx14FM7XqmYrfpKJs04UkRoRws4L4C5_/w400-h300/IMG_9017.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Captain Avery leads his tanks forward on the US right.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDL5_1fi2-UDl-v6xTx6d0GUw6RS1eCuDlNORrgsxeyzQBaHb7FTktVGsS5p324TK2R-O1t_Kwuv4iqdrHuYDAAkF126W9fZMeIFUVPPSWBPyC6SYjglGZ7PxD3lZnDmHJdS3ORSo0rO3MooGnxVrHaz8hXFOUlG47r4woB7Ne92V3m3B5FrvkgJA5/s4032/IMG_9018.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDL5_1fi2-UDl-v6xTx6d0GUw6RS1eCuDlNORrgsxeyzQBaHb7FTktVGsS5p324TK2R-O1t_Kwuv4iqdrHuYDAAkF126W9fZMeIFUVPPSWBPyC6SYjglGZ7PxD3lZnDmHJdS3ORSo0rO3MooGnxVrHaz8hXFOUlG47r4woB7Ne92V3m3B5FrvkgJA5/w400-h300/IMG_9018.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Where a Panzer IV (long) spots him and fires...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUMIJ-75wzQuZGKXMWQ3MxIZoeskXa887370jTr35gr_Ed0k7vkbanvroggldNyCcDIaNCvPTjuFFkyn44_0yp7qrxDEqxiUPRXiTFL4TcIhRWk96fxn2gH72BgIGp1SEjDdJO5veWSnM6uV65eFogkITy_l-ArHDHtQwjtWGCt_q3IJ8bOY9sFTxV/s4032/IMG_9019.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUMIJ-75wzQuZGKXMWQ3MxIZoeskXa887370jTr35gr_Ed0k7vkbanvroggldNyCcDIaNCvPTjuFFkyn44_0yp7qrxDEqxiUPRXiTFL4TcIhRWk96fxn2gH72BgIGp1SEjDdJO5veWSnM6uV65eFogkITy_l-ArHDHtQwjtWGCt_q3IJ8bOY9sFTxV/w400-h300/IMG_9019.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>But apparently the opposing gunners were caught out, because not only did the German round miss, so did the American's return fire!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAoa0ooUY7Ga66pR9NmS_DgPcvAb29uJIj9U6lW7sNMBmnfalCFk-s1U0DlfDk-qRRa9nuIFJp8mAO8iUA6JDOA3OCdtOS8j-weq_-r5mQ3wml_j6ANNWiqYuarf3zB4NvNl-qt3cAf5XKkL7C__FoiIg4KaFF9izBdR2b3-rCz09hsfZ3al4GreQL/s4032/IMG_9020.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAoa0ooUY7Ga66pR9NmS_DgPcvAb29uJIj9U6lW7sNMBmnfalCFk-s1U0DlfDk-qRRa9nuIFJp8mAO8iUA6JDOA3OCdtOS8j-weq_-r5mQ3wml_j6ANNWiqYuarf3zB4NvNl-qt3cAf5XKkL7C__FoiIg4KaFF9izBdR2b3-rCz09hsfZ3al4GreQL/w400-h300/IMG_9020.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>On the US left, Lt Seay orders Sgts Gibson and Parella to hold back as he instructs his driver to ease them out cautiously for a look...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkaXD-b9tY7xQwk8aTk79CjiG9TE0f00izL7Q0AzNhZOt8WGMoo-j_em0VwSKHwUKtVHkQxw5EGgdn012-vf6SlyLW2lpmD9M_g2E7AsAfuiclOOvS0CiQ3HJK4_NmF-WdJYXQ6xTPHZF_DlHQ3APUXrnRFBk3B6BrKcJp4lxlpUwMboqWIF4NLuVD/s4032/IMG_9021.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkaXD-b9tY7xQwk8aTk79CjiG9TE0f00izL7Q0AzNhZOt8WGMoo-j_em0VwSKHwUKtVHkQxw5EGgdn012-vf6SlyLW2lpmD9M_g2E7AsAfuiclOOvS0CiQ3HJK4_NmF-WdJYXQ6xTPHZF_DlHQ3APUXrnRFBk3B6BrKcJp4lxlpUwMboqWIF4NLuVD/w400-h300/IMG_9021.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Again a German tank (bottom right) spots them (top center) and fires!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9W5hc37jtFO6uDoCscxf22cbDt_iBuuKphyy7BMxEgVbfmal6psoMxAgdi5tqipB-M2NT8Vd_wgFbCVOjmT9-nfFUlTjaKnezVGUK3-Xw9t74K4qe2cXOc4bwKyJFnvJk3dxoB0vJLqnUAmTZr0hwttiNsS5YIlfMzzA5lOYFhtwI0pqb266yuv-o/s4032/IMG_9022.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9W5hc37jtFO6uDoCscxf22cbDt_iBuuKphyy7BMxEgVbfmal6psoMxAgdi5tqipB-M2NT8Vd_wgFbCVOjmT9-nfFUlTjaKnezVGUK3-Xw9t74K4qe2cXOc4bwKyJFnvJk3dxoB0vJLqnUAmTZr0hwttiNsS5YIlfMzzA5lOYFhtwI0pqb266yuv-o/w400-h300/IMG_9022.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The 75mm AP round misses, but is close enough to suppress Lt Seay's crew, as Sgt Gibson orders his driver to advance at speed, pulling up next to Lt Seay's vehicle.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHQ3staE2rAsf1McUHFTkU7wi-5H6rF5_7WBotl1xEtn8Na8D0MIrfKF8NmVnk7Q14O9kzRsQ4De-oXlCE8CofrbZpw02C3L3B0bt5Xz6BBLn7WpAy84mjVdSKn69HCTOUSw0E3sLnZbxunzPaFe1XhlPDmULFERQJ2N4--I0Xy8msuEQmMpIki2xz/s4032/IMG_9023.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHQ3staE2rAsf1McUHFTkU7wi-5H6rF5_7WBotl1xEtn8Na8D0MIrfKF8NmVnk7Q14O9kzRsQ4De-oXlCE8CofrbZpw02C3L3B0bt5Xz6BBLn7WpAy84mjVdSKn69HCTOUSw0E3sLnZbxunzPaFe1XhlPDmULFERQJ2N4--I0Xy8msuEQmMpIki2xz/w400-h300/IMG_9023.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>But it has simply drawn the attention of the next panzer in line (bottom right), which promptly fires on the two American light tanks (top center).</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3K5ci8cbrvsd2JZ4m28x8V_VYm2MY7rcmyg_22Q8MGjSGrEhcI2DNazQLOnrENF8D2faICbHFZos3MQyf91-fVVrf9zTWDczzlIf2qThKCjIVNxHqx5bc1U-r95OOkwSmq_ccDqiIO9VNLqL3GbriQ5WWc3v6CLErsIotPgCMNrgx1OAL9TTqSXY7/s4032/IMG_9024.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3K5ci8cbrvsd2JZ4m28x8V_VYm2MY7rcmyg_22Q8MGjSGrEhcI2DNazQLOnrENF8D2faICbHFZos3MQyf91-fVVrf9zTWDczzlIf2qThKCjIVNxHqx5bc1U-r95OOkwSmq_ccDqiIO9VNLqL3GbriQ5WWc3v6CLErsIotPgCMNrgx1OAL9TTqSXY7/w400-h300/IMG_9024.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Sgt Gibson's Stuart (top right) is hit and immobilized, as Lt Seay screams at his driver to reverse out of the line of fire (center, from top right, with Sgt Parella looking on from far left)!!!</div><div><br /></div><div>And then that familiar buzz of aircraft engines wafts across the valley; as many times as Task Force Reisman has already been hit by the deadly Stukas, the American tank commanders instinctively break out in a cold sweat, looking skyward, hoping beyond hope to see P-40 Warhawks, or even the new, split-tailed P-38 Lightnings...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLqskET1Lvjxp3HaXetQqHc-JGzd-FQXmGJW2SJa1e2JM6jcJpBLCo_fCA210BGySJZ_F7FKs0fKyGe9YqASWWDmpFO8pE0jZzA8i_Jf4rzNsXDQli0O5STmlqu5JaYDS3ar9OsIfUSncKQ_uxTVLWhLg5YOuj8FtCATS18Jcfh5eQXpOeoqXTMvQw/s320/IMG_9025.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLqskET1Lvjxp3HaXetQqHc-JGzd-FQXmGJW2SJa1e2JM6jcJpBLCo_fCA210BGySJZ_F7FKs0fKyGe9YqASWWDmpFO8pE0jZzA8i_Jf4rzNsXDQli0O5STmlqu5JaYDS3ar9OsIfUSncKQ_uxTVLWhLg5YOuj8FtCATS18Jcfh5eQXpOeoqXTMvQw/w400-h300/IMG_9025.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Dammit!!!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfaG6v76Ji8-IOTr-67FWpSF8RdjkPfoz7w9Xu0OmIYuU_ERXSb9tmYFktUMQJrPq3ywr7b1hgdreToGGU_lYehdKohAJSkMyd0G1asDEiCTAkZZZHzfBM7x8Vkm9y7pax23bTyEPG2CXCRpmP4O4-tolnA_18dbdNXDDNF7C91ukd8CyRNH7E4qlK/s4032/IMG_9026.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfaG6v76Ji8-IOTr-67FWpSF8RdjkPfoz7w9Xu0OmIYuU_ERXSb9tmYFktUMQJrPq3ywr7b1hgdreToGGU_lYehdKohAJSkMyd0G1asDEiCTAkZZZHzfBM7x8Vkm9y7pax23bTyEPG2CXCRpmP4O4-tolnA_18dbdNXDDNF7C91ukd8CyRNH7E4qlK/w400-h300/IMG_9026.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The Stukas identify Captain Avery's column and tip over into their dives...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ9fP50kRwCrf7fla6geYhGqYjYNKE0BZHGbUmVa0eB28GwEWFF9DPn0wa5s9GPIaqhfbfX_hV6cZowxyn2sRBl6Y4f419zyZ1AR5DvfehnhXfFYfwSSDh0CU_RaUDG9sLk1p9iSbPlTizT5IxHr_HQPSGqtY-T5SWcM2EaMeL_VG0qeRSjtvVMTWt/s4032/IMG_9027.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ9fP50kRwCrf7fla6geYhGqYjYNKE0BZHGbUmVa0eB28GwEWFF9DPn0wa5s9GPIaqhfbfX_hV6cZowxyn2sRBl6Y4f419zyZ1AR5DvfehnhXfFYfwSSDh0CU_RaUDG9sLk1p9iSbPlTizT5IxHr_HQPSGqtY-T5SWcM2EaMeL_VG0qeRSjtvVMTWt/w400-h300/IMG_9027.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>No US tanks are destroyed, but the bombing run is ferocious nonetheless, immobilizing Captain Avery's M3 Grant (top right), suppressing Sgt Simpson's Stuart (red bead at left), and pinning Sgt Daigle's Stuart (yellow bead at center)!!!</div><div><br /></div><div>On top of that, the Germans rolled a 'Scurry,' which means they get to move up unmolested by the Americans, getting their guns into the firing line without having to pay for it...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgImyQGszqKJKUIHn6LBbQa-qe_PEQNzO26x4D8AFKmT10JTBtQxDkV1d9jlVmEeDnVCZ_YDjiczYKFIb17wlWpSmy5jE1_3dF4fRxQeZpHF7pBODRvH9M8CYII-WhEnkSV8_Gqz0a_xrPlxRB4WuN4mNBh2tR25UHtIlgv0Z4ACKCA0y9v94PLAmri/s4032/IMG_9028.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgImyQGszqKJKUIHn6LBbQa-qe_PEQNzO26x4D8AFKmT10JTBtQxDkV1d9jlVmEeDnVCZ_YDjiczYKFIb17wlWpSmy5jE1_3dF4fRxQeZpHF7pBODRvH9M8CYII-WhEnkSV8_Gqz0a_xrPlxRB4WuN4mNBh2tR25UHtIlgv0Z4ACKCA0y9v94PLAmri/w400-h300/IMG_9028.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Predictably, the German left-hand column pushes south (left, from bottom left, and we're looking from northeast to southwest in this photo) and the right-hand column pushes east (center bottom, from bottom center, a bit more cautiously than their left-hand comrades.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTpSZMipN-PTgkjm9M6sP5iliv3a1ry7EkqzIxYX1aB4e5GDST4on_rjv9ltHu-2IP4n9c5mMQQs0AzFxjHaM6duOSxagVX4ElGhk6WsJhV3TW4fPuVx3iBVv2kYG3zmxSk36Dfv2CKKPu7LArqpiJzPYjSfK-voT8o3tppF3ZiGRP5ImjpDGaemvi/s4032/IMG_9029.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTpSZMipN-PTgkjm9M6sP5iliv3a1ry7EkqzIxYX1aB4e5GDST4on_rjv9ltHu-2IP4n9c5mMQQs0AzFxjHaM6duOSxagVX4ElGhk6WsJhV3TW4fPuVx3iBVv2kYG3zmxSk36Dfv2CKKPu7LArqpiJzPYjSfK-voT8o3tppF3ZiGRP5ImjpDGaemvi/w400-h300/IMG_9029.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>While on the US left, Sgt Parella pushes his Stuart up (bottom center, from bottom left) to help the XO out, but they're only able to rally 'up' to pinned.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjARl2fxXU6NkL4sbFAEx3fd5ztdrbsCGNaldgc1ZM3bb3naXIETtss7WGrwI-auyBpCbtVyp3vO6pLKNtC8wejJT-25kwE5ZrLK3ilNq7x-H0zGmNLNAFQ-QnJO1Ht5EnYkvh1CxsMdqxI7RkrAhCuSICBjYzuYhPE5rRA94U6DwtgBXO4pyixOteJ/s4032/IMG_9030.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjARl2fxXU6NkL4sbFAEx3fd5ztdrbsCGNaldgc1ZM3bb3naXIETtss7WGrwI-auyBpCbtVyp3vO6pLKNtC8wejJT-25kwE5ZrLK3ilNq7x-H0zGmNLNAFQ-QnJO1Ht5EnYkvh1CxsMdqxI7RkrAhCuSICBjYzuYhPE5rRA94U6DwtgBXO4pyixOteJ/w400-h300/IMG_9030.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>While in the US center, Sgt Cuthbert and the other tank destroyers are supposed to be holding their positions at the Walled Farm, ready to engage, but he can't help himself. He sees what the German dive bombers did to Captain Avery's column, so old Cut-throat pushes his vehicle over (center, from bottom center) to help out, helping to rally Sgt Simpson's Stuart.</div><div><br /></div><div>But now the US rolls up a 'normal' activation and a random event, which turns out to be 'A Hero Emerges.' I roll up randomly to see which unit it is...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirrczCYs99MUxOpNO_J-hbD6U0ThqvayDt7yxIROVIPsTrMWFJjSUmsRirKn2IpG9ysvhxOiq2vK20VKC0jNvT1WgYKgJofgT7RyM7a0bfQV1D3Ne227bNGll1leG17km1UrO2KU-RdX1VYobaWdwyzPM-DHvUVLJdza_a4-skpJn0yCe201S9UtHZ/s4032/IMG_9031.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirrczCYs99MUxOpNO_J-hbD6U0ThqvayDt7yxIROVIPsTrMWFJjSUmsRirKn2IpG9ysvhxOiq2vK20VKC0jNvT1WgYKgJofgT7RyM7a0bfQV1D3Ne227bNGll1leG17km1UrO2KU-RdX1VYobaWdwyzPM-DHvUVLJdza_a4-skpJn0yCe201S9UtHZ/w400-h300/IMG_9031.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>And it turns out to be the US CO, Captain Avery! So, Captain Avery quickly shakes off the deleterious effects of the German bombs and rallies his crew back into action, then orders them to engage the German panzers!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd9Er9_QrGBtrsyOp4HXbLiPKZo2tKPCxLd2UeNVoDGALJfy5J-VPcy1BtPxWawbnCazYPLnUj1Ck6KlmZoweK_VriYEnO-DLdcS2c2QTchR6Gr-LRtUc0fdEqvcfiGzDJCV7LUCg1uy6ki6u6zX5gyV1qkFITugZp51_FS_4If4QXRXcQu8mxEZCG/s4032/IMG_9032.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd9Er9_QrGBtrsyOp4HXbLiPKZo2tKPCxLd2UeNVoDGALJfy5J-VPcy1BtPxWawbnCazYPLnUj1Ck6KlmZoweK_VriYEnO-DLdcS2c2QTchR6Gr-LRtUc0fdEqvcfiGzDJCV7LUCg1uy6ki6u6zX5gyV1qkFITugZp51_FS_4If4QXRXcQu8mxEZCG/w400-h300/IMG_9032.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Due to him being a hero AND the plethora of bunched up targets, I gave him a bunch (way too many?) dice to roll, 4K 3S, and he didn't disappoint! Technically speaking, that's two 'Kills' and two 'Immobilized.' I figure that's too much, so I drop the two red 1s...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsgm-DtYRNsaTu0LxSDB-tilo__NvmRraY8KTlUjhYdtO5wbKQEX9zlWqlH3v0B2jIFT6MZuGpwVtawhFaN6v7VIIC_NMJ1VUWTkZX2jM1Co3zxIahzS60ZYDt1iml4-lQCQ_AK3Y8n--kyMujs4LzqMa6aM0e2Z_rzB2240VlZkqlr4SbCmA6BZY3/s4032/IMG_9033.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsgm-DtYRNsaTu0LxSDB-tilo__NvmRraY8KTlUjhYdtO5wbKQEX9zlWqlH3v0B2jIFT6MZuGpwVtawhFaN6v7VIIC_NMJ1VUWTkZX2jM1Co3zxIahzS60ZYDt1iml4-lQCQ_AK3Y8n--kyMujs4LzqMa6aM0e2Z_rzB2240VlZkqlr4SbCmA6BZY3/w400-h300/IMG_9033.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Captain Avery's tank (top left) quickly knocks out two of the Panzer IVs!!!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrokZifW2pCpLhs_qlHCMOASbbaTrggAcJOn5drL6y-lsBVFhnEpl1OM72MKo8bLHqJ4olqiow_NaHihZmmVLnKWGbuq4Q1lClK-efsr8GD4qJL1sD4lQKsGKeLQrnHkCEP-8QDrIWXSx6haWCYluFWwyd_RwGhkBRGU6s5jlIF_42_TyrtKk1hoc0/s4032/IMG_9034.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrokZifW2pCpLhs_qlHCMOASbbaTrggAcJOn5drL6y-lsBVFhnEpl1OM72MKo8bLHqJ4olqiow_NaHihZmmVLnKWGbuq4Q1lClK-efsr8GD4qJL1sD4lQKsGKeLQrnHkCEP-8QDrIWXSx6haWCYluFWwyd_RwGhkBRGU6s5jlIF_42_TyrtKk1hoc0/w400-h300/IMG_9034.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>And then, from the west (bottom left), Sgt Parella's Stuart engages the same German formation (top right, with Captain Avery's tanks just off camera to far right, and the Walled Farm just visible at bottom right)...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipEh6oHA5ExZqYpnKR5MA7shEiPGKYaXks7i-XkUo4OQf2uUGEm0Jgt6aYMgnvtUvT-jFG5TDdkqiPpfTKyPA7IF5xKsfgnZ1dYl_AUmynKYm63JzKUNgs8-5h19c_GEuXH4LewGJCVXUmf3X3wMWfa2Vf00Er_UX9KA-ITdnqSGjxV-1m0ty9siea/s4032/IMG_9035.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipEh6oHA5ExZqYpnKR5MA7shEiPGKYaXks7i-XkUo4OQf2uUGEm0Jgt6aYMgnvtUvT-jFG5TDdkqiPpfTKyPA7IF5xKsfgnZ1dYl_AUmynKYm63JzKUNgs8-5h19c_GEuXH4LewGJCVXUmf3X3wMWfa2Vf00Er_UX9KA-ITdnqSGjxV-1m0ty9siea/w400-h300/IMG_9035.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The 37mm AP rounds catch the lead Panzer IV (bottom left) in the flank, brewing it up!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4f2D7yMG4PGo7xtz-V_OXwP-j_Uv5rRpqLUSm-ves21KdeAP5_y6t7Sv2s0khIvmGbtpaxp-z3fa3h8cwxY2VoWQEhQ1sDErvcdBq9L_OrLtmA6q2A4yeiOdXuXm_z7FWmP0wnUveCYHPGQIeTxFAYGb1hALwYBLPEYgxwE9b18nSyioiO6Db6SdF/s4032/IMG_9036.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4f2D7yMG4PGo7xtz-V_OXwP-j_Uv5rRpqLUSm-ves21KdeAP5_y6t7Sv2s0khIvmGbtpaxp-z3fa3h8cwxY2VoWQEhQ1sDErvcdBq9L_OrLtmA6q2A4yeiOdXuXm_z7FWmP0wnUveCYHPGQIeTxFAYGb1hALwYBLPEYgxwE9b18nSyioiO6Db6SdF/w400-h300/IMG_9036.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>And then Sgt Cuthbert (bottom center, at the tail of Captain Avery's formation) gets in on the act, the first US vehicle to engage the German right-hand column (top center/left, the right-hand column at top right, with three tanks already burning!)...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgupF13pGz-BLpGkX8Y5qbel7yXkBhI6UCWS1kWqosD8VtFfnmt4dGamYXqzm2Omj8uf9_YvUjPQeNCw8BmLPFOFq3aMpbMQ-H6Qit8Jh8wO_dE9qyfCr6Uap4QFAIGNJKqoK0Zm6nZhXxzs8t4Xrc_xvIuJ7n6PlM3ILno5butQNtF-xV-oZM_T8kq/s4032/IMG_9037.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgupF13pGz-BLpGkX8Y5qbel7yXkBhI6UCWS1kWqosD8VtFfnmt4dGamYXqzm2Omj8uf9_YvUjPQeNCw8BmLPFOFq3aMpbMQ-H6Qit8Jh8wO_dE9qyfCr6Uap4QFAIGNJKqoK0Zm6nZhXxzs8t4Xrc_xvIuJ7n6PlM3ILno5butQNtF-xV-oZM_T8kq/w400-h300/IMG_9037.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>A Panzer IV is hit and immobilized, and its crew bales out!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy5fdf6_HoMT3n5jXNynqLLOzElBVae7HuuGytWfBrjagqFj9m-71FpkTMDcDSJX87egxSaE47fRncu0sAah9wEiZ1tHYgXzfITXM2vv8uJ53CHdJJIpUJ3NyLyk-FiVS506QLh7q6iViluc0xMSiq71wK8v6dJf5Ka4X6Z_khamWyDS1-m0kVM7uL/s4032/IMG_9038.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy5fdf6_HoMT3n5jXNynqLLOzElBVae7HuuGytWfBrjagqFj9m-71FpkTMDcDSJX87egxSaE47fRncu0sAah9wEiZ1tHYgXzfITXM2vv8uJ53CHdJJIpUJ3NyLyk-FiVS506QLh7q6iViluc0xMSiq71wK8v6dJf5Ka4X6Z_khamWyDS1-m0kVM7uL/w400-h300/IMG_9038.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>As Sgt Johnson (bottom left, with Lt Seay's formation at top left) sights in and fires on the German right-hand column (top right)...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7-JxjKZ_ZMqHw1g0SgMp3CKXgtVrAxYJ5HD3_OufhnmpDR1nI-N7i0jVC1huGNQBlV2flGSODIzom3HybY4945rgBguPATepW52ERurQKlI9KJmFxK-3_YMgffubLqxgWFZ0UwbSxj8zOw1j1rhKDldwuCy3vFPcyQfudHcolCX_xsLFaj_ws3goX/s4032/IMG_9039.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7-JxjKZ_ZMqHw1g0SgMp3CKXgtVrAxYJ5HD3_OufhnmpDR1nI-N7i0jVC1huGNQBlV2flGSODIzom3HybY4945rgBguPATepW52ERurQKlI9KJmFxK-3_YMgffubLqxgWFZ0UwbSxj8zOw1j1rhKDldwuCy3vFPcyQfudHcolCX_xsLFaj_ws3goX/w400-h300/IMG_9039.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The 75mm AP round misses and skips off a nearby rockpile (bottom right) and a panzer returns fire, also missing, but missing close enough to pin Sgt Johnson (top left) and his crew.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJNE63Kxf6OO4OtHFHbwW_Kchv3U7NmA9onurPMezN3y54hNFaPkzt25ZxI_ICIbb-HVWdArZHQIqFp6CNUP5Q5REYavWyP-I6bjs662pjGE7mTZq9YNVl1PoR9UNNWm2cQurP5hw6NLFzJYpRRJtrwwzQb03laqIw29fbeCggd-UFDYQ_41b6RZLS/s4032/IMG_9040.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJNE63Kxf6OO4OtHFHbwW_Kchv3U7NmA9onurPMezN3y54hNFaPkzt25ZxI_ICIbb-HVWdArZHQIqFp6CNUP5Q5REYavWyP-I6bjs662pjGE7mTZq9YNVl1PoR9UNNWm2cQurP5hw6NLFzJYpRRJtrwwzQb03laqIw29fbeCggd-UFDYQ_41b6RZLS/w400-h300/IMG_9040.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Back with the left-hand German column, the new lead panzer (left bottom) sights in and fires on Captain Avery's M3 Grant (top center)...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXJ7HHsbwM03oqbo-aNj6-tJmOVX403E8weJ-1fC2cmNMZcpppSj__qONME8WaLFJSWZY6SFIOHTquwpLEvSO8XgCQjFX5pKX_bFzfVl3N68xy3F-bnMbK4vXWLG9chD_o9mh1lg7JybNz_S1vV5XVCJN0zxssyVX0x1jCZKHjtVyjpiqpk3Js20FF/s4032/IMG_9041.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXJ7HHsbwM03oqbo-aNj6-tJmOVX403E8weJ-1fC2cmNMZcpppSj__qONME8WaLFJSWZY6SFIOHTquwpLEvSO8XgCQjFX5pKX_bFzfVl3N68xy3F-bnMbK4vXWLG9chD_o9mh1lg7JybNz_S1vV5XVCJN0zxssyVX0x1jCZKHjtVyjpiqpk3Js20FF/w400-h300/IMG_9041.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>I gave the German 3K 1S to fire on the big as a barn and immobilized Grant, and still they completely missed! Captain Avery is living some kinda charmed life right now.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDHQYjKvTZYLQBo-Vc0l4ocErLOKQTLY6WTG1abz7Sbq_paK3FDaveAU5-lKDXuIxbU7zee48Rr8S7f3WNqcKmx7FFsxLBZgHH8PxvC2bQBjslY6VpXddI6B031Zn5ek_cUUQ_PlpC3I-05zf27DaPfFUVvMGMGBx1hLhCHIh52wCbfV-iaRTwyAiz/s4032/IMG_9042.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDHQYjKvTZYLQBo-Vc0l4ocErLOKQTLY6WTG1abz7Sbq_paK3FDaveAU5-lKDXuIxbU7zee48Rr8S7f3WNqcKmx7FFsxLBZgHH8PxvC2bQBjslY6VpXddI6B031Zn5ek_cUUQ_PlpC3I-05zf27DaPfFUVvMGMGBx1hLhCHIh52wCbfV-iaRTwyAiz/w400-h300/IMG_9042.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The round zips past Captain Avery's head (bottom left) as he slews the turret and orders his gunner to return fire (yeah, have to use the 37mm, can't bring the 75mm gun into action due to being immobilized)...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7BpVn-LQvb-EbujjLypc2rolslb4QV6VuGjR1yCl4983k04DUjnqtvat8OpQetMEE4WVbTT2RZPOlbgIEykwgWaHqpkJkfkFWrqbkeBI0_4Ku4lmMPvEEz4zuhLQQYw2MXkFTn2y4-V4cfXgxeXCxdO9qQaIxsgXxh1EDs6IXukmdyzSdkP-6-qNy/s4032/IMG_9043.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7BpVn-LQvb-EbujjLypc2rolslb4QV6VuGjR1yCl4983k04DUjnqtvat8OpQetMEE4WVbTT2RZPOlbgIEykwgWaHqpkJkfkFWrqbkeBI0_4Ku4lmMPvEEz4zuhLQQYw2MXkFTn2y4-V4cfXgxeXCxdO9qQaIxsgXxh1EDs6IXukmdyzSdkP-6-qNy/w400-h300/IMG_9043.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The 37mm AP shot, fired at less than 200 yards, immobilizes the German tank and the crew bales out!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrd0sgWGXvAnsaUp6GSrS2wfzdJC2XzPb0KB2QkIJ2lIQO2rKnPtFPa21EhItmrpfM5bcns4_5ua2T_cChTT7EVORJR-ZmIfD1nfaNokgykzE9HXseWu-f0stsaFw-7HUHuzB-B_rxiVMmHa6Ckn-A5Q7lQ1rbnNU8QoB1mnsTEo5k0RNneABHUPkB/s4032/IMG_9044.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrd0sgWGXvAnsaUp6GSrS2wfzdJC2XzPb0KB2QkIJ2lIQO2rKnPtFPa21EhItmrpfM5bcns4_5ua2T_cChTT7EVORJR-ZmIfD1nfaNokgykzE9HXseWu-f0stsaFw-7HUHuzB-B_rxiVMmHa6Ckn-A5Q7lQ1rbnNU8QoB1mnsTEo5k0RNneABHUPkB/w400-h300/IMG_9044.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>With things about as stymied as they can get on their left (bottom left), the Germans push up on the right (center/right)...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5f2_ooFJx_ICeuftoiwRJ9moZRwD4yAfzRLIi3UBElLHKYlNLjuJ7gAdfKgeip_g6As_oblHdXImfQQtYqim07hcKtOO8VHp6lgcVv_0jKG2YdGzWJpk0fNV3WztKv49iunXJfDPybbGmf2SYmUKsKM_77gJrr8aIRvBfoIZaIf7_PPwtjCHyMd5Z/s4032/IMG_9045.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5f2_ooFJx_ICeuftoiwRJ9moZRwD4yAfzRLIi3UBElLHKYlNLjuJ7gAdfKgeip_g6As_oblHdXImfQQtYqim07hcKtOO8VHp6lgcVv_0jKG2YdGzWJpk0fNV3WztKv49iunXJfDPybbGmf2SYmUKsKM_77gJrr8aIRvBfoIZaIf7_PPwtjCHyMd5Z/w400-h300/IMG_9045.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The lead Panzer IV circles around a nearby dune (bottom right) and fires on Sgt Johnson's tank destroyer (top left), suppressing the American halftrack.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgre54CV14XniF2F7xOCQZcyT5VYkRUO7W91EvMBzGlhFA5SzCjQGh9MuEHdaTBmNl2woQzqTDoNvdEydHpK349XNsj_HEJrxb4zS__-4JjDyKzGf4ZB2OcV86Hp9rk1kHLl2DcDIcHA2hEiB98QrnrsbS5bk5cCrzk2ub6t7xoMeG6CWyfQ3I8Byj/s4032/IMG_9046.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgre54CV14XniF2F7xOCQZcyT5VYkRUO7W91EvMBzGlhFA5SzCjQGh9MuEHdaTBmNl2woQzqTDoNvdEydHpK349XNsj_HEJrxb4zS__-4JjDyKzGf4ZB2OcV86Hp9rk1kHLl2DcDIcHA2hEiB98QrnrsbS5bk5cCrzk2ub6t7xoMeG6CWyfQ3I8Byj/w400-h300/IMG_9046.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>As another panzer pushes up (center, from far right) and opens up on Sgt Gibson's Stuart (top left) at point-blank range...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh56NJftU36YKTwE1mKqC100GeYPrnbLcSC6hVAPoUfbg8BEgHQGLVSjxNJMWNpVUufvEn294zQVfTfYLK60flwJNJqEhK93NR1022RdgCgQiINrHx_vWycT5opxm71FR5taA8kqjcUVU790o4JKxgDcQ77FgMFJaZve24p95MbcAyEBxvU-V9AdUB9/s4032/IMG_9047.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh56NJftU36YKTwE1mKqC100GeYPrnbLcSC6hVAPoUfbg8BEgHQGLVSjxNJMWNpVUufvEn294zQVfTfYLK60flwJNJqEhK93NR1022RdgCgQiINrHx_vWycT5opxm71FR5taA8kqjcUVU790o4JKxgDcQ77FgMFJaZve24p95MbcAyEBxvU-V9AdUB9/w400-h300/IMG_9047.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The American tank crew bales out, carrying their wounded commander, Sgt Gibson.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtK-03JBUsRYWWVDDWXfEVBvN0yWXbMuW4IChb5WRn_GpSTdl9SBrvZsB9vsFfB1spcQvEqedCc362z9b8q3oEfIYPA7hYmoSgaEHePpVr5Mk-WUdWIf6bZMNRIrCH5ShBJUcqs6VeOHxEdLtg6-T9ZUV4-OpI01d7U2Hg1hPsKOqfDb4QpRw5ktV8/s4032/IMG_9048.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtK-03JBUsRYWWVDDWXfEVBvN0yWXbMuW4IChb5WRn_GpSTdl9SBrvZsB9vsFfB1spcQvEqedCc362z9b8q3oEfIYPA7hYmoSgaEHePpVr5Mk-WUdWIf6bZMNRIrCH5ShBJUcqs6VeOHxEdLtg6-T9ZUV4-OpI01d7U2Hg1hPsKOqfDb4QpRw5ktV8/w400-h300/IMG_9048.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Sgt Cuthbert (center right, at left end of Captain Avery's column) again fires on the German right-hand column (top left)...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgHtFpSjepU_Dp-mYVRQs1QknMlt4QWTKPnDxUD4n_0jUSteqZY4mLMCR9QakkbqexKOAz-b9uoWkr4CPUDDRtXIuOIFmidDQ7KShJPZokaFnu5r4IdI4bVXN97PkHObWvHNVLisdrTbqLFkfg0nv6uGDWYud4Uoq-cMcLuPUupyti_LU227woYVKw/s320/IMG_9049.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgHtFpSjepU_Dp-mYVRQs1QknMlt4QWTKPnDxUD4n_0jUSteqZY4mLMCR9QakkbqexKOAz-b9uoWkr4CPUDDRtXIuOIFmidDQ7KShJPZokaFnu5r4IdI4bVXN97PkHObWvHNVLisdrTbqLFkfg0nv6uGDWYud4Uoq-cMcLuPUupyti_LU227woYVKw/w400-h300/IMG_9049.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>He hits another German tank, immobilizing it, but the crew stays in the fight (despite being suppressed)!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAI7v9eMOADcX6rRd1BgWy4C3jaeY1PRSBYUqdK6SWynfl_TSr1Czita4ZhoUT4mktMYx6Ov4u1PrAle0y50s9UL_AqVZxGioR3pT5wShuF1DIMh9HiQoA1ImhcGtXbmU1sKQOp_VoRdDf_ukjpbj7GzsEbdNN-wAsbZmkSzWL4505UM1-ql0vcIus/s4032/IMG_9050.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAI7v9eMOADcX6rRd1BgWy4C3jaeY1PRSBYUqdK6SWynfl_TSr1Czita4ZhoUT4mktMYx6Ov4u1PrAle0y50s9UL_AqVZxGioR3pT5wShuF1DIMh9HiQoA1ImhcGtXbmU1sKQOp_VoRdDf_ukjpbj7GzsEbdNN-wAsbZmkSzWL4505UM1-ql0vcIus/w400-h300/IMG_9050.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Then Sgt Cuthbert pushes his halftrack up to the next vehicle in the column, Sgt Daigle's, trying to get them into the fight.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinIGXwK7lcmsyqJnA44NvtuRzjhQfYoyQCwdAbwq5tz9DNhPL2t5KDAYjkDwKciHHsIQZq-rlIUWaG26jf3np854l0n1h8T_v6Pna7M7U98PJqCJlDaDgGsPc0gTPLA5cBJcufkHbm0lIE6bXL3ey7YqL79e8vAjmqfZMhaSry9boP7iDEr_ZJGW_A/s4032/IMG_9051.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinIGXwK7lcmsyqJnA44NvtuRzjhQfYoyQCwdAbwq5tz9DNhPL2t5KDAYjkDwKciHHsIQZq-rlIUWaG26jf3np854l0n1h8T_v6Pna7M7U98PJqCJlDaDgGsPc0gTPLA5cBJcufkHbm0lIE6bXL3ey7YqL79e8vAjmqfZMhaSry9boP7iDEr_ZJGW_A/w400-h300/IMG_9051.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Sgt Daigle's crew successfully rallies, then he and Sgt Simpson push the tanks forward (center right, from bottom left).</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaftaSbl8obxCcYJzkRaV8dgTFEbdi94XgyRt4HTzdMgSHs-yBGAxUBxkgRCmMNBV4luvj0-wrYA30r2q7OPnlYeQMPPMgujq1u9VcsU8lRorSLmvza-2pNIXN9krjCiT6_WiQKuVmHHElDNUDSTxyNmqdd6aG3uPdxJQxzsCOZ5BnNoDE0xZR8d5m/s4032/IMG_9052.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaftaSbl8obxCcYJzkRaV8dgTFEbdi94XgyRt4HTzdMgSHs-yBGAxUBxkgRCmMNBV4luvj0-wrYA30r2q7OPnlYeQMPPMgujq1u9VcsU8lRorSLmvza-2pNIXN9krjCiT6_WiQKuVmHHElDNUDSTxyNmqdd6aG3uPdxJQxzsCOZ5BnNoDE0xZR8d5m/w400-h300/IMG_9052.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>While back on the US left, Lt Seay (yellow bead) finally manages to rally his crew, but Sgt Parella (below him) is feeling a bit antsy...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitLG5Xk9yiWN4EJqG2tVvWZNm5Gs2xDJDy4Ad9otFTaswkfiZ-BvR31t0VXY6hFA5WfprsRFeqCthtPVzlM2EkrKBFvq6CgDVms9XrQSKlsX4Ux5gCN-vGKekM0OiRwnarmjvEDAwBhyo1mc8i788WiL0XOtM25_EWXQtJrWyfSMCL6c781PRThpM6/s4032/IMG_9053.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitLG5Xk9yiWN4EJqG2tVvWZNm5Gs2xDJDy4Ad9otFTaswkfiZ-BvR31t0VXY6hFA5WfprsRFeqCthtPVzlM2EkrKBFvq6CgDVms9XrQSKlsX4Ux5gCN-vGKekM0OiRwnarmjvEDAwBhyo1mc8i788WiL0XOtM25_EWXQtJrWyfSMCL6c781PRThpM6/w400-h300/IMG_9053.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>So he pushes his Stuart up next to Sgt Gibson's abandoned vehicle (center top, from bottom left).</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZzL5NgBos1GAyorPUdVbfYZ0lIW6LiLO10-PuwaG3O1rr7wOdHf0VRvLTGKfvDW2WI82EBOo--jlz0IuYhh0yVxGSOYt6FonkCUBbvzQmG5A2P_MZgZVGzU6oVejLG1uRTSMR3BEnRmsDo4pR9tcKwRqfSfXyn1a9XNgy_QB860AtrbNg8RKKZrUc/s4032/IMG_9054.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZzL5NgBos1GAyorPUdVbfYZ0lIW6LiLO10-PuwaG3O1rr7wOdHf0VRvLTGKfvDW2WI82EBOo--jlz0IuYhh0yVxGSOYt6FonkCUBbvzQmG5A2P_MZgZVGzU6oVejLG1uRTSMR3BEnRmsDo4pR9tcKwRqfSfXyn1a9XNgy_QB860AtrbNg8RKKZrUc/w400-h300/IMG_9054.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>But a German Panzer III (bottom center) spots him (top center)...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNA9DmqlHEpE94VXHIUoUBPYsE0TzsCJW2C5QjWawTC0us6LejmAFPXpoy3ZhiS9Fg7cu1VV0-tEFIB_o0UH2J0FU_zMYQIinT0UDwmSSwRRtlzYHvkLJyC7DSLwRdqeJSZtZ5_gnJqmIK6u-9y6XJfy_H4Ep12GRv1O77OvFI3jCgAaABtOmOqZng/s320/IMG_9055.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNA9DmqlHEpE94VXHIUoUBPYsE0TzsCJW2C5QjWawTC0us6LejmAFPXpoy3ZhiS9Fg7cu1VV0-tEFIB_o0UH2J0FU_zMYQIinT0UDwmSSwRRtlzYHvkLJyC7DSLwRdqeJSZtZ5_gnJqmIK6u-9y6XJfy_H4Ep12GRv1O77OvFI3jCgAaABtOmOqZng/w400-h300/IMG_9055.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>And promptly knocks Sgt Parella's tank out!</div><div><br /></div><div>Swirling smoke and dust, flames from burning tanks, there is suddenly a lull that turns the battlefield into a very quiet place...</div><div><br /></div><div>**The Germans rolled another Scurry. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjimoIS-LGZ0pVTrOht2kX88EjmRxtPN8sZHnY1sGjS-ItgZNh_2R1I1s_huMju8-TqF1897uTUWa8KEzxbNqwZv1ILd7kKjEOzQkqGSF-brU45qDm478E01HGzuD8OBg4ugytK4o6iM1ONxMjU5vz95SJKJFthoyBqSGsjNjdSKp-fXMiHkAOuwqnc/s4032/IMG_9056.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjimoIS-LGZ0pVTrOht2kX88EjmRxtPN8sZHnY1sGjS-ItgZNh_2R1I1s_huMju8-TqF1897uTUWa8KEzxbNqwZv1ILd7kKjEOzQkqGSF-brU45qDm478E01HGzuD8OBg4ugytK4o6iM1ONxMjU5vz95SJKJFthoyBqSGsjNjdSKp-fXMiHkAOuwqnc/w400-h300/IMG_9056.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The immobilized Panzer IV (right, who's crew stayed in it) rallies, as the three other operational tanks move up, getting very aggressive (particularly the German tank at left, moving in on Captain Avery's formation).</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUMN9ZHgC4sKq0P6-1_U0OVlVV1lIwSZucIEUXwdW6XqcQKXxVIsvNWx1EVXsl3Njbedjs42dYYDLocIeQbcKbFy4o4EOjkWSd7urmQLFBFasAEh24IR2gpbQ4Acn1oxMw8fZ1bnd-4sBj-kIjroEYBgwrtEYpGKhsEA9tA7UmtMORE1KRUNfENHzV/s4032/IMG_9057.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUMN9ZHgC4sKq0P6-1_U0OVlVV1lIwSZucIEUXwdW6XqcQKXxVIsvNWx1EVXsl3Njbedjs42dYYDLocIeQbcKbFy4o4EOjkWSd7urmQLFBFasAEh24IR2gpbQ4Acn1oxMw8fZ1bnd-4sBj-kIjroEYBgwrtEYpGKhsEA9tA7UmtMORE1KRUNfENHzV/w400-h300/IMG_9057.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Sgt Daigle spots the advancing panzer (far left) and orders his driver to reverse (far right, from center)!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqQQSEUTgie7QGS8unLbLFcF_pPV947blKacKDBJgm8swqmjlMa0bzr8OXTZaENBJJRRGS-RXzbIYuWO-cnWoIEdGHNHhQ_2B0BsvOogvOsfd5uSz03ZbfcPe1cgiNhgdQVgvWOXITfFWC8pWMhCsxlWKRL83CH0LnPYUrrmfa6tEu7yZpjkus1aoU/s4032/IMG_9058.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqQQSEUTgie7QGS8unLbLFcF_pPV947blKacKDBJgm8swqmjlMa0bzr8OXTZaENBJJRRGS-RXzbIYuWO-cnWoIEdGHNHhQ_2B0BsvOogvOsfd5uSz03ZbfcPe1cgiNhgdQVgvWOXITfFWC8pWMhCsxlWKRL83CH0LnPYUrrmfa6tEu7yZpjkus1aoU/w400-h300/IMG_9058.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>As Lt Swayne finally pushes his halftrack up to where it might actually be able to get in the fight (right bottom, from left bottom, with Sgt Johnson's suppressed halftrack at far left).</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLXzHizyIIOhOl35qgrKdXddYnAtSxT56-8AUK114qWXiqbO3wGIf1BRyUK_jS3LtGFJZZHAy_ua3lASZOTga8f9mu11pLWHWGARBabGdPTSCfjtA8WVMNiOIlVZcpnREOmfInXzSKkbSlngHtPgVPog3-QWh2CJCLvnVfjHNOd8HhrGZ1RhxMRdsn/s4032/IMG_9059.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLXzHizyIIOhOl35qgrKdXddYnAtSxT56-8AUK114qWXiqbO3wGIf1BRyUK_jS3LtGFJZZHAy_ua3lASZOTga8f9mu11pLWHWGARBabGdPTSCfjtA8WVMNiOIlVZcpnREOmfInXzSKkbSlngHtPgVPog3-QWh2CJCLvnVfjHNOd8HhrGZ1RhxMRdsn/w400-h300/IMG_9059.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>A Panzer III (bottom right) spots Lt Swayne's halftrack (top left) and fires, suppressing the Lieutenant and his crew!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8AqBqEwyitxRkvz84fYviaq-L7kLHOCCTEKSKSWimdwvR0G12nl71ZDnRf10AOm7wleELMhkiZ3GhBnd1ze3mjxpTwnV26ij_K-Ie66nKpGucR3wQhFjxl-4WxiWwzmSclDlKRvGorT2uXRpaWU-Tc9Pvj2Wu-J9EjZnGfhPdqIlN5TE2PhYJ4tYL/s4032/IMG_9060.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8AqBqEwyitxRkvz84fYviaq-L7kLHOCCTEKSKSWimdwvR0G12nl71ZDnRf10AOm7wleELMhkiZ3GhBnd1ze3mjxpTwnV26ij_K-Ie66nKpGucR3wQhFjxl-4WxiWwzmSclDlKRvGorT2uXRpaWU-Tc9Pvj2Wu-J9EjZnGfhPdqIlN5TE2PhYJ4tYL/w400-h300/IMG_9060.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>As Lt Seay pushes his Stuart forward (bottom center, from left), around the dune, lining up a shot on the rear deck of a Panzer IV (top right). "Fire!"</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyMa3-1CSD8kk3yA325NEq1XsP1xT-F-R8OjxLpcs9NP_c1N2dom-vBx-oat31GaMv9At24XVZcx0-9sJMmVMbTp2aHVooSKCv_PqpE1gaF4cjxAQkktDrxVVQ7jHWN42P4MFquFIolf7ZZr5KcbRENRp6B3QKe24VOAXNR69joEXnKAqZUs0r7mNN/s4032/IMG_9061.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyMa3-1CSD8kk3yA325NEq1XsP1xT-F-R8OjxLpcs9NP_c1N2dom-vBx-oat31GaMv9At24XVZcx0-9sJMmVMbTp2aHVooSKCv_PqpE1gaF4cjxAQkktDrxVVQ7jHWN42P4MFquFIolf7ZZr5KcbRENRp6B3QKe24VOAXNR69joEXnKAqZUs0r7mNN/w400-h300/IMG_9061.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>But somehow Lt Seay's (top left) round has gone astray, completely missing the German tank (bottom right), which promptly faces about and engages the diminutive M3 Stuart...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC77X6HDd_JykdV2xK-S_ccuKvm31ZabwWvH-HIioQGTIhZyvyIUfgBr7k4SUYLYg866Nh6zjM3lM3x-wjjPHcwXiKRPB4e-AezN6StRpBsieo7rDtifN0GVnYA4h7pQwr1QzvMLUyZwZV8VqvGr6UISZhZoNPu-2jE8nKsDPV0D5djhURF1T8U5gd/s4032/IMG_9062.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC77X6HDd_JykdV2xK-S_ccuKvm31ZabwWvH-HIioQGTIhZyvyIUfgBr7k4SUYLYg866Nh6zjM3lM3x-wjjPHcwXiKRPB4e-AezN6StRpBsieo7rDtifN0GVnYA4h7pQwr1QzvMLUyZwZV8VqvGr6UISZhZoNPu-2jE8nKsDPV0D5djhURF1T8U5gd/w400-h300/IMG_9062.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Knocking out Lt Seay's tank (bottom center, with Sgt Parella's burning tank and Sgt Gibson's abandoned tank at center top)!!!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFweWY8mXVyocOaQZmZ6s5r6srmPJjh-36pqyglkdGDzzMwQ-15Wga03q4Kc9Jmpu-XmEt9eBLzW5PDXYsz_svPijXkmbTuMLkmFzuy-Kvoq1JMD_7scaqMuQH1pkOa4bcdCxw0QZCaEqTo5VwMNqYmBqVVumaxrEs62UHlDrF-7ZeOuZVO5A772ER/s4032/IMG_9063.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFweWY8mXVyocOaQZmZ6s5r6srmPJjh-36pqyglkdGDzzMwQ-15Wga03q4Kc9Jmpu-XmEt9eBLzW5PDXYsz_svPijXkmbTuMLkmFzuy-Kvoq1JMD_7scaqMuQH1pkOa4bcdCxw0QZCaEqTo5VwMNqYmBqVVumaxrEs62UHlDrF-7ZeOuZVO5A772ER/w400-h300/IMG_9063.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>With the German tank (top left) theoretically distracted, Sgt Simpson decided now was the time to push up (center)!!!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqkXW3Z2lzEpt9MReZvPwvpYogCQQfkqEbiPAofokw8ipRMEH86LQXLslQBQn3p1HQ0gAOvAba-K2PLH6-vYMNTsdeRxdUFvKKZ0XwArI4CN8b_f9cTDvsGWOj9gy86TaaQbkOsFkVFsCT5EQoRZAVinaUX8pNwMuPr9lSC6dDyf18XqjDSNufo53l/s4032/IMG_9065.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqkXW3Z2lzEpt9MReZvPwvpYogCQQfkqEbiPAofokw8ipRMEH86LQXLslQBQn3p1HQ0gAOvAba-K2PLH6-vYMNTsdeRxdUFvKKZ0XwArI4CN8b_f9cTDvsGWOj9gy86TaaQbkOsFkVFsCT5EQoRZAVinaUX8pNwMuPr9lSC6dDyf18XqjDSNufo53l/w400-h300/IMG_9065.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>But the veteran German panzer commander has seen a thing or two in his time and did not ignore his exposed flank; he calmly orders his driver to again face the threat as he slews the turret and orders his gunner to fire...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixs7jrYG2SmpwTMJ1C92wCxW1LcppiZAfizc1cEpwB0ACkzwRQgUVsOK3j7F2jLiIYZlKQzbOhryIXjaUjsuzKXWCv_ETJ_EeFyLYX81KuIcf3znWlsC9fJfJ_CkMpZfUHGvJ7JzAVOioXwcW6l4qnuO1PPgJ6YUEjhoBhsxQ5Jn-Z9JLvcwImn1t0/s4032/IMG_9066.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixs7jrYG2SmpwTMJ1C92wCxW1LcppiZAfizc1cEpwB0ACkzwRQgUVsOK3j7F2jLiIYZlKQzbOhryIXjaUjsuzKXWCv_ETJ_EeFyLYX81KuIcf3znWlsC9fJfJ_CkMpZfUHGvJ7JzAVOioXwcW6l4qnuO1PPgJ6YUEjhoBhsxQ5Jn-Z9JLvcwImn1t0/w400-h300/IMG_9066.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Captain Avery (far left) looks on helplessly from his immobilized M3 Grant as Sgt Simpson's Stuart is demolished! </div><div><br /></div><div>The Captain has seen enough...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT_bdkZD1VOWUWNT3nifBeTt1JFaNUW4QBGFCQ15CV5rKeTPt-CHPvcPvKtlmg2lHsEU5rCZV9_4fI-x8T6LjH4wGHmJ4s-E7TeEumnzDKGA5Pyms0p2ipntqDtrB_ZQGWq1_x--Uwt8uz6QOOMNridLd05CPUGYvsiW20HZKRMVEGeevm0ODLoob-/s4032/IMG_9067.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT_bdkZD1VOWUWNT3nifBeTt1JFaNUW4QBGFCQ15CV5rKeTPt-CHPvcPvKtlmg2lHsEU5rCZV9_4fI-x8T6LjH4wGHmJ4s-E7TeEumnzDKGA5Pyms0p2ipntqDtrB_ZQGWq1_x--Uwt8uz6QOOMNridLd05CPUGYvsiW20HZKRMVEGeevm0ODLoob-/w400-h300/IMG_9067.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>He sends the signal to withdraw out over the net, drops a couple thermite grenades in his tank, and abandons ship...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE-fy2QnNE4cHwlr1xg6fFQyuvWqiRN1qBHNJr7GFAVmReuaf9MfuIB2D9e7Tpm0mqByEil1p1AYEsBtBTre3WKEIbsnd5kI5cT4mQ_P3S2GHShrII3qJkfy8bk9ArGOzTe9urxqGRZ_R1tKa3ySVqJ3ZvJbL7WxwyTGGHMVgSRxSrp-ONbEaSIwiC/s4032/IMG_9068.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE-fy2QnNE4cHwlr1xg6fFQyuvWqiRN1qBHNJr7GFAVmReuaf9MfuIB2D9e7Tpm0mqByEil1p1AYEsBtBTre3WKEIbsnd5kI5cT4mQ_P3S2GHShrII3qJkfy8bk9ArGOzTe9urxqGRZ_R1tKa3ySVqJ3ZvJbL7WxwyTGGHMVgSRxSrp-ONbEaSIwiC/w400-h300/IMG_9068.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Then joins the rest of his men in beating feet!<div><br /></div><div>They don't make it far in the direction of southeast before they spot more Germans; "what the hell, where is everybody?" Captain Avery jumps in Lt Swayne's halftrack and gets on the battalion net, trying to figure out what's going on and what to do. It's a bit confused, but one thing has become abundantly clear: the Germans have advanced around Blade Force to the west, circling to cut it off, and Blade Force is actually assisting those efforts by falling back east towards Tebourba, rather than south, out of the bag, towards Medjez el Bab!!!</div><div><br /></div><div>Turns out the idea of falling back to Tebourba was sort of valiant, that is, quite a bit of British infantry was still over there and it was good they weren't left high and dry by the armor, but it was also a bit naive; high command still hadn't really grasped how strong the German push from the north was, and that it was soon to be joined by a strong push from the east. Hadn't grasped to the point that they were still ordering attacks to the east, against Djedeida...</div><div><p>Well, despite it being too close because it was on too small of a table, that was still pretty damn fun! Even with losing! Turned out to be a pretty close thing, and definitely a tale of two halves: the Americans were kicking butt in the first half, annihilating the German left-hand column), only to be dominated by the German right-hand column in the second half. But it wasn't pre-ordained, didn't have to be that way: Lt Seay, Sgt Simpson, and Sgt Johnson all had shots that could have turned the tide, saved the day, but missed (damn, particularly Lt Seay's shot on the exposed rear of a Panzer IV facing Captain Avery's column). Coulda, woulda, shoulda...</p><div><div>Let's get to some stats:<br /><br /></div><div>-the US had 10 men killed, wounded, or missing</div></div><div><br /></div><div>-the US had four M3 Stuarts and one M3 Grant destroyed</div><div><br /></div><div>-the Germans had 10 men killed, wounded, or missing</div><div><br /></div><div>-The Germans had four Pz IVGs and one Pz IIIJ destroyed</div><div><br /></div><div>Characters:</div></div><div><br /></div><div>-Captain Avery, Tank Company Commander, was awarded the Silver Star for his combat leadership leading the counterattack at Chouigoui Pass, staying in his immobilized tank to rally his men and destroy three enemy tanks.</div><div><br /></div><div>-Sergeant Cuthbert, Tank Destroyer Commander, Tank Destroyer Platoon, was recognized for his steady and calm demeanor and professionalism whilst knocking out an enemy tank with his M3 Gun Motor Carriage, his fourth tank kill of the war.</div><div><br /></div><div>-Sergeant Parella, Tank Commander, 1st Tank Platoon, was recognized for his steady and calm demeanor and professionalism whilst knocking out an enemy tank with his M3 Stuart, and awarded the Purple Heart for being wounded by enemy tank fire. Luckily, Sgt Parella's injuries were slight and he may return to duty in approximately two weeks' time.</div><div><br /></div><div>-1st Lt Seay, Executive Officer, Tank Company, was awarded the Purple Heart for being wounded by enemy tank fire. Luckily, Lt Seay's injuries were slight and he was immediately able to return to duty.</div><div><br /></div><div>-Sgt Simpson, Tank Commander, 1st Tank Platoon, was awarded the Purple Heart for being wounded by enemy tank fire. Luckily, Sgt Simpson's injuries were slight and he was immediately able to return to duty.</div><div><br /></div><div>-Sgt Gibson, Tank Commander, 1st Tank Platoon, was awarded the Purple Heart for being wounded by enemy tank fire. Unfortunately, Sgt Gibson's injuries were so severe as to require evacuation to the United States and medical retirement.</div><div><br /></div><div>So Blade Force as a whole has been rather roughly handled by the enemy (and it's only going to get worse), and that's true for the advanced element of Task Force Reisman as well. The Task Force crossed over into Tunisia with its Tank Company CO, XO, and two full platoons of M3 Stuarts, for a total of one M3 Grant and eleven M3 Stuarts. Major Reisman winced when he looked at the morning report and saw he could now only put three M3 Stuarts into action. Eight M3 Stuarts and the lone M3 Grant had been put out of action, and with it both platoon leaders and four other tank commanders.</div><div><br /></div><div>So despite Blade Force suffering heavy casualties and being virtually surrounded by a seasoned opponent, high command was still intent on continuing the race for Tunis. The Germans seemed content to sit tight and let the situation develop, carrying out only light, probing attacks, as Blade Force licked its wounds and reorganized, preparing for the big push, eastwards to Djedeida, which also allowed the British to push more armor further west, back to Chouigoui, in the form of the 17/21st Hussar Regiment. Two days later and it was time to answer the bell, as the 5th Northamptonshires were stepping off in the attack, with elements of TF Reisman conducting a supporting attack on their left...</div><div><br /></div><div>Coming right up!</div><div><br /></div><div>V/R,<br />Jack</div>Just Jackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03552962741823929433noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8660216775038377627.post-77208741047279628962023-03-05T17:47:00.001-08:002023-03-05T17:47:45.640-08:00Hell on Wheels, 'Blade Force' Fight #9<p>All,</p><p>1630 Local Time<br />25 November 1942<br />Near Chouigoui, French Tunisia</p><p>Following Blade Force's successful advance to, and capture of, Chouigoui Pass, they were quite keen on pressing their advance to the east. The combined German and Italian forces in Tunisia were spread out and, because most forces in North Africa were in the east, countering the British 8th Army's advance across Libya, had its hands full simply holding open the lines of communication, largely due to the ambiguity of the situation with the Vichy-French forces in the area following the combined British-American amphibious landings in French Morocco and Algeria. With Axis forces in Tunisia thus weakened, the opportunity for the Allies in the west to seize Bizerte and Tunis was quite real, and so they continued pushing east. </p><p>British infantry of the 5th Northamptonshires quickly seized the town of Tebourba, as armored elements continued pushing east to the Medjerda River and the town of Djedeida beyond.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVHhvFWjhv-gHoAEqIt9EunlngoFjLfO7FR1NDtkPH9fgkc758xuVuk4dZQWkU4FyEfyLbcpEhTZ3Inprdt0aTsK2gcyvwNdnSIlMLwc8fKz-dKiXDzZfJbDhHBDFeFSBo3YIPzunbKjzOzZIHMcpUPYgDXUJEkupoebcwZJMEGlRWgBByM5lsSSmL/s4032/IMG_8945.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVHhvFWjhv-gHoAEqIt9EunlngoFjLfO7FR1NDtkPH9fgkc758xuVuk4dZQWkU4FyEfyLbcpEhTZ3Inprdt0aTsK2gcyvwNdnSIlMLwc8fKz-dKiXDzZfJbDhHBDFeFSBo3YIPzunbKjzOzZIHMcpUPYgDXUJEkupoebcwZJMEGlRWgBByM5lsSSmL/w400-h300/IMG_8945.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Overview, north is up. The River Medjerda runs north-south down the middle of the table, with various settlements spread across the area, a small oasis just west (left) of the river, with rocky outcroppings and hills dotting the landscape. Most importantly, there are two road bridges spanning the river, one in the north and one in the south.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFb01QsAX5I54VOR2EvCyJT59ouBXFXlCMZsDBRctnwgT20icPL0Hk-PlK5CV8BCAD_6vrTv7rXPIHvEHpAK_MQyoq7mY6FOcuBFz4BMD3vellAwu11tS3_lIEY_dqC4dgegK2kvyKX4eGsvmlFTgLNu1ke3IxLWA4AtAW-tYuzQXjdQge1TAhzp__/s4032/IMG_8946.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFb01QsAX5I54VOR2EvCyJT59ouBXFXlCMZsDBRctnwgT20icPL0Hk-PlK5CV8BCAD_6vrTv7rXPIHvEHpAK_MQyoq7mY6FOcuBFz4BMD3vellAwu11tS3_lIEY_dqC4dgegK2kvyKX4eGsvmlFTgLNu1ke3IxLWA4AtAW-tYuzQXjdQge1TAhzp__/w400-h300/IMG_8946.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The opposing forces, with Yanks on the left and Germans on the right. </div><div><br /></div><div>Conceptually, the Germans have a small outpost in the area, babysitting the bridges, and they're being visited by some light reconnaissance elements passing through from further east, on their way west to identify exactly where the new front line in Tunisia is, while Blade Force is pushing east, hoping to secure a bridge to support its thrust towards Djedeida on their way to Tunis.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihWqGr32lUPjpJ1-f44T73aPZQpq_RY9upBN-2rk0ElrgSAU21IIn5VsKnu7mNW0A9ynUPyDByzX7DpCF0yYZLBz0ImDo1TY4z2t_j48yL_ai1FyoiuYVKiuyHKZyeVvqFNzWnQzz60GeFklnBlauU5NIBoOP5QkwAgYYyAKyEV0kA4nGZPzIbsLlF/s4032/IMG_8947.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihWqGr32lUPjpJ1-f44T73aPZQpq_RY9upBN-2rk0ElrgSAU21IIn5VsKnu7mNW0A9ynUPyDByzX7DpCF0yYZLBz0ImDo1TY4z2t_j48yL_ai1FyoiuYVKiuyHKZyeVvqFNzWnQzz60GeFklnBlauU5NIBoOP5QkwAgYYyAKyEV0kA4nGZPzIbsLlF/w400-h300/IMG_8947.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The US force:<br />Commander: Captain Henry, Armored Reconnaissance Company commander</div><div><br /></div><div>Elements of 2nd Tank Platoon: 2nd Lt Hastings<br /></div><div>Vehicle 2: Sgt Bell</div><div>Vehicle 3: Cpl Buchannon</div><div><br /></div><div>Elements of Armored Car Platoon: 2nd Lt Stone</div><div>Vehicle 2: Cpl Mixon</div><div><br /></div><div>Elements of Anti-Tank Gun (ATG) Platoon: Cpl Brock</div><div><br /></div><div>2nd Armored Reconnaissance Platoon: 2nd Lt Royals</div><div>1st Squad: Sgt Castle</div><div>2nd Squad: Sgt Hendrickson</div><div>3rd Squad: Sgt Ravotti</div><div>MG Team: Cpl Buckner</div><div>Mortar Team: Cpl Mims</div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEqeQdPdxyrziP8EVq0w1zt6Cze5GoSlnXVUn5Jt-coTdUxLGgLmSUn3XLXZSLU5_Tf5GntEaH2AT91gcNxKfgB61DrQR7a17DSmamuTpF4igcHmzS-3p6NJYeqO0hl-8-P35DqetsIcAK-iBQgGUdc4OkoY_kVh3v-v2Y_Of9ZW3lrGW8hkM8sbX6/s4032/IMG_8948.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEqeQdPdxyrziP8EVq0w1zt6Cze5GoSlnXVUn5Jt-coTdUxLGgLmSUn3XLXZSLU5_Tf5GntEaH2AT91gcNxKfgB61DrQR7a17DSmamuTpF4igcHmzS-3p6NJYeqO0hl-8-P35DqetsIcAK-iBQgGUdc4OkoY_kVh3v-v2Y_Of9ZW3lrGW8hkM8sbX6/w400-h300/IMG_8948.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The German forces.</div><div><br /></div><div>The defensive outpost holding the bridges consists of:<br />Commanding Officer (CO)</div><div>2 x Rifle Squads</div><div>1 x MG-42 MG team</div><div><br /></div><div>The Reconnaissance force consists of:<br />2 x Sdkfz 234 armored cars</div><div>4 x Motorcycle squads</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRU0zfaQknlsclr4OHUI0UvVMVdvZKPkilgKvp_XVLhoLH0bY66tricTGth5Ad3o8zEpsZTS7OYmgX0cONMjSKGKDL2qgzqKLPfRS2SnR1vP0WGiQPtUd1Rfe4JHahEK1cPoffDT5CspwD1v5u-pwg68pHzZgl4m_cYRGxNx-Msx4h5KwkEPk7z1ty/s4032/IMG_8949.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRU0zfaQknlsclr4OHUI0UvVMVdvZKPkilgKvp_XVLhoLH0bY66tricTGth5Ad3o8zEpsZTS7OYmgX0cONMjSKGKDL2qgzqKLPfRS2SnR1vP0WGiQPtUd1Rfe4JHahEK1cPoffDT5CspwD1v5u-pwg68pHzZgl4m_cYRGxNx-Msx4h5KwkEPk7z1ty/w400-h300/IMG_8949.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Overview, now with troops. You can see the lead elements of the American force entering the table at far left and bottom left, while the Germans are in three separate elements. Two motorcycle squads and an armored car are at/near the north bridge, two motorcycle squads are at the south bridge, with their supporting armored car further back (bottom right), and the German outpost is dug into trenches between the two bridges (center right). </div><div><br /></div><div>The outpost position isn't bad in and of itself, but they don't have any organic anti-armor capability to reach out and halt the Allied advance. Having said that, they don't have any real AT capability to speak of, which is quite representative (at least as far as I was able to find, mostly descriptions of the US force 'surprising light reconnaissance elements at the bridge') of what happened in real life, except in real life the Yanks didn't have any infantry with them (in the last fight, either).</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8vr2j76UhDDDoAPoFghggmCrbdOwnk1TPVid4Thktb1rBRKL_HIVRgdpzGeLx6RPE7it-v41GTmJsr-oUyb5eSH7H3cg5rME3AHaVL6mBjtLCRBFZqmxeWqbhB8hGGufFgyPkpmXy0pwxLelHwidfexllp-Aiis7WAi2zcRpT6QyUIlIol42xIFjS/s4032/IMG_8950.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8vr2j76UhDDDoAPoFghggmCrbdOwnk1TPVid4Thktb1rBRKL_HIVRgdpzGeLx6RPE7it-v41GTmJsr-oUyb5eSH7H3cg5rME3AHaVL6mBjtLCRBFZqmxeWqbhB8hGGufFgyPkpmXy0pwxLelHwidfexllp-Aiis7WAi2zcRpT6QyUIlIol42xIFjS/w400-h300/IMG_8950.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Looking at the US start line, we can see Captain Henry in the south (bottom left) with Lt Stone's M3 Scout Car and Sgt Bell's M3 Stuart, and Cpl Mixon's M3 Scout Car and Lt Hastings' M3 Stuart in the north (far left), with the remainder of the US force beginning the game off table.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPlO9PYkcWPXPSdVh9KPHP58E2zLns1PYJCpm7KZl1GGpe0ioTRcMK4Ejwz8JhLSsQK8eTWmVP3VfXvcdVJ_GxTzTS5AEu1OyVPBQjizJZuX67u8SaGs7_emCzMrnUYRl4wd4cOCkN3-ApRmYkjwdbB-67-rM2jrBEYX8j8FcQhoWSlix5XFojBJ3-/s4032/IMG_8951.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPlO9PYkcWPXPSdVh9KPHP58E2zLns1PYJCpm7KZl1GGpe0ioTRcMK4Ejwz8JhLSsQK8eTWmVP3VfXvcdVJ_GxTzTS5AEu1OyVPBQjizJZuX67u8SaGs7_emCzMrnUYRl4wd4cOCkN3-ApRmYkjwdbB-67-rM2jrBEYX8j8FcQhoWSlix5XFojBJ3-/w400-h300/IMG_8951.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>And the Germans, with two motorcycle squads and an armored car at top center, their CO, two rifle squads, and their MG team at right, two motorcycle squads at the southern bridge, and the other armored car at bottom right.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghp4AhKDL9YFq0wtO_uNU5KnYDPxwNsVFXX67Y3FXwfHCpZNBCVFJO4eEKY8FvwtLUNhUq486WvxwqqAMmzuVowJ7eeztkEOoSWReipsX94AaW2UoqVov3Gloo2BRxH1SEepb4Yap9SSH5foyRcYxdBuaYG-gwiVn9kDcTGbEfjehnIo9GyTavzrTk/s4032/IMG_8952.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghp4AhKDL9YFq0wtO_uNU5KnYDPxwNsVFXX67Y3FXwfHCpZNBCVFJO4eEKY8FvwtLUNhUq486WvxwqqAMmzuVowJ7eeztkEOoSWReipsX94AaW2UoqVov3Gloo2BRxH1SEepb4Yap9SSH5foyRcYxdBuaYG-gwiVn9kDcTGbEfjehnIo9GyTavzrTk/w400-h300/IMG_8952.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The north bridge, with two motorcycle squads at top left and an armored car at top right. Their CO is visible atop the hill at bottom center right.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicbHJwEEyQvB0KBQZI_R__PlX4Uj0I1HJ44wrpECwjbPAQsQ58sVzTuhht1JWr6bZFbvSjtygP470GNjPNVnuxHiecMEVwBAeBjL0cXYcO4uiDCgsF1kjFBbb6O2m2GemXZ_R7ZB3XvtxqCek8QawZwvYUTJmTFR2lJJyLoo9JplDGThz7w4U3GgHK/s4032/IMG_8953.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicbHJwEEyQvB0KBQZI_R__PlX4Uj0I1HJ44wrpECwjbPAQsQ58sVzTuhht1JWr6bZFbvSjtygP470GNjPNVnuxHiecMEVwBAeBjL0cXYcO4uiDCgsF1kjFBbb6O2m2GemXZ_R7ZB3XvtxqCek8QawZwvYUTJmTFR2lJJyLoo9JplDGThz7w4U3GgHK/w400-h300/IMG_8953.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The German center, with two rifle squads and an MG-42 team in the trench at center, their CO atop the hill at top center.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhexs3onYpYPYaknHFOVVQU1BxfRechod6ttsreKnsGKwTKtQ59hInYTL55U6h3KNm0lLiwWrtogqcWsiHnhThphXrbJfZx21Spx8N6IH6zAyou4fCYLHzJ0o2XBovEPrEcRGYEXdABDfG61WtABTuoXywqsovuFQdMV7TlSzOFGEw_DsdsS1ELfUnw/s4032/IMG_8954.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhexs3onYpYPYaknHFOVVQU1BxfRechod6ttsreKnsGKwTKtQ59hInYTL55U6h3KNm0lLiwWrtogqcWsiHnhThphXrbJfZx21Spx8N6IH6zAyou4fCYLHzJ0o2XBovEPrEcRGYEXdABDfG61WtABTuoXywqsovuFQdMV7TlSzOFGEw_DsdsS1ELfUnw/w400-h300/IMG_8954.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>And the German left, with two motorcycle squads at the south bridge, their armored car at bottom right, and the defensive trench just visible at top center right.</div><div><br /></div><div>Let us fight!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGjPvEKQC0n7aUaZmIqn4oFPfoTSQO39KnSpCuvgukJqIPAHNE6pn-Gcvn9VSnxVzses-qsTWtzQxa6RNcs_a34M7SHs4CvkodEdn2Zbm6g88dIyYl9fIVzyZ3NWRpAwR1eBkT_Sp3wRhbVNHOn7xUxOT3hbfSz0hcaTgW6UEqERqZp_Cd3CZuDNoF/s4032/IMG_8956.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGjPvEKQC0n7aUaZmIqn4oFPfoTSQO39KnSpCuvgukJqIPAHNE6pn-Gcvn9VSnxVzses-qsTWtzQxa6RNcs_a34M7SHs4CvkodEdn2Zbm6g88dIyYl9fIVzyZ3NWRpAwR1eBkT_Sp3wRhbVNHOn7xUxOT3hbfSz0hcaTgW6UEqERqZp_Cd3CZuDNoF/w400-h300/IMG_8956.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The fight begins with Lt Stone's Scout Car and Sgt Bell's Stuart (bottom left) spotting movement on the South Bridge (top right) and opening fire...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYG3epV5z8H39QQQYSRWjc8ShsEAVwcC74_QgCLPToB7asCWX-cPoGQu2p69XPxFtB-dM--LO5AFGg7ug_NHnDk_mhlCcDIU2s9UPMGahKaL7STpY1WKpThKhUlUQsz5HFkyJNWVPUzZjCuuMnBx815wFdjmV6Q7DtgyKTww-oexr5XReAaXrGEj_a/s4032/IMG_8957.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYG3epV5z8H39QQQYSRWjc8ShsEAVwcC74_QgCLPToB7asCWX-cPoGQu2p69XPxFtB-dM--LO5AFGg7ug_NHnDk_mhlCcDIU2s9UPMGahKaL7STpY1WKpThKhUlUQsz5HFkyJNWVPUzZjCuuMnBx815wFdjmV6Q7DtgyKTww-oexr5XReAaXrGEj_a/w400-h300/IMG_8957.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>.50-cal tracers and 37mm HE rounds prove deadly for the exposed German motorcycle troops caught smoking and joking on the bridge, knocking out one squad and putting the other 'men down'!!!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8MllRYuM9jvQTjoYbdbOsnpMOEvZx6yqqZz1NiYMSbTgWr_q3rdTktsgT27EAa3Wl3DWTF1ZlOmOL9rbHIj22biE19OF6fCTqWsEFvcektDjIAD8N5aWiU26wgskW19mNgeR3mMzjLYrD6VMhmKJ8Xwt-bM2EviOhiQofo8brc0yL5jHwpBQEcFfj/s320/IMG_8958.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8MllRYuM9jvQTjoYbdbOsnpMOEvZx6yqqZz1NiYMSbTgWr_q3rdTktsgT27EAa3Wl3DWTF1ZlOmOL9rbHIj22biE19OF6fCTqWsEFvcektDjIAD8N5aWiU26wgskW19mNgeR3mMzjLYrD6VMhmKJ8Xwt-bM2EviOhiQofo8brc0yL5jHwpBQEcFfj/w400-h300/IMG_8958.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Hearing the commotion at the South Bridge (just visible at top left), the German motorcycle squads at the North Bridge fall back into cover (left and bottom center left), while their armored car pulls up to cover the area (bottom left).</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTzvoYdY7DlO8wXkjjlpjBnd4Ufb1wnkMK_7VcPnXOsG-ZNn0HtQ94hj-g8w4cmD1UHARzJk9KfLqTihwnrSJD-vuoV63hRZFKgK0Sqac2w82KbtkKtb8JMLRCQLZhFcUpvWsSFWTCWnZNTimx0Q0gsDUXsqGzPqlfQlW_bS0ll-X7J-rbYzwUujwn/s4032/IMG_8959.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTzvoYdY7DlO8wXkjjlpjBnd4Ufb1wnkMK_7VcPnXOsG-ZNn0HtQ94hj-g8w4cmD1UHARzJk9KfLqTihwnrSJD-vuoV63hRZFKgK0Sqac2w82KbtkKtb8JMLRCQLZhFcUpvWsSFWTCWnZNTimx0Q0gsDUXsqGzPqlfQlW_bS0ll-X7J-rbYzwUujwn/w400-h300/IMG_8959.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>While back at the South Bridge, the armored car there slinks forward (left center bottom, from bottom right), making the best use of cover in order to reach the stricken motorcycle squads.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSHR0lG81tf8hNB6pWgRTOPsd2ekYABFkdT8Rbjh8qgTOjkjxd_EYYjZ78VH-y-iS8Pe8VECUZ_XzDilX0RGTkR2-xTzYEF7Dk5-DIskvvER4S18rhiO7SBTEgAAgadAsHUH5oe68yqO0afqODyB_haSpaVnPWuf3YsrvPXULwob4m3W-kP4Iuv_Cv/s4032/IMG_8960.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSHR0lG81tf8hNB6pWgRTOPsd2ekYABFkdT8Rbjh8qgTOjkjxd_EYYjZ78VH-y-iS8Pe8VECUZ_XzDilX0RGTkR2-xTzYEF7Dk5-DIskvvER4S18rhiO7SBTEgAAgadAsHUH5oe68yqO0afqODyB_haSpaVnPWuf3YsrvPXULwob4m3W-kP4Iuv_Cv/w400-h300/IMG_8960.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The 'men down' motorcycle squad is able to collect itself and falls back to cover (right, from far left).</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizjp6hWZR6uKs1U2EjRXhc7sY1WjLM-5zuU-H3arYkwoD4Lnqd330URcqK1caP7eBuEbUMcJG08mJ8hVVB9uvys_7V3gyLNTEEvV9AyqKiyhGrN4CXJhiRQVnBIs3Vk5Y7Z7Zsv2TjEYHcTqOYBdgTzBuwCcVLuoWzyc7LtlnztlJ2pJCn3_s4mNlg/s4032/IMG_8961.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizjp6hWZR6uKs1U2EjRXhc7sY1WjLM-5zuU-H3arYkwoD4Lnqd330URcqK1caP7eBuEbUMcJG08mJ8hVVB9uvys_7V3gyLNTEEvV9AyqKiyhGrN4CXJhiRQVnBIs3Vk5Y7Z7Zsv2TjEYHcTqOYBdgTzBuwCcVLuoWzyc7LtlnztlJ2pJCn3_s4mNlg/w400-h300/IMG_8961.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The US advanced elements creep forward in the south, with Lt Stone guiding his vehicle up a rocky escarpment for a better view (bottom right) and Sgt Bell pushing his Stuart up to a hull-down positions (bottom center).</div><div><br /></div><div>**What just happened is the US rolled up a 'Firefight!' and shot with the only units that could see the enemy; the Germans couldn't respond because none of their units could see any Americans at that point. Then the Germans rolled up a 'Scurry,' which allowed their recon units at the North Bridge to reposition and their armored car in the south to move up and rescue the 'men down' motorcycle unit at the South Bridge. The only Americans able to respond were the same units in the south that shot on the 'Firefight!' The US units in the north haven't been able to do anything because they haven't been able to see anything, but now we finally get to a 'normal' activation roll.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpKUHehX55JETFR1yit6hBp7KMwtVbBgo9M1UOrzQuOHqz4Ls8vACXLHBLTCHKYyEinuSboULW88la5u73PlPubmmI5sLE_R0KOFR9NwIAhArQvjeeQ6k9cqSj4SoRto2Vl3tzvUQvWtp3YIwLL6PEqEk_Niy4hFudIw6Pxp3Rj9L7-8T_WTzCJmXf/s4032/IMG_8962.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpKUHehX55JETFR1yit6hBp7KMwtVbBgo9M1UOrzQuOHqz4Ls8vACXLHBLTCHKYyEinuSboULW88la5u73PlPubmmI5sLE_R0KOFR9NwIAhArQvjeeQ6k9cqSj4SoRto2Vl3tzvUQvWtp3YIwLL6PEqEk_Niy4hFudIw6Pxp3Rj9L7-8T_WTzCJmXf/w400-h300/IMG_8962.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Sgt Bell's Stuart (bottom left) spots the armored car (top right) and opens fire, suppressing it with 37mm main gun fire...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwXwvxf5D-1g_TjimBBVUj5hs2HimoSvXaOBUPNwCxPgsh2I50y3SFKY3qN9nGd0McSwmvKHqVxVmSTi8qTPpYslGuDVcXWtJXE0-mpQC9deJ0nMVPB5hojf581ydGGxtKXby2o82BmVSBXWS5fFMUB4KwRG9OHRAeBv_ueV_W64UAahuk7eCRM2OV/s4032/IMG_8963.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwXwvxf5D-1g_TjimBBVUj5hs2HimoSvXaOBUPNwCxPgsh2I50y3SFKY3qN9nGd0McSwmvKHqVxVmSTi8qTPpYslGuDVcXWtJXE0-mpQC9deJ0nMVPB5hojf581ydGGxtKXby2o82BmVSBXWS5fFMUB4KwRG9OHRAeBv_ueV_W64UAahuk7eCRM2OV/w400-h300/IMG_8963.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Sgt Bell then bounds his Stuart forward, toward the bridge, as Lt Stone's Scout Car lays down fire with its .50-cal HMG, targeting the German motorcycle squad that had fallen back (top right, with the armored car at the bridge, center).</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp8qolfpyRRP9-veS4uHxA-klgumcpTDG0G9k39hJT6bB85nnQgxwHJLmjeLKtZ17qT6oQC3yEDgHXIWN2fEzCc_plF1eiNeghd7cgEkeJBUjC1YXpzWLc6_BXLB1SyDH1se_33l70TlrAutN61qInpBtNRvQpKfxtKeYE64JBbMhCLEb-hDDsqgX8/s4032/IMG_8964.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp8qolfpyRRP9-veS4uHxA-klgumcpTDG0G9k39hJT6bB85nnQgxwHJLmjeLKtZ17qT6oQC3yEDgHXIWN2fEzCc_plF1eiNeghd7cgEkeJBUjC1YXpzWLc6_BXLB1SyDH1se_33l70TlrAutN61qInpBtNRvQpKfxtKeYE64JBbMhCLEb-hDDsqgX8/w400-h300/IMG_8964.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The .50-cal rounds rip into the German motorcycle squad, knocking it out of the fight!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn0ObBoeJ5MsodsQnin48xqIddwBzOphlhzFTGc2q2AduBNNDCjg9a74vi0yc1PZtuffWoxJofU_jRYSQFN8ZqxcIImchGAMJB2IpJ5KrDE4aySjpp2J8wv-t0LCh5IOfpyzpugwS5GMg-rsfhJxV-a_mB0l4i9wLmGUjqohr4NZcK6UUzZUfmEthT/s4032/IMG_8965.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn0ObBoeJ5MsodsQnin48xqIddwBzOphlhzFTGc2q2AduBNNDCjg9a74vi0yc1PZtuffWoxJofU_jRYSQFN8ZqxcIImchGAMJB2IpJ5KrDE4aySjpp2J8wv-t0LCh5IOfpyzpugwS5GMg-rsfhJxV-a_mB0l4i9wLmGUjqohr4NZcK6UUzZUfmEthT/w400-h300/IMG_8965.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Lt Stone's vehicle then takes the lead, heading for the bridge, as Captain Henry's command group falls in behind them.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJsX0BE9Q1oZeM4NYpZUjG44_zhZHqUn-sxFwA3Hj89Ns1B2xq3a3gJ0PHVfCsnubWFxWGQXhMMCK69o32dszENCi1JPlDUpbakhti9oVBgiUctATRp2Ep9jzPwwQ3INFniecZAmdYG7orLhMKG3-THRJXjaiPdRTCPRVWcyukk0jG5NZv4CTxGImN/s4032/IMG_8966.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJsX0BE9Q1oZeM4NYpZUjG44_zhZHqUn-sxFwA3Hj89Ns1B2xq3a3gJ0PHVfCsnubWFxWGQXhMMCK69o32dszENCi1JPlDUpbakhti9oVBgiUctATRp2Ep9jzPwwQ3INFniecZAmdYG7orLhMKG3-THRJXjaiPdRTCPRVWcyukk0jG5NZv4CTxGImN/w400-h300/IMG_8966.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Not having much to work with but needing to assist the suppressed armored car at the South Bridge (center left top), the German CO (just off camera to bottom right) orders his MG-42 team (center bottom, flanked by rifle squads) to engage the American column approaching the bridge (top center/right)...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifuwmMxgS-LOVf9mbL0SQsg-_pjZgn0NR_x0NQYVkE-daU9vL_LWxJ-g6-UmlUO9OaE1LBXbnP5Vwr0g2GLB7Ak8U-w8s30yqcDH4XwxNtmyMgW2yiKr06MMqKLDw0Xb1q0Q0AihYLDv2TiILD9qW2aIO767_i3aI7hoKHVxe5gil-I5yfRv8VK3Tn/s4032/IMG_8967.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifuwmMxgS-LOVf9mbL0SQsg-_pjZgn0NR_x0NQYVkE-daU9vL_LWxJ-g6-UmlUO9OaE1LBXbnP5Vwr0g2GLB7Ak8U-w8s30yqcDH4XwxNtmyMgW2yiKr06MMqKLDw0Xb1q0Q0AihYLDv2TiILD9qW2aIO767_i3aI7hoKHVxe5gil-I5yfRv8VK3Tn/w400-h300/IMG_8967.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Suppressing Lt Stone's Scout Car (red bead at far right top) as the Armored Reconnaissance Platoon's halftracks carrying their heavy weapons (.30-cal MG team and 60mm mortar team) rush forward, up behind Captain Henry...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1rGNTdVL8TMWl9VPOrK-dNcTexwvfLwS1SIjgn6FdHC3wsk9V3Os9nxo81uenEmbpgXWJNjkqLm4DH6TW_ThLNeZUHBPscX9k21T9lTpsX1ATxQq4FIMQECrc4PAzFtr2tIpNmhrutCjxCZCJMn_yplMgojBndTDWWQFSI3gA3SdlNwTPxkzK0-Te/s4032/IMG_8968.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1rGNTdVL8TMWl9VPOrK-dNcTexwvfLwS1SIjgn6FdHC3wsk9V3Os9nxo81uenEmbpgXWJNjkqLm4DH6TW_ThLNeZUHBPscX9k21T9lTpsX1ATxQq4FIMQECrc4PAzFtr2tIpNmhrutCjxCZCJMn_yplMgojBndTDWWQFSI3gA3SdlNwTPxkzK0-Te/w400-h300/IMG_8968.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Before dismounting and setting up shop, with Cpl Buckner's MG team on the hill and Cpl Mims' 60mm mortar team behind.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwYwjpPkEJeOLo34o0rDrVjoC1RwkeG3TuUc5YGy1n3f1SrAh3766GtrtSkWX3ntWZmy5QH-DuYEyzhBR5GxEzB8AjFWDqlikGYsbQ3om_We6w6JIdFfkzWm_uPWMv4KdiGS1jzxqWfzJWS9wea2W_leHOzkjEhsV226ltyIgbsWdgy3NxXX67DWlm/s4032/IMG_8969.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwYwjpPkEJeOLo34o0rDrVjoC1RwkeG3TuUc5YGy1n3f1SrAh3766GtrtSkWX3ntWZmy5QH-DuYEyzhBR5GxEzB8AjFWDqlikGYsbQ3om_We6w6JIdFfkzWm_uPWMv4KdiGS1jzxqWfzJWS9wea2W_leHOzkjEhsV226ltyIgbsWdgy3NxXX67DWlm/w400-h300/IMG_8969.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Back at the main German defensive position (bottom left, between the bridges), a rifle squad spots Cpl Buckner's MG team setting up atop the hill (top center right) and opens fire, to no effect.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyKbdrcELelbRtO6FjyFUBRyhH2bHGji9RdmkLe34LX6U8Z19KYdZcTqaRWGPfKa4aQjLT22qQrHum-xaoKGaAdC4CIL8rrcPedTY4XI5MLdS2G7HrsiKoj_XUbVblJHKRBJCz5aoZ9LtyGn4RDTzPvvorRuJcthKlG0d1xWkONIwovyqtv8IqCzuk/s4032/IMG_8970.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyKbdrcELelbRtO6FjyFUBRyhH2bHGji9RdmkLe34LX6U8Z19KYdZcTqaRWGPfKa4aQjLT22qQrHum-xaoKGaAdC4CIL8rrcPedTY4XI5MLdS2G7HrsiKoj_XUbVblJHKRBJCz5aoZ9LtyGn4RDTzPvvorRuJcthKlG0d1xWkONIwovyqtv8IqCzuk/w400-h300/IMG_8970.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>While in the north, Cpl Mixon's Scout Car leads Lt Hastings' and Cpl Buchanon's Stuarts forward, with Cpl Brock's 37mm ATG following.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig9cF2H2yomQwE3vl7HuJ-KK0BcAnj7pEQSz25jB_9PWg8I9qbZvHuWyjaKaFjGbJFGNtbcKOpyVfY27ctut3bdo4Q_dWlC_Cd-L1M6BX8PTgA2MyRuOdQJPrIEKIr5Rmu8tJrI8ZdrIkau84ObuUT26odh31L0ny9usJSrRr8t2kyq2FWq806bFGS/s4032/IMG_8971.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig9cF2H2yomQwE3vl7HuJ-KK0BcAnj7pEQSz25jB_9PWg8I9qbZvHuWyjaKaFjGbJFGNtbcKOpyVfY27ctut3bdo4Q_dWlC_Cd-L1M6BX8PTgA2MyRuOdQJPrIEKIr5Rmu8tJrI8ZdrIkau84ObuUT26odh31L0ny9usJSrRr8t2kyq2FWq806bFGS/w400-h300/IMG_8971.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>But the German armored car at the North Bridge (bottom left, with motorcycle squads flanking him, still mounted) spots Cpl Mixon's vehicle (top right) and opens fire...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-hDiixqw3XZlWXBx3NxQ416RiRq9ptRLYOxnX8O8_dL9PgjnqY1jNDvXOpO_lKNYkdXtdax1R8tx-YeeI-zBHvggn77_Li47hMJqWN7JrW24ZMdTrJxgu3sa9dYf8oJaCOEAkaLqfaMINsWwZF7QzNAhd9sV9yuhKLFyQW4Apid2v8DBiUflIo2to/s4032/IMG_8972.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-hDiixqw3XZlWXBx3NxQ416RiRq9ptRLYOxnX8O8_dL9PgjnqY1jNDvXOpO_lKNYkdXtdax1R8tx-YeeI-zBHvggn77_Li47hMJqWN7JrW24ZMdTrJxgu3sa9dYf8oJaCOEAkaLqfaMINsWwZF7QzNAhd9sV9yuhKLFyQW4Apid2v8DBiUflIo2to/w400-h300/IMG_8972.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The 20mm automatic cannon fire rips into the M3 Scout Car, immobilizing it and suppressing Lt Hastings' tank crew!</div><div><br /></div><div>But then the droning buzz of airborne propellers fills the ears of every man in the valley, and they turn their eyes tentatively skyward...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBYw2kUoL26tb0UY4o50fLjgOgxUYcT7KkSdff1EOxzmhK7luiO347roMCnzerypv3SnUsfcr_ACTWDo9rmxEyxfKfp2Xk_gYCZ2DdTIMlbW3DQHijRPs_ujcBCPitZ9VucbLwndLcz0gZJC1SggoUmwdk2stP8T9GI0lLRr5P6jKa5wWIsKsfhbrO/s4032/IMG_8973.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBYw2kUoL26tb0UY4o50fLjgOgxUYcT7KkSdff1EOxzmhK7luiO347roMCnzerypv3SnUsfcr_ACTWDo9rmxEyxfKfp2Xk_gYCZ2DdTIMlbW3DQHijRPs_ujcBCPitZ9VucbLwndLcz0gZJC1SggoUmwdk2stP8T9GI0lLRr5P6jKa5wWIsKsfhbrO/w400-h300/IMG_8973.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Stuka!!!</div><div><br /></div><div>**Yeah, I'm kinda overdoing it, but at this point I'm throwing Stukas on the table every time either side rolls up a random event.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbKs2izGlvOJZ6jB9hp6JNtdhrtqw4WvxpvaX5m42uDePi9RFVsPQwKixOEVfgYsfUpyqXxOhTtYymML9-qKa1w12hzjEs42b1cCv05r56-fRRddAiNCVseXWKH9swkQSIBKlKZOMNc7xbRWlRmQgz6pyht1Eoa1znBBBxpBJBw8Bp7YLSV3POillH/s4032/IMG_8974.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbKs2izGlvOJZ6jB9hp6JNtdhrtqw4WvxpvaX5m42uDePi9RFVsPQwKixOEVfgYsfUpyqXxOhTtYymML9-qKa1w12hzjEs42b1cCv05r56-fRRddAiNCVseXWKH9swkQSIBKlKZOMNc7xbRWlRmQgz6pyht1Eoa1znBBBxpBJBw8Bp7YLSV3POillH/w400-h300/IMG_8974.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The German dive bombers spot the northern American column and tip over into their dives...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiJ59aK5Zn0JxFP-vhxzJkJJgGurlWvqszqeAsTGwLVqSuP7GrN104Y5p9Ir_OphQ1nvySLz_TmZbYDgHUXywW8Swi7x1mj1WCEYPNj95eG_1Yc3-6Tpn3WVD37Mxgi9IKe7Rm45kpH1lKyKQrGHTPeST_n5Twkjp6DzaBzGl2BBywDazlRGdmYc6W/s320/IMG_8975.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiJ59aK5Zn0JxFP-vhxzJkJJgGurlWvqszqeAsTGwLVqSuP7GrN104Y5p9Ir_OphQ1nvySLz_TmZbYDgHUXywW8Swi7x1mj1WCEYPNj95eG_1Yc3-6Tpn3WVD37Mxgi9IKe7Rm45kpH1lKyKQrGHTPeST_n5Twkjp6DzaBzGl2BBywDazlRGdmYc6W/w400-h300/IMG_8975.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The bombs hit at the front of the already stricken column, knocking out Cpl Mixon's Scout Car and Lt Hastings' Stuart, killing both vehicle commanders!!! The shocked survivors bale out and fall back...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicQfVyKyBbKOX8iL_sQWppLyILAC1-rarvc779sfzYcGQJ8sEH3O_y89no8PpJG7ZHLYAY_UqY-KToT6NloQM7mHC47Z78WYjucj0XNt4OxewuEJUk7MUWteq6JS3_R9BdmTU58NT153jP_j_r41N9jDVa7ZKKckTs32Biy-n-zSEK1M-OZKxFI8VC/s4032/IMG_8976.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicQfVyKyBbKOX8iL_sQWppLyILAC1-rarvc779sfzYcGQJ8sEH3O_y89no8PpJG7ZHLYAY_UqY-KToT6NloQM7mHC47Z78WYjucj0XNt4OxewuEJUk7MUWteq6JS3_R9BdmTU58NT153jP_j_r41N9jDVa7ZKKckTs32Biy-n-zSEK1M-OZKxFI8VC/w400-h300/IMG_8976.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>With both motorcycle squads on his left knocked out, the German CO (just off camera to bottom far right) sends a rifle squad left (left), as the suppressed armored car (top left) self-rallies.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrNziDGOnAvPuHeNxe-uLYw1AFxo-BenKGvprGTHAshFzdj_UQCeCMb8eJNxbmWXhd8pWiUr6UL-oV-ZfTvd3cVs-FL9MvHo1khEwetnT9a168srL-mT3foDcZX_VbkNS1sF-BTxnKAXoFSjP_mNF2XzDbo7zBtyty-CU0UZuCLPBmD7ZxVGcCzO_-/s4032/IMG_8977.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrNziDGOnAvPuHeNxe-uLYw1AFxo-BenKGvprGTHAshFzdj_UQCeCMb8eJNxbmWXhd8pWiUr6UL-oV-ZfTvd3cVs-FL9MvHo1khEwetnT9a168srL-mT3foDcZX_VbkNS1sF-BTxnKAXoFSjP_mNF2XzDbo7zBtyty-CU0UZuCLPBmD7ZxVGcCzO_-/w400-h300/IMG_8977.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>But no sooner has the German armored car at the South Bridge self-rallied (top right) then Sgt Bell's tank (bottom left) reloads and sends another 37mm AP round at it...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyTkmfEtZ7xGTKTMqsizm5W0ToWGhLocrEnb-J-_U7066pIzGv8Q--0LJ0-Lo9mV83qMyYqaZBlf7mwEoyVo1zndyv8LL0fj4kuEKXgGtSilvF88dIi836oxOQX1AJs5kMAiIbJ6bzO-rFIPwFeERiLN59b0UQyL9BBzupUm_C3oZJOSd6xV1tK3HA/s320/IMG_8978.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyTkmfEtZ7xGTKTMqsizm5W0ToWGhLocrEnb-J-_U7066pIzGv8Q--0LJ0-Lo9mV83qMyYqaZBlf7mwEoyVo1zndyv8LL0fj4kuEKXgGtSilvF88dIi836oxOQX1AJs5kMAiIbJ6bzO-rFIPwFeERiLN59b0UQyL9BBzupUm_C3oZJOSd6xV1tK3HA/w400-h300/IMG_8978.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Knocking it out!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzQ9HP6Nv4DJ1EU1rWLdXhuphFs4GW6Y5ZZJgbccLxxKXyhmEXicX7rY5GuBZ6UiEkVvjIyLw6cKNABoltOVAdXjulSW251dFsx6Vw08B8xH7Qn8r0PomC7OnROL4ovLfdxejdZ7hybqojxiuxk794oD-xQj5Ip6fqAMe8Za6FoWRoTK1GhHDXawHO/s4032/IMG_8979.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzQ9HP6Nv4DJ1EU1rWLdXhuphFs4GW6Y5ZZJgbccLxxKXyhmEXicX7rY5GuBZ6UiEkVvjIyLw6cKNABoltOVAdXjulSW251dFsx6Vw08B8xH7Qn8r0PomC7OnROL4ovLfdxejdZ7hybqojxiuxk794oD-xQj5Ip6fqAMe8Za6FoWRoTK1GhHDXawHO/w400-h300/IMG_8979.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>While further back, Cpl Buckner's MG and Cpl Mims' 60mm mortar open fire on the main German defensive position (top right)...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQaP77PCwglNTNFxTjrineLim6wCNRdkhdqL4NBGnuM7jU6E5fAdlZfTlPTJT66YpfGYI8t7AOb3bx6V8aODry2Prhd63C4WYYEgxJvr1FGRgwikLSLYQJyFI-3fwAZBKJwuVeCjuTBXT3LgzFF8NcAy91T6PqH4bIYG1P9YJhf5RrbeJltnsPSZXX/s4032/IMG_8980.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQaP77PCwglNTNFxTjrineLim6wCNRdkhdqL4NBGnuM7jU6E5fAdlZfTlPTJT66YpfGYI8t7AOb3bx6V8aODry2Prhd63C4WYYEgxJvr1FGRgwikLSLYQJyFI-3fwAZBKJwuVeCjuTBXT3LgzFF8NcAy91T6PqH4bIYG1P9YJhf5RrbeJltnsPSZXX/w400-h300/IMG_8980.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The German rifle squad moving towards the South Bridge is gunned down by Cpl Buckner's MG (top center left), while Cpl Mims' 60mm HE rounds bracket the German trenchline, sending the other rifle squad 'men down' (white bead) and suppressing the German MG team (red bead)!!!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAIZ61OYojkuyoziR6FLaRsVJf6kCaE4-6eLVYkiriRl1_sdkBMJVnLBk1FxkjToONbEbhgEIVFUJiyOnTBgp4CixAaLUfU2MpsS4Mmsg6SctJsbuXQVXxtAvlUet64rtSUcscVhQ7j97cFCkt95bd1CZWT7IBrQglPqUriz9Ge4TCSbo5tkSCimZC/s320/IMG_8981.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAIZ61OYojkuyoziR6FLaRsVJf6kCaE4-6eLVYkiriRl1_sdkBMJVnLBk1FxkjToONbEbhgEIVFUJiyOnTBgp4CixAaLUfU2MpsS4Mmsg6SctJsbuXQVXxtAvlUet64rtSUcscVhQ7j97cFCkt95bd1CZWT7IBrQglPqUriz9Ge4TCSbo5tkSCimZC/w400-h300/IMG_8981.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Braving the incoming mortar and machine gun fire, the German CO leaves his perch (bottom right) and moves to the trench (left), but the American fire is too intense: the MG team gets 'up' to pinned, but the rifle squad stays 'men down'!!!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoNv5wIfhh00tTz4Nz-K90NwCY7pS-kGFNnbJIJdXLbSsSuNJx2bSUH_bx4ESwT9aaNG9J-vvvZ3oHt_XZh6QZxNe_lk1iIwQ9XwL9zLXvVEsQuwmfzbNR8uXk0gU-mlHp6I0RqfTpQeWUhQOEqwmmzvudDA7pfda8j6FJmVTuvm7aJms3hjyLaifC/s4032/IMG_8984.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoNv5wIfhh00tTz4Nz-K90NwCY7pS-kGFNnbJIJdXLbSsSuNJx2bSUH_bx4ESwT9aaNG9J-vvvZ3oHt_XZh6QZxNe_lk1iIwQ9XwL9zLXvVEsQuwmfzbNR8uXk0gU-mlHp6I0RqfTpQeWUhQOEqwmmzvudDA7pfda8j6FJmVTuvm7aJms3hjyLaifC/w400-h300/IMG_8984.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The situation has rapidly deteriorated for the German defenders: with casualties mounting and their left flank crumbling, the German motorcycle squads and armored car at the North Bridge fall back (far right, from top center), not sure if they can re-position in order to cover both bridges, or if they should even try at this point.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvEMmFNan_uJthPOjqmUyFs4sikIJpGgyvXjxJgISW3jkPNEMGISOdcAEODbFxxmvtUMiMNoux1VVVbt19s1109HxN2p2qlTD5DcfPJpJ8LTyGVFuqqFAQ87iddGsXATcOzorVqdIg-vdnOFxkCXL7sMMuea7Yn_pLyIqs0QgjXw5PXBNOAbVJf_gt/s4032/IMG_8985.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvEMmFNan_uJthPOjqmUyFs4sikIJpGgyvXjxJgISW3jkPNEMGISOdcAEODbFxxmvtUMiMNoux1VVVbt19s1109HxN2p2qlTD5DcfPJpJ8LTyGVFuqqFAQ87iddGsXATcOzorVqdIg-vdnOFxkCXL7sMMuea7Yn_pLyIqs0QgjXw5PXBNOAbVJf_gt/w400-h300/IMG_8985.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Captain Henry moves up to rally Lt Stone's Scout Car (right, with Sgt Bell's Stuart on the road, behind the Scout Car) as Cpl Buckner's MG team and Cpl Mims' mortar team (bottom left) continue working over the German trenchline (top right).</div><div><br /></div><div>Lt Stone and his crew are still pretty shook up and only get 'up' to pinned, but the crew-served weapons fire continues to be very effective, suppressing the German CO and MG team.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6NCHEzKGHQEWa6MPSZ7EHOGhZVZnT4QVR_37r3a5IfpAlt7yrTFg8AC8smrMDE9tqvLYdB-wQsrzzECy5xXmmdw3rCaxPfOPrsGNzQYRcKMLJIZMZth8pwQGe57Y3zTDxkW7hsyKVLDcvo7x_wG4A7dM9cdFOMyztV6x2Oyh8Hq2OXqNi-bosESll/s4032/IMG_8986.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6NCHEzKGHQEWa6MPSZ7EHOGhZVZnT4QVR_37r3a5IfpAlt7yrTFg8AC8smrMDE9tqvLYdB-wQsrzzECy5xXmmdw3rCaxPfOPrsGNzQYRcKMLJIZMZth8pwQGe57Y3zTDxkW7hsyKVLDcvo7x_wG4A7dM9cdFOMyztV6x2Oyh8Hq2OXqNi-bosESll/w400-h300/IMG_8986.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>With no resistance at the South Bridge, Captain Henry calls on his infantry; Lt Royals' and his three rifle squads move up in their halftracks, but a bit of a traffic jam is developing, someone needs to actually get across the bridge...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5gEGFR-UBSN64X-1LBfqVVg7m_UHI0a9LTJfD4J7FxiPo-kQdZP3rXWTUDwoG5qcOuxT_S2e_mebGg3pGvxWPWAmkUBMcDkasX2IlQ5QqNleEwJQ3mAJgtyP3Zhhjxm2E1NcDx_ZXJpgVb2gtOEwR8Die4MQICqeUOZZmGJ9QiGnv2iut0UAmXeP0/s4032/IMG_8987.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5gEGFR-UBSN64X-1LBfqVVg7m_UHI0a9LTJfD4J7FxiPo-kQdZP3rXWTUDwoG5qcOuxT_S2e_mebGg3pGvxWPWAmkUBMcDkasX2IlQ5QqNleEwJQ3mAJgtyP3Zhhjxm2E1NcDx_ZXJpgVb2gtOEwR8Die4MQICqeUOZZmGJ9QiGnv2iut0UAmXeP0/w400-h300/IMG_8987.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>While in the north, Cpl Buchanon takes charge: he turns and signals Cpl Brock's driver to follow, then directs his driver to bypass Cpl Mixon and Lt Hastings' burning vehicles (left) by heading east around the rocky knoll (center, from bottom left), heading for the North Bridge.</div><div><br /></div><div>**The Germans then roll up a 'Firefight!', but none of their forces can actually see any US units to fire on, so it converts to a 'Scurry,' which will allow them to re-position and rally some troops back into the fight.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj1mBYpLCXn19SSd-0_QnlEJtLNAGkKrKw1zvJtz5cz3rfVxkzF3YN8sEiE6mp9zaweaMCghn_06pUwWX7nDvkAfjzoXJIWquzyjRd0x6iX9wp5qx4S5FRjbTaGYLrWofuce5f4-qwrtgUBQaFoGHoJcjvxILDAiCatmrK02H34Zyfmi-sw2ZSqRCQ/s4032/IMG_8988.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj1mBYpLCXn19SSd-0_QnlEJtLNAGkKrKw1zvJtz5cz3rfVxkzF3YN8sEiE6mp9zaweaMCghn_06pUwWX7nDvkAfjzoXJIWquzyjRd0x6iX9wp5qx4S5FRjbTaGYLrWofuce5f4-qwrtgUBQaFoGHoJcjvxILDAiCatmrK02H34Zyfmi-sw2ZSqRCQ/w400-h300/IMG_8988.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The remaining armored car moves up to the trenchline (center, from bottom right), where it can keep an eye on the South Bridge (top left)...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqipqpClur2fzjJJmluB70fl8CaL8HaKE67mWLmqaIXiRil0hUpIOpkSWuYflVYKI7xSr0F14ouWI62HG9IFJpeT_F2Gkmr7U46weYwCr8KjLC2I_B8vdAMKOuik9xpKdpqU-fdz7blYgusS9R11RWE4MFo72EJ2e4Pc2YuoLOZzOW002aYM4mKa1l/s4032/IMG_8989.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqipqpClur2fzjJJmluB70fl8CaL8HaKE67mWLmqaIXiRil0hUpIOpkSWuYflVYKI7xSr0F14ouWI62HG9IFJpeT_F2Gkmr7U46weYwCr8KjLC2I_B8vdAMKOuik9xpKdpqU-fdz7blYgusS9R11RWE4MFo72EJ2e4Pc2YuoLOZzOW002aYM4mKa1l/w400-h300/IMG_8989.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>While a motorcycle squad moves to the trench and assists the German CO, rifle squad, and MG team to rally. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOXhZnAADs079JmRNgPTvyN5IjyD5QjabhBTwzaLpnFX4RKckriRz2XE1dz5Oj38BIhfPoRsDZ_72Zq6qWOXElZGLnZBkxwOBPTgGuOLeJWBWD5E-EZb8R9MLDI82lhmCgvXh9QIq_pbNBnm4HZlAOAkmsX5xkP5vkxXAQ69fB1qZPxUjUqfiRb6Fw/s320/IMG_8990.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOXhZnAADs079JmRNgPTvyN5IjyD5QjabhBTwzaLpnFX4RKckriRz2XE1dz5Oj38BIhfPoRsDZ_72Zq6qWOXElZGLnZBkxwOBPTgGuOLeJWBWD5E-EZb8R9MLDI82lhmCgvXh9QIq_pbNBnm4HZlAOAkmsX5xkP5vkxXAQ69fB1qZPxUjUqfiRb6Fw/w400-h300/IMG_8990.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The German CO and MG team are good, but the rifle squad has taken too many casualties and is out of the fight.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJTJSFQDbX5Hb7QVBVyZKQ2nMA9PRKVgTKW0pCeuJ5eWRP-aTiOYklh1rvCYlLjaE2qgrvCojnHmaFeeaJbZjeN5k97wQdpD6LR39-jGP60R41ZG0_NJtVGFqGISzLxn2FUgwYdod_oU2QdbII4cFU12mtuhnAKksjrNx4Eu6AR9T0rmc22CoBV6mM/s4032/IMG_8991.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJTJSFQDbX5Hb7QVBVyZKQ2nMA9PRKVgTKW0pCeuJ5eWRP-aTiOYklh1rvCYlLjaE2qgrvCojnHmaFeeaJbZjeN5k97wQdpD6LR39-jGP60R41ZG0_NJtVGFqGISzLxn2FUgwYdod_oU2QdbII4cFU12mtuhnAKksjrNx4Eu6AR9T0rmc22CoBV6mM/w400-h300/IMG_8991.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The German CO and MG team then fall back, up into a cover on a nearby hill (right, from left).</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhao6D8_45NwILG46d73YclMihzHDt0hrQiPHL0hWGJ3-DsM6Ym9J3iZmV90Jz0V_lfGADrQx6KosTT1eCylAKDQpO-SNcW_I5lpdXEN-ksfn08-y5OhXBfBawDeq3ROLjt9_M-0nnSGzh7IysM3HasqNvrMsFeFLvLrQv6e6cqMRQqx0wCGUoWi2Y5/s320/IMG_8992.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhao6D8_45NwILG46d73YclMihzHDt0hrQiPHL0hWGJ3-DsM6Ym9J3iZmV90Jz0V_lfGADrQx6KosTT1eCylAKDQpO-SNcW_I5lpdXEN-ksfn08-y5OhXBfBawDeq3ROLjt9_M-0nnSGzh7IysM3HasqNvrMsFeFLvLrQv6e6cqMRQqx0wCGUoWi2Y5/w400-h300/IMG_8992.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Captain Henry rallies Lt Stone's M3 Scout Car...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUmZCkTKSjJcLDqoOT42fSIsFLYq2Pl0LZK254jkdk3qVnUA6ju2niKhdcwboBPrzLSXIfSEkDYN5Ev-M2SRyseb-yPc8cEXNzGyk7IGYnBj8o9d8Gqi4FaMe5irfjBakczXsqIppNOqzrS7uBYiiM3u3SbebB_hdZ9wVfa6zyKeadGMCZfBi-3yuI/s4032/IMG_8993.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUmZCkTKSjJcLDqoOT42fSIsFLYq2Pl0LZK254jkdk3qVnUA6ju2niKhdcwboBPrzLSXIfSEkDYN5Ev-M2SRyseb-yPc8cEXNzGyk7IGYnBj8o9d8Gqi4FaMe5irfjBakczXsqIppNOqzrS7uBYiiM3u3SbebB_hdZ9wVfa6zyKeadGMCZfBi-3yuI/w400-h300/IMG_8993.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>And Lt Stone leads Sgt Bell's Stuart and Lt Royals' halftracks across the South Bridge.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0CWIwX4y4V3RrUdWJ7gkU_o34aOmkYZdVHyPKfvSbWFerHPmLzrQ5VqC6OV1MsSyk3WIn64U7FREk4AqcFbAwhjqllV8zS0VxLrGuWSKAbItP2zPUlQo6cJRyVz05R7aVu58dwG7ufdmpcYbnFhzOrLdYBOidM0fSL7PaYwhaAe4NlVU-aSTLkL4F/s4032/IMG_8994.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0CWIwX4y4V3RrUdWJ7gkU_o34aOmkYZdVHyPKfvSbWFerHPmLzrQ5VqC6OV1MsSyk3WIn64U7FREk4AqcFbAwhjqllV8zS0VxLrGuWSKAbItP2zPUlQo6cJRyVz05R7aVu58dwG7ufdmpcYbnFhzOrLdYBOidM0fSL7PaYwhaAe4NlVU-aSTLkL4F/w400-h300/IMG_8994.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>While Cpl Buchanon's Stuart moves up, onto the North Bridge (center right), as Cpl Brock's 37mm ATG (bottom left)...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCG4WsW3YtmF7i-gWMr2WAidZzv1qbnMUYh-glOxrAVffQdMlNBKPOyV-7Gx2S3ABaEi3R6LPjRepD6chh2Vs7MUprTx0h-UCFEn5u5LdlqsS73Z4HJ055rCvzLhi7xMjmRn2ey1g06PWKBGSgBeokN4LNCJrhRhr7CJc7cW18ApXzIr34hcUREuLn/s4032/IMG_8995.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCG4WsW3YtmF7i-gWMr2WAidZzv1qbnMUYh-glOxrAVffQdMlNBKPOyV-7Gx2S3ABaEi3R6LPjRepD6chh2Vs7MUprTx0h-UCFEn5u5LdlqsS73Z4HJ055rCvzLhi7xMjmRn2ey1g06PWKBGSgBeokN4LNCJrhRhr7CJc7cW18ApXzIr34hcUREuLn/w400-h300/IMG_8995.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Unlimbers and sets up.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5kU7qMXBuIWQY8MsbRFkTPZ-PridecR6ZWW25WZYBxidq_681tuubb1HOXPDc4BaHW0v0C-gbfUCs9K8UZS_88rlVReSow1hy2jD8MbO37o7I_oPddP4WFE8zrLfSshnf-p3fj612PXvV8kVdSuUeHhsXc8Q0gggni7FeE38mRu-VoLL95yqXpbWo/s4032/IMG_8996.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5kU7qMXBuIWQY8MsbRFkTPZ-PridecR6ZWW25WZYBxidq_681tuubb1HOXPDc4BaHW0v0C-gbfUCs9K8UZS_88rlVReSow1hy2jD8MbO37o7I_oPddP4WFE8zrLfSshnf-p3fj612PXvV8kVdSuUeHhsXc8Q0gggni7FeE38mRu-VoLL95yqXpbWo/w400-h300/IMG_8996.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>But the buzzards are back!!!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYHnwY9_UolQzRJbnfHtEPGTaflqj-XD0sEZq1v8LiGNN8hkIe3BhcR0H3uCaguSUtbNYcptA7CJrZ5Te87hxNLw1Bw_mAPhsz7Vxk1plAYJJsHtBcOfq1W4BaZ8Ahd5M_P8J6ZhE7r7OHNKkD3ixt38994QufXM-1R8eB6UPiEE1NRt5PXjIpYw-z/s4032/IMG_8997.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYHnwY9_UolQzRJbnfHtEPGTaflqj-XD0sEZq1v8LiGNN8hkIe3BhcR0H3uCaguSUtbNYcptA7CJrZ5Te87hxNLw1Bw_mAPhsz7Vxk1plAYJJsHtBcOfq1W4BaZ8Ahd5M_P8J6ZhE7r7OHNKkD3ixt38994QufXM-1R8eB6UPiEE1NRt5PXjIpYw-z/w400-h300/IMG_8997.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The Stukas return to their old hunting ground near the North Bridge, but they don't spot Cpl Buchanon's tank on the bridge, so they settle on Cpl Brock's ATG (left bottom)...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGGmnSVWu6kGjQ6BzsnCV4awd1hUFko2pRpkjJIVnB8NQ8nM8Kvceyu_4-5CgFvHaxXHSaFZSgsi1pxKhjftgC-UvQlJm_5CjyH3KoFYiKafAj3iK6b36UB8Uj6b1ElrOoL-bX7CGGcq70iLPlR9OxTX94nvFbZeTYcm9o2K87A8WgUrA1nbRkyDSq/s4032/IMG_8998.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGGmnSVWu6kGjQ6BzsnCV4awd1hUFko2pRpkjJIVnB8NQ8nM8Kvceyu_4-5CgFvHaxXHSaFZSgsi1pxKhjftgC-UvQlJm_5CjyH3KoFYiKafAj3iK6b36UB8Uj6b1ElrOoL-bX7CGGcq70iLPlR9OxTX94nvFbZeTYcm9o2K87A8WgUrA1nbRkyDSq/w400-h300/IMG_8998.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>And Cpl Brock and his crew go down in a storm of steel produced by the deadly dive bombers...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE3ywbpIyrAryOfQmes3Rm8wIRmT1sAPIGEIqlBLtH1cAUKIrUeijIGHrris94xv9CdD1EkvzqF4uno3mFZU4Ttmt_yNy2G2-8FFY70nrwQwd4SkotPtcxlnnjf_r4ZhwoqAuNLkZ1gvz2LO4Ecccj1iuXuOUv9pUBg9rqoe6WO16Wx083luTs_Qrc/s4032/IMG_8999.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE3ywbpIyrAryOfQmes3Rm8wIRmT1sAPIGEIqlBLtH1cAUKIrUeijIGHrris94xv9CdD1EkvzqF4uno3mFZU4Ttmt_yNy2G2-8FFY70nrwQwd4SkotPtcxlnnjf_r4ZhwoqAuNLkZ1gvz2LO4Ecccj1iuXuOUv9pUBg9rqoe6WO16Wx083luTs_Qrc/w400-h300/IMG_8999.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Thanking their lucky stars the southern column wasn't targeted*, the US crew serves (bottom left) continue pounding the German main trenchline (top right)...</div><div><br /></div><div>*I thought about weighting the die roll towards the southern column since it represented such a big, juicy target, but in the end I didn't, weighting the two columns equally as I figured the German pilots would stand a decent chance of returning to the same spot they'd hit previously, and probably didn't have direct comms with the German troops on the ground, so didn't know the German CO would definitely have prioritized the southern column and the pilots would probably be a bit worried about committing a friendly fire incident (not sure the southern column was American, and even if it was, it's pretty close to the German troops).</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfGSSROtEIHWDrh5hIad9mm9MHG3ov68wCzNanMZyQBnlqQ9ukIc2tjqcD5lp5pZRt40Ss3sop6eLO7bsf1qH9o8-Er2FerN7OgMTtEA5IwzVZfzJSb9g1b1CqDU7dlwQXWYASmHWe_bdLyZN9WTb1Nw8C83N-pPoXTPQ9R5oZzLemUL0Y2kp2eDBs/s4032/IMG_9001.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfGSSROtEIHWDrh5hIad9mm9MHG3ov68wCzNanMZyQBnlqQ9ukIc2tjqcD5lp5pZRt40Ss3sop6eLO7bsf1qH9o8-Er2FerN7OgMTtEA5IwzVZfzJSb9g1b1CqDU7dlwQXWYASmHWe_bdLyZN9WTb1Nw8C83N-pPoXTPQ9R5oZzLemUL0Y2kp2eDBs/w400-h300/IMG_9001.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The American machine gun and mortar fire suppresses the motorcycle squad and armored car at the trenchline (center/right)!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzluB5CRHr-0dhrxtuOMwFFpchQ0BhMNYvvrJgQJ9-6ze4shcsWNHE4FRtXVTfHiHuxo3sdHrLoNHhXgysn51lmE8o2QFXnEdot6e2docplCLFoWXnZn_3c3NsNQ7uNe2M-gg6jbFu0esP0Syv-VuOBmAZu46r5dw9-e7vvaN05zZCgkH62zhIs3cL/s4032/IMG_9002.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzluB5CRHr-0dhrxtuOMwFFpchQ0BhMNYvvrJgQJ9-6ze4shcsWNHE4FRtXVTfHiHuxo3sdHrLoNHhXgysn51lmE8o2QFXnEdot6e2docplCLFoWXnZn_3c3NsNQ7uNe2M-gg6jbFu0esP0Syv-VuOBmAZu46r5dw9-e7vvaN05zZCgkH62zhIs3cL/w400-h300/IMG_9002.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>As Lt Stone's Scout Car leads the southern column into the enemy's rear (far right top)!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYOKp5gB0jOukKJ9fXv1rA7U_vWBW3oJEeKTvEE3hA1QrPwoa5Jdr3LJN5gIbAoljkmqPvql-rYdS7ikbyrGQ065Ej1EdWXiRCiGdZyzPz060DXNIe6o9AaBDIoKBQA2cAu_ch9xl6wwAyUWCYEbvKDhvzpa7B_M3dTwI8oREPds-fVmcRWad0mL_1/s4032/IMG_9003.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYOKp5gB0jOukKJ9fXv1rA7U_vWBW3oJEeKTvEE3hA1QrPwoa5Jdr3LJN5gIbAoljkmqPvql-rYdS7ikbyrGQ065Ej1EdWXiRCiGdZyzPz060DXNIe6o9AaBDIoKBQA2cAu_ch9xl6wwAyUWCYEbvKDhvzpa7B_M3dTwI8oREPds-fVmcRWad0mL_1/w400-h300/IMG_9003.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>But the German MG team, now atop the hill (bottom right, with the trenchline below it, at far right), slams the tripod into their supplementary position and open fire on the Americans (top left)...<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4z2FCbhp0kNuaGqHghaZ7fp647VJwKZrm6-jd-mrCRCF2yg35T2jct112Z7dewpcpEh7Imkwhi6Baf-qlgRUoYwr-ea6--4Gnjc4LKenWYqLex15_OuU3ZHHFQfV6dSPKeLgJDEdVxWMjH29mwQIQXTJDab3KtVEe8-i-Cqry9XXa8hL0oVHdqbE5/s4032/IMG_9004.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4z2FCbhp0kNuaGqHghaZ7fp647VJwKZrm6-jd-mrCRCF2yg35T2jct112Z7dewpcpEh7Imkwhi6Baf-qlgRUoYwr-ea6--4Gnjc4LKenWYqLex15_OuU3ZHHFQfV6dSPKeLgJDEdVxWMjH29mwQIQXTJDab3KtVEe8-i-Cqry9XXa8hL0oVHdqbE5/w400-h300/IMG_9004.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Lt Stone's Scout Car is engulfed in tracer fire and bursts into flames (right), and Sgt Bell's Stuart is pinned!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3LWwoXUHvbq1lpR5lt8sWVGVPTuvCtx_r5Y3_uBrVKYr7zI48c-ko4RYBBWMfls23hyCSZbYn-VXlEcuLw1c971zYpO9kjkr67ekEN6MtAfcZeRF0Toe4B6ukdKOFuGEjwMMjgtCSAdIlLVjkem4I-ZqfBRdAHS-NI78oUcOjQirgpCK8dpbVCdJ3/s4032/IMG_9005.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3LWwoXUHvbq1lpR5lt8sWVGVPTuvCtx_r5Y3_uBrVKYr7zI48c-ko4RYBBWMfls23hyCSZbYn-VXlEcuLw1c971zYpO9kjkr67ekEN6MtAfcZeRF0Toe4B6ukdKOFuGEjwMMjgtCSAdIlLVjkem4I-ZqfBRdAHS-NI78oUcOjQirgpCK8dpbVCdJ3/w400-h300/IMG_9005.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>While on the left, Cpl Buchanon is listening to the chaos coming over the radio net; frantic to help and confident he is in a position to catch the enemy unawares, he orders his driver to advance with all haste (top right, from far left)...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYyj9-43ZMJbfn_thDb_lIoe2jJJ1bIU_3KUs-i_TiAb2t_FXPHbkKYDhZjSokZd1iZeweFrnjvQIDCLi2mEVAGByShQuOgclOQxSwCTsNb2yG9dKMu8wXbzPSmmABZp_hCH-HGS9MZ4vaFT6ZLqmH5OHgP9I9RasZXa3TJQ_jr0lPCHkEf3uDhYnX/s4032/IMG_9006.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYyj9-43ZMJbfn_thDb_lIoe2jJJ1bIU_3KUs-i_TiAb2t_FXPHbkKYDhZjSokZd1iZeweFrnjvQIDCLi2mEVAGByShQuOgclOQxSwCTsNb2yG9dKMu8wXbzPSmmABZp_hCH-HGS9MZ4vaFT6ZLqmH5OHgP9I9RasZXa3TJQ_jr0lPCHkEf3uDhYnX/w400-h300/IMG_9006.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>But there's no way the veteran Germans don't have a rearguard posted, and Cpl Buchanon nearly wets himself when his tank finally advances far enough to see around the bend...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4eEzXVsU88gRB7RGi_M_bQ2z678nwPe8LEWpggyU5VPkgFhWeWmFYg0LWmcioyq2gpW8Joa7YUM2udBQ6UfEGJHo30pQbFrsJ9It9CdsghCxWHHL5v-7e9V9i1WYC6eAvOXMqCrHryTYVWwwAimkcc6hY6Edq-gQG9nKvWx-Q_qTkrF9MFIJNcfP1/s320/IMG_9007.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4eEzXVsU88gRB7RGi_M_bQ2z678nwPe8LEWpggyU5VPkgFhWeWmFYg0LWmcioyq2gpW8Joa7YUM2udBQ6UfEGJHo30pQbFrsJ9It9CdsghCxWHHL5v-7e9V9i1WYC6eAvOXMqCrHryTYVWwwAimkcc6hY6Edq-gQG9nKvWx-Q_qTkrF9MFIJNcfP1/w400-h300/IMG_9007.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The hardened Afrika Korps veterans don't hesitate, setting upon Cpl Buchanon's lone tank with handheld anti-tank mines and grenades...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBLxeeoYjEE1jxCX4SbZPtljr4NPGtaqd1agxse6nSmKRFpTq450In0m7ezTmlykpP69HqG6F8L64CWgBVyQ8Oxqz0Hj7lIyLGWj-Yjn_n4ueuvjm5Qrb7C75xp73FctaogyfyLntEXMiYZbWvYYKKEQLCX9jPX0OPgdFMMmEWD4NEwMGxBfBeIcO0/s4032/IMG_9008.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBLxeeoYjEE1jxCX4SbZPtljr4NPGtaqd1agxse6nSmKRFpTq450In0m7ezTmlykpP69HqG6F8L64CWgBVyQ8Oxqz0Hj7lIyLGWj-Yjn_n4ueuvjm5Qrb7C75xp73FctaogyfyLntEXMiYZbWvYYKKEQLCX9jPX0OPgdFMMmEWD4NEwMGxBfBeIcO0/w400-h300/IMG_9008.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Cpl Buchanon's Stuart goes up in flames.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifn2d_5vCPNqfp4of5fQ-uriIUx6_iCVKHBlS9lZLXIHInqBCbhEnzfcGGf7xYH8-ZpXuK7EhPQtd5ywtXRaH828NxjNx5dZrvHfzbBFiYdIxcaH9t4Ijm8Fc05m51Nv2bKtH5RyrPuA--Bk0887DFLWHwk1ictU5lJN3OgnzPmILRbalZeQ15aXJV/s4032/IMG_9009.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifn2d_5vCPNqfp4of5fQ-uriIUx6_iCVKHBlS9lZLXIHInqBCbhEnzfcGGf7xYH8-ZpXuK7EhPQtd5ywtXRaH828NxjNx5dZrvHfzbBFiYdIxcaH9t4Ijm8Fc05m51Nv2bKtH5RyrPuA--Bk0887DFLWHwk1ictU5lJN3OgnzPmILRbalZeQ15aXJV/w400-h300/IMG_9009.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Having bloodied the American forces sufficiently, the German CO orders his remaining forces to fall back...<br /><p>Holy crap, that sucked! The game was looking like a bit of a pushover, the US steadily attriting the German force, advancing at a steady pace, then wham-o, two Stuka strikes and two 'rash advances-got whacked' later, it's a win that doesn't really feel like a win. But it did feel like an interesting fight (at least to me), which is what I'm looking for. Yes, the US advances in the north and south were both very rash (Lt Stone leading Sgt Bell's Stuart and the infantry forward in the south and Cpl Buchanon's rush to relieve pressure on them by busting in the back door in the north), but please remember, I'm not playing one side against the other, trying to 'win' the game, I'm trying to get into the characters, do what I think they might have done in their specific situation, with the knowledge/situational awareness I think they would have had based on the tactical situation, their level of experience, and their temperament. And it could have worked; the German MG team only had a 1 in 6 chance (on 1D6) of knocking out Lt Stone's Scout Car, and the close combat between Cpl Buchanon's Stuart and the German dismounted motorcycle squad was a straight-up D6 vs D6 roll, no modifiers. He could have been a hero; if he wins that he knocks out the rear guard and advances on the suppressed armored car and motorcycle squad at the trenchline, which I probably would have simply had surrender. But he didn't...</p><p>Major Reisman was furious, and not shy at all about who he let know about it, berating Captain Henry in front of anyone interested in listening. "Sir," Captain Henry stuttered, " both bridges were taken..."<br /><br />"I don't give a good @#$%, Captain!!! What the @#$% kind of @#$% show were you running out there??? What the @#$% were you doing exactly??? I've seen monkey @#$%fights at the zoo better organized and executed than this!!! How many @#$%ing officers, NCOs, and men of mine do you think is permissible to get killed because of your @#$%ed up decision-making, exactly??? Lt Stone, Lt Hastings, Cpl Mixon, all dead, and Cpl Brock lost a @#$%ing leg!!! What the @#$% were doing out there, and why the #$% weren't YOU the one leading the attack!!!??? It really must have been hell, back there at the bridge, watching your command, MY men, get chopped to @#$%ing pieces!!! When are my @#$%ing leaders going to start @#$%ing leading??? You're a @#$%ing disgrace, get the @#$% outta my sight!!!"</p><p>Captain Thigpen gave it a few minutes, then moved to Captain Henry, empathizing with the man. "Hey, don't take the Old Man's piss and vinegar too hard, he just takes the losses personally, and wears it on his sleeve. It was a tough fight, and these Krauts ain't no slouches, and getting hit by Stukas, twice, there's nothing you can do about that. But you guys did a great job, you sprung Colonel Watters' tanks (of the 1st Battalion, 1st Armored Regiment), and they went and shot up a buncha Krauts, including one of their airfields, knocked out something like thirty-five airplanes on the ground, and the Brits are getting ready to attack Djedeida, so you did your job, and you did it well. The Krauts gave ya a bloody nose, and now you deal with it, learn from it. We're going to be seeing plenty of them, I suspect."</p><p>"Thanks, XO, I needed that. It's been... tough. We've only been in this war a month, and already I feel like I'm cracking up." "You're doing fine, Kevin, we're all learning this on the fly, just keep your nose to the grindstone," replied Captain Thigpen, "we're on the move, closing in on Tunis, things are looking up." But things weren't looking up; Captain Thigpen had no way of knowing, but the tanks of the German 10th Panzer Division were working their way south at that very moment, and "Group Djedeida" was forming up to defend and then counterattack from the east, looking to seal off Blade Force's penetration and bag it, as reinforcements were flowing into North Africa from Italy...</p><div><div>Let's get to some stats:<br /><br /></div><div>-the US had 15 men killed, wounded, or missing</div></div><div><br /></div><div>-the US had two M3 Scout Cars, two M3 Stuarts, one 37mm ATG, and one 3/4-ton truck destroyed</div><div><br /></div><div>-the Germans had 25 men killed, wounded, or missing</div><div><br /></div><div>-The Germans had one Sdkfz 234 armored car destroyed</div><div><br /></div><div>Characters:</div><p>-Sergeant Bell, Tank Commander, 2nd Tank Platoon, was recognized for his steady and calm demeanor and professionalism whilst knocking out an armored car with his M3 Stuart.</p><p>-Corporals Buckner (.30-cal MG team) and Mims (60mm mortar team) were recognized for their steady and calm demeanor and professionalism while providing incredibly accurate and deadly supporting fires on the main enemy defensive position throughout the battle.</p><p>-Corporal Buchannon, Tank Commander, 2nd Tank Platoon, was awarded the Purple Heart for being wounded by enemy infantry that close assaulted his tank (return: 15 Jan 1943). Major Reisman was so impressed by the story of Cpl Buchannon's audacity that he immediately visited him in the Battalion Aid Station and meritoriously promoted him to Sergeant. "When you get outta here, I want you right back in that commander's cupola, Sergeant Buchannon, and I want you every bit as aggressive as you showed today," gushed the Major.</p><p>-Corporal Brock, Anti-Tank Gun Crew Leader, Anti-Tank Gun Platoon, was awarded the Purple Heart for being wounded by an enemy air attack. Cpl Brock's injuries were so severe as to require evacuation to the United States and medical retirement.</p><p>-2nd Lt Stone, Platoon Leader, Armored Car Platoon, was Killed in Action by enemy machine gun fire.</p><p>-2nd Lt Hastings, Platoon Leader, 2nd Tank Platoon, was Killed in Action by enemy air attack.</p><p>-Corporal Mixon, Vehicle Commander, Armored Car Platoon, was Killed in Action by enemy air attack.</p><p>I've been pretty lucky so far with casualty rolls, but this was one of the ugliest: five characters were hit, and I rolled up three KIA, one invalid, and one out for a month. Ouch...</p><p>A costly victory, and the mood of the advance party of TF Reisman is darkening. The troops were happy (the officers not so much) when Major Reisman arrived, but it was a bit of a shock when they realized the two M3 Grant tank platoons and the two Rifle Companies weren't with him. With casualties mounting, the men of the Armored Recon Company and the two Stuart tank platoons are beginning to feel a bit hung out to dry. "Why are we the ones shouldering all the load?" Even the Major was feeling it...</p><p>But much more urgent matters were to hand, in the form of Panzer IVs, with long 75mm guns, crashing in from the north...</p><p>Coming right up!</p><p>V/R,<br />Jack<br /><br /></p></div>Just Jackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03552962741823929433noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8660216775038377627.post-19377864128610877812023-02-26T19:11:00.000-08:002023-02-26T19:11:13.577-08:00Hell on Wheels, 'Blade Force' Fight #8<p> All,</p><p>0830 Local Time<br />25 November 1942<br />Near Chouigoui, French Tunisia</p><p>Following victory in Morocco, Task Force Reisman was split up and sent to the winds, with some flung out to secure distant objectives (against no opposition), some held back to secure the coast and lines of communication, and others detailed to guard, process, and repatriate POWs, or even to assist in the cleanup of harbors and assist in offloading incoming gear.</p><p>Not soon after, high command decided to take a stab at seizing Tunis and Bizerte, in faraway French Tunisia, looking to catch the Germans, who had plenty going on facing off against the British 8th Army in the east, off guard. TF Reisman was hastily assembled and attached to the US 1st Armored Regiment, though this actually amounted to only a single tank battalion of M-3 Stuarts as the other battalions were busy turning in their M-3 Grants for the new M-4 Shermans and being trained on them. In any case, TF Reisman was attached to 1st Armored Regiment, which was placed under the command of British Colonel Richard Hull, who now commanded what was called "Blade Force," consisting of the British 17th/21st Lancers (tank regiment) and infantry, artillery, and support elements from the 11th Brigade Group, in addition to the Americans. These were the right-hand pincer darting into Tunisa, aimed at Tunis, as the British 36th Infantry Brigade was the left-hand pincer, aimed at Bizerte.</p><p>The left-hand pincer made better progress, entering Tunisia first and then running into heavy enemy resistance at Djebel Abid, along the road to Bizerte, on 17 Nov 1942. Heavy fighting resulted in a stalemate, with a renewed attack scheduled for 24 Nov 1942. This was when Blade Force finally entered the fray, further south, on the road to Tunis, though the left-hand pincer's attack was called off due to torrential seasonal rains. Nevertheless, Blade Force pushed east, towards Chouigoui Pass, on its way to the city of Djedeida.</p><p>Along the way across Algeria, TF Reisman became quite strung out and eventually split into an advanced element consisting of its light tanks and reconnaissance elements, and a main body, consisting of its medium tanks and infantry, as the scout cars, Stuart tanks, and halftracks found the approximately 900-mile road march a bit easier than the heavier Grant tanks and trucks of the infantry companies. With that, Captain Thigpen, the Executive Officer (XO) of TF Reisman, found himself in command of the advanced element, leading the way into Tunisia and Chouigoui Pass.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJr58hiJIpg2P_dPz2vJPciJTfayYefP7V1HlikVIds4ZeaNDnlfpgs2bV8SyxPacNZGspP9EdIa9Ze9TKfGJG6Nh0TH34KWd38O3G4cuXITQ9OJ4AQp4FuWvl2oyHLDqiQ5b7qNl4rjXWMhZCVuGzIkX5_gLBTRuxjJ_pxSK4-4RMsvqMapEm0hVR/s4032/IMG_8857.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJr58hiJIpg2P_dPz2vJPciJTfayYefP7V1HlikVIds4ZeaNDnlfpgs2bV8SyxPacNZGspP9EdIa9Ze9TKfGJG6Nh0TH34KWd38O3G4cuXITQ9OJ4AQp4FuWvl2oyHLDqiQ5b7qNl4rjXWMhZCVuGzIkX5_gLBTRuxjJ_pxSK4-4RMsvqMapEm0hVR/w400-h300/IMG_8857.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Overview, north is up. The objective is to capture (or hold) the crossroads and walled farm in the southeast (bottom right). The area is well framed by rocky ridges and outcroppings, with scrub and broken ground throughout, interrupted only by the two hardball roads and an olive grove in the center of the table. The Americans of TF Reisman will enter from the left, while the Axis forces are defending east (right) of the north/south running road at right. At top right are two rocky appendages rising up out of the desert, which the GIs of TF Reisman quickly dubbed "Two Sisters."</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkcSOrMaMR3u1Kvyc0URfbDzvqG0ypvA6aZeMh6sj3xvylUpDOC_BOjeopNRWYCF37EkBeWbbxcwhn3ydwgpuJJmX7WNWd42BuvyKRA9VSI_Q57dvJ3XnaLBR04dLdX7gDRq4gD4ilAJC01d-QEQdhUx2gvx9EOw5n_-cixbVwjuNcEDtc3RyVTJv4/s4032/IMG_8858.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkcSOrMaMR3u1Kvyc0URfbDzvqG0ypvA6aZeMh6sj3xvylUpDOC_BOjeopNRWYCF37EkBeWbbxcwhn3ydwgpuJJmX7WNWd42BuvyKRA9VSI_Q57dvJ3XnaLBR04dLdX7gDRq4gD4ilAJC01d-QEQdhUx2gvx9EOw5n_-cixbVwjuNcEDtc3RyVTJv4/w400-h300/IMG_8858.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The opposing force, with Americans on the left and the joint German-Italian defenders on the right.</div><div><br /></div><div>I'm a little worried for this fight; it sure looks to me like I'm putting too many troops on the table...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPXRusAIrI58Pd0DxOjDz7pSt3N0pMSh0qYxOLy42PUHNZn1By2XbDl1c0XXLEtkIGGB1f_KJSwvkWCoq7auHylAi006DOXMzK2OkYL79EYE9pNBqwOH_KgAstiwKzEtzukbLkJMJK-gM-d_A1iDUZXHqjAR4IRK7-x2JakhFSIY6TNjT-JfZmXZHK/s4032/IMG_8859.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPXRusAIrI58Pd0DxOjDz7pSt3N0pMSh0qYxOLy42PUHNZn1By2XbDl1c0XXLEtkIGGB1f_KJSwvkWCoq7auHylAi006DOXMzK2OkYL79EYE9pNBqwOH_KgAstiwKzEtzukbLkJMJK-gM-d_A1iDUZXHqjAR4IRK7-x2JakhFSIY6TNjT-JfZmXZHK/w400-h300/IMG_8859.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The Yank force is broken down as follows:<br />Overall Commander: Captain Thigpen, TF XO</div><div><br /></div><div>1st Tank Platoon, Tank Company</div><div>-2nd Lt Figures</div><div>-Sgt Simpson</div><div>-Sgt Daigle</div><div>-Sgt Gibson</div><div>-Sgt Parella</div><div><br /></div><div>1st Armored Infantry Platoon, Armored Reconnaissance Company</div><div>-2nd Lt Woodson</div><div>-AT: Cpl Greene</div><div>-1st Squad: Cpl Haggans</div><div>-2nd Squad: Sgt Anderson</div><div>-3rd Squad: Sgt Carrington</div><div>-MG Team: Cpl Harrison</div><div>-Mortar Team: Cpl Zgnonina</div><div><br /></div><div>Elements of the Armored Car Platoon</div><div>-Sgt Foster</div><div>-Sgt Perry</div><div><br /></div><div>Elements of the Self-Propelled Gun Platoon</div><div>-2nd Lt Robinson</div><div>-Sgt Lee</div><div><br /></div><div>Elements of the Anti-Tank Gun Platoon</div><div>-Sgt Strelczyk</div><div>-Sgt Glenn</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBLyTPerdyeWdx1850468521jRv3-e5SZHVHK14erpNrUhcbRMOZqeAob-r0Ud4JeKCzHjfB8TxedZqjUUcCisru7CgMquN8PrJL-EzHOiqGDl5QtJC_dzJFIMqno0juKFX7BcEVWg8o_tJ5NK9OlNhZWDWPA80MDhdXn8a09Zi_t9ocdzuDjJTJD3/s4032/IMG_8860.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBLyTPerdyeWdx1850468521jRv3-e5SZHVHK14erpNrUhcbRMOZqeAob-r0Ud4JeKCzHjfB8TxedZqjUUcCisru7CgMquN8PrJL-EzHOiqGDl5QtJC_dzJFIMqno0juKFX7BcEVWg8o_tJ5NK9OlNhZWDWPA80MDhdXn8a09Zi_t9ocdzuDjJTJD3/w400-h300/IMG_8860.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The Axis defenders, a joint German and Italian force. The Axis force is commanded by a German Captain of paratroopers (Fallschirmjaeger). He has under his command:<br />-A platoon of German Parachute Engineers (Platon Leader and three engineer squads)</div><div>-A platoon of German Parachute Machine Guns (Platoon Leader, three MG-42 machine guns, and one 8.0cm mortar team)</div><div>-A platoon of Italian anti-tank guns (two 47mm guns -Cannone da 47/32 M35- manned by Italian infantry)</div><div>-A platoon of Italian tanks (five M13/40)</div><div><br /></div><div>I've really set this up as too tough a nut to crack for the Yanks, and it wasn't supposed to be this hard. I've set this up to be an armored rapier up against a veteran, determined, resilient, and LARGE defense... In real life, the Americans caught the unsuspecting Axis force fairly unawares and was able to push past them pretty easily, as well as the next line at the Medjerda River, freeing Blade Force to dash ahead to Djedeida Airfield, where they destroyed quite a number of German aircraft on the ground! </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsKacsMvHvIaTEufprhS3TsF5Dl3j_V6Qa7sTGbN_97pr6hoVPyz8k4sBkGLZmOA4URVxLiUQ8I1Ez6VcyuXNsr8Y_iPKV5jEDERSk0FN_MSCRo82oQ_wjm6VbjOKy26LEn41cvkjYULinVwp02CujdlBNZZDFb8oDeA9Zl8Z-NHdzgNrBOZ9ZIjG5/s4032/IMG_8861.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsKacsMvHvIaTEufprhS3TsF5Dl3j_V6Qa7sTGbN_97pr6hoVPyz8k4sBkGLZmOA4URVxLiUQ8I1Ez6VcyuXNsr8Y_iPKV5jEDERSk0FN_MSCRo82oQ_wjm6VbjOKy26LEn41cvkjYULinVwp02CujdlBNZZDFb8oDeA9Zl8Z-NHdzgNrBOZ9ZIjG5/w400-h300/IMG_8861.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Overview, now with troops. On the far right you can see the enemy's entire baseline filled to the gills with troops and tanks, while on the left you can see the US mechanized force streaming into the valley at three separate locations (top left, far left, and bottom left).</div><div><br /></div><div>As you can see, this battle has another aspect going against the Yanks; it's an ambush! I rolled to see who saw who first and, of course, the Axis troops, being dug-in and stationary, won. But not just that; the wily German FJ Captain decided not to open fire on the encroaching US forces as soon as they appeared! Instead, he has decided to allow the Americans to continue advancing into the waiting guns of his men.</div><div><br /></div><div>I'm giving a lot of thought to this right now... I've set it up and plan on playing tomorrow morning, and I'm not happy with how I've allowed this to shape up. I was planning on allowing the Germans to have extra options regarding morale (each side normally has one command stand that gets a 'free' activation each turn to attempt to motivate his troops, I was thinking to allow the Germans to have three!), and treating they and their Italian allies otherwise as 'normal.' Now I'm thinking to either cut the German command stands to only one, or keep it three, but only allow them to affect Germans troops, not Italians), and/or to make the Italians less capable (in terms of firing dice) and/or more fickle, i.e., allow the Americans additional Shock dice when firing at Italians, and when the Italians attempt to rally, instead of rolling 1D6 and accepting the result, have them roll 2D6 and accept the worse of the two. I kind of don't like it, because the Italians left in the fight at this stage of the game should be relatively well motivated and capable (some Bersaglieri in Tunisia were actually commended by Rommel!), but damn, if I do all that in this fight, with a huge defensive force and an ambush, I fear the Yanks are going to get annihilated...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiduUpl1dpF1QB3vClTeKrlT5KO-oUpsNyCqJaQx9abaHnHaxPx-LlvQD7hjDfEIzbkDIL4IcCaaGeuvpxwP8QV_EafzRx1t_lNP1k18f3zShrNxJQNDCTXkwZou9XhW96NOLlymQwrdRz84IHA7Metg6XTLmu0UyAKMH4Rf5pfcRRdruz7Va4livYF/s4032/IMG_8862.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiduUpl1dpF1QB3vClTeKrlT5KO-oUpsNyCqJaQx9abaHnHaxPx-LlvQD7hjDfEIzbkDIL4IcCaaGeuvpxwP8QV_EafzRx1t_lNP1k18f3zShrNxJQNDCTXkwZou9XhW96NOLlymQwrdRz84IHA7Metg6XTLmu0UyAKMH4Rf5pfcRRdruz7Va4livYF/w400-h300/IMG_8862.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The US baseline, with three armored tentacles stretching east into the desert.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPbnheIJCyJyfudfEQwk7Ld1NeDmUY4oAPFylVYHZNL7S_ODzILOaiNkbZJm9uN4d6prOWBcD7R42ZQrcyOPtX9adxBuvqHvjRui1t98ls7HGy9yUSoryoOb7lvFYuYKVznsL65po3yc_0nuRxPwOXinC1j3Ft3tywA92eEm0d98KNCWm8TSxOIday/s4032/IMG_8863.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPbnheIJCyJyfudfEQwk7Ld1NeDmUY4oAPFylVYHZNL7S_ODzILOaiNkbZJm9uN4d6prOWBcD7R42ZQrcyOPtX9adxBuvqHvjRui1t98ls7HGy9yUSoryoOb7lvFYuYKVznsL65po3yc_0nuRxPwOXinC1j3Ft3tywA92eEm0d98KNCWm8TSxOIday/w400-h300/IMG_8863.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>On the far left we have Lt Figures' tank platoon led by Sgt Foster's M3 Scout Car.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitUe8piy-TS5UGBusWiRfZo8iKgXIewbK0BN_NznDsVqrEO0YFupxe-Pn5hzI3shwfqCOZigmDZgRDAlVrzbS_WNdlhsKIMkn4uNXoaUCyV4QPBs4NQ2mR6XPaDh4cvnQb7YCdiFRs1V5urnF7YRarIPazZHK-f_tJLTND_USOHPpRt8jPLKvC9J1n/s4032/IMG_8864.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitUe8piy-TS5UGBusWiRfZo8iKgXIewbK0BN_NznDsVqrEO0YFupxe-Pn5hzI3shwfqCOZigmDZgRDAlVrzbS_WNdlhsKIMkn4uNXoaUCyV4QPBs4NQ2mR6XPaDh4cvnQb7YCdiFRs1V5urnF7YRarIPazZHK-f_tJLTND_USOHPpRt8jPLKvC9J1n/w400-h300/IMG_8864.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>In the center, the CO, Captain Thigpen, is leading Lt Robinson's M7 Priests and the two 37mm ATGs (still limbered).</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm4zvjq4x-5SOSCE5aRkGeaUQ7c-paUAwecFyPTlqnJG88j4hGk--Bb2BmbcAsAmH84bCVulm0BKR7bWxq1yRgeAcFTxt3xJF7y1vRljmhuugqMbG_SaddUziyYGsDtD9X8Gc3GX9t3rLRsm9weN1Vy6ZEZ_QuE_9F_5Cg9L8KY67xcuTq1Kzf9DbS/s4032/IMG_8865.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm4zvjq4x-5SOSCE5aRkGeaUQ7c-paUAwecFyPTlqnJG88j4hGk--Bb2BmbcAsAmH84bCVulm0BKR7bWxq1yRgeAcFTxt3xJF7y1vRljmhuugqMbG_SaddUziyYGsDtD9X8Gc3GX9t3rLRsm9weN1Vy6ZEZ_QuE_9F_5Cg9L8KY67xcuTq1Kzf9DbS/w400-h300/IMG_8865.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>While on the right, Lt Woodson's armored infantry platoon is being led by Sgt Perry's M3 Scout Car (top right).</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_9wA8bujaA4sip9ZQqqagazEYUrsD3wNFS_pPmzc7gb3f5TyfW94tHfudYpiv4w5h-n7n0nyqBHebeH1qssxCnSkFyMp99RppitvOzzxkXQqCGCyynOZJgJtvTyGRmIVgS8pfVe9l6zanXoNLtatE4mewJnKksbtB-C7LNB-Wove0Y0K2Mei6RGKS/s4032/IMG_8866.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_9wA8bujaA4sip9ZQqqagazEYUrsD3wNFS_pPmzc7gb3f5TyfW94tHfudYpiv4w5h-n7n0nyqBHebeH1qssxCnSkFyMp99RppitvOzzxkXQqCGCyynOZJgJtvTyGRmIVgS8pfVe9l6zanXoNLtatE4mewJnKksbtB-C7LNB-Wove0Y0K2Mei6RGKS/w400-h300/IMG_8866.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The Axis baseline: at bottom right, the German FJ Engineer Platoon is dug-in with one of the MG-42s at the Walled Farm, with an Italian ATG in support, just below the crossroads. The German CO and a pair of Italian tanks are hidden behind the bluffs in the center (right), while the other two German MG teams, their mortar team, the other Italian ATG, and the remainder of the Italian tanks are emplaced in and around Two Sisters (top right).</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEillf3TjjL5EJxKueg-upwDyhn_AvDP3iNHyE77Awepk0uzdjZxZ2ObYYlUnofyw33gu1gb97YEb2RhpDKs7rkyjA62e2Ibt3kQjIBA9Amd_yv8snoSSQ5CO4ZLyYVVs5usei1dBL4zokIBKV78eJvrGjMYhnOMiaX-0WsraLoPUT5wHdIMcOrIKPAb/s4032/IMG_8867.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEillf3TjjL5EJxKueg-upwDyhn_AvDP3iNHyE77Awepk0uzdjZxZ2ObYYlUnofyw33gu1gb97YEb2RhpDKs7rkyjA62e2Ibt3kQjIBA9Amd_yv8snoSSQ5CO4ZLyYVVs5usei1dBL4zokIBKV78eJvrGjMYhnOMiaX-0WsraLoPUT5wHdIMcOrIKPAb/w400-h300/IMG_8867.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Two Sisters, showing the German MGs dug in on the military crests, the mortar team in the lee (right top), the Italian ATG just below them in the north (top center), and three Italian M13-40s ready to fight.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBDaNzif56EgdUfgDV3-YJuLLeFyrUGofEtHF4z_JAFPegmkQdNCaQXGq_7wghGHWepgO_zOL3My5qerVGfd--OeppzbWVbeZltUOdjKMgku1tr0RFHqKK7RMsb6dbRH4V8HdGDphQ6Y0zlKh6dVMapSk8eOdPefAoOkk7H37rLZyWlcDgvP8JFMTg/s4032/IMG_8868.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBDaNzif56EgdUfgDV3-YJuLLeFyrUGofEtHF4z_JAFPegmkQdNCaQXGq_7wghGHWepgO_zOL3My5qerVGfd--OeppzbWVbeZltUOdjKMgku1tr0RFHqKK7RMsb6dbRH4V8HdGDphQ6Y0zlKh6dVMapSk8eOdPefAoOkk7H37rLZyWlcDgvP8JFMTg/w400-h300/IMG_8868.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The German CO and two Italian tanks in the center, behind the sheer bluffs. The Italian ATG at the crossroads is just visible at top left, the lower of the Two Sisters is just visible at bottom right.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1M1R-GSZ2Yrq9c87vuqCuQaeJ22ej-Mxst7rzpI_--7b6zjLHGF4hQeEdPAcbd2QSDU5dgQ4YlKiPgcCKswcMfUmaPz9Lhw_-I_Xe5-EunUNtEiHzYYTNfOuRO575P45tdCO3jvNnqnPavNIEU8wbwiYuKWH2OVIO0kI00p8_GWZvrJgUx0LsrZPO/s4032/IMG_8869.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1M1R-GSZ2Yrq9c87vuqCuQaeJ22ej-Mxst7rzpI_--7b6zjLHGF4hQeEdPAcbd2QSDU5dgQ4YlKiPgcCKswcMfUmaPz9Lhw_-I_Xe5-EunUNtEiHzYYTNfOuRO575P45tdCO3jvNnqnPavNIEU8wbwiYuKWH2OVIO0kI00p8_GWZvrJgUx0LsrZPO/w400-h300/IMG_8869.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The Walled Farm, showing the German FJ Engineer Platoon of a Platoon Leader and three engineer squads, with the Italian ATG in support (bottom center).</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXUvMqdH_OgtYlTUwX38fJwCn6YJoouTzc_YDUeceG3_deChkpVn0qKg2xfK4KaH4aml5QtBL_GZJoanvpuUIoN6lcVkoB2jAPLq3Sk6-2VegkLDdvtu4xAZCTvUaq5lVN7LyIQpWt8J58H9Y1NqvxxH3GlyLBtJDi_-PkPP2Wzwt7K8u-H4giffM1/s4032/IMG_8870.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXUvMqdH_OgtYlTUwX38fJwCn6YJoouTzc_YDUeceG3_deChkpVn0qKg2xfK4KaH4aml5QtBL_GZJoanvpuUIoN6lcVkoB2jAPLq3Sk6-2VegkLDdvtu4xAZCTvUaq5lVN7LyIQpWt8J58H9Y1NqvxxH3GlyLBtJDi_-PkPP2Wzwt7K8u-H4giffM1/w400-h300/IMG_8870.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>And they are actual engineers, picked up recently and painted by yours truly. I'm not a huge fan of these new plastic German FJ figures, but they're not bad, and I wanted the engineers to have flamethrowers (second guy from top), so there you go.</div><div><br /></div><div>So let's get this party started!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhVsF_tLLmATCc1zm285OiWdaROabLv7KxVvG5x4AeYD-xtnddjok5hDmpmCgKA3uKmsP4tCXw9Q3VO8eD25Q8vb4o_sugdDdgpZoHKb-KyOzan4SpnCbRM5N6AN8AJKBKzSqlo9K3q6Gb6cIBuWf_FTG72u7aCKrlMIOlvL55lQCrGs_lqp1VHQWb/s4032/IMG_8874.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhVsF_tLLmATCc1zm285OiWdaROabLv7KxVvG5x4AeYD-xtnddjok5hDmpmCgKA3uKmsP4tCXw9Q3VO8eD25Q8vb4o_sugdDdgpZoHKb-KyOzan4SpnCbRM5N6AN8AJKBKzSqlo9K3q6Gb6cIBuWf_FTG72u7aCKrlMIOlvL55lQCrGs_lqp1VHQWb/w400-h300/IMG_8874.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>So, after all my whining you're going to think I cheated, but I didn't: the Germans, in ambush positions, win the initiative, but then they promptly roll up a 'Scurry' (the black '1,' the red dice means nothing here, it's just what I use to see if a 'random event' occurs, which happens whenever I roll doubles on these dice)!!! For the uninitiated, this means the Germans are able to move but not fire, which is not particularly useful for a force in prepared defensive positions...</div><div><br /></div><div>Regarding narrative, what we'll say is the grizzled Fallschirmjaeger Captain has utterly no respect for the advancing Americans; the Italian tank platoon commander peers anxiously at the German Captain. "Herr comandante, don't you think we should engage them now?"<br /><br />"Nein, let them come! I want those vehicles intact, and if we open fire now we'd be forced to destroy them. So let them come; we'll give them a good burst of machine gun fire and into the bag they'll go," the German Captain smiled to himself.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqhEdP_HJLH5jYX3b0wFzo9G2YCKJyeS1i5SWF8g4fCS2DDiqxeCBKFowqGf_VSsHj0HJ4UxoqCqXhAqCu6XfXHdxhi4AglxYZPHGK9zt8UPWIGxqzCc5bCXuUlTkH_FgK8qzPZXxTSGktHKy-oBuS8CYeUzCaWL_RKBQ-e91pQ5dgIlo6EeVH78xF/s4032/IMG_8875.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqhEdP_HJLH5jYX3b0wFzo9G2YCKJyeS1i5SWF8g4fCS2DDiqxeCBKFowqGf_VSsHj0HJ4UxoqCqXhAqCu6XfXHdxhi4AglxYZPHGK9zt8UPWIGxqzCc5bCXuUlTkH_FgK8qzPZXxTSGktHKy-oBuS8CYeUzCaWL_RKBQ-e91pQ5dgIlo6EeVH78xF/w400-h300/IMG_8875.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Captain Thigpen (far left, with Lt Woodson's command track below him) looks on nervously as Sgt Perry pushes his M3 Scout Car forward (far right)...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw0Pbe7sCkZNaYM6zLD0JdCayLLEezLnNzoMvIMFeWVii_wp43cNnvGBU-RJXcGzuemUrXbwgC4_7Ife81tOb6EPb_X-PSc3a98h3dbVl62u6xwNgbzyIajWn_0KsM5RIhCNIsrdazxS4B_7jFO6d0Zc186SzfPjhlf1K64beKvhuYj3YdhGMrWWyJ/s4032/IMG_8876.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw0Pbe7sCkZNaYM6zLD0JdCayLLEezLnNzoMvIMFeWVii_wp43cNnvGBU-RJXcGzuemUrXbwgC4_7Ife81tOb6EPb_X-PSc3a98h3dbVl62u6xwNgbzyIajWn_0KsM5RIhCNIsrdazxS4B_7jFO6d0Zc186SzfPjhlf1K64beKvhuYj3YdhGMrWWyJ/w400-h300/IMG_8876.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Italian 47mm ATG in the north (bottom right) spots Sgt Perry's armored car (top left) and fires, angering the German FJ Captain; "well, I guess the fight is on..."</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpe-6R8COIkGJHZwwxvu8G0RcmOFHtSiJpizDc69Fut0CbBfCYWPzidTbPlo7W5KeP7uXT65g_nWwRNJXmEfDYshNzpURJYpmge-r2fbW9aITQUnHHhsR3us8Ri2nWw3JYe9ElRnBPpKDYAsTCGgzaaQtsLzBj11OqEZL3jIctV8SUx4GsbiqmpEbC/s4032/IMG_8877.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpe-6R8COIkGJHZwwxvu8G0RcmOFHtSiJpizDc69Fut0CbBfCYWPzidTbPlo7W5KeP7uXT65g_nWwRNJXmEfDYshNzpURJYpmge-r2fbW9aITQUnHHhsR3us8Ri2nWw3JYe9ElRnBPpKDYAsTCGgzaaQtsLzBj11OqEZL3jIctV8SUx4GsbiqmpEbC/w400-h300/IMG_8877.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The 47mm round misses and Sgt Perry's driver takes evasive action, pushing the Scout Car off road (bottom left), where they return fire with their M2 .50-cal MG, to no effect.</div><div><br /></div><div>His senses having dulled due to the many hours spent in the turret of his M3 Stuart moving cross country, Lt Figures (top left) is jerked back to reality by the sharp crack of the Italian anti-tank gun, and now he sees them: "tanks!!!"</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2AywXG0WZ2BbdXvDcNnhdH4eq0DPnhvcaLnARoVCBBCL7aDoFWphgneoCMLLR8NipkgbGsj8Hifq2KuXb06R8ykGeQwae4heNJHaJMbrgSrXEgL-Y3itS_mNPyhTrZwBJBAbySd1Iun3LDeUFY7xSbKyqJFlP6lZ2oEbBV5Q276I1dAQt8A_MoEs7/s4032/IMG_8878.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2AywXG0WZ2BbdXvDcNnhdH4eq0DPnhvcaLnARoVCBBCL7aDoFWphgneoCMLLR8NipkgbGsj8Hifq2KuXb06R8ykGeQwae4heNJHaJMbrgSrXEgL-Y3itS_mNPyhTrZwBJBAbySd1Iun3LDeUFY7xSbKyqJFlP6lZ2oEbBV5Q276I1dAQt8A_MoEs7/w400-h300/IMG_8878.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Lt Figures (right bottom, at the head of the tank platoon, with Sgt Foster's Scout Car ahead of him) lurches to a halt and fires a 37mm armor-piercing round at an Italian M11/41 tank between Two Sisters (top left)...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBicWLEh83j-buJdXUuKVgSvK9shoAx70UymlLderzgYG3ZrMInVNi0pjgeTffI6hQRkguY0r2-YtYHmL4kYQggIIPbv0q2keEPLNFE0XVKdwG05GEGsr4DqUJ5bTv8U0xrH3VthfB-F2ipx4Timr69UCYdv_DcgZcWfnETmcNAqgSiK2r_9m4BYie/s4032/IMG_8879.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBicWLEh83j-buJdXUuKVgSvK9shoAx70UymlLderzgYG3ZrMInVNi0pjgeTffI6hQRkguY0r2-YtYHmL4kYQggIIPbv0q2keEPLNFE0XVKdwG05GEGsr4DqUJ5bTv8U0xrH3VthfB-F2ipx4Timr69UCYdv_DcgZcWfnETmcNAqgSiK2r_9m4BYie/w400-h300/IMG_8879.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>The Italian tank is struck and the crew bales out!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8_zOETZjtWSUFx-Oj4i13OdP3NxklxvqQesKk5bGjjyUl16Ji7lxuuTUULQTJPnQINd69SXCAcxyBuzL8AOGs003wYWXYIbOHmojE2pHPUGQRSlDc7HPbVIek9PApgn-Z4-z5LTY9WIiwyl7ZhBDzyaI4CibRfCV2azPv4wTZpfmK6o1xvUL4EC2L/s320/IMG_8880.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8_zOETZjtWSUFx-Oj4i13OdP3NxklxvqQesKk5bGjjyUl16Ji7lxuuTUULQTJPnQINd69SXCAcxyBuzL8AOGs003wYWXYIbOHmojE2pHPUGQRSlDc7HPbVIek9PApgn-Z4-z5LTY9WIiwyl7ZhBDzyaI4CibRfCV2azPv4wTZpfmK6o1xvUL4EC2L/w400-h300/IMG_8880.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Lt Figures sees the hit and orders his driver forward (right bottom, just to the right of Sgt Foster's Scout Car, from left)...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi9reLHMki3D0LJC7213RkrKkF8BHrP7DwYLwpJKQEhhk9I-P7eAnxovLXmXJmUTM3bOCjunIAVFk0LQVH-AXmhv-iL2EzOIHe3qxeK2zVLANpWBmA1Ki84QwA96izHSojPrfHfxWvWGPQtRFbF994bDXVmWBwirtiAwUYTN9wmphFn_p1Z4O0cllJ/s4032/IMG_8881.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi9reLHMki3D0LJC7213RkrKkF8BHrP7DwYLwpJKQEhhk9I-P7eAnxovLXmXJmUTM3bOCjunIAVFk0LQVH-AXmhv-iL2EzOIHe3qxeK2zVLANpWBmA1Ki84QwA96izHSojPrfHfxWvWGPQtRFbF994bDXVmWBwirtiAwUYTN9wmphFn_p1Z4O0cllJ/w400-h300/IMG_8881.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>But another Italian tank (bottom right) is lying in wait and fires on Lt Figures' (top left) flank...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfKitAjh5xtEUWgbZjphnSBMCgMW4EMzu7dp0fMmJB-74dZYcRnNGo-Q8yZaYk9DF_nDgwtaVD0sUegMfeWDAzH6I1guhHg8sS2q0J_7FhJCvbSWPsMh8y-PUEg5JJqX_A7qSobCYhn3sVwumhrrfF3feh5anBWlFoKo2KBqhdvIVdkopG8yq5_cRJ/s320/IMG_8882.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfKitAjh5xtEUWgbZjphnSBMCgMW4EMzu7dp0fMmJB-74dZYcRnNGo-Q8yZaYk9DF_nDgwtaVD0sUegMfeWDAzH6I1guhHg8sS2q0J_7FhJCvbSWPsMh8y-PUEg5JJqX_A7qSobCYhn3sVwumhrrfF3feh5anBWlFoKo2KBqhdvIVdkopG8yq5_cRJ/w400-h300/IMG_8882.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The Stuart is hit and immobilized, but the crew stays put, despite Lt Figures being wounded!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC8RzPwXPXklIhhCMv8cWM_TlH4gAbdejVSmRGF21blT930CMvIDMDh5uh1XWtyaWxJFauHFRceTWYab2P-F6Kj_tgbMnpPS35bkVEWEsVl4-6yxkOZKntoEpHNb2zeZSAHpWa6jNrwQodyp-dI4LyzPVKRO8zKGkrPhc8E35a-VOLl1zQ05FRByUo/s4032/IMG_8883.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC8RzPwXPXklIhhCMv8cWM_TlH4gAbdejVSmRGF21blT930CMvIDMDh5uh1XWtyaWxJFauHFRceTWYab2P-F6Kj_tgbMnpPS35bkVEWEsVl4-6yxkOZKntoEpHNb2zeZSAHpWa6jNrwQodyp-dI4LyzPVKRO8zKGkrPhc8E35a-VOLl1zQ05FRByUo/w400-h300/IMG_8883.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Further back, Sgt Simpson's tank (bottom left, with Lt Figures' tank at center) spots an Italian tank (top center right) and fires. The 37mm round ricochets off the frontal armor, suppressing the crew.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggcW6xAQPvWxzNXuXvxwfJ_ddRl04qf8To_yg46hiQ0xrI-TLe4G23X8g4Iv5p4ASQZVEFqdzQFFHuKsSXMiuPB1N6cE-ESfYXDbJ1GGGzV1G3ycyeOvu8lSPePiI1o1W3NLvMCquSIXXN4fmwlpQpO_FavLrgC-hTluWf4VJSr3O62o2Rl54wB6Vn/s320/IMG_8884.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggcW6xAQPvWxzNXuXvxwfJ_ddRl04qf8To_yg46hiQ0xrI-TLe4G23X8g4Iv5p4ASQZVEFqdzQFFHuKsSXMiuPB1N6cE-ESfYXDbJ1GGGzV1G3ycyeOvu8lSPePiI1o1W3NLvMCquSIXXN4fmwlpQpO_FavLrgC-hTluWf4VJSr3O62o2Rl54wB6Vn/w400-h300/IMG_8884.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>And Sgt Simpson pushes his Stuart up on the US left (top center, above Sgt Foster's Scout Car, from far left).</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzKGdQHPeyUnCQY1xMz3miQATubxUglX2wZz8SZXTYyRouExCCKYv6g6tSzgJA1mYt8VDoRbTrQQ-xR95ElFfQpkoN84YR-fXiEZ8R3aZyAGAZdukttRfws_HC4MMQepqqVlsWsAjlPevNgSiyN8HDIlJKSAs1lf9hRblFwTYgIZM_APt3dLwcelwG/s4032/IMG_8885.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzKGdQHPeyUnCQY1xMz3miQATubxUglX2wZz8SZXTYyRouExCCKYv6g6tSzgJA1mYt8VDoRbTrQQ-xR95ElFfQpkoN84YR-fXiEZ8R3aZyAGAZdukttRfws_HC4MMQepqqVlsWsAjlPevNgSiyN8HDIlJKSAs1lf9hRblFwTYgIZM_APt3dLwcelwG/w400-h300/IMG_8885.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>One of the German MGs on Two Sisters (bottom right) opens fire on Sgt Simpson's Stuart (top left), but the good Sergeant simply drops down into the turret and carries on.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHldU0WjlK5BZQ9XjsmUy7BE8YpOjaJZ9iE_O5ocbmBb7HM2PW8Knw8cv_7YaOLbWDeA2LWc2HbJ7_uJ_CYf44Ss3H_ATqfdNXh2j0_sr-WHN7lPqUF2yaCZoFIg0uhnODZ8OUkXF-LZGqm8I21vjVSL47oMBHzQqsbstrmm5wd7Ncnq7C75lQW2zj/s4032/IMG_8886.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHldU0WjlK5BZQ9XjsmUy7BE8YpOjaJZ9iE_O5ocbmBb7HM2PW8Knw8cv_7YaOLbWDeA2LWc2HbJ7_uJ_CYf44Ss3H_ATqfdNXh2j0_sr-WHN7lPqUF2yaCZoFIg0uhnODZ8OUkXF-LZGqm8I21vjVSL47oMBHzQqsbstrmm5wd7Ncnq7C75lQW2zj/w400-h300/IMG_8886.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Lt Robinson's M7 Priest (bottom left) opens fire on Two Sisters (top right) but doesn't hit anything...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD03T7MXiMIb6SzS4cqvsrXTHAUfoJ-g-f6kKJMzyZztLnF76nysUfji25_0FdtNIgAk3Sg9Odrk4AmKC_usdqPeWofLdcYf7T6XfyYLW57_5Kp4k1yHmg3ElE_nioVBy6RQ-ePysxRPKf_ouarih81sn9wblhk2A9kAR7iYsxV4lGXU5ksNz5a5oR/s4032/IMG_8887.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD03T7MXiMIb6SzS4cqvsrXTHAUfoJ-g-f6kKJMzyZztLnF76nysUfji25_0FdtNIgAk3Sg9Odrk4AmKC_usdqPeWofLdcYf7T6XfyYLW57_5Kp4k1yHmg3ElE_nioVBy6RQ-ePysxRPKf_ouarih81sn9wblhk2A9kAR7iYsxV4lGXU5ksNz5a5oR/w400-h300/IMG_8887.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>And as he pushes his self-propelled gun forward (bottom left), near the olive grove...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgipKG5nsZ7jfhO2itiFgjdZKB0BbdfokwzYlLTg8y9QAdU6DhFHR3-HNgfZ8AoPkxhHgYnoAR8zSXgKxS5Td8_gGj7vCYQgdLpV6JAENQ4muLsh8EWWlooMc_mTvdfXt_A_b_CNhjoFW1v1pHw47BbWxKSFVvOz-FracZ8oafJyhuQ6hJ52DFFozTt/s4032/IMG_8888.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgipKG5nsZ7jfhO2itiFgjdZKB0BbdfokwzYlLTg8y9QAdU6DhFHR3-HNgfZ8AoPkxhHgYnoAR8zSXgKxS5Td8_gGj7vCYQgdLpV6JAENQ4muLsh8EWWlooMc_mTvdfXt_A_b_CNhjoFW1v1pHw47BbWxKSFVvOz-FracZ8oafJyhuQ6hJ52DFFozTt/w400-h300/IMG_8888.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>It (top left) is engaged by the other Italian 47mm ATG (bottom right, just above the walled village).</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4RSQkQqtj-M7Iso2CRjP9bi1Uljm6lCHcHJ7WvQCngaPsIY1b4WaedZSly8QpNFP66UXN-jowZoDyRLWXThFrsLYhRsogmB4I3O2CiTkxw4ZUPfCydXg746zpLFjoqCLXmq8zgnQocrGSwDaP28w7hc8eMO1jprrtwWKD5JYhiPVHls3rMFLiF0UO/s4032/IMG_8889.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4RSQkQqtj-M7Iso2CRjP9bi1Uljm6lCHcHJ7WvQCngaPsIY1b4WaedZSly8QpNFP66UXN-jowZoDyRLWXThFrsLYhRsogmB4I3O2CiTkxw4ZUPfCydXg746zpLFjoqCLXmq8zgnQocrGSwDaP28w7hc8eMO1jprrtwWKD5JYhiPVHls3rMFLiF0UO/w400-h300/IMG_8889.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The M7 Priest is holed and immobilized, but again the American crew decides to stick it out, even though their vehicle commander is wounded.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW7OpZRkb4IsUQb70q8n0-Ar2L5M5PKkMU3ppe-ndHsPsfS1_BEs14Vk_fzgx-1TndyEAe46b8x9ncVvOSj4B1CrZvzJ7eT9LRClVB1T12RruEANGgicdorZVUvwy1rH6b03Ped2RjS44ODRMbaiOluAIygsrsByqD_xpSmlZrrerJ19waCNyTrxI7/s4032/IMG_8890.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW7OpZRkb4IsUQb70q8n0-Ar2L5M5PKkMU3ppe-ndHsPsfS1_BEs14Vk_fzgx-1TndyEAe46b8x9ncVvOSj4B1CrZvzJ7eT9LRClVB1T12RruEANGgicdorZVUvwy1rH6b03Ped2RjS44ODRMbaiOluAIygsrsByqD_xpSmlZrrerJ19waCNyTrxI7/w400-h300/IMG_8890.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>With things heating up in the center and on the left, Lt Woodson wisely decides the time for getting off the road has arrived, so he pushes his platoon of Armored Infantry forward, then right, looking to take advantage of the cover provided by a nearby ridgeline (far right).</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbMqAYVQiNuFcFMiqoh8LYsKyZnDybkfyLDPfhbCxKRIBKuzXgDprhD7goewqlA-v1J5bP5FCezGR0vFx2EphdAFElFTq8BbBqX85oOZm2MsHKflzaS4xQBK4bJ6fR4VigPQSU3sNl-n8L1L5NlUlsrYzG3_OquvXZp5QfMJ2hDA3BZhG9hhkX983j/s4032/IMG_8891.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbMqAYVQiNuFcFMiqoh8LYsKyZnDybkfyLDPfhbCxKRIBKuzXgDprhD7goewqlA-v1J5bP5FCezGR0vFx2EphdAFElFTq8BbBqX85oOZm2MsHKflzaS4xQBK4bJ6fR4VigPQSU3sNl-n8L1L5NlUlsrYzG3_OquvXZp5QfMJ2hDA3BZhG9hhkX983j/w400-h300/IMG_8891.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>They (top left) receive machine gun fire from Two Sisters (bottom right)...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYXJFc5YyoaqupWf0pO5P28PUCxMbCyWbANDHE8VErEaHA9YsQGE79a7Sil_StwNbtiewriVGJVm_A2T_rRJDSqQbswBQQJkMzLCwkYQKiaDk9Bf37SpNna2oHuPJWSZKMiuV_Hedm1NEyfphlelpAe8YgrmIW9o6so1veTNS2Jr-2-O2ox3_qLLFd/s4032/IMG_8892.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYXJFc5YyoaqupWf0pO5P28PUCxMbCyWbANDHE8VErEaHA9YsQGE79a7Sil_StwNbtiewriVGJVm_A2T_rRJDSqQbswBQQJkMzLCwkYQKiaDk9Bf37SpNna2oHuPJWSZKMiuV_Hedm1NEyfphlelpAe8YgrmIW9o6so1veTNS2Jr-2-O2ox3_qLLFd/w400-h300/IMG_8892.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>But they simply push through it, closing in on the village (just visible at top right).</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbWtttd1L7RdWqU4FFXAREN8NLKsBoxlZZ9oVp_xHfwYT5OEL1mF9bEF4-c7jRs8KI2rFJxKOKs5JXoNiciIIVCBjKUsVoPkwSNorKgASZY7EAriAmAL-KKVECT1zTFpscc9tluesBE0Uv8LTZH0coHN_QmTIEN4lFeb0rPX2J1SMeNo-WfuvjiIOC/s4032/IMG_8893.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbWtttd1L7RdWqU4FFXAREN8NLKsBoxlZZ9oVp_xHfwYT5OEL1mF9bEF4-c7jRs8KI2rFJxKOKs5JXoNiciIIVCBjKUsVoPkwSNorKgASZY7EAriAmAL-KKVECT1zTFpscc9tluesBE0Uv8LTZH0coHN_QmTIEN4lFeb0rPX2J1SMeNo-WfuvjiIOC/w400-h300/IMG_8893.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Where the German MG team behind the wall (bottom left) opens fire, pinning Lt Woodson's lead vehicle and suppressing Sgt Anderson's vehicle right behind him!</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjlhOpGZ_t2_tnRmKA7oY7Q6xTmAkI4jg6gsjyg91JKeF4r0AtijHHAMzY09DAN61uHu4jwwATmJyHCFjVE6eHdr9bJXjTBveHwLTYfDq-zGGHQy7zIBsO_osYZiMiXLhCcb6T0P5o0qUpD91TrARX0fiEaxyIzJmoVReD_Utazeg10ushUErhlBYfK" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjlhOpGZ_t2_tnRmKA7oY7Q6xTmAkI4jg6gsjyg91JKeF4r0AtijHHAMzY09DAN61uHu4jwwATmJyHCFjVE6eHdr9bJXjTBveHwLTYfDq-zGGHQy7zIBsO_osYZiMiXLhCcb6T0P5o0qUpD91TrARX0fiEaxyIzJmoVReD_Utazeg10ushUErhlBYfK=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div>With contact made, Cpl Harrison dismounts his MG team (center) and Cpl Zgnonina dismounts his 60mm mortar team, and both set up their weapons and prepare for action.<br /><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdZwNSlNdFES_nE09CbcMNNxz6agDu2tf59BN5st2tlPZYxD1q4ukXgOWF_vm0DUHfMf-GGD11D_CEEBIpEvRYLjyIH7kc47G20nXVl3VOwxwRdV_AoUbPaIIqkNFAWe-FOYd2_mFHSgyLSsKejI17ZOUT3Sk0eJJMaOv5SZP-MPnyK0Hr-WEvPRCS/s320/IMG_8894.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdZwNSlNdFES_nE09CbcMNNxz6agDu2tf59BN5st2tlPZYxD1q4ukXgOWF_vm0DUHfMf-GGD11D_CEEBIpEvRYLjyIH7kc47G20nXVl3VOwxwRdV_AoUbPaIIqkNFAWe-FOYd2_mFHSgyLSsKejI17ZOUT3Sk0eJJMaOv5SZP-MPnyK0Hr-WEvPRCS/w400-h300/IMG_8894.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Captain Thigpen (far left) orders the two limbered ATGs and Sgt Lee's M7 Priest forward, and they push up to the Olive Grove (center, from bottom left)...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3srFKKOZtB1GaNLqdH1C-cgcPxUCEwBzAg9Bd1FXZhTbG-6-hMFPV80FSCQDtlWzTuOgUfBaNF7In2X6CfTOUNE6LtzrMhsT5p2x_QRCcC_SNKWclRJd3UikdZNq5esozFXvUBMeRmEYcq0Vllu2bSRwEOl3mR0QoQBpc3rmqixDPuaRZXDBvrGmi/s4032/IMG_8895.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3srFKKOZtB1GaNLqdH1C-cgcPxUCEwBzAg9Bd1FXZhTbG-6-hMFPV80FSCQDtlWzTuOgUfBaNF7In2X6CfTOUNE6LtzrMhsT5p2x_QRCcC_SNKWclRJd3UikdZNq5esozFXvUBMeRmEYcq0Vllu2bSRwEOl3mR0QoQBpc3rmqixDPuaRZXDBvrGmi/w400-h300/IMG_8895.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>But the remaining Italian tank at Two Sisters (bottom center) spots them (top center) and fires...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVWuBYyz5ipYttxG2BWPqesygczfAjAw0QFNBdhgjiLgDH0pERaJvL4rYMESFm4mW0deT8MSP_Sg0fdnxnWrTZxemPUVFPsq-ROKN5pc3njdXiQFz4lKLa50i6uTb3K1IK01H64C0rZiB-CCHMHLSl40EpKtldpju5BsBXSLk1xMuixeQYDoiLs5bC/s4032/IMG_8896.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVWuBYyz5ipYttxG2BWPqesygczfAjAw0QFNBdhgjiLgDH0pERaJvL4rYMESFm4mW0deT8MSP_Sg0fdnxnWrTZxemPUVFPsq-ROKN5pc3njdXiQFz4lKLa50i6uTb3K1IK01H64C0rZiB-CCHMHLSl40EpKtldpju5BsBXSLk1xMuixeQYDoiLs5bC/w400-h300/IMG_8896.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The Italian tank fire is ineffective and both 37mm ATGs are able to dismount, but when Sgt Lee's vehicle stops by to check on his platoon leader's vehicle (far left)...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii7_CSkRKOwQ28LyeEolEUymWDK5yHUK8VlFAT0y9tdU9q2wetiN_nWpbW8Jrkj1idGZA7yw2_DAKc5VVE4_MpuR9bbgbgiajb3T816VyW4DCXTbU_cEwXXHbgYOK1UigZzig1Hd01NiKPbEo81HZRwG2K7K1cJKTi5aaJ4UL5EvmGbT5Zn3aAICQE/s320/IMG_8897.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii7_CSkRKOwQ28LyeEolEUymWDK5yHUK8VlFAT0y9tdU9q2wetiN_nWpbW8Jrkj1idGZA7yw2_DAKc5VVE4_MpuR9bbgbgiajb3T816VyW4DCXTbU_cEwXXHbgYOK1UigZzig1Hd01NiKPbEo81HZRwG2K7K1cJKTi5aaJ4UL5EvmGbT5Zn3aAICQE/w400-h300/IMG_8897.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The crew decides they've had enough, grabbing the wounded Lieutenant and head for the rear!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAracq04xe5shZS4MrCJnSqrCRHYUe5wGOZzod_Gn0jhIKHrtMKlTKflsQ2o90Ptjal8QlSn6KFUXQu2gbuwE7bD-bcVCzv_PxF5hDTqsRRmdLgMp5sRflwgRxpKlgwHHPtH7ijnnMaM2v3lvdgVDRRRBu1BUabzs4XqOn-vSu9qJu7nIGKph70uKC/s4032/IMG_8898.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAracq04xe5shZS4MrCJnSqrCRHYUe5wGOZzod_Gn0jhIKHrtMKlTKflsQ2o90Ptjal8QlSn6KFUXQu2gbuwE7bD-bcVCzv_PxF5hDTqsRRmdLgMp5sRflwgRxpKlgwHHPtH7ijnnMaM2v3lvdgVDRRRBu1BUabzs4XqOn-vSu9qJu7nIGKph70uKC/w400-h300/IMG_8898.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Nonplussed, Sgt Lee (bottom left) calmly orders his gunner to return fire on Two Sisters (top right)...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvAc61u5p4_I3R4qgT0GhMEvamwe4uhfC5n0Orr15-1ekH3iqN_R4V4qqwVE-Y7-rA8PG8640oYDqDKimMO3yhuchjcW2jB5zb6_6hI8RxWm5obHVyorlI8YhVTH6zciIfzHgwmgIjGJxjDumh7nZv4PJiOhuwvJymqQGQ-50KbbsMAcTlG6lCGXVL/s4032/IMG_8899.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvAc61u5p4_I3R4qgT0GhMEvamwe4uhfC5n0Orr15-1ekH3iqN_R4V4qqwVE-Y7-rA8PG8640oYDqDKimMO3yhuchjcW2jB5zb6_6hI8RxWm5obHVyorlI8YhVTH6zciIfzHgwmgIjGJxjDumh7nZv4PJiOhuwvJymqQGQ-50KbbsMAcTlG6lCGXVL/w400-h300/IMG_8899.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The 105mm HE round slams into the desert floor, suppressing the Italian tank crew (red bead at left) and pinning the nearby German mortar team (yellow bead at right)!</div><div><br /></div><div>Just then, the drone of motors reverberates across the valley, and all eyes turn skyward...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGA7Eo4c2dVGY5pTA3pLJk_SNgflZe7gchTcR7n05thWZ_m_t5rAujC88G_s3TqayB5bamuQwbP4ZTjX_mkju9_qEiYqCWAz0-y6d4emk2r4-bLnkSqgJWj3-WjdJtVmxEheUbTvLQwk2XsSAtDdvR3QRFistGF5Xk-DJDrbFKd17leUP3VsdGwPbg/s4032/IMG_8900.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGA7Eo4c2dVGY5pTA3pLJk_SNgflZe7gchTcR7n05thWZ_m_t5rAujC88G_s3TqayB5bamuQwbP4ZTjX_mkju9_qEiYqCWAz0-y6d4emk2r4-bLnkSqgJWj3-WjdJtVmxEheUbTvLQwk2XsSAtDdvR3QRFistGF5Xk-DJDrbFKd17leUP3VsdGwPbg/w400-h300/IMG_8900.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Stuka!!! (random event)</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwG2h4ftH9-bDlh85rVwmZfKQJ0LcWE6MQYnCGmYHJnxOcqDk0VcMGzeOA6XbKTmPy4hvyjn8h4Rt3RIj3D3OmDVs1rGcfqS00GK5n6mrp4RAoaowAtaquQJ__aZeL4fdtdAyjEcDeKxR6d-mMbJVNkDrBtx_JnwGcM5RikQ44JmvnpSyA0uCpcG75/s4032/IMG_8901.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwG2h4ftH9-bDlh85rVwmZfKQJ0LcWE6MQYnCGmYHJnxOcqDk0VcMGzeOA6XbKTmPy4hvyjn8h4Rt3RIj3D3OmDVs1rGcfqS00GK5n6mrp4RAoaowAtaquQJ__aZeL4fdtdAyjEcDeKxR6d-mMbJVNkDrBtx_JnwGcM5RikQ44JmvnpSyA0uCpcG75/w400-h300/IMG_8901.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The German dive bombers spot the American tank column and immediately push over into a dive...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn7LnshnwOjrmGuY184FfxCG0bTbvyYnhIs3A6oCqbCgYKs0y9b7qmWO_xFev1dlRl8iIFvY18wBopKfYLNFeCvK65goPhTf57_89iX2_wc2HK9Yle8bpKDo1BT75AM6F-yHU0M743ASRIdQWVifT-3VkQgmXJlIolCaeFEDnbLKmKJPhkcP45HRC6/s4032/IMG_8902.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn7LnshnwOjrmGuY184FfxCG0bTbvyYnhIs3A6oCqbCgYKs0y9b7qmWO_xFev1dlRl8iIFvY18wBopKfYLNFeCvK65goPhTf57_89iX2_wc2HK9Yle8bpKDo1BT75AM6F-yHU0M743ASRIdQWVifT-3VkQgmXJlIolCaeFEDnbLKmKJPhkcP45HRC6/w400-h300/IMG_8902.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The bombs straddle the M3 Stuarts still in formation, immobilizing Sgt Gibson's tank (red bead at right) and pinning the crew of Sgt Parella's (yellow bead at left top)!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpf9KRLpbklp4lgH47IrVmnIShNbyj8AjsgiYUW2lR5LQmGbX30twBOlvoR-GVm5x1vYz8VwDh5rBAgS_ZeaAUdJO3oAw4s59ZYc1EWr0P0ldMW3nZpIS8E7XeM7HtLlVrDSXD5g1aAVB-2PUvwOcS4cPZqS3NeuQb5oF_gGQVyr44AqsAUUo4OSV1/s320/IMG_8903.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpf9KRLpbklp4lgH47IrVmnIShNbyj8AjsgiYUW2lR5LQmGbX30twBOlvoR-GVm5x1vYz8VwDh5rBAgS_ZeaAUdJO3oAw4s59ZYc1EWr0P0ldMW3nZpIS8E7XeM7HtLlVrDSXD5g1aAVB-2PUvwOcS4cPZqS3NeuQb5oF_gGQVyr44AqsAUUo4OSV1/w400-h300/IMG_8903.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Captain Thigpen dashes ahead and rallies Lt Figures and his crew.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh68zZ144tEtAgf7tlXBdu_GR-PK3LHNNPKmoh56Ib1jNoh9RAz_Yf1iIzL5HZwN1Qm-uoY3BfASoTW5VvaCpNLv6GyanoQa1zLd72GmuMKcwV9yzGR8PeWljxT-E084XzdzMHAH8KfOQbVeFLvlZbnl9MtXl-Mjcl0X2SS5vPr7RqmOVeF_yd1O0ku/s4032/IMG_8905.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh68zZ144tEtAgf7tlXBdu_GR-PK3LHNNPKmoh56Ib1jNoh9RAz_Yf1iIzL5HZwN1Qm-uoY3BfASoTW5VvaCpNLv6GyanoQa1zLd72GmuMKcwV9yzGR8PeWljxT-E084XzdzMHAH8KfOQbVeFLvlZbnl9MtXl-Mjcl0X2SS5vPr7RqmOVeF_yd1O0ku/w400-h300/IMG_8905.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The Italian Southern ATG (bottom right) quickly reloads and fires on US forces at the Olive Grove (top center/left), suppressing Sgt Perry's M3 Scout Car and pinning Sgt Strelczyk's 37mm ATG.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik16BaL-n29CLY2Zjr2_M2rqPuCAc2ZUAeHgiZ9xzZNIUgY9wY9lZOociG3sv98yRy9RIdho4nXcK9_0eO9-AGh-vnFYG_CmYudzfwxaZePGym5Ijipr6GM0aN3so6xdXeFogY4F0nYPcwhEMVM6iK4at_wNYOSatqX1VkWVsoGQEvlqydR6as6KW3/s4032/IMG_8906.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik16BaL-n29CLY2Zjr2_M2rqPuCAc2ZUAeHgiZ9xzZNIUgY9wY9lZOociG3sv98yRy9RIdho4nXcK9_0eO9-AGh-vnFYG_CmYudzfwxaZePGym5Ijipr6GM0aN3so6xdXeFogY4F0nYPcwhEMVM6iK4at_wNYOSatqX1VkWVsoGQEvlqydR6as6KW3/w400-h300/IMG_8906.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>While in the Axis' center, an Italian tank (bottom center, with the German CO at bottom right and the southern Italian ATG at bottom left) sights in on Lt Woodson's column (top left) and opens fire, but misses!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie3Kj77QDjrDUYHrPB2mjSIu1QxPp02HN7v4kWotwIJZr5ed3EFVfz9UjV22Hglh4xVbwr1jnkJsh4iqnjR6pSmjkmb3oKTut0_ucB-7Lixdo-m8bF1k6HBu4D4_DywKbBlbf0yGj6jp1EyNCgB3HNXbpAq_4a9UvIbEWB71D9sl9Xf0N0Uqgpagp-/s4032/IMG_8907.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie3Kj77QDjrDUYHrPB2mjSIu1QxPp02HN7v4kWotwIJZr5ed3EFVfz9UjV22Hglh4xVbwr1jnkJsh4iqnjR6pSmjkmb3oKTut0_ucB-7Lixdo-m8bF1k6HBu4D4_DywKbBlbf0yGj6jp1EyNCgB3HNXbpAq_4a9UvIbEWB71D9sl9Xf0N0Uqgpagp-/w400-h300/IMG_8907.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Followed by the FJ Engineers in the village (bottom right) opening fire on Lt Woodson's Armored Infantry platoon (left), suppressing Cpl Haggans' 1st Squad and Cpl Harrison's MG team.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj9QW9Hc0oJ3RsBHLRId-UnTHEAn3jlO5rJpjJkOhQHR0XGolDIgJQ5QHSk7zu0Ryk4WeJdLw1pVRJaxM7MZKoqNmrIdxT57j_3anWS9LSFMLQxpc6w4WEIZ3g8z63bx4C-RFAaehW6RmoxUQpSAUYRdHVvfaLN-ixD2P1Bo7CG1ooqoXuhmlyq0Dq/s4032/IMG_8908.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj9QW9Hc0oJ3RsBHLRId-UnTHEAn3jlO5rJpjJkOhQHR0XGolDIgJQ5QHSk7zu0Ryk4WeJdLw1pVRJaxM7MZKoqNmrIdxT57j_3anWS9LSFMLQxpc6w4WEIZ3g8z63bx4C-RFAaehW6RmoxUQpSAUYRdHVvfaLN-ixD2P1Bo7CG1ooqoXuhmlyq0Dq/w400-h300/IMG_8908.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>While in the north, the Italian tank (bottom right) that previously immobilized Lt Figures' M3 Stuart (top left) reloads and fires again...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcr-MMmeN9q-v1a9dG_bHRSaK9SRgCqjgauS8SAnyd39pO-UJ2YpRkQTbjOBTlkoC7_84Xbvg0zMF10pa6b7pk-elM1BUFJ-T2XABUtDCbzijAy1_WWIYkGHxkdgp7CRiJIy0yE4vHn5S-4CTljosTfrVLfsJ4HsSasSdtFbiuundVHQRrWrXUveVH/s4032/IMG_8909.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcr-MMmeN9q-v1a9dG_bHRSaK9SRgCqjgauS8SAnyd39pO-UJ2YpRkQTbjOBTlkoC7_84Xbvg0zMF10pa6b7pk-elM1BUFJ-T2XABUtDCbzijAy1_WWIYkGHxkdgp7CRiJIy0yE4vHn5S-4CTljosTfrVLfsJ4HsSasSdtFbiuundVHQRrWrXUveVH/w400-h300/IMG_8909.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Sgt Simpson (bottom center right) looks on in horror as Lt Figures' Stuart (left) goes up in flames, and Captain Thigpen's command team (top center, just above Sgt Foster's M3 Scout Car)!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4DiGt6B0qy07d8USLlrxk-sFsyEl9aWSTs3mhSHGM8zbMLurf5dBLtz1XtC2NHcL3NuduMHqLzn3CQlAOH-byJkrT6zp_Ppavto1qaRRcB1tEXi0JMisIyu5rR2DiKURj_vdN7xKw9may-G2zlRom355aH4DxcCgogwgH0UwjaH01jnuH5iYLPupR/s4032/IMG_8910.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4DiGt6B0qy07d8USLlrxk-sFsyEl9aWSTs3mhSHGM8zbMLurf5dBLtz1XtC2NHcL3NuduMHqLzn3CQlAOH-byJkrT6zp_Ppavto1qaRRcB1tEXi0JMisIyu5rR2DiKURj_vdN7xKw9may-G2zlRom355aH4DxcCgogwgH0UwjaH01jnuH5iYLPupR/w400-h300/IMG_8910.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The Italian ATG near Two Sisters (bottom right, with the tank that just knocked out Lt Figures' Stuart just above it) knows there are American tanks nearby (Sgt Simpson's at top center and off camera to top center) but he can't see them, so he lines up a shot on Sgt Foster's Scout Car (top left) and fires, but he misses!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA8358KIkrRmmN6Ho_7dy4mfALHTrmEqCMBaKBQ5PnMHGVDIIK7zwlvy_hY4ziAEI6lSPGyVtJI4Spm6snjcGk8P-WF0FY3PzziQIe04mgxuT3o0qiWTC9iHWZsmtKPfT693MFFmL0pM2JRytWduWEiDVZRjmqYMk_bnPYES_n3306qn9FTPbH2iu0/s4032/IMG_8911.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA8358KIkrRmmN6Ho_7dy4mfALHTrmEqCMBaKBQ5PnMHGVDIIK7zwlvy_hY4ziAEI6lSPGyVtJI4Spm6snjcGk8P-WF0FY3PzziQIe04mgxuT3o0qiWTC9iHWZsmtKPfT693MFFmL0pM2JRytWduWEiDVZRjmqYMk_bnPYES_n3306qn9FTPbH2iu0/w400-h300/IMG_8911.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>But one of the German MGs on Two Sisters (bottom center) pitches in and begins hosing down the area with 7.92mm rounds, immobilizing Sgt Foster's M3 Scout Car (center top)!!!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTknRD4KHET-DOvn0AmFf2zTntXxr21zdaRykdaZN89ThE4Oo9NHfDm9wPb-KGgX7L6NdZqCdXKP7Y4JkJcEZ981hobTau7STcv_5R28r7WZXDyw80PWtMLXyGGjbQB3n4F_bqJ4y36UMu4_eEdG13s1dRnvCB072kBNTyPa4vid5kS6Y4CsB1YJuG/s4032/IMG_8912.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTknRD4KHET-DOvn0AmFf2zTntXxr21zdaRykdaZN89ThE4Oo9NHfDm9wPb-KGgX7L6NdZqCdXKP7Y4JkJcEZ981hobTau7STcv_5R28r7WZXDyw80PWtMLXyGGjbQB3n4F_bqJ4y36UMu4_eEdG13s1dRnvCB072kBNTyPa4vid5kS6Y4CsB1YJuG/w400-h300/IMG_8912.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>As the other MG team on Two Sisters (left) and the German 80mm mortar team (bottom left) engages the US forces at the Olive Grove (top right)...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMlwRUNb7CqJY5i8vLFf4YWCK-xfio4UA9oJjUh7oeJt0d6hpLlog4MDqlScjHbtCXfivvhzvQtWQZGi2GgBG3VgX5lgTa6sb8KtcpG2HQiX-BnFrW0QG60ZLxCyIys-jy82aCoozdSm6_qKGPvAksVFhxfT8yFDUi58Qgh5AZI5_CM_NONvxk_XRO/s4032/IMG_8913.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMlwRUNb7CqJY5i8vLFf4YWCK-xfio4UA9oJjUh7oeJt0d6hpLlog4MDqlScjHbtCXfivvhzvQtWQZGi2GgBG3VgX5lgTa6sb8KtcpG2HQiX-BnFrW0QG60ZLxCyIys-jy82aCoozdSm6_qKGPvAksVFhxfT8yFDUi58Qgh5AZI5_CM_NONvxk_XRO/w400-h300/IMG_8913.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Suppressing both American 37mm ATGs (right)!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcL4NLC4oJhy7kB6iYHVhLirsPuOHEc2bE0SuIpMJ88p8SSzRYRnGGIeHIsbEbmWM0VS5rhdNzqS7C-OL3AHFfbArq83DhLOk54BdlQr2ZgdVcZqsteeQjZ0xq6NhqOseDDv_NxK4_FzK7rXtw921GSDamQZY59BB46BbOdBYW-UYLudPns36ydGCc/s4032/IMG_8914.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcL4NLC4oJhy7kB6iYHVhLirsPuOHEc2bE0SuIpMJ88p8SSzRYRnGGIeHIsbEbmWM0VS5rhdNzqS7C-OL3AHFfbArq83DhLOk54BdlQr2ZgdVcZqsteeQjZ0xq6NhqOseDDv_NxK4_FzK7rXtw921GSDamQZY59BB46BbOdBYW-UYLudPns36ydGCc/w400-h300/IMG_8914.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>But then the momentum begins to shift: on the US right, Lt Woodson (center bottom, in the lead halftrack) and Sgt Carrington (the fourth halftrack in line), both decorated combat leaders, stand tall and return fire on the village (far right) with their .50-cal HMGs, pinning the German MG team behind the wall and the nearby Italian ATG!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKWV6kKQL6AvsHLW3SF3AzrvuGULUarmxT-HillVwwoL0WQiuBRtlAGlD5fGeG9x7AfcEUlzsW925NYkEcHC0cyMX4ANUP6hZGSWAjs_QlW_j7bIkFiIGyMhQGtjvjYRpZdt1WpzlX1Lat_M4MDQbse7HQxjSpqG1SPISZVWTXnNOsJ2qAAksARq4k/s4032/IMG_8915.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKWV6kKQL6AvsHLW3SF3AzrvuGULUarmxT-HillVwwoL0WQiuBRtlAGlD5fGeG9x7AfcEUlzsW925NYkEcHC0cyMX4ANUP6hZGSWAjs_QlW_j7bIkFiIGyMhQGtjvjYRpZdt1WpzlX1Lat_M4MDQbse7HQxjSpqG1SPISZVWTXnNOsJ2qAAksARq4k/w400-h300/IMG_8915.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>As Sgt Lee's M7 Priest (bottom left) pumps rounds into Two Sisters (top right)...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMR6cGLiaTtsvyHQEa18wXA-6WX0SbOjOlI64rwZm3Nk_MwLwxXpGN7xeyEhJ1kXmlwjheJmv3OsU1tNxiHgaKiPTcheb1mPZmd7QzywctQtJ-Mwc4mjl-xXL4wyOrUSeuW3ik1tmcSVoU0ls63ChCIyxP5SPwIr4wOEQxHAXmkCd9lLrz9g5_iIkr/s4032/IMG_8916.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMR6cGLiaTtsvyHQEa18wXA-6WX0SbOjOlI64rwZm3Nk_MwLwxXpGN7xeyEhJ1kXmlwjheJmv3OsU1tNxiHgaKiPTcheb1mPZmd7QzywctQtJ-Mwc4mjl-xXL4wyOrUSeuW3ik1tmcSVoU0ls63ChCIyxP5SPwIr4wOEQxHAXmkCd9lLrz9g5_iIkr/w400-h300/IMG_8916.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>And a direct hit by a 105mm HE round knocks out one of the German MG teams!!!</div><div><br /></div><div>*As I understand it, M7 Priests were not only self-propelled artillery, but were also used in North Africa as 'assault guns,' while the initial use for M8 Scott HMCs was as self-propelled artillery. In June 1943 the US Army decided the frontlines were no place for M7 Priests and began swapping them out with the M8 HMCs. This, too, was an unsatisfactory solution, and ultimately the 105mm-armed M4 Shermans were meant to replace the M8 Scotts, though there were apparently not enough to ever completely see the M8s pulled from service. I plan on using the M7 Priests in direct support of Task Force Reisman throughout North Africa and then Sicily, replacing them with M8 Scotts prior to the landings at Salerno. When that happens I'm sure going to miss 105mm HE in direct fire over open sights ;)</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBwacYooxk9YMfZjHsalAk0PkKwgdf2FLOYpAfFnXRpGMV4j04Y-5gE7kxdB8ziCcoMLwCRVyPFua7f78VgAxaVn9f3blvf_7I6Yl127d3JarHpguYiH2_Kto1jzZv0ujlapIKZNoVRwStlC0n3z7kmDOVj116dqsJAcpcTSpCLEM02D3EHOmBNqpN/s4032/IMG_8917.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBwacYooxk9YMfZjHsalAk0PkKwgdf2FLOYpAfFnXRpGMV4j04Y-5gE7kxdB8ziCcoMLwCRVyPFua7f78VgAxaVn9f3blvf_7I6Yl127d3JarHpguYiH2_Kto1jzZv0ujlapIKZNoVRwStlC0n3z7kmDOVj116dqsJAcpcTSpCLEM02D3EHOmBNqpN/w400-h300/IMG_8917.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>And then Sgt Simpson orders his gunner to sight in on another Italian tank (top center right, with the tank Lt Figures previously knocked out at top center left). "Gunner, enemy tank below the escarpment, 200 yards, armor-piercing, fire!" </div><div><br /></div><div>"On the way!" Whoom!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh98un93sjYod5VoO7NYX9MO1zokCyYaNjel_I6NzWwJK-fwpC8zrkDCxjpC6_lA5MCvsIw9YGhhwmy2yD1Wncaay3r3x46pvs4G-S89Wj-sOiiFJU2TkST_T-g6Ykmjt7C1E7bGo0DcpW_4SJX8Cl_UNB_um1gvx4z3MMJK0sQd2msaEjfKRhxQSOV/s4032/IMG_8918.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh98un93sjYod5VoO7NYX9MO1zokCyYaNjel_I6NzWwJK-fwpC8zrkDCxjpC6_lA5MCvsIw9YGhhwmy2yD1Wncaay3r3x46pvs4G-S89Wj-sOiiFJU2TkST_T-g6Ykmjt7C1E7bGo0DcpW_4SJX8Cl_UNB_um1gvx4z3MMJK0sQd2msaEjfKRhxQSOV/w400-h300/IMG_8918.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Pow! Another Italian tank/sardine box goes up in flames, and the German commander (left), quite taken aback by the ferocity of the Americans' response, is pinned!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieNPmRjX19JCZvG34GImgnf77ZgNPo8Eg7A6CQRXj6vAjW4dGNQJLOJiY1eF_0nvklR2svsiLiNkIMqPPOBcjMy4C1zl2Ldk-ZxOrA7vIUCs_Dc-x4uC07Sju1ZTUSwzsL-xnATMbvsOQXDYaUwX3uExzy9mWC4Z2BizuiJ1hIvf8Yxiz0T_WJqhDX/s4032/IMG_8919.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieNPmRjX19JCZvG34GImgnf77ZgNPo8Eg7A6CQRXj6vAjW4dGNQJLOJiY1eF_0nvklR2svsiLiNkIMqPPOBcjMy4C1zl2Ldk-ZxOrA7vIUCs_Dc-x4uC07Sju1ZTUSwzsL-xnATMbvsOQXDYaUwX3uExzy9mWC4Z2BizuiJ1hIvf8Yxiz0T_WJqhDX/w400-h300/IMG_8919.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>And then, from the US left-rear, Sgt Daigle and Parella's tank (bottom left) fire on Two Sisters (top right), pinning the remaining German MG team there.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0tNZpF_eWDp2iS8M16AQSU29AzVqdi9DNjMaGJwAdpSYYl1wcRiNm6a3WqkHVKTNOmVtiyjFP7VYmCdD102U1YjRtt5-ewmUhm3NaqfmbHDkXTnmEMTovb6IHXDd3TkY6Tv3eOoqT6IF-1Wm3mEl0un6cYbvX5LekJAJI181KN-xSv9TLfFLDYWLV/s4032/IMG_8920.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0tNZpF_eWDp2iS8M16AQSU29AzVqdi9DNjMaGJwAdpSYYl1wcRiNm6a3WqkHVKTNOmVtiyjFP7VYmCdD102U1YjRtt5-ewmUhm3NaqfmbHDkXTnmEMTovb6IHXDd3TkY6Tv3eOoqT6IF-1Wm3mEl0un6cYbvX5LekJAJI181KN-xSv9TLfFLDYWLV/w400-h300/IMG_8920.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>As Cpl Zgnonina's 60mm mortar team (bottom right) engages the Italian ATG at Two Sisters (top left), suppressing its crew!</div><div><br /></div><div>*For those wondering about all the firing and no movement, the Germans/Italians rolled up a "Firefight!", so all their eligible units got to fire, but they weren't particularly effective, so once they were done all the eligible US units were able to return fire, which did quite a bit of damage. Now it's the US side's 'normal' turn.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsP8U_l5bSWhGMKlg8hDElrEvtUm25xLI6Jpm7mzSFleNXLBk6zuQ2RnGZCe2T8LkziB4U05uGE71Xs4zsC3x0FKHk0mjjLrnC__ASgtFPNtDesEAh6fwwiPYFEye0KGNtJyJyQZhJjIaNNqndlAC36zPCkGC25MbaX1qG1_HslsI7vCWEC_AmrAXs/s4032/IMG_8921.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsP8U_l5bSWhGMKlg8hDElrEvtUm25xLI6Jpm7mzSFleNXLBk6zuQ2RnGZCe2T8LkziB4U05uGE71Xs4zsC3x0FKHk0mjjLrnC__ASgtFPNtDesEAh6fwwiPYFEye0KGNtJyJyQZhJjIaNNqndlAC36zPCkGC25MbaX1qG1_HslsI7vCWEC_AmrAXs/w400-h300/IMG_8921.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The US center (bottom left, with the Olive Grove just visible at far left) has been pummeled by enemy mortar, machine gun, tank, and anti-tank gun fire; only Sgt Lee's M7 Priest is still in action at this point, as the other M7 Priest has been knocked out, and Sgt Perry's Scout Car and both 37mm ATGs are suppressed. But Sgt Lee calmly continues carrying out his dirty work: with the German machine guns atop Two Sisters (off camera to far left top) having gone quiet, his crew is working like a well-oiled machine, pumping 105mm HE rounds into the village (top right), putting one of the German paratrooper-engineer squads 'men down'.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrRj5siMwlTV21g_egURB94VEiWE4x0CopKz7LvaNN-cJrn3FEXExi9XZvbqaKfMDj9Uq5TfRhFTtPycOJ_9x8mSaRuOGWEIR1XA1817gFWZAsfnKAns6IQoBD0bkjZmqiWj8VtbVT36JyPOOPotPsMD9ahMyi6w0Gw2oVSOLwfunSoY_vQtU48m9R/s4032/IMG_8922.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrRj5siMwlTV21g_egURB94VEiWE4x0CopKz7LvaNN-cJrn3FEXExi9XZvbqaKfMDj9Uq5TfRhFTtPycOJ_9x8mSaRuOGWEIR1XA1817gFWZAsfnKAns6IQoBD0bkjZmqiWj8VtbVT36JyPOOPotPsMD9ahMyi6w0Gw2oVSOLwfunSoY_vQtU48m9R/w400-h300/IMG_8922.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Sgt Lee then cautiously pushes his SPG forward (bottom center right), where they pull up alongside Sgt Perry's M3 Scout Car, rallying them.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy-vCdMbiPuKgrxOwOzreGb-L8j8Dt2h1g6OlMoT-d1cMjOPJzWUCnkfjrlWXPNq9KsjhY-LTG84aZhHyVnFEKS6ODOZyC9ElgDUMyFuqilhCIYyMfb1GhRxhLSwJwqGrub-oH_AG-VFJqWtoXksKZWwgSmMJAy2r_DdJMR5cMsPYgAYARTdHiZKMc/s4032/IMG_8923.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy-vCdMbiPuKgrxOwOzreGb-L8j8Dt2h1g6OlMoT-d1cMjOPJzWUCnkfjrlWXPNq9KsjhY-LTG84aZhHyVnFEKS6ODOZyC9ElgDUMyFuqilhCIYyMfb1GhRxhLSwJwqGrub-oH_AG-VFJqWtoXksKZWwgSmMJAy2r_DdJMR5cMsPYgAYARTdHiZKMc/w400-h300/IMG_8923.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>And as Sgt Lee (just visible at far left), Cpl Zgnonina's 60mm mortar team (bottom left) shifts fire and begins pounding the village (top right), pinning another FJ Engineer squad.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI0cg5Rv1lvpQQlTaphUi-PKiwyeLWlN-iv0HQ5-vGV489vS18Ei9uk6f-b_zbuGvYeActVl-WbMc8CL1aiJWkE9rO0vwRDk_47Yiny7jnZ2Sw9V3Pv8R09fq5buqydo9b5lerXGGS6UWwZ8u4CHN79NR4F8SQSjGd0dRPLtEIm4x-oYaJlHygV6AV/s4032/IMG_8924.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI0cg5Rv1lvpQQlTaphUi-PKiwyeLWlN-iv0HQ5-vGV489vS18Ei9uk6f-b_zbuGvYeActVl-WbMc8CL1aiJWkE9rO0vwRDk_47Yiny7jnZ2Sw9V3Pv8R09fq5buqydo9b5lerXGGS6UWwZ8u4CHN79NR4F8SQSjGd0dRPLtEIm4x-oYaJlHygV6AV/w400-h300/IMG_8924.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Sgt Carrington (bottom left) slaps a fresh belt of .50-cal ammo into his gun and continues laying into the village, pinning the German platoon leader (top right)...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2_Lo2EEm2jWPfbWxeaIvFNI0S6xerqU49S1d0ljiaukRqDoHFPvilRVapbaHBQpulfh82UyIyvthgrsSQtVMv4oyR7B_u7eJa1JAlYSibFslUPHGkgH_exx2B-Z8dOrDY13-GLFRdMqKcssBsh5ZFpVx2slverRVLK7MkGgCx1DCgNQbjF_YxsSje/s4032/IMG_8925.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2_Lo2EEm2jWPfbWxeaIvFNI0S6xerqU49S1d0ljiaukRqDoHFPvilRVapbaHBQpulfh82UyIyvthgrsSQtVMv4oyR7B_u7eJa1JAlYSibFslUPHGkgH_exx2B-Z8dOrDY13-GLFRdMqKcssBsh5ZFpVx2slverRVLK7MkGgCx1DCgNQbjF_YxsSje/w400-h300/IMG_8925.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Sgt Carrington rallies Cpl Harrison's MG team (far left) and Sgt Anderson's 2nd Squad (center), then pushes his halftrack up to the head of the column (right bottom, near Cpl Haggan's halftrack, with red bead, and Lt Woodson's halftrack, with yellow bead).</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHJZ2DAzj_ArhIfxswp9RKuyZ6BPB5a9LqupUlPSVdFfgLDspHVhOj4cJCneQ-tTnP2k3H8bwCknprYP6DojX3wmYynC77gqmvdbetuqs8MQNCAIhIuegCQL2KUmtO_EBIyBsnRrmsSk6k-0hohkU9jb-fjzOuci9YpsdZ8l9ildDSdSupSZD6JJeQ/s4032/IMG_8926.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHJZ2DAzj_ArhIfxswp9RKuyZ6BPB5a9LqupUlPSVdFfgLDspHVhOj4cJCneQ-tTnP2k3H8bwCknprYP6DojX3wmYynC77gqmvdbetuqs8MQNCAIhIuegCQL2KUmtO_EBIyBsnRrmsSk6k-0hohkU9jb-fjzOuci9YpsdZ8l9ildDSdSupSZD6JJeQ/w400-h300/IMG_8926.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>But a nearby Italian tank (bottom left) spots Sgt Carrington (top center right) and fires...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqYnvW_yDvnARQP7Z6tR4-q3cJCqYMrBo7mFPXkWagOxl4tPcT25PALeNkak1wIhDSOon-sn9G6fnv4sEfEfHhGW8bA4IFZpFT8Xn2qyVtLvACSyCwggxMI_f_43JdGrQnrt1oj-l73fFWQ1ofIb36yhxos2YYsY2_qDJmiUVt5recp2iCoOFzO_7p/s4032/IMG_8927.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqYnvW_yDvnARQP7Z6tR4-q3cJCqYMrBo7mFPXkWagOxl4tPcT25PALeNkak1wIhDSOon-sn9G6fnv4sEfEfHhGW8bA4IFZpFT8Xn2qyVtLvACSyCwggxMI_f_43JdGrQnrt1oj-l73fFWQ1ofIb36yhxos2YYsY2_qDJmiUVt5recp2iCoOFzO_7p/w400-h300/IMG_8927.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The Italian tank's (top center) is ineffective, so Sgt Carrington is able to successfully rally Lt Woodson and Cpl Haggan's halftracks (center), as Cpl Harrison's MG team (bottom left) lays fire down on the village (top right)...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlwNLJvNZni21bqtfRP48pg2xJ6kDTqFgbKlkvy-9SS4KLyf-3l12DuKF2g3KKgzD43PgXKhyvFBV5MI2oc2B6vK_975kIOsVyXw3gVjtnzVhmpRtHEZUPzLoWhNFnLG6qTiEAVSw6Bp3umLzn8SJlUcib9VRv1JlHI9qzXTVu9vln0lVeAR1D1XO8/s4032/IMG_8928.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlwNLJvNZni21bqtfRP48pg2xJ6kDTqFgbKlkvy-9SS4KLyf-3l12DuKF2g3KKgzD43PgXKhyvFBV5MI2oc2B6vK_975kIOsVyXw3gVjtnzVhmpRtHEZUPzLoWhNFnLG6qTiEAVSw6Bp3umLzn8SJlUcib9VRv1JlHI9qzXTVu9vln0lVeAR1D1XO8/w400-h300/IMG_8928.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Lt Woodson then leads his 1st and 2nd Squads forward, and the German paratrooper-engineers that are able open fire...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm8xyLh3CxRlTN2PwKM2T6qnsDpC4GXP2loKrdO2MoAJYUKmUVa4mS7jQYZsUbSAkYIiFcUMpgYLbzfaAAcKOrj9jA9L87UClT2iFL6lQuO_9Ib_nvByijiW8kwaUlF3aKhOhGoRDFWaLBePwv9OiEmF_SP1DiqfL7ZfGRgizm4Nb6P19XIQpWrTZh/s4032/IMG_8929.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm8xyLh3CxRlTN2PwKM2T6qnsDpC4GXP2loKrdO2MoAJYUKmUVa4mS7jQYZsUbSAkYIiFcUMpgYLbzfaAAcKOrj9jA9L87UClT2iFL6lQuO_9Ib_nvByijiW8kwaUlF3aKhOhGoRDFWaLBePwv9OiEmF_SP1DiqfL7ZfGRgizm4Nb6P19XIQpWrTZh/w400-h300/IMG_8929.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Cpl Haggan's halftrack is hit and 1st Squad is knocked out!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4zYB-qnsCz2-RTQvUgb2KIM3PSEcO9mzrVgUJ5suhiMoPKPZ_15sHT3yRYDi46A_JfAEU9u4D32dtQZDrvwu8CrWMRQXN-ynV-P2rVxs9H0VShpjaHVYQzE4tr710xnA3DMcyVrebdYSkqccT3vaVteVdGA9cIGoN6i6RyWvyvD4gTjwv4nsJISLG/s4032/IMG_8930.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4zYB-qnsCz2-RTQvUgb2KIM3PSEcO9mzrVgUJ5suhiMoPKPZ_15sHT3yRYDi46A_JfAEU9u4D32dtQZDrvwu8CrWMRQXN-ynV-P2rVxs9H0VShpjaHVYQzE4tr710xnA3DMcyVrebdYSkqccT3vaVteVdGA9cIGoN6i6RyWvyvD4gTjwv4nsJISLG/w400-h300/IMG_8930.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>But Lt Woodson continues the assault anyway, leading his command team (center top) into close combat against a German MG team, while Sgt Anderson leads his 2nd Squad (center bottom) into close combat with a German paratrooper-engineer squad!!!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTmJ_A6J0LLXlkLBtELYYE4DjOKY-7-SZwMgW7ZQ3amCO7zFWCO3x0BsV0VJhEyMe8omCgjrdZN8U40Liy3CRuEKDdaIiKvpSvoqYA_pRf1TIhiAls4XWu9VBwt9UHvpZsF2jxrSwKfa2xsKatBmAS7MvAWMde-dxq8zxgvI1ZhQitNCGs9aSGJE2Q/s4032/IMG_8931.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTmJ_A6J0LLXlkLBtELYYE4DjOKY-7-SZwMgW7ZQ3amCO7zFWCO3x0BsV0VJhEyMe8omCgjrdZN8U40Liy3CRuEKDdaIiKvpSvoqYA_pRf1TIhiAls4XWu9VBwt9UHvpZsF2jxrSwKfa2xsKatBmAS7MvAWMde-dxq8zxgvI1ZhQitNCGs9aSGJE2Q/w400-h300/IMG_8931.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Both American units defeat the enemy, with Lt Woodson' leading his command team (top center) into close combat with a German FJ Engineer squad and Sgt Anderson leading 2nd Squad into close combat with the German platoon leader (center)!!!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhilGryKHfluLus41boZicOjUONt4jpG2ErLMN6mW0FrnJE22qrFEHOJpUibYYZ-gZJvWnucGyFEkiCbvmbofNj4GbbdKtNQsbAyeZ1XAKfqWp-H1lobNt1dQC_97FrJB1a--qCdFKYzkptK1CRn0SRLIzBLBs8_WyMf0qYbdp5jE5brWV_rLfKV5OE/s4032/IMG_8933.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhilGryKHfluLus41boZicOjUONt4jpG2ErLMN6mW0FrnJE22qrFEHOJpUibYYZ-gZJvWnucGyFEkiCbvmbofNj4GbbdKtNQsbAyeZ1XAKfqWp-H1lobNt1dQC_97FrJB1a--qCdFKYzkptK1CRn0SRLIzBLBs8_WyMf0qYbdp5jE5brWV_rLfKV5OE/w400-h300/IMG_8933.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Again both US units defeat the enemy (German casualty figures at center), and they split up, with Lt Woodson taking his command team to fight the Italian anti-tank gun (far left) and Sgt Anderson taking his men to clear the house containing the last remaining German FJ-Engineer squad (top right)...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJAGX_P7RN4ksT-eXHVMW4M1u7juO9JLiB3S-wQtuUWPbOAdfpIDZ55bOw-nn0YT4OPETV1FKl8d4ueoxJLDrJEF3QW-GhHEdK3Y9h1FgFNn-azBFS5-xwi-n4UV1FfShbbs1D2LEmyKLmxH2FFiTJmE-s_ulXRnvyqLsOoG8zLFoKmTMlLrRliaEg/s4032/IMG_8934.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJAGX_P7RN4ksT-eXHVMW4M1u7juO9JLiB3S-wQtuUWPbOAdfpIDZ55bOw-nn0YT4OPETV1FKl8d4ueoxJLDrJEF3QW-GhHEdK3Y9h1FgFNn-azBFS5-xwi-n4UV1FfShbbs1D2LEmyKLmxH2FFiTJmE-s_ulXRnvyqLsOoG8zLFoKmTMlLrRliaEg/w400-h300/IMG_8934.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Sgt Anderson's squad easily dispatches the last of the German FJ Engineers...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMO25mge_L9DnCNmoc17cKjxE4fdWLQrghamM3p4hNvip4nWo7eUBc3A8_7XWXO9or6Lv-10VCVW2X3E65zt8Wc3gHGmj1BC8KVlexZEzLoPBshK7m3i4r1ahw8ZPwKn0lY5KLkerm-RMyYeIH6ipxzBV0JYxIEoL9LB9yN6FIH9ngAAbhlTaBDT7X/s320/IMG_8935.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMO25mge_L9DnCNmoc17cKjxE4fdWLQrghamM3p4hNvip4nWo7eUBc3A8_7XWXO9or6Lv-10VCVW2X3E65zt8Wc3gHGmj1BC8KVlexZEzLoPBshK7m3i4r1ahw8ZPwKn0lY5KLkerm-RMyYeIH6ipxzBV0JYxIEoL9LB9yN6FIH9ngAAbhlTaBDT7X/w400-h300/IMG_8935.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>But Lt Woodson's command team is hung up on the stone wall and savaged by the Italian anti-tank gunners!!!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqdK_ENptTnsZMPxOAZ12pARB7RLF4YoEf-fz7c4NTkIDP5aMTh92OHU7v9iaM8twYvrO6BaH9o0KLuQjpPc2JD_ui_u3OnPRfw5k4BqOX1OHfS-B0xwtcDVE-6KQVfovZcYjR9dyF66hVKD40CrvKBGQAThBSvzd7rjcJ1iAGVkC-uhzJT2Z4cViG/s4032/IMG_8936.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqdK_ENptTnsZMPxOAZ12pARB7RLF4YoEf-fz7c4NTkIDP5aMTh92OHU7v9iaM8twYvrO6BaH9o0KLuQjpPc2JD_ui_u3OnPRfw5k4BqOX1OHfS-B0xwtcDVE-6KQVfovZcYjR9dyF66hVKD40CrvKBGQAThBSvzd7rjcJ1iAGVkC-uhzJT2Z4cViG/w400-h300/IMG_8936.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Seeing red, Sgt Anderson leads his squad north, seeking revenge...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzpb5_Aa7M4NZigzqxyzGacaJJppxTaNVVS8Y6QVVk99HE1cPjcaL5fGeoRzFqig_WD8JUXh_QkilZm-6ME2zWigmnOmjbVsDeCP3BhMAM_JQArmL6ykzAIQz_z8iMYBThyfzQElUd4tUYr-Dg77WpQyoEo1OfoFvq-3MTl7oqzqFdp0rp3a1Wvl-l/s320/IMG_8937.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzpb5_Aa7M4NZigzqxyzGacaJJppxTaNVVS8Y6QVVk99HE1cPjcaL5fGeoRzFqig_WD8JUXh_QkilZm-6ME2zWigmnOmjbVsDeCP3BhMAM_JQArmL6ykzAIQz_z8iMYBThyfzQElUd4tUYr-Dg77WpQyoEo1OfoFvq-3MTl7oqzqFdp0rp3a1Wvl-l/w400-h300/IMG_8937.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>And gets it, slaughtering the Italian gun crew...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5nWGNBVr4-F1tTLN05SWdwRD85-goSDvP37fc0vi3Vuhq-QxRYQcku7thcBGF2vjbqRbbhVg2rkpfrv-rsaUbCaoU3x4lEgYQ_ylYTUcY-oQimfOmLuLrQFqLJu0uuRqbVuotHWuuQNH0TY2DMqVY_VXZXOPkRQ3olmRHPCidrHDMx-jMlA5gwtNC/s4032/IMG_8938.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5nWGNBVr4-F1tTLN05SWdwRD85-goSDvP37fc0vi3Vuhq-QxRYQcku7thcBGF2vjbqRbbhVg2rkpfrv-rsaUbCaoU3x4lEgYQ_ylYTUcY-oQimfOmLuLrQFqLJu0uuRqbVuotHWuuQNH0TY2DMqVY_VXZXOPkRQ3olmRHPCidrHDMx-jMlA5gwtNC/w400-h300/IMG_8938.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The Americans hop the wall and push forward...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhECNCMqyXp2sRufWFrFPdiIro3YITcsM1k5S7w5mpeyyg9hATfupXfa78RtQg92PyUyOm4nuejzAPVOKbvK8ml-UlXvxlCMVJ_5Mdt6sAIJ8tzzHaowt1kGbCldltcbWA3xl1X2nEE_Kn9_BeLWCnSzFfntv1vk3eESmi1UQY_Nhm291wqeUha1Vrp/s4032/IMG_8939.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhECNCMqyXp2sRufWFrFPdiIro3YITcsM1k5S7w5mpeyyg9hATfupXfa78RtQg92PyUyOm4nuejzAPVOKbvK8ml-UlXvxlCMVJ_5Mdt6sAIJ8tzzHaowt1kGbCldltcbWA3xl1X2nEE_Kn9_BeLWCnSzFfntv1vk3eESmi1UQY_Nhm291wqeUha1Vrp/w400-h300/IMG_8939.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>But now they've drawn the attention of the nearby Italian tank, which opens fire at point blank range!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGFA13fz3yJw08iKcg0AuTF5e49H3pNVTCN3NuJvVPIBcFCvkM9aUQG4Gk5CyL8mr2pnqL_T3LgVFSHhqBDfLz5Eb2yePvWk1_F3STwrGPoQdBoBF1UvmSPxY87QL7U5oj0249Lfp59Hen5DX8OGqr3SYiU75XWrjTXccYpGxTmzAjeUcCFLc4LjUm/s4032/IMG_8940.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGFA13fz3yJw08iKcg0AuTF5e49H3pNVTCN3NuJvVPIBcFCvkM9aUQG4Gk5CyL8mr2pnqL_T3LgVFSHhqBDfLz5Eb2yePvWk1_F3STwrGPoQdBoBF1UvmSPxY87QL7U5oj0249Lfp59Hen5DX8OGqr3SYiU75XWrjTXccYpGxTmzAjeUcCFLc4LjUm/w400-h300/IMG_8940.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>But the Italian fire is ineffective and Cpl Greene is able to pull out his trusty bazooka...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8hUTAXA4fpjNNnnhOl8HdJVzMMHqEhxAipqJzY9zN8GgRTx7XSrAP3jayo8tMRxIWPkMAutHVLnm0hdZQENryoWES5Zak7_ojeN-AnRKYkwwJgypKBBW5u-tdUhaUwOaD_3rnkjZ4uoXnixGdKhdBPns67Bk3U4IWg-ic356KfcBW5pznp3dICHDz/s4032/IMG_8941.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8hUTAXA4fpjNNnnhOl8HdJVzMMHqEhxAipqJzY9zN8GgRTx7XSrAP3jayo8tMRxIWPkMAutHVLnm0hdZQENryoWES5Zak7_ojeN-AnRKYkwwJgypKBBW5u-tdUhaUwOaD_3rnkjZ4uoXnixGdKhdBPns67Bk3U4IWg-ic356KfcBW5pznp3dICHDz/w400-h300/IMG_8941.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>And put it to good use!!! The German paratrooper Captain is in shock, utterly speechless, as he's watched the upstart Yankees advance under heavy fire and eliminate his veteran, elite FJ Engineers in close combat, before knocking out a tank with some sort of new-fangled hand-held rocket!</div><div><br /></div><div>His left-flank completely demolished, three of his five attached tanks knocked out, one of his two anti-tank guns kaput, two of his three machine guns out of action...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEzHFgWAIfCdIzwmjrPylQPlCU1PND07mFSAOlpz5UnJ7G1s_hsUvTpQNYtdf9JC4Rl2FnurdyPJSvnEJqACC3ZSovc_ulvoddPilHFJUsNpDvNrvE2oaGs6-QwbG55wwQO44lUcJQoedseEHwrLJjNYHAtPG20S6JZ87ACqxb0QX5iAeMsJiOSPOs/s4032/IMG_8942.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEzHFgWAIfCdIzwmjrPylQPlCU1PND07mFSAOlpz5UnJ7G1s_hsUvTpQNYtdf9JC4Rl2FnurdyPJSvnEJqACC3ZSovc_ulvoddPilHFJUsNpDvNrvE2oaGs6-QwbG55wwQO44lUcJQoedseEHwrLJjNYHAtPG20S6JZ87ACqxb0QX5iAeMsJiOSPOs/w400-h300/IMG_8942.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>It's time to go; the German CO moves north, ordering his men to fall back.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh9SpNumHrdu7AB34DLx-PxV6Ep-LcI96g_-0L1GyQgwSqBJjsWxVPWLReQtfDoOfvHhzCXqCZ8INjG6b0j2IIAcQjpR0Gw_As9iPlidhmu-agy3eOQWI8TSS4Pi2KY25J9evG2T-MoPSRdb2JKNJ0QTE1mLIwATdPKNCwL_Jkcsjs_q2oNgHkbJTJ/s4032/IMG_8943.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh9SpNumHrdu7AB34DLx-PxV6Ep-LcI96g_-0L1GyQgwSqBJjsWxVPWLReQtfDoOfvHhzCXqCZ8INjG6b0j2IIAcQjpR0Gw_As9iPlidhmu-agy3eOQWI8TSS4Pi2KY25J9evG2T-MoPSRdb2JKNJ0QTE1mLIwATdPKNCwL_Jkcsjs_q2oNgHkbJTJ/w400-h300/IMG_8943.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>A look at the battlefield, from northeast to southwest, showing a plethora of burning vehicles, as the Axis forces (bottom left) withdraw from the battlefield.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3UTI4cgHQ1tvHvBl2vKaMlZq5Xme6iqopQfWjONw2anJpubec2ibXHuyVZMiRDAnucNkXZWPpngpOwiVT3eDrlCHPGHuIs03bIKf5ShpJMkiRifEF1WduUpuIxpvF8Z68aZkJkb6lNmnJ1ZEG0DLE6oQsNCdvAAI1XUgr_ARI7TINMEwilKFqw0Rg/s4032/IMG_8944.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3UTI4cgHQ1tvHvBl2vKaMlZq5Xme6iqopQfWjONw2anJpubec2ibXHuyVZMiRDAnucNkXZWPpngpOwiVT3eDrlCHPGHuIs03bIKf5ShpJMkiRifEF1WduUpuIxpvF8Z68aZkJkb6lNmnJ1ZEG0DLE6oQsNCdvAAI1XUgr_ARI7TINMEwilKFqw0Rg/w400-h300/IMG_8944.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Sergeant Anderson, hero of the fight for the unnamed village and crossroads leading to the bridges over the Medjerda River, leads his valiant 2nd Squad up atop the escarpment, formerly the center of the enemy line, and signals his comrades to advance.<br /><p>Wow, what a fight, and a great start to TF Reisman's war against the Germans. But don't worry, darker days surely lie ahead, these were just scattered forces occupying outposts on the frontier, while the German focus still remained eastward, but these fights literally convinced the German high command that more troops needed to be flowed into Tunisia in order to 1) assume control from the Vichy French, and 2) hold the advancing Allied forces in the west at bay. So don't fret, 10th Panzer Division has already been given its warning order and will soon be on the way...</p><p>But a ton of fun, in any case. It was a lot of troops on the table for a 5Core Company Command game (18 stands for the Americans, not including transport, and 16 stands for the Germans/Italians), and way too even, not a very good force ratio for the attackers! So I didn't make the Germans as tough as I should/could have (in terms of morale and close combat ability), just treated them as 'normal' troops, but hey, I treated them as 'normal' troops in what was basically an even-up game and the GIs still pulled it off! After being hit by Stukas, too! ;) Even knocked out a few enemy (albeit Italian) tanks, two with tanks and one with a bazooka! Quite proud o'my dogfaces from Task Force Reisman!</p><p>At this point Blade Force has secured Chouigoui Pass; it must leave forces there to secure its left (northern) flank as it is not in contact with the British 36th Brigade Group further north, while it pushes east. The 5th Northamptonshires have secured the town of Tebourba and Blade force continues east; mechanized forces from Task Force Reisman, under their Armored Reconnaissance Company commander, Captain Henry, are enroute to the Bathan Bridge over the Medjerda River, on the path to the town of Djedeida.</p><div><div>Let's get to some stats:<br /><br /></div><div>-the US had 10 men killed, wounded, or missing</div></div><div><br /></div><div>-the Germans/Italians had 40 men killed, wounded, or missing</div><div><br /></div><div>-The Italians had three M11/1941 tanks and a 47mm 47/32 ATG destroyed</div><div><br /></div><div>Characters:</div><div><br /></div><div>-Sgt Anderson, 2nd Squad Leader, 1st Armored Reconnaissance Platoon, was awarded the Silver Star for seizing the village and crossroads, rolling up the enemy's left flank and unhinging their defense, eliminated a platoon leader, two squads of Parachute Engineers, and an anti-tank gun in close combat in the process.</div><div><br /></div><div>-2nd Lt Woodson, Platoon Leader, 1st Armored Reconnaissance Platoon, was awarded his second Purple Heart and the Bronze Star w/V, for leading the assault on the village and crossroads, eliminating an enemy machine gun team and Parachute Engineer squad in close combat before falling wounded while close assaulting an enemy anti-tank gun position.</div></div><div><br /></div><div>-Sgt Carrington, 3rd Squad Leader, 1st Armored Reconnaissance Platoon, was recognized for his combat leadership in rallying the 1st Armored Reconnaissance Platoon while it was under intense enemy machine gun and tank fire, allowing other elements of the platoon to carry out the close assault that cracked the enemy defensive line.</div><div><br /></div><div>-2nd Lt Figures, Platoon Leader, 1st Tank Platoon, was awarded the Purple Heart (return 15 Dec 942) for being wounded when his tank was knocked out by enemy fire, and was recognized for his steady and calm demeanor and professionalism whilst knocking out an enemy tank with his M3 Stuart.</div><div><br /></div><div>-Sergeant Simpson, Tank Commander, 1st Tank Platoon, was recognized for his steady and calm demeanor and professionalism whilst knocking out an enemy tank with his M3 Stuart.</div><div><br /></div><div>-Corporal Greene, Anti-Tank Gunner, 1st Armored Reconnaissance Platoon, was recognized for his steady and calm demeanor and professionalism whilst knocking out an enemy tank with his M1 2.36" Rocket Launcher.</div><div><br /></div><div>-2nd Lt Robinson, Platoon Leader, Self-Propelled Gun Platoon, was awarded the Purple Heart (return 15 Dec 942) for being wounded when his M7 Priest was disabled by enemy fire.</div><div><br /></div><div>-Cpl Haggans, Acting 1st Squad Leader, 1st Armored Reconnaissance Platoon, was awarded the Purple Heart (return 1 Jan 1943), for being wounded when his M3 Halftrack was knocked out by enemy fire.</div><div><br /></div><div>-Captain Thigpen, Executive Officer, Task Force Reisman, was not officially reprimanded, but Major Reisman sat him down ad discussed his displeasure with the Captain's perceived lack of combat leadership, personal courage, and grit, while leading the attack on the walled village. The Major understood full well the stress of combat, the danger of incoming hostile fire, and burden of command, and explained that he needs, and expects, more of his XO. "Captain," Major Reisman began ponderously, "I get holding back until you can determine where the enemy's center of gravity resides, but once you do, you must absolutely grip it! And I mean seize on it and don't let go, hang on for door life, push it to its full out extent, regardless of cost and personal risk!"<br /><br />"Yes, Sir."</div><div><br /></div><div>And with that, we press on to join Captain Henry in his assault to secure a bridge over the Medjerda.</div><div><br /></div><div>V/R,</div><div>Jack</div><div><br /></div>Just Jackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03552962741823929433noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8660216775038377627.post-41512174457685938292023-02-15T17:10:00.000-08:002023-02-15T17:10:45.712-08:00Hell on Wheels, Operation Torch Fight #7<p>All,</p><p>1430 Local Time<br />10 November 1942<br />Near Port Lyautey, French Morocco</p><p>Normally this would have been a job for his XO, or even one of the better platoon leaders, but his XO was dead and he was still trying to establish himself as a good leader in the eyes of his men, so Captain Henry, commander of TF Reisman's Armored Reconnaissance Company, was leading a mechanized thrust wide around the left flank of the French defenses in and around Port Lyautey. Despite a couple days' relatively hard fighting, morale was high as the sense the French, who no one believed were truly the enemy to begin with, were preparing to capitulate and everyone believed the fighting in Morocco was about to come to a joyous end. Major Reisman was quick to stamp out any such thoughts and complacency, admonishing his soldiers that "there was still a war to be fought," and so he kept the Task Force men busy, to include this scouting party. </p><p>Captain Henry had led the column out at first light, and so far, so good. They American column had covered many miles without any real sign of French defenders, just a few stragglers attempting to surrender, not a single shot fired. But the now-seasoned dogfaces were growing a bit uncomfortable, that edgy feeling that something was about to happen creeping in. Captain Henry felt it, too, and as the column approached an oasis and crossroads with a couple stone buildings present, he halted the column to and moved to get his field glasses on it.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA4jbisunHAM5Lz03sv6-b9EvflmwzqZkGEMTmx-wHzRP5jgIWPFDXfVtPjNaU6cUqxYMX_qt5u0ur9T4Tk1HWY97uOkC50rt_x5QIusRfyjmoDfmGHCdJ9BCXNeEHghd_2J2_EuxXx5qMtNVgWUA8XC7pOa7jH7z2NBtmHXoJBduG5W-ap9mI-Exc/s4032/IMG_8773.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA4jbisunHAM5Lz03sv6-b9EvflmwzqZkGEMTmx-wHzRP5jgIWPFDXfVtPjNaU6cUqxYMX_qt5u0ur9T4Tk1HWY97uOkC50rt_x5QIusRfyjmoDfmGHCdJ9BCXNeEHghd_2J2_EuxXx5qMtNVgWUA8XC7pOa7jH7z2NBtmHXoJBduG5W-ap9mI-Exc/w400-h300/IMG_8773.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Overview, north is up. The hardball roads running north-south and east-west intersect at a crossroads hosting a couple stone buildings on the right side of the table, with a small, natural pond nearby, likely owing to a tributary of the Wadi Sebou flowing to the north. There are plenty of rocky outcroppings and rocky ground, split by the occasional palm tree, but overall it's pretty sparse. I tried to cut way back on my use of the hedges as scrub brush, I think my first six tables probably had way too much green for Morocco, but I'll deflect that accusation by stating these fights all occurred near the coast ;)</div><div><br /></div><div>The only terrain features relevant to this fight are the crossroads/village, 'The Knoll' at left top (just left of the pond), and the twin hills just right of them, which will call Hills 36 (just below the road at far right) and 37 (just above the road at far right).</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiax_O5RW8V6Q5nX-caTQMSNVb9YSdi-PH-rsTUPDDUiEgQTbgR0-dIW1J6UiFZ4FZvVYVv3ND50keIoFd8dnKcb9VNDIRA3pBi4FWP8pnsklk81EI-IiwXps2TmnZrdg8eWz7EnKytZltLsViVb-042tgAevL1uhNc1rNAMDeFSpRyrYkOezUCq9Uk/s4032/IMG_8774.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiax_O5RW8V6Q5nX-caTQMSNVb9YSdi-PH-rsTUPDDUiEgQTbgR0-dIW1J6UiFZ4FZvVYVv3ND50keIoFd8dnKcb9VNDIRA3pBi4FWP8pnsklk81EI-IiwXps2TmnZrdg8eWz7EnKytZltLsViVb-042tgAevL1uhNc1rNAMDeFSpRyrYkOezUCq9Uk/w400-h300/IMG_8774.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The opposing forces, with US on the left and French on the right. A little bit smaller of a fight than the first six, but not much.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMASyFZzFtiMxMKTCk8Ct7SjQ1U3ZJGCNKfpnBtJq0FkWay_84l5AuU65jxdKkxGyBVn6J_wXTCFpKuyMkW1uiG5sjYxhMF4aaNzqFPto8WttqjEK2CJ0YfgjuQGcXpg92ACWoWldfOCPhfVGidaUZMyxVw2EEGy41cRWHREf2bke-gSmMzkfIkTDq/s4032/IMG_8775.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMASyFZzFtiMxMKTCk8Ct7SjQ1U3ZJGCNKfpnBtJq0FkWay_84l5AuU65jxdKkxGyBVn6J_wXTCFpKuyMkW1uiG5sjYxhMF4aaNzqFPto8WttqjEK2CJ0YfgjuQGcXpg92ACWoWldfOCPhfVGidaUZMyxVw2EEGy41cRWHREf2bke-gSmMzkfIkTDq/w400-h300/IMG_8775.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The US force, broken down as follows:<br />CO: Captain Henry, Armored Recon Company commander</div><div><br /></div><div>Armored Car Platoon:</div><div>-2nd Lt Stone, platoon leader</div><div>-Sgt Binn</div><div><br /></div><div>Armored Infantry Platoon:</div><div>-2nd Lt Royals (2nd Platoon leader)</div><div>-Sgt Castle, 1st Squad</div><div>-Sgt Hendrickson, 2nd Squad</div><div>-Sgt Ravotti, 3rd Squad </div><div>-Cpl Buckner, MG Team</div><div>-Cpl Mims, Mortar team</div><div><br /></div><div>M3 Stuart Tank Platoon:<br />-Sgt Bell</div><div>-Sgt Tomczak</div><div><br /></div><div>Tank Destroyer Platoon:</div><div>-2nd Lt Swayne (platoon leader)</div><div>-Sgt Cuthbert</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYMapQuwXS5q6Tt-YxHJXe-zl6ovRm_2UtNGcBUoI0oAFOfKqhZyqRJ8dvp5vkV8CQRxqbl62sX3C46DYKV_FdT6G9UNXwJrkLyzIs8w99UhHhEaFH0k6GxUpIpmgx4zciKnBFG_7XFagc2pbrel-jn6Uj_qVVSzcm6Z3G1aQiLjSzrrCjKwPzlO5S/s4032/IMG_8776.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYMapQuwXS5q6Tt-YxHJXe-zl6ovRm_2UtNGcBUoI0oAFOfKqhZyqRJ8dvp5vkV8CQRxqbl62sX3C46DYKV_FdT6G9UNXwJrkLyzIs8w99UhHhEaFH0k6GxUpIpmgx4zciKnBFG_7XFagc2pbrel-jn6Uj_qVVSzcm6Z3G1aQiLjSzrrCjKwPzlO5S/w400-h300/IMG_8776.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The French, consisting of:<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Garrison:</div><div>-Platoon leader</div><div>-2 x rifle squad</div><div>-1 x Hotchkiss MG team</div><div>-1 x 81mm mortar team</div><div>-1 x 25mm anti-tank gun (ATG)</div><div><br /></div><div>Reserves:</div><div>-3 x R35 light tanks</div><div><br /></div><div>-Commanding Officer</div><div>-4 x Trucks (not shown)</div><div><br /></div><div>The reserves are actually two separate columns, coming from two different directions (northeast and southeast), though both received the request for help at the same time and both will arrive on the table at the same time. Here's how the arrival time will work: I will roll 1D6 at the end of each French turn, and if I equal or beat a target score the reinforcements will arrive. If I don't, the reinforcements will not come on an I will try again at the end of the following French turn, with a -1 to the target number each turn (so the first turn needs a 6, the second turn needs a 5+, the third turns needs a 4+, etc...).</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7cX4kC4fRh6NALaonsS3xfgOA7srmv4fg2FkLNd1EzsJC0Hu1UkFxiaSGC4EWMWJhdNscJjKcnN4rS2Qz_4FP-LDLI8tGEfzeWGsQN8-6hrvqdZux0qDM3EF4UBY2KVCCmPjYKoGpmz5RI6OObPeM09x0AGRr7NcjPjT0AOKcH9HbfzpSjoWOE8Vj/s4032/IMG_8777.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7cX4kC4fRh6NALaonsS3xfgOA7srmv4fg2FkLNd1EzsJC0Hu1UkFxiaSGC4EWMWJhdNscJjKcnN4rS2Qz_4FP-LDLI8tGEfzeWGsQN8-6hrvqdZux0qDM3EF4UBY2KVCCmPjYKoGpmz5RI6OObPeM09x0AGRr7NcjPjT0AOKcH9HbfzpSjoWOE8Vj/w400-h300/IMG_8777.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Overview, now with troops. The US baseline is at left; they have their CO and armored car platoon just off road at far left top, while their Stuart tank platoon and tank destroyer platoon is located at bottom left. The French are all grouped just east (right) of the crossroads, with rifle squads, their mortar team, and their platoon leader in the village, their 25mm ATG atop Hill 36 (far right, below the road), and their MG team atop Hill 37 (far right, above the road).</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFtHD4pERVGGj_CTWw95l4JiBJZnf_y16M8Wc_24bEdsD3C2_dvmp4Aouv35IoQ84UFhBTAllfmxNdVTVst1eF9TTl03NXhIsX21QUgWNgmKG6FsvRbk50GMzSBcQ0LPTjSE8YbfmVjniXWAlvoK2wYln9XblslOK5echAteZYwOJ37VCzoTVoIfRW/s4032/IMG_8778.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFtHD4pERVGGj_CTWw95l4JiBJZnf_y16M8Wc_24bEdsD3C2_dvmp4Aouv35IoQ84UFhBTAllfmxNdVTVst1eF9TTl03NXhIsX21QUgWNgmKG6FsvRbk50GMzSBcQ0LPTjSE8YbfmVjniXWAlvoK2wYln9XblslOK5echAteZYwOJ37VCzoTVoIfRW/w400-h300/IMG_8778.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>A closer look at the M3 Stuarts and M3 GMCs (tank destroyers) in the southwest corner, with the CO and armored car platoon at top left.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizm24nl0U2DM1kaaJ3SXb4xF3clt-_HQjZPuj0sHOteeaGanj4AuY45sZmzn-hvvMjIDDfLbWndHkujWbtE_vwmOvtt5e_gm-glNRzcOJ0MFVpgbIOY0NPBd1zBTe0aqwKj7Rg8A7kEDc8jaqlb0CMYSMCyWF9XJuuPKj-97IUvrB37dOZmZMLXLeE/s4032/IMG_8779.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizm24nl0U2DM1kaaJ3SXb4xF3clt-_HQjZPuj0sHOteeaGanj4AuY45sZmzn-hvvMjIDDfLbWndHkujWbtE_vwmOvtt5e_gm-glNRzcOJ0MFVpgbIOY0NPBd1zBTe0aqwKj7Rg8A7kEDc8jaqlb0CMYSMCyWF9XJuuPKj-97IUvrB37dOZmZMLXLeE/w400-h300/IMG_8779.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And the CO (right) and armored car platoon (left) in the northwest.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW2CX5rzkttADjrFqbnWXmXKpN1k-rYJTlKM2r8hmvk-P3bmeTB4NtpO7bE32kQfgq95wTqRdiWylVRxhuAxX_glDnlk0I9-_H-BfZQC_0Ax4BEmbLMTZ_LWkhp-vvIrL00_ZnlF-htjMS5hDoa9Q96DrlznU_y9obnhL1-_iK-z6NT9_TZcqF18mb/s4032/IMG_8781.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW2CX5rzkttADjrFqbnWXmXKpN1k-rYJTlKM2r8hmvk-P3bmeTB4NtpO7bE32kQfgq95wTqRdiWylVRxhuAxX_glDnlk0I9-_H-BfZQC_0Ax4BEmbLMTZ_LWkhp-vvIrL00_ZnlF-htjMS5hDoa9Q96DrlznU_y9obnhL1-_iK-z6NT9_TZcqF18mb/w400-h300/IMG_8781.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The US armored fist, ready to strike a blow! Or be struck...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio5uPfrxtHmNz6VzI6HYeWAh7z_mzgynpLdlw5iTqirB8AmdyCjln6fOfz7BhbDBijGxJZsSjDx064E2SuPCPT0ezpCGLrOXmV9qmHjkhFM-0UjEV_vEWT606R2v88PegU1tdKAIv3My8N9ILSVn71Sm1ql6yKABMIgKElYIEc4iUjm7kLnhOkzT-k/s4032/IMG_8782.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio5uPfrxtHmNz6VzI6HYeWAh7z_mzgynpLdlw5iTqirB8AmdyCjln6fOfz7BhbDBijGxJZsSjDx064E2SuPCPT0ezpCGLrOXmV9qmHjkhFM-0UjEV_vEWT606R2v88PegU1tdKAIv3My8N9ILSVn71Sm1ql6yKABMIgKElYIEc4iUjm7kLnhOkzT-k/w400-h300/IMG_8782.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The French defenders, all backed up in the center, consisting of two rifle squads (center), the platoon leader and mortar team (just above them), and the MG team and ATG (atop the hills, left and right, respectively).</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8H0LK9z0wQAFUNZYn_O0VHl4a1k3Q2UBtHQR4AJbSYTtf50IelIb31MKi_avefLV4AkZgpsQjgLWcLW-8UcwgD8-aAyfdfe7BsvnxdH78ylsClomDrZjL-MELZNbJN_LBYXGSC4sBsYUHDjY7_4dLNXixal0fmZZESUuNbLodcjz6RIMn425LmPB4/s4032/IMG_8783.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8H0LK9z0wQAFUNZYn_O0VHl4a1k3Q2UBtHQR4AJbSYTtf50IelIb31MKi_avefLV4AkZgpsQjgLWcLW-8UcwgD8-aAyfdfe7BsvnxdH78ylsClomDrZjL-MELZNbJN_LBYXGSC4sBsYUHDjY7_4dLNXixal0fmZZESUuNbLodcjz6RIMn425LmPB4/w400-h300/IMG_8783.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Another look.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrvwbTrDTo7rJddL_9TZ2VgFF06bWj_CzINSHXfmwW1BahJujL97urF4s4zeuA41Dvgt1nApvbrTdvOKO10V5Q9Wnkh92mPdVDbzuIRynDjyzPFVVRS77o9NvX22VRep_xxNFTSDiMRdnaDKT7OB0cZ3-BgVX39D5qZHGgyqCvUgtYGpJJjzZ_YsTJ/s4032/IMG_8784.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrvwbTrDTo7rJddL_9TZ2VgFF06bWj_CzINSHXfmwW1BahJujL97urF4s4zeuA41Dvgt1nApvbrTdvOKO10V5Q9Wnkh92mPdVDbzuIRynDjyzPFVVRS77o9NvX22VRep_xxNFTSDiMRdnaDKT7OB0cZ3-BgVX39D5qZHGgyqCvUgtYGpJJjzZ_YsTJ/w400-h300/IMG_8784.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Captain Henry, the commander of Task Force Reisman's Armored Reconnaissance Company, glasses the crossroads and its surrounding environs. "It's quiet," states Captain Henry.<br /><br />"Yeah, too quiet," replies Lt Stone, his Armored Car Platoon leader.</div><div><br /></div><div>"It stinks of quiet," murmurs Captain Henry.* Nevertheless, he orders Lt Stone to advance; Lt Stone, in turn, informs his drivers and Lt Royals' Armored Infantry Platoon to prepare to move.</div><div><br /></div><div>*Sorry, I just remember that exact sequence popping up in so many of the WWII comic books I read as a kid ;)</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyY_oQ0YXvWf485eHOdzy6LIA0fRBBwxN4sAd32aCv05Iof78dn5tciBEoaa7lr0e7GFrewCBu4NZjxHbwbpyKES2yd8F5CZVp0GJX54NQl0_bNnZQ5FAE4OvdIyLW_B_IZTREJ7w1cyS8puDjiAub-xhjrzBcUtPoNVipe93ZxksoswmsbGfReTLY/s4032/IMG_8785.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyY_oQ0YXvWf485eHOdzy6LIA0fRBBwxN4sAd32aCv05Iof78dn5tciBEoaa7lr0e7GFrewCBu4NZjxHbwbpyKES2yd8F5CZVp0GJX54NQl0_bNnZQ5FAE4OvdIyLW_B_IZTREJ7w1cyS8puDjiAub-xhjrzBcUtPoNVipe93ZxksoswmsbGfReTLY/w400-h300/IMG_8785.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Captain Henry (left bottom) looks on as Lt Stone leads his armored cars and Lt Royals' armored infantry forward, passing The Knoll.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Xrf6PnILZUZBlf3eYz-I-tAT7Ok0gdd3hYQjS_gENbdbms061GcyrDuyGXozimO8iS4UqgfcECE9nW5leJm-vhHdMul1tul1lqIrxr64U2uTsxxE7TnlYfWtqa2SKNBvgldBiYV_7RT4cfbYWojC8hhvIt-zV31bZYoxribHDx43jPBr2snJPMdv/s4032/IMG_8786.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Xrf6PnILZUZBlf3eYz-I-tAT7Ok0gdd3hYQjS_gENbdbms061GcyrDuyGXozimO8iS4UqgfcECE9nW5leJm-vhHdMul1tul1lqIrxr64U2uTsxxE7TnlYfWtqa2SKNBvgldBiYV_7RT4cfbYWojC8hhvIt-zV31bZYoxribHDx43jPBr2snJPMdv/w400-h300/IMG_8786.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Looking from the opposite direction (north to south), you see the Stuarts and tank destroyers push ahead, picking their way through the rocky terrain (top center, with CO at right bottom).</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu66uyvjrUgo0-I7Qz6NvksG_74wfXmM0MIc2152U6aj3JWueBxWczUTXn51gAoaK4ghW-tVuLFM7tMLG6igkn129lPHSnXn8lkzRKZOMciGFWA0JUvygMzW3pDrGwu60FqbWM9DWFD53zvIjN5giru2Q8kIZ9pvZNaGRJ0hyE00WZTBOAl_6M_b-7/s4032/IMG_8787.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu66uyvjrUgo0-I7Qz6NvksG_74wfXmM0MIc2152U6aj3JWueBxWczUTXn51gAoaK4ghW-tVuLFM7tMLG6igkn129lPHSnXn8lkzRKZOMciGFWA0JUvygMzW3pDrGwu60FqbWM9DWFD53zvIjN5giru2Q8kIZ9pvZNaGRJ0hyE00WZTBOAl_6M_b-7/w400-h300/IMG_8787.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>As the Americans push forward, Sgt Bell is feeling increasingly uncomfortable, so he orders his tank to halt (bottom left, with Lt Stone's scout car visible at left top), and he fires, launching a 37mm HE round into the village (top right)...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifcfh2S6WB-uEGV_aDO76IpZnNkJBEnD6a3KDHqcBt6yd8BL05JWEpBsPfvLC_NJcxO_myCLQkbijsHCtc4mJ9hH77OOj_bj-q7WmOLl7i1zJce3c8k1L4VY_xHAonMKs7Gy5n_y_YJ4CExVkgQLgxuglrr7uJpWM9bVn9pozvLOBkb4UrMQJEmq26/s4032/IMG_8788.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifcfh2S6WB-uEGV_aDO76IpZnNkJBEnD6a3KDHqcBt6yd8BL05JWEpBsPfvLC_NJcxO_myCLQkbijsHCtc4mJ9hH77OOj_bj-q7WmOLl7i1zJce3c8k1L4VY_xHAonMKs7Gy5n_y_YJ4CExVkgQLgxuglrr7uJpWM9bVn9pozvLOBkb4UrMQJEmq26/w400-h300/IMG_8788.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Unknowingly suppressing one of the French rifle squads (red bead)!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDpHSchszk663Wp5b1ISB4GQJDAYYIKJKJNXMr6BN_2kOpsecp-q3mWVBPKbc1Zx2tJIC51pmiBLeB-pjLsSByTIMTytqtRZlFcypEDwqS1iMr5ZKcooOzxL6ReQ_T4b6O8G9FM3gAzbWCA3YWduGIpJgFNpGLFK4j3GmA-hPPB4SobuNInuVM2kOv/s4032/IMG_8789.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDpHSchszk663Wp5b1ISB4GQJDAYYIKJKJNXMr6BN_2kOpsecp-q3mWVBPKbc1Zx2tJIC51pmiBLeB-pjLsSByTIMTytqtRZlFcypEDwqS1iMr5ZKcooOzxL6ReQ_T4b6O8G9FM3gAzbWCA3YWduGIpJgFNpGLFK4j3GmA-hPPB4SobuNInuVM2kOv/w400-h300/IMG_8789.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>But as the report and explosion echo through the valley, the French ATG atop Hill 36 (bottom left) sights in on Sgt Bell's Stuart (top center) and fires...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisP5lGa6gxx7Ds4zutS7vXzvyHKvGZJbe6E2WspQjVlzM_fVDa5mgi3creKFYtlZLW5YKysAoLoqt6Tky0ac_gPJtD7F3tiaoaIVeNLixiwf_BK1nN26d-Gy6Y6X5KqHVYqad72R6GeZvdFP1fawSFSU6Aj96lThAAyrm312IKcaB94ilqivoSxj9_/s4032/IMG_8790.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisP5lGa6gxx7Ds4zutS7vXzvyHKvGZJbe6E2WspQjVlzM_fVDa5mgi3creKFYtlZLW5YKysAoLoqt6Tky0ac_gPJtD7F3tiaoaIVeNLixiwf_BK1nN26d-Gy6Y6X5KqHVYqad72R6GeZvdFP1fawSFSU6Aj96lThAAyrm312IKcaB94ilqivoSxj9_/w400-h300/IMG_8790.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The French 25mm armor-piercing round misses, kicking up a shower of rocks and soil, as Sgt Tomczak orders his gunner (top left) to return fire, though they miss, too.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgmhqMzqvNpcg7F3h98b4BbYbkzheBzz9fBMag4o4IM5u1TP0-wq3K4lenlILIKha9oIvFcHp0X1FhTIm0E9uM0j7p3fDD0SQwFeDniv14rg4ZrBm8_dmmStlVEMCO9LVd8vVbjtk1KAlDuvsP02yq5pIUu-y6fXgoY_2D_SD4R2k5j7F4d7fMZzC7/s4032/IMG_8791.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgmhqMzqvNpcg7F3h98b4BbYbkzheBzz9fBMag4o4IM5u1TP0-wq3K4lenlILIKha9oIvFcHp0X1FhTIm0E9uM0j7p3fDD0SQwFeDniv14rg4ZrBm8_dmmStlVEMCO9LVd8vVbjtk1KAlDuvsP02yq5pIUu-y6fXgoY_2D_SD4R2k5j7F4d7fMZzC7/w400-h300/IMG_8791.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>As the French ATG (far left) trades shots with the American armor (just off camera to top center right), the French MG team (bottom center, atop Hill 37) cuts loose with a long burst at the head of the American road column (top right)...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR5GKOwEmbuNvv90tDGI98Xu4nIBzJrNRuEQ4BG-TN5hh7fH6dMEq1Ltudu11XFzUQ1tmHNP8PTv0Cf5GiELezH1vazskM44oVwx8ilCGrS9fa7OATg7502UQcwXzE9odWVQAbBq9PpzjsVT_mznyBxhd38aPdetug0HQgXFmEIzoNzBSxQMeBff4R/s4032/IMG_8792.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR5GKOwEmbuNvv90tDGI98Xu4nIBzJrNRuEQ4BG-TN5hh7fH6dMEq1Ltudu11XFzUQ1tmHNP8PTv0Cf5GiELezH1vazskM44oVwx8ilCGrS9fa7OATg7502UQcwXzE9odWVQAbBq9PpzjsVT_mznyBxhd38aPdetug0HQgXFmEIzoNzBSxQMeBff4R/w400-h300/IMG_8792.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Machine gun rounds ricochet to and fro as Captain Henry dashes forward (center, from bottom left) to assist the road column.</div><div><br /></div><div>The French get screwed when they roll a 'Scurry,' which allows them to move but not fire, but they don't need to move, they need to fire. All they can do is have their suppressed rifle team (just visible behind the wall at top right) rally. The good news from the French is that since they don't move, the Americans don't see anything and thus don't get a 'free' move.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCu2y1aoCFSzSU8BeNb9N2CyAmTco-rnY800e3bJySCZQ7o23gP_GaYQSqbtWsp-wAsEejiP5ctlVXmPuTyZCRJQ6neWO_8HwVMx1Z93IoZhL1vLo_Vl0ekww5-K1avWDOfdgLsHzXiyPD6fi83WJE5CKNPxjY9evNKmL9yksGknAxvaOYKvBUgFCR/s4032/IMG_8793.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCu2y1aoCFSzSU8BeNb9N2CyAmTco-rnY800e3bJySCZQ7o23gP_GaYQSqbtWsp-wAsEejiP5ctlVXmPuTyZCRJQ6neWO_8HwVMx1Z93IoZhL1vLo_Vl0ekww5-K1avWDOfdgLsHzXiyPD6fi83WJE5CKNPxjY9evNKmL9yksGknAxvaOYKvBUgFCR/w400-h300/IMG_8793.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Wary of the French anti-tank gun, Sgt Tomczak knows he can't sit still, but he's also not sure of the location of the French gun, so he pushes his tank slowly forward (center, from left), trying to present himself as a moving target without rushing blindly into a kill zone or crossfire.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6hKA9qKbyFZ_-xXD_G1JZCSLsqxpomXlXOZWQm77_Ko12Plk1ok-9tvO6f57X6l-ICK9IW8r94KRhOYKiDnPH8Z3Qx3Tj8c8l1HhQGgO7J7jHr1txc83OmNT-Ehs6G_PMRPCckZWxyFlEgVIDntypTIwtNtWsqsDxiMRQqx6PkDCqj1KQ6RdDPLQ7/s4032/IMG_8794.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6hKA9qKbyFZ_-xXD_G1JZCSLsqxpomXlXOZWQm77_Ko12Plk1ok-9tvO6f57X6l-ICK9IW8r94KRhOYKiDnPH8Z3Qx3Tj8c8l1HhQGgO7J7jHr1txc83OmNT-Ehs6G_PMRPCckZWxyFlEgVIDntypTIwtNtWsqsDxiMRQqx6PkDCqj1KQ6RdDPLQ7/w400-h300/IMG_8794.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>But the French gunners (bottom right) are locked in on him (top left) and fire...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJT0eYPk1LnpkP9uHMpuOwC5SyITAZ8yX56LM-RskiZuNUhy7O4e9WgtYdeHaH_14s_cQr72lbl1CTSnWiU2EJp1uRcyOO3GAhD3E8CdX0QVRmV9VSePm8YgQOddnW-6nTiKDiwrR3EXIqJ9eqymxtn-f6qpbOtPP4Pls7nlRmccqlgL8evv2EHNbV/s320/IMG_8795.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJT0eYPk1LnpkP9uHMpuOwC5SyITAZ8yX56LM-RskiZuNUhy7O4e9WgtYdeHaH_14s_cQr72lbl1CTSnWiU2EJp1uRcyOO3GAhD3E8CdX0QVRmV9VSePm8YgQOddnW-6nTiKDiwrR3EXIqJ9eqymxtn-f6qpbOtPP4Pls7nlRmccqlgL8evv2EHNbV/w400-h300/IMG_8795.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>A loud CLANG! reverberates through the valley as Sgt Tomczak's Stuart is hit and immobilized (red bead and smoke at right)!!! Lt Swayne pushes his tank destroyer up in support (right, between the two Stuarts, with Sgt Cuthbert's tank destroyer at bottom left), searching for that damned gun!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij_d0NSQ0dk6dVC_qnn7EFHBa-I4Ue1m6NdH2N-cInWgAAVHYoPQyMdWdQrBOfhATyWlrKsC6_NNGsTt22Gnzd0PY4gyYx58RLjhfa1nbzPWwxqDvzPQxYr-DFqWAUyZOa3jgnbHRNwetfR3WMmPkqhCMW94fxBTovAjXRD3AZkuAjolxgS38JCmSl/s4032/IMG_8796.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij_d0NSQ0dk6dVC_qnn7EFHBa-I4Ue1m6NdH2N-cInWgAAVHYoPQyMdWdQrBOfhATyWlrKsC6_NNGsTt22Gnzd0PY4gyYx58RLjhfa1nbzPWwxqDvzPQxYr-DFqWAUyZOa3jgnbHRNwetfR3WMmPkqhCMW94fxBTovAjXRD3AZkuAjolxgS38JCmSl/w400-h300/IMG_8796.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>But as he (top left) searches, the French MG team (bottom right) shifts fire and engages the tank destroyer...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinoAAi5NglOCL7-8od0bha4bAbbX5rQbsWS41v_FX97Iew35xEbJeAYUc36B6nhfxF3C70JefitDfwRvQLXYbR8fgGXiMnKVYasDyvwE2JBHoXInEVDwfCj4OdrVzy7yMwvxYlA8VR8OOXjs7f7fWyFMsmDrSQhgWM4jM0FE92Am9zIAiNSyIJk3ub/s4032/IMG_8797.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinoAAi5NglOCL7-8od0bha4bAbbX5rQbsWS41v_FX97Iew35xEbJeAYUc36B6nhfxF3C70JefitDfwRvQLXYbR8fgGXiMnKVYasDyvwE2JBHoXInEVDwfCj4OdrVzy7yMwvxYlA8VR8OOXjs7f7fWyFMsmDrSQhgWM4jM0FE92Am9zIAiNSyIJk3ub/w400-h300/IMG_8797.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>A hail of French .30-cal bullets clatter off the armored halftrack, immobilizing Lt Swayne's vehicle right next to Sgt Tomczak's immobilized tank! To add insult to injury, the machine gun fire pins Sgt Bell's crew (yellow bead at bottom left, Captain Henry just visible at top left)!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnBLdhf7JjWhmpdHrIqnQ7tJRHVd3TXQYAtfe-iGbP8-wPvYqxrKSAjGJMu2Wn4L8Y1IbC1Rh-pyhlJh41KiXhX5xZYXn-I3mfb1zTnGuOtbYZezLMhM2pBjPRALsfmGVTBX366wiFz3npAbG25xqjsYI0auSat3EUvfq3MG99UIczRNqtmrWhwqUu/s4032/IMG_8798.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnBLdhf7JjWhmpdHrIqnQ7tJRHVd3TXQYAtfe-iGbP8-wPvYqxrKSAjGJMu2Wn4L8Y1IbC1Rh-pyhlJh41KiXhX5xZYXn-I3mfb1zTnGuOtbYZezLMhM2pBjPRALsfmGVTBX366wiFz3npAbG25xqjsYI0auSat3EUvfq3MG99UIczRNqtmrWhwqUu/w400-h300/IMG_8798.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Captain Henry rushes in to rally the troops: Lt Swayne's tank destroyer crew is good, but Sgt Bell's crew panics, dropping from pinned to suppressed (bottom left)!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCQWfy1r8PQPH_UfRuiB-aq4STsGmChiXwZO72GEBl7wkM0lShb-_i90KPHAv2aopDXrACKllVeZT7rL2J7OiZkeUOR6htMvUrtKvrxGMdxsKU3T9mdzCVAccf96z4UFLlHRvx62LGL-uu4DjADLFpzHXDaPBbCDaNtxblSNJO9lo4b1rsTeB1Qcwd/s320/IMG_8799.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCQWfy1r8PQPH_UfRuiB-aq4STsGmChiXwZO72GEBl7wkM0lShb-_i90KPHAv2aopDXrACKllVeZT7rL2J7OiZkeUOR6htMvUrtKvrxGMdxsKU3T9mdzCVAccf96z4UFLlHRvx62LGL-uu4DjADLFpzHXDaPBbCDaNtxblSNJO9lo4b1rsTeB1Qcwd/w400-h300/IMG_8799.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>While back on the road, Sgt Binn pushes his M3 Scout Car (yeah, everything is M3 something or other: M3 Scout Car, M3 Halftrack, M3 Gun Motor Carriage, M3 Stuart, and M3 Grant; makes absolutely no sense to me, had to make logistics management a nightmare) off road, near The Knoll (left top, next to Lt Stone's Scout Car), looking to engage th village (bottom right), but as he does a French rifle squad opens fire...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTPwD8PF0VbTSK2iMN_7WWENBoUbbRZKRPHggOXTTgcpp2PC8eYYvLo37LJ-d1ATvppGptX7Oxt1rUyaRZhWKufZBFCIDC6SpMHnZn0ameChp-hhJl9kkJcdeWtaoKwPRbiCl_vOs-0qW30LUbhBe9jhUzU2NWN4uSv6NaT1PacgbaAZZnisaU6rgw/s4032/IMG_8800.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTPwD8PF0VbTSK2iMN_7WWENBoUbbRZKRPHggOXTTgcpp2PC8eYYvLo37LJ-d1ATvppGptX7Oxt1rUyaRZhWKufZBFCIDC6SpMHnZn0ameChp-hhJl9kkJcdeWtaoKwPRbiCl_vOs-0qW30LUbhBe9jhUzU2NWN4uSv6NaT1PacgbaAZZnisaU6rgw/w400-h300/IMG_8800.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>And the French FM 24/29 LMG knocks all kinds of holes in the Scout Car, immobilizing it!</div><div><br /></div><div>*What the hell is going on here? Three shots in a row, three vehicles immobilized??? That's some pretty fancy shooting, particularly for the MG team and rifle squad!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN28kV1JHute-GM4PDTHYEmL7E0MuQhxJOIiaU_Bsf4yvDqgc40SwsT_GLT5msSha0kYtermQnINF6w3SS03ul1aX2MdTCyf5X-X-QVC57r0kUQgyJ9tw9xFGa5dc54R7hlq4Rq1goLUzK_0W6fP6R6ITbeHNRJ169NqImoeY85beS8cq84W_-mDJD/s4032/IMG_8801.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN28kV1JHute-GM4PDTHYEmL7E0MuQhxJOIiaU_Bsf4yvDqgc40SwsT_GLT5msSha0kYtermQnINF6w3SS03ul1aX2MdTCyf5X-X-QVC57r0kUQgyJ9tw9xFGa5dc54R7hlq4Rq1goLUzK_0W6fP6R6ITbeHNRJ169NqImoeY85beS8cq84W_-mDJD/w400-h300/IMG_8801.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Seeing the head of the road column taking fire, Lt Royals orders his heavy weapons to move up, off road, and get their weapons into the fight (the two halftracks at left, just below Sgt Binn's immobilized Scout Car, from bottom center). They roll up to The Knoll...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhktmdOeyNI432KbF3LAVKuuN1LQMsdPLuD_s0J7EdzGAfLFWyycddc_QHBzNzSIso_vTx7-0o8SmdRv1i8Q5FrVgtBMh9M3ILPh0KX8cAdA9MJQ7uHhkvyTItyAUhmVljrGAB2RoE22vUsslCgVTkk97AaVa6_aE7TC8MG2I27G6XV3DUJfdn1lYhf/s4032/IMG_8802.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhktmdOeyNI432KbF3LAVKuuN1LQMsdPLuD_s0J7EdzGAfLFWyycddc_QHBzNzSIso_vTx7-0o8SmdRv1i8Q5FrVgtBMh9M3ILPh0KX8cAdA9MJQ7uHhkvyTItyAUhmVljrGAB2RoE22vUsslCgVTkk97AaVa6_aE7TC8MG2I27G6XV3DUJfdn1lYhf/w400-h300/IMG_8802.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>And dismount, with Cpl Buckner getting his M-1919 machine gun into action (center) while Cpl Mims gets his 60mm mortar set up (left).</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiR8TBVA4h2gO3s8cr1Y8_awEIsRkBzagcWZ5N5owganKiyGV2lbeI46UweyL9pb44wacVJWo-doyBXy3m9bqQQWjZLf-fyrFCxuc1ESRdnE5f1SFhgsVumuLAqosR7P6vgjAl0lH5ranlkWyPH8mZR9ICicap1VCOf2gjcpcN3if4Byxt6E4o86Mp/s4032/IMG_8803.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiR8TBVA4h2gO3s8cr1Y8_awEIsRkBzagcWZ5N5owganKiyGV2lbeI46UweyL9pb44wacVJWo-doyBXy3m9bqQQWjZLf-fyrFCxuc1ESRdnE5f1SFhgsVumuLAqosR7P6vgjAl0lH5ranlkWyPH8mZR9ICicap1VCOf2gjcpcN3if4Byxt6E4o86Mp/w400-h300/IMG_8803.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>But as Cpl Buckner and his team are still setting up the machine gun (top left) it is engaged by a French rifle squad in the village (bottom right), causing casualties and sending the American MG team 'men down!'</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYOnNNETpKHoswXgZXoUTKeYluzREv5v7Qt-Bfq53E6dJfnP1gzIqZWP9n6bq_l6APN8xm9VnDyfGM8o4Mp73YUfObATfB7piexCRTk7Z_VEj6fxNv2pZ9_C0uZa3QfNbAsejLoe2MCgZBHdOvmfjVnpfLBUj0M47bEdOrXi4Wdsrf2PxqbmjGXOmb/s4032/IMG_8804.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYOnNNETpKHoswXgZXoUTKeYluzREv5v7Qt-Bfq53E6dJfnP1gzIqZWP9n6bq_l6APN8xm9VnDyfGM8o4Mp73YUfObATfB7piexCRTk7Z_VEj6fxNv2pZ9_C0uZa3QfNbAsejLoe2MCgZBHdOvmfjVnpfLBUj0M47bEdOrXi4Wdsrf2PxqbmjGXOmb/w400-h300/IMG_8804.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>And then the French 81mm mortar team (bottom right) goes to work, targeting the American road column...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0VmNvaDctXNSzIYu2xTjJxJcIj9vsJRVC17EgS1sP5nNpZuvfIAkkZf-lxTuAKdp34-6N67w3FRsIwBDNuw0GoDjzOWb-y218d9RhtMvQarX6NbveSHhWDDOV1qs1ESVICJ1SndR6Ke5DLgygMviuAeuOLqr3AizmsxxIy9MycXT2IRCtwtr-PlLI/s4032/IMG_8805.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0VmNvaDctXNSzIYu2xTjJxJcIj9vsJRVC17EgS1sP5nNpZuvfIAkkZf-lxTuAKdp34-6N67w3FRsIwBDNuw0GoDjzOWb-y218d9RhtMvQarX6NbveSHhWDDOV1qs1ESVICJ1SndR6Ke5DLgygMviuAeuOLqr3AizmsxxIy9MycXT2IRCtwtr-PlLI/w400-h300/IMG_8805.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>81mm HE rounds rain down on both sides of the road, but no one is hit (or pinned/suppressed)!</div><div><br /></div><div>But don't get too happy for the Yanks just yet...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhglJQ2GZqCPzNKVm-cCMh6ZULwpq92k6ynE6kEj89y-YhXrWurePHumC0zojhNFt6g1Noz5FAN3Rf1kQkW8KMGMA6Ub2GR0EJSkCsaf0uavDJAPDQR_nol21kp-h9DZkPqMxvzhmqlXO00c7kYwR3cw4zK7Ls3lZFy1EWO-brZP0SqhY7UXyla87-x/s4032/IMG_8806.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhglJQ2GZqCPzNKVm-cCMh6ZULwpq92k6ynE6kEj89y-YhXrWurePHumC0zojhNFt6g1Noz5FAN3Rf1kQkW8KMGMA6Ub2GR0EJSkCsaf0uavDJAPDQR_nol21kp-h9DZkPqMxvzhmqlXO00c7kYwR3cw4zK7Ls3lZFy1EWO-brZP0SqhY7UXyla87-x/w400-h300/IMG_8806.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The French tanks have arrived in the northeast...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAD6Qjc-x04mXglBh66dopbHKkgQsy-39Ph5sSyjnlBxPet8XVe90UCeN0anL5_3SamSbz_LLOLDMIeA9b890yuXn7e4lAtk12vCiOp_vtRtchUnBaetj-tLh9U5c4OjHkxes8xxVCMhFtn2tgeEs3tWiYGA8J5xC6hxgjAl1VcogSr-sUe6iO2Chg/s4032/IMG_8807.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAD6Qjc-x04mXglBh66dopbHKkgQsy-39Ph5sSyjnlBxPet8XVe90UCeN0anL5_3SamSbz_LLOLDMIeA9b890yuXn7e4lAtk12vCiOp_vtRtchUnBaetj-tLh9U5c4OjHkxes8xxVCMhFtn2tgeEs3tWiYGA8J5xC6hxgjAl1VcogSr-sUe6iO2Chg/w400-h300/IMG_8807.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>And the French mechanized infantry has arrived in the southeast.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTzIokFJxXmQIE3xhYVexjkuiNlWp1e-LSn-8v8RY7mX_PhKLB9RH71R5TcN3fC0r1YbQKjDADn6R8zSkwozeU1ElhohkLkFbM_08HMeFw4bHcud5ryTITd0XqViylNZ3gHIcjY16noLE2drAO0A6zeTNwmt2MPoTQrzabmxFA2GZG0MFCdwdkCu_E/s4032/IMG_8808.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTzIokFJxXmQIE3xhYVexjkuiNlWp1e-LSn-8v8RY7mX_PhKLB9RH71R5TcN3fC0r1YbQKjDADn6R8zSkwozeU1ElhohkLkFbM_08HMeFw4bHcud5ryTITd0XqViylNZ3gHIcjY16noLE2drAO0A6zeTNwmt2MPoTQrzabmxFA2GZG0MFCdwdkCu_E/w400-h300/IMG_8808.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The US commander (bottom left) tries to rally Sgt Bell's M3 Stuart, and they get 'up' to pinned, as Lt Swayne's tank destroyer (between the two Stuarts) fires on Hill 36...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1ZfYGUeyGJCBtFOqCvOWWe-1kfYDzmsB6xMlcLSVUTFFF_2pUzluya2zgK7-Dsde0AllPGccI5lqMEOAILGcEbtQFzeb6WpsmjVfp7I2cxG_cLGav5xoJnrDnJnHRVVGM2sGbNnx-rKDjsryNZSLUIxZS7fnDwohWRbpkATnFVxQk30ItZcu6DA5M/s4032/IMG_8809.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1ZfYGUeyGJCBtFOqCvOWWe-1kfYDzmsB6xMlcLSVUTFFF_2pUzluya2zgK7-Dsde0AllPGccI5lqMEOAILGcEbtQFzeb6WpsmjVfp7I2cxG_cLGav5xoJnrDnJnHRVVGM2sGbNnx-rKDjsryNZSLUIxZS7fnDwohWRbpkATnFVxQk30ItZcu6DA5M/w400-h300/IMG_8809.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Lt Swayne's (top left) 75mm HE round pins the French ATG crew (yellow bead at bottom right) as a rifle squad (right) returns fire, to no effect.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9KVM0w1OyHThKSayZWAGiWMbf8PZtbZZIy4fTbs2rFgY3JPmVVMYQIovMrgVZKKmNqkY_wCmMNUqDFs6K6IDnuu1J9cJMkdKTfU3XhhlBTES1sO9cLopTlqT2VmxKL6vwZGeMNBGRpczWTGLvce31VpbGTTv6TPhFz1z8bjW_7HIZ12NUpNZTKDE0/s4032/IMG_8810.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9KVM0w1OyHThKSayZWAGiWMbf8PZtbZZIy4fTbs2rFgY3JPmVVMYQIovMrgVZKKmNqkY_wCmMNUqDFs6K6IDnuu1J9cJMkdKTfU3XhhlBTES1sO9cLopTlqT2VmxKL6vwZGeMNBGRpczWTGLvce31VpbGTTv6TPhFz1z8bjW_7HIZ12NUpNZTKDE0/w400-h300/IMG_8810.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Captain Henry breaks his foot off in Sgt Bell's ass, successfully rallying him and his crew (bottom center), then moves left, where he does the same thing to Sgt Tomczak and his crew, dodging rifle, machine gun, and 25mm ATG fire, and even some shrapnel from the mortar rounds hitting near the road (top center/left).</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlND8EwD5YpP2zg8iFIxnWPh37yEpCRRpNzhlfw1W6yDVPOBjF8xtnthSwNtZj5orO8K9OJfzrOQh0vXgTLJA70KFp-9UeWB0uuPbBrYqws4Gi_vcR-3OB8SR2D7kmy9oen4zhOUxdLMi2swveM0hluJtLgLyFtWP32Kp9bu--2zPMrxMYwJJ7ejkb/s4032/IMG_8811.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlND8EwD5YpP2zg8iFIxnWPh37yEpCRRpNzhlfw1W6yDVPOBjF8xtnthSwNtZj5orO8K9OJfzrOQh0vXgTLJA70KFp-9UeWB0uuPbBrYqws4Gi_vcR-3OB8SR2D7kmy9oen4zhOUxdLMi2swveM0hluJtLgLyFtWP32Kp9bu--2zPMrxMYwJJ7ejkb/w400-h300/IMG_8811.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>But the newly arrived French in the northeast decide to get into the fight: the lead French tank (bottom right) spots the American tanks (top left center, with the village at far left top and The Knoll at top center right) and opens fire with its 37mm gun...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjceC3FP5P2yfKXRWCVHAnomm6SO3iONNHt-Ln64jp0zzGm-qzNRu0Ofqfah0ihFkZnm_HeWxm8pGFNAoCUpPul9i532R0JTlRlx1EnXUyQI9Yeg7rWI086fZAlsWHgmOfUN7YTv6Nsv4FzbSfJ8eHsDfmzSr1z4RYg4rZiV2Djdj7r-afbovgJ7vi/s4032/IMG_8812.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjceC3FP5P2yfKXRWCVHAnomm6SO3iONNHt-Ln64jp0zzGm-qzNRu0Ofqfah0ihFkZnm_HeWxm8pGFNAoCUpPul9i532R0JTlRlx1EnXUyQI9Yeg7rWI086fZAlsWHgmOfUN7YTv6Nsv4FzbSfJ8eHsDfmzSr1z4RYg4rZiV2Djdj7r-afbovgJ7vi/w400-h300/IMG_8812.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Suppressing Sgt Bell's tank (red bead at bottom right) and causing Sgt Tomczak's crew to panic (red bead at top center)!!!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLbzd-bT_gCgM6in6v1bwGLh_4u5IgojhJK1_1b5bMmcZQlZzQWX0Jyl2IkxEqFCaPleIgw-xlAfBLkjsBaonWi1OzGQbs3okMERd58IL64uDyrj6truJdwLSnHnFZJwFUIHjE10kB0DcDROIZVEfaRA_q3X3jrIMDt7P-p2PkXaQAUr5FvAvgoISs/s4032/IMG_8813.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLbzd-bT_gCgM6in6v1bwGLh_4u5IgojhJK1_1b5bMmcZQlZzQWX0Jyl2IkxEqFCaPleIgw-xlAfBLkjsBaonWi1OzGQbs3okMERd58IL64uDyrj6truJdwLSnHnFZJwFUIHjE10kB0DcDROIZVEfaRA_q3X3jrIMDt7P-p2PkXaQAUr5FvAvgoISs/w400-h300/IMG_8813.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Seeing the situation rapidly deteriorating and knowing that he, as the only armored unit not yet engaged, needed to do something, Sgt Cuthbert orders his driver to sally forth, into the fire (the M3 GMC tank destroyer at center right, the bottom of the two), next to Sgt Bell's M3 Stuart, where he attempts to rally Sgt Bell and his crew...</div><div><br /></div><div>*Please recall that Sgt Cuthbert had actually been reprimanded for a lack of combat leadership in a previous fight; you guys might not realize that I do actually track that stuff (both bravery and cowardice), and I have it affect the tabletop action. For those interested in how I typically handle it, here's how it goes: if a unit is pinned, suppressed, or 'men down,' they are required by the rules to roll 1D6 to rally, accepting the result. When someone is heroic or cowardly, I actually roll 2D6, and I allow the heroic characters to pick the better of the two dice, while I make the cowardly pick the worse of the two dice. Additionally, when someone has shown a bit of a yellow streak (which I don't create myself, it happens merely as a result of some horrible dice rolling, such as failing two or three successive rally rolls) and there is a decision point, a fork in the road, I roll 1D6 to determine if he'll do the heroic thing (charge in, try to rally some suppressed comrades and engage the enemy armor, in the case of above), or if he'll chicken out (just sit tight, or move around to a different location, avoiding contact with the enemy, for example). It really makes things interesting on the tabletop ;)</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic1fuR_frbePnZ0oC3SqzvYhadoUrcjdj9lFu6KQ6ntN60fcfKW9bkAjaC-uHo1yQgNA6jgd0TAjW9TeQ5_DPSEzWHpRKqB83ZmtFjE2WMHu8mYcI80oB2be8TO2zgFUYrD22UThgAZqffFwbSMPQvv4D0ZmR8q4mJ1a3pijuGiGOO7j51CVnUKgdV/s4032/IMG_8814.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic1fuR_frbePnZ0oC3SqzvYhadoUrcjdj9lFu6KQ6ntN60fcfKW9bkAjaC-uHo1yQgNA6jgd0TAjW9TeQ5_DPSEzWHpRKqB83ZmtFjE2WMHu8mYcI80oB2be8TO2zgFUYrD22UThgAZqffFwbSMPQvv4D0ZmR8q4mJ1a3pijuGiGOO7j51CVnUKgdV/w400-h300/IMG_8814.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>But the second French tank in line (bottom right) spots Sgt Cuthbert's bold move (top left) and fires!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6CWKmVZcJ0P40zGMnUj1wJBqs8CXvT4bo6iTYQnOm7ok5kHOFKf9y-zVGpst72-5MOLL0M5xrsxs_W8neVYTcaUcq4WL8RAFyMuok2AX2ux_Fw6K_clbk-F9HTENzi3jVWPPSbDdlst5f1wykQO7rW8nUwLjGwcNAO0M2JfX0JBUx4twSWKv50YLP/s4032/IMG_8815.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6CWKmVZcJ0P40zGMnUj1wJBqs8CXvT4bo6iTYQnOm7ok5kHOFKf9y-zVGpst72-5MOLL0M5xrsxs_W8neVYTcaUcq4WL8RAFyMuok2AX2ux_Fw6K_clbk-F9HTENzi3jVWPPSbDdlst5f1wykQO7rW8nUwLjGwcNAO0M2JfX0JBUx4twSWKv50YLP/w400-h300/IMG_8815.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The 37mm AP round skitters harmlessly amongst the rocks (bottom left) as Sgt Bell's crew is successfully rallied, and Sgt Cuthbert and his crew bravely stand their ground and return fire on the French tanks (top right), sending a 75mm armor piercing round northward...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdULmuO-P79QOXqdUZnw85xTV6FKLLvuWpHn1N_pcMTb2klE1lgm20AXKpsil4jA1ItHujrmxbHcOZ29HTWTggr6DIqLgsEHoNIzZUqrKXs-3cjO128E4-lauE7t-hUTzDHZ1yluw68KdIoBeBED8uAavkmc6artrr2KxPj7KsumbJsRyxvNpsdHPo/s4032/IMG_8816.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdULmuO-P79QOXqdUZnw85xTV6FKLLvuWpHn1N_pcMTb2klE1lgm20AXKpsil4jA1ItHujrmxbHcOZ29HTWTggr6DIqLgsEHoNIzZUqrKXs-3cjO128E4-lauE7t-hUTzDHZ1yluw68KdIoBeBED8uAavkmc6artrr2KxPj7KsumbJsRyxvNpsdHPo/w400-h300/IMG_8816.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>And here is what the good Sgt Cuthbert's shooting roll looked like. Those two red sixes are kills (and the black one is a pin), and I just couldn't bring myself to rob him of this incredible opportunity, so...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU_nHtPy1k_aZsSR-qEzvIQHSlEeTkHYctVViBRPt3RtoTfNb0EXWzE4lrfrnlzvSt80azDkzlcCbYLDBZzzGcRnC0TcC2KitHr_CVdFf_3IvC5FOpZCDklT_yUbG7bWO40g8w2M7tYVsaep7d0hEfakDg05DZAQPwOe6OwdH32GFYpYPqgz4v4Yyy/s4032/IMG_8817.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU_nHtPy1k_aZsSR-qEzvIQHSlEeTkHYctVViBRPt3RtoTfNb0EXWzE4lrfrnlzvSt80azDkzlcCbYLDBZzzGcRnC0TcC2KitHr_CVdFf_3IvC5FOpZCDklT_yUbG7bWO40g8w2M7tYVsaep7d0hEfakDg05DZAQPwOe6OwdH32GFYpYPqgz4v4Yyy/w400-h300/IMG_8817.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Sgt Cuthbert's AP round easily penetrates the French light tank and rips it apart! Sgt Cuthbert and his crew are working like a well-oiled machine, and it's less than two seconds before they've reloaded, re-laid the gun, and sent another 75mm AP round down range...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6c1Dz_BKiOpeoGXUn4tDDkztNqAImp5v0qdoAbC4r1plkbPdIv2pEW0BNUviJAxrqGiOBLiUv2JW_1zPE2CwZPI7YUeVY5FTs3gbBrKIux05SY0WRiREYX-VqwbTOLfclkAFv_QlzOzBVBGM425ebNzEKVc-9q5nAXyDmma1BZEvuVoTg6hu4upGx/s4032/IMG_8818.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6c1Dz_BKiOpeoGXUn4tDDkztNqAImp5v0qdoAbC4r1plkbPdIv2pEW0BNUviJAxrqGiOBLiUv2JW_1zPE2CwZPI7YUeVY5FTs3gbBrKIux05SY0WRiREYX-VqwbTOLfclkAFv_QlzOzBVBGM425ebNzEKVc-9q5nAXyDmma1BZEvuVoTg6hu4upGx/w400-h300/IMG_8818.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Killing a second French tank and pinning the third!!!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWK4q5npL6uSDCBT7Y4She2Wk9s7ZKX_MkImtiSEaVan9SRkeeFxL2obaFnNmEG2JtmLdJPgIQCyRd5nRiMQOtkVi4ufvBZzRNPGVIA4KO2d0WQxlenvlH34KddX_6An0V2csUG7y3j9ZY7r5wR4ujOgtaMzimMM-J6Vz9As7_qRO-WLJFPCClZhED/s4032/IMG_8819.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWK4q5npL6uSDCBT7Y4She2Wk9s7ZKX_MkImtiSEaVan9SRkeeFxL2obaFnNmEG2JtmLdJPgIQCyRd5nRiMQOtkVi4ufvBZzRNPGVIA4KO2d0WQxlenvlH34KddX_6An0V2csUG7y3j9ZY7r5wR4ujOgtaMzimMM-J6Vz9As7_qRO-WLJFPCClZhED/w400-h300/IMG_8819.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Near the crossroads, Lt Stone racks his Ma Deuce and begins raining .50-cal rounds on the village...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggUfZ49nmbu2oQvdetR0Ptn-pDLZ8MNO6LZB--hcvBqdLcC1Ne383aMy9PpnwqSYtB0MCDf462KxBX0asPvwIE2BqiJnKfPkQdo19AhnQNCEq292-3QBO8IWMWwC6GQFXaIx0CPiM7xoNwM4R-CTf3jXCt2bViZXYo0xfKC6BdoxAmCYScD9YsD_YU/s4032/IMG_8820.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggUfZ49nmbu2oQvdetR0Ptn-pDLZ8MNO6LZB--hcvBqdLcC1Ne383aMy9PpnwqSYtB0MCDf462KxBX0asPvwIE2BqiJnKfPkQdo19AhnQNCEq292-3QBO8IWMWwC6GQFXaIx0CPiM7xoNwM4R-CTf3jXCt2bViZXYo0xfKC6BdoxAmCYScD9YsD_YU/w400-h300/IMG_8820.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Suppressing both rifle squads in the village (red beads at left and center) and pinning the mortar team (yellow bead at bottom center)!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMq01Cu5yfV8IlAbl7hO_ddBRMn-8NFBdWfUV7aSPt3uMkZWgOY6YF2KeYLI7UInZIo8TF0DrJfAzE7qzdCWlSGwvKuOtY_C6IppUZwlHl9YeJ6G3RDtnjWdcZ-kHNA_osMClHD3_IIRvf_DfIyDtE-mxAVM7Xr0D-AjMV62B57OVhrad7VdssOiWw/s4032/IMG_8821.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMq01Cu5yfV8IlAbl7hO_ddBRMn-8NFBdWfUV7aSPt3uMkZWgOY6YF2KeYLI7UInZIo8TF0DrJfAzE7qzdCWlSGwvKuOtY_C6IppUZwlHl9YeJ6G3RDtnjWdcZ-kHNA_osMClHD3_IIRvf_DfIyDtE-mxAVM7Xr0D-AjMV62B57OVhrad7VdssOiWw/w400-h300/IMG_8821.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Lt Stone then orders his driver to snake the vehicle left, off road, towards The Knoll, so he can help rally Sgt Binn's immobilized Scout Car and Cpl Buckner's 'men down' MG team (white bead atop The Knoll). The French MG team (off camera to far right) spots the movement and opens fire, but Lt Stone calmly rallies both units.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHklv5RhyiV0pXZrp2KIzFRumGV9gmeKO57Bz-YuO6xg8-7eJTHC5NPnOXhsDv9nq9qhkqSCwIJRf7l2WI-xO6O7nHeIFH4l4mihsdOkKJB2AnnSvvjeM59I7S0D0MAOFOzXg4j16bpq13W36bq0f4QcBp1k0fFcL0lLqx27kXtFdrVQx6yQh2LZvb/s4032/IMG_8822.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHklv5RhyiV0pXZrp2KIzFRumGV9gmeKO57Bz-YuO6xg8-7eJTHC5NPnOXhsDv9nq9qhkqSCwIJRf7l2WI-xO6O7nHeIFH4l4mihsdOkKJB2AnnSvvjeM59I7S0D0MAOFOzXg4j16bpq13W36bq0f4QcBp1k0fFcL0lLqx27kXtFdrVQx6yQh2LZvb/w400-h300/IMG_8822.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>As the French anti-tank gun (bottom left)...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2LtVgX-JGvtDC-B-ytqaGUEy273IAweite7UqnPc4mazEBgWQlokBp4_opSAbEUE-jrTJ42r9-pcdlyVVAOsF2tEue6qmWqa1dXyfR0mu9Ks2Oy4CMO7VsKZzU7mlxbA3nnk4OXK1R7oQGNjY7-n1rBqsyT2HBZqhIRI0D2otzwjBqwHj8ih6AB6P/s4032/IMG_8823.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2LtVgX-JGvtDC-B-ytqaGUEy273IAweite7UqnPc4mazEBgWQlokBp4_opSAbEUE-jrTJ42r9-pcdlyVVAOsF2tEue6qmWqa1dXyfR0mu9Ks2Oy4CMO7VsKZzU7mlxbA3nnk4OXK1R7oQGNjY7-n1rBqsyT2HBZqhIRI0D2otzwjBqwHj8ih6AB6P/w400-h300/IMG_8823.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>And Sgt Tomczak's immobilized M3 Stuart (left, with CO behind him, Lt Swayne's immobilized tank destroyer, Sgt Cuthbert's tank destroyer, and Sgt Bell's M3 Stuart below him) trade ineffectual fire...</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXhzmmGVIB-ZUdnHEHhAsMR0n4fZL17DK7e-6h3E-fPKgZayKRTpiSBG9goXbIoY5-XojLL5e9oOXsH0uXbQjeRghCAH97BSFgteaJpQbbxtc7NuGOkyXreXoffophCqmrPJ30-AXaiUF0soJIsVpSHUSkXSxP0QxgmQMGXhwDQ5NXZMBj3L7nK0n8/s4032/IMG_8824.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXhzmmGVIB-ZUdnHEHhAsMR0n4fZL17DK7e-6h3E-fPKgZayKRTpiSBG9goXbIoY5-XojLL5e9oOXsH0uXbQjeRghCAH97BSFgteaJpQbbxtc7NuGOkyXreXoffophCqmrPJ30-AXaiUF0soJIsVpSHUSkXSxP0QxgmQMGXhwDQ5NXZMBj3L7nK0n8/w400-h300/IMG_8824.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>As the French mortar team (right bottom, dug-in between Hill 36 an the lower building) makes corrections and fires another sheaf...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHfrMHl6v5ruem9Y-Cp3GTsdaWw78lMz0ya3NTRJdeMeP8zcKos9XQSWebBFknyWHpG-fCT3Z3dm9M7u2-wvcipo_SUXGAa56WJatodaLIDfqNtI9tErBgOSF7wyN9flOqMTZW33GquKaczh6SPFtoAEYJh-fB6T2t8ER58EkxoXIH4CWOVS8-EJQe/s320/IMG_8825.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHfrMHl6v5ruem9Y-Cp3GTsdaWw78lMz0ya3NTRJdeMeP8zcKos9XQSWebBFknyWHpG-fCT3Z3dm9M7u2-wvcipo_SUXGAa56WJatodaLIDfqNtI9tErBgOSF7wyN9flOqMTZW33GquKaczh6SPFtoAEYJh-fB6T2t8ER58EkxoXIH4CWOVS8-EJQe/w400-h300/IMG_8825.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>This time the rounds are more focused on The Knoll, pinning down Lt Stone's Scout Car and Cpl Buckner's MG team (yellow beads at center).</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRAHQ5ysBP5W5aJoi9Gn3sA0268MltiyhUmXZ86BOd0luhz6ahLPVsmVU5zTjxoSpcdJrBu9WIptbrT1SWzaUFWJnrrzG-HeZ1we8fl3d7b6bsExWGSTnRGTjWvZ2RqbfpMYPBm9CIIipguG3jpvQbsuE4PCUsjmoKT4Dtjrl980D15wxVVIMuriWK/s4032/IMG_8826.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRAHQ5ysBP5W5aJoi9Gn3sA0268MltiyhUmXZ86BOd0luhz6ahLPVsmVU5zTjxoSpcdJrBu9WIptbrT1SWzaUFWJnrrzG-HeZ1we8fl3d7b6bsExWGSTnRGTjWvZ2RqbfpMYPBm9CIIipguG3jpvQbsuE4PCUsjmoKT4Dtjrl980D15wxVVIMuriWK/w400-h300/IMG_8826.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>In the ville, the French platoon leader braves American fire to dash forward (center left top, from right) and attempts to rally one of the suppressed rifle squads...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU9fePCIyLkvR73AT7bTq17-rCrfBG6IN5QcBOBSIY6tC3eAJBDT9QQoebnbajVRnq29nef8kfgLuyUCetiZEgss6XE2o5eoEUUydmxLIKj8IUfEn9oHhG6sd7NqbSy1_XkFZjF4_sJWBwfrxaDP1kYfTKPqw_I8nofRu1_7gRFB2AszQ76xH_gxt8/s4032/IMG_8827.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU9fePCIyLkvR73AT7bTq17-rCrfBG6IN5QcBOBSIY6tC3eAJBDT9QQoebnbajVRnq29nef8kfgLuyUCetiZEgss6XE2o5eoEUUydmxLIKj8IUfEn9oHhG6sd7NqbSy1_XkFZjF4_sJWBwfrxaDP1kYfTKPqw_I8nofRu1_7gRFB2AszQ76xH_gxt8/w400-h300/IMG_8827.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>But the French riflemen panic and fall back (bottom center, from building at bottom left)! The sole remaining French tank (top right) successfully self rallies.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5aXRSlaAcxQVeZsTLfbcp1_EBnE5Z_Ntzy5S-z8ckUMI5WmVLOubDyKd0H9BEG0zFN8CAPM3C634Bai4BqC_OlDWwwJYCkGEV8iykjNOU6pNqTH04jkAD-gADg4qtSWApY4s0SO8z8_uKGaguzz_ToC4eicwCc_xTZLTFjmDL2VOphnmeBKttXI4_/s4032/IMG_8828.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5aXRSlaAcxQVeZsTLfbcp1_EBnE5Z_Ntzy5S-z8ckUMI5WmVLOubDyKd0H9BEG0zFN8CAPM3C634Bai4BqC_OlDWwwJYCkGEV8iykjNOU6pNqTH04jkAD-gADg4qtSWApY4s0SO8z8_uKGaguzz_ToC4eicwCc_xTZLTFjmDL2VOphnmeBKttXI4_/w400-h300/IMG_8828.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>And the French mechanized infantry finally get moving (bottom center, from bottom right).</div><div><br /></div><div>*To be fair, there hasn't been much opportunity yet for the French reserve infantry to be of use; even now it's really being carried out as more an act of desperation than sound strategy (the American road column is just visible at top left, while the American tanks and tank destroyers are just off camera to far left bottom).</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2D8_HvaqmHUCWkT7ftXYb_YwEwMzqpbMp0TnlLdK7atg9QjDbDGOJX2RdOWLZfLlwjrMA8kMuMhLgFUYwb7Noch9sE46a4rlC45XPd_j_MlLcI5pan0Ff53TGmi_ZMHwDycoNBfo49uarA8qztfc8TfG_s1Dtz7ZqoHWfftr24AtpkE5GmiJYkcW1/s4032/IMG_8829.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2D8_HvaqmHUCWkT7ftXYb_YwEwMzqpbMp0TnlLdK7atg9QjDbDGOJX2RdOWLZfLlwjrMA8kMuMhLgFUYwb7Noch9sE46a4rlC45XPd_j_MlLcI5pan0Ff53TGmi_ZMHwDycoNBfo49uarA8qztfc8TfG_s1Dtz7ZqoHWfftr24AtpkE5GmiJYkcW1/w400-h300/IMG_8829.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>And hastily dismount their CO and infantry from one of the two transports (the other truck still has two rifle squads embarked).</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC1xW48d36t5XyuT2VTi3SO0SWPqzPEsUq44b9XDXs10_YNyALVjgVYtMPwLCeHdgcOzPfbZuLJd65UZrjcImqWTsL4xbbOJhaP45DRndg2ljLw-5IDG-f5GUF1vcBepQfbmI2IwXlw_gJw8buaugg5wVOn4z-eVgDrL4kyRbmSJHpNX-Ymn2qwUvx/s4032/IMG_8830.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC1xW48d36t5XyuT2VTi3SO0SWPqzPEsUq44b9XDXs10_YNyALVjgVYtMPwLCeHdgcOzPfbZuLJd65UZrjcImqWTsL4xbbOJhaP45DRndg2ljLw-5IDG-f5GUF1vcBepQfbmI2IwXlw_gJw8buaugg5wVOn4z-eVgDrL4kyRbmSJHpNX-Ymn2qwUvx/w400-h300/IMG_8830.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>But Sgt Tomczak's M3 Stuart (far left, with the CO just below him) spots the French advance (top right) and opens fire with his 37mm main gun and coax MG...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvW8LYmdRGBUQMfV9-hruxojHgi1HrUfm1YDaB9KfqPrnAixFPyug4p2elhHKrfxHgwylFAymkPzorElzv_WSCPWCLETkEYsKfci8IReHipXfiegtoI3WNkejgLbmarkEzsiI-X0B23EYGA-yuQCu-V9YC4m4x7SEVdAQeJaZB9MUCymuzylId_izk/s4032/IMG_8831.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvW8LYmdRGBUQMfV9-hruxojHgi1HrUfm1YDaB9KfqPrnAixFPyug4p2elhHKrfxHgwylFAymkPzorElzv_WSCPWCLETkEYsKfci8IReHipXfiegtoI3WNkejgLbmarkEzsiI-X0B23EYGA-yuQCu-V9YC4m4x7SEVdAQeJaZB9MUCymuzylId_izk/w400-h300/IMG_8831.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>A French squad is suppressed (red beat at center top), which convinces the French CO (just below the suppressed squad) to dismount the other two rifle squads (rather than get caught out, still mounted in their softskin truck) and rapidly climb a nearby hill to get into position (far left).</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjecoEVCLrsTyEBYb-CCdz4EX4DVf_DEwMfq3YsjLPI1zYp98cCaNbgZHubuEQrYFZS-X6JaKyN7WMk3ko_pdGD2q1XjWh9cnfVvgwp5So-XGlSGQMiPMGSihVqGOOHMmcSfIiT-Tbkq0pBwPPtp5lXJi_V31LO4TQa5-Sbn0Ke9RtcN4vhwTCWE9Fz/s4032/IMG_8832.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjecoEVCLrsTyEBYb-CCdz4EX4DVf_DEwMfq3YsjLPI1zYp98cCaNbgZHubuEQrYFZS-X6JaKyN7WMk3ko_pdGD2q1XjWh9cnfVvgwp5So-XGlSGQMiPMGSihVqGOOHMmcSfIiT-Tbkq0pBwPPtp5lXJi_V31LO4TQa5-Sbn0Ke9RtcN4vhwTCWE9Fz/w400-h300/IMG_8832.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>But back on the US side, Sgt Cuthbert (bottom left, with French mechanized infantry just visible at bottom right) lines up another shot, targeting the last French tank (top right). "Fire!" <br /><br />"On the way!" WHAM!!!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE3zqsRtZ7axJgVy-LwIjLlQ6aRtSoOe6buf326fu1esyW5Mg4dTOr-SEb61Hml03WerBDffW5m2K-sI_nHbzGouP5IY1TDrjv9LIloBbbnEschEsa-8956oaFLEZTYIDeX2oGkhBJXtz2ucZl2WgmSMCWZHx5JreYFRBknfgqL-zH13j3omeuWt8g/s4032/IMG_8833.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE3zqsRtZ7axJgVy-LwIjLlQ6aRtSoOe6buf326fu1esyW5Mg4dTOr-SEb61Hml03WerBDffW5m2K-sI_nHbzGouP5IY1TDrjv9LIloBbbnEschEsa-8956oaFLEZTYIDeX2oGkhBJXtz2ucZl2WgmSMCWZHx5JreYFRBknfgqL-zH13j3omeuWt8g/w400-h300/IMG_8833.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>BOOM!!! </div><div><br /></div><div>Sgt Cuthbert and his crew's third shot turns the third French tank into nothing but a distant memory!!! Wow, three shots, three kills, very impressive for the young Sergeant, who has shed his former bout with a lack of combat leadership and earned himself the nickname "Sergeant Cut-throat"!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPCgUw0uZH3JENeAPYJwLDZCEkrPLjCNtlAcmaJiIls3Uw6WL6iFe7CEPY2JnLSEzED7qwIYeySbAcFtnk0MEAvp8_-x55PYAtU960L73_37Kdivd4JJEZTLQmfP6mkTFOALAehEhM_Zjv-V64z5toRhiSYyptEgC4mj5m305oCOGpNDxmfu_nL4q2/s4032/IMG_8834.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPCgUw0uZH3JENeAPYJwLDZCEkrPLjCNtlAcmaJiIls3Uw6WL6iFe7CEPY2JnLSEzED7qwIYeySbAcFtnk0MEAvp8_-x55PYAtU960L73_37Kdivd4JJEZTLQmfP6mkTFOALAehEhM_Zjv-V64z5toRhiSYyptEgC4mj5m305oCOGpNDxmfu_nL4q2/w400-h300/IMG_8834.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Lt Swayne (bottom left, between Sgt Cuthbert on his right and Sgt Tomczak on his left) takes a gander at Sgt Cuthbert's handiwork and whistles, quite impressed, before getting back in the fight and ordering his gunner to engage the French anti-tank gun position (top right).</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGrwnN9DCKervGfKjZwuBIAUCspHdJnrxDjex17kDK-WHznysjmpX1LIw3_TrmcyRJkuupDXCzJvf2m5HemdM1O2byX7tX_8bYaGbKSELucoNoNslFKmPbR-kdJZT6M5J5dD79hS9MCuGM4rChTZvq84-CyG_Wmw5wYLwLSCJXIlipb1UThICZ_laG/s4032/IMG_8835.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGrwnN9DCKervGfKjZwuBIAUCspHdJnrxDjex17kDK-WHznysjmpX1LIw3_TrmcyRJkuupDXCzJvf2m5HemdM1O2byX7tX_8bYaGbKSELucoNoNslFKmPbR-kdJZT6M5J5dD79hS9MCuGM4rChTZvq84-CyG_Wmw5wYLwLSCJXIlipb1UThICZ_laG/w400-h300/IMG_8835.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The 75mm HE round streaks in and scores a direct hit on the sandbagged position atop Hill 36 (top center), suppressing the French anti-tank gun crew, as basically the rest of the US force (Sgt Bell's Stuart at far right, and Lt Stone's Scout Car, Cpl Buckner's MG, and Cpl Mims' 60mm mortar team at bottom left) fire on the French mechanized infantry (top right)...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKRozpCr1bv8dadwkinzsYWrq8NSgeP18aIOq00YBI_0qhUNCvvT6sI9kEjWD468wGPnVDMZ3bVraz2aa7x0IS-eeMrsJZ7HaG2tD9mOQmjslWuDxiC7pZUpu2LHBjKYiHwUdXv3XF1rxyBdrlf-n6yOhn5vS4OiNKkIi_tuYb-ZG0BXMteQyqyYl-/s4032/IMG_8836.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKRozpCr1bv8dadwkinzsYWrq8NSgeP18aIOq00YBI_0qhUNCvvT6sI9kEjWD468wGPnVDMZ3bVraz2aa7x0IS-eeMrsJZ7HaG2tD9mOQmjslWuDxiC7pZUpu2LHBjKYiHwUdXv3XF1rxyBdrlf-n6yOhn5vS4OiNKkIi_tuYb-ZG0BXMteQyqyYl-/w400-h300/IMG_8836.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The fire is horrendous, knocking out one French rifle squad, sending another 'men down,' suppressing another, then pinning the last and the French commander!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOVfHhz08RbMcmjKb9rnV5LlnKfC9rAROF0hIHZ6MlEuoZaw7H0BFbBediEHQnrIpwNmQrH-YrBd4QJYXfuIAdrf0aSVtvqifWCzjajXmPmNRMIe7p1wKpWtSuFJd7x-0RDnUyKATj3UqUx8vb-D5590WS8DbvWOx-_gH1LNyZi0NEDlje_2YR2wg8/s4032/IMG_8837.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOVfHhz08RbMcmjKb9rnV5LlnKfC9rAROF0hIHZ6MlEuoZaw7H0BFbBediEHQnrIpwNmQrH-YrBd4QJYXfuIAdrf0aSVtvqifWCzjajXmPmNRMIe7p1wKpWtSuFJd7x-0RDnUyKATj3UqUx8vb-D5590WS8DbvWOx-_gH1LNyZi0NEDlje_2YR2wg8/w400-h300/IMG_8837.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>This is followed by Sgt Tomczak's Stuart (center right bottom), Sgt Binn's Scout Car (left), and Lt Royals' halftrack (on the road at bottom left, firing its .50-cal HMG) laying into the village (center top)...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVNtE9_rHJZU6OZRPYLSSzUy0TouGVGCZkwC3LWfaOh7J56FTyD-78T4R04yhmv3Q_AgaPVoyxxbnejPEmtrHLghgq9zKEHCIwnpkb2IosNCqsaVygs9StDKJuAmfZLnkdyo3EAJk8pfvbiN_sqWLX2g97y882SdWoQBZvklk7cXvwA8ge2VJn4c-a/s4032/IMG_8838.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVNtE9_rHJZU6OZRPYLSSzUy0TouGVGCZkwC3LWfaOh7J56FTyD-78T4R04yhmv3Q_AgaPVoyxxbnejPEmtrHLghgq9zKEHCIwnpkb2IosNCqsaVygs9StDKJuAmfZLnkdyo3EAJk8pfvbiN_sqWLX2g97y882SdWoQBZvklk7cXvwA8ge2VJn4c-a/w400-h300/IMG_8838.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The French platoon leader is killed (far left bottom), the French MG team (top left) and mortar team (bottom center) are suppressed, and both rifle squads panic and fall back (center/center top), with the result that the furthest one actually runs off the table! (the French ATG, at far right, was already suppressed)</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVnJxd-yBkhizcDh9Ma_wrVktsU-iGdwGflbjG1-yXR2eHKP8nl9WjVTWRMv0S1UOCJXvX6_zUsJP3usYf-OeuLzT4RVcFCgHfBnl5t-1Qp9tFvDivY5aR0GiMwhIUOuE2sShC6E2OKLXrga54G-6a6X_RfZcXJxFNPZ3shuGh7mjSwKutPk5fGFhR/s4032/IMG_8839.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVnJxd-yBkhizcDh9Ma_wrVktsU-iGdwGflbjG1-yXR2eHKP8nl9WjVTWRMv0S1UOCJXvX6_zUsJP3usYf-OeuLzT4RVcFCgHfBnl5t-1Qp9tFvDivY5aR0GiMwhIUOuE2sShC6E2OKLXrga54G-6a6X_RfZcXJxFNPZ3shuGh7mjSwKutPk5fGFhR/w400-h300/IMG_8839.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>And now it the Americans have the opportunity to show a bit of grace and chivalry; Captain Henry, suddenly aware he no longer hears the sound of return fire, orders his men to cease fire.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrZwkFKCh03L0a3i9q3m8AXgRvdJrUPFECaBhUBxLK2WcZmKXB-ytN0dZt47qEhnX44pAEtBFbuuebptazueFjiS25zmEmSkvS7MtQj-RyOpcaBFwK_rKQfKHCA5T6fG8GWeaycSX9TMyzwL_qfY3Byw4ezZJQwRfCpOl10MphohjuObuq4S_6Fbpm/s4032/IMG_8840.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrZwkFKCh03L0a3i9q3m8AXgRvdJrUPFECaBhUBxLK2WcZmKXB-ytN0dZt47qEhnX44pAEtBFbuuebptazueFjiS25zmEmSkvS7MtQj-RyOpcaBFwK_rKQfKHCA5T6fG8GWeaycSX9TMyzwL_qfY3Byw4ezZJQwRfCpOl10MphohjuObuq4S_6Fbpm/w400-h300/IMG_8840.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>He cautiously peers around cover (bottom left), then creeps out into the open (center bottom), holstering his pistol and waving his arms. As he advances, the French commander (just visible between the hills at far right) spots him, stands up, and dusts himself off. <br /><br />Captain Henry waves to him, and shouts "par-lay!" </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzu41d5bLHllm_C-ENX2AZKpPpqkz6b4roLk6UiUFH-bgLOMYYqLNXKRmnAtJ3geC-2Ogl2XUXgNYFcm1BeMdNScu7Bs3WcSoMrpoII3sb39d4mGgfbU9j8kxmjCXwvN2Q80sgju-OvJlDlLjIDK60LBqrH0wwRUCxASLKtCgbn4VhMnp3fQOI3pUq/s4032/IMG_8841.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzu41d5bLHllm_C-ENX2AZKpPpqkz6b4roLk6UiUFH-bgLOMYYqLNXKRmnAtJ3geC-2Ogl2XUXgNYFcm1BeMdNScu7Bs3WcSoMrpoII3sb39d4mGgfbU9j8kxmjCXwvN2Q80sgju-OvJlDlLjIDK60LBqrH0wwRUCxASLKtCgbn4VhMnp3fQOI3pUq/w400-h300/IMG_8841.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The French (left and far right) apprehensively man their positions and grip their weapons, but none fire. Captain Henry's confidence grows; "par-lay!"</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCutvQcElvbJ7uwow7_DYLq9ITWfG6XDlHWPVt7gpviJRkQxtc1fNSGFLH2tmDoXnPh8AgLewjjX_jivBJxyRv6n6Nv3kmz8bSYIIanp1-Fqs-nfiF3Td2QG_3rxTdrQUHk3ZEUjhEZBdfd9__mt0Eg_PotzlBgpWX28ihRsOKaSg77TI1zwy6i957/s320/IMG_8842.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCutvQcElvbJ7uwow7_DYLq9ITWfG6XDlHWPVt7gpviJRkQxtc1fNSGFLH2tmDoXnPh8AgLewjjX_jivBJxyRv6n6Nv3kmz8bSYIIanp1-Fqs-nfiF3Td2QG_3rxTdrQUHk3ZEUjhEZBdfd9__mt0Eg_PotzlBgpWX28ihRsOKaSg77TI1zwy6i957/w400-h300/IMG_8842.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The two commanders meet and shake hands. The two converse for a few moments, then embrace...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfPoT3SMtNrmYgyvnd9E6UDiq7FEhHsI55ALB8srBkFmgQWie7C62I1v0pANQgU69yolqPTvdhNX56BXT8bN2IBVSiQ-5J_jwq8qD5pWqMyW33HNAVbwFYRsMXgjQMxcm968TEJC9k2kjvSDCNjlgm7muGN8WkxCzvtDkPImu0vWv_OA2EbjUnW3Q5/s320/IMG_8843.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfPoT3SMtNrmYgyvnd9E6UDiq7FEhHsI55ALB8srBkFmgQWie7C62I1v0pANQgU69yolqPTvdhNX56BXT8bN2IBVSiQ-5J_jwq8qD5pWqMyW33HNAVbwFYRsMXgjQMxcm968TEJC9k2kjvSDCNjlgm7muGN8WkxCzvtDkPImu0vWv_OA2EbjUnW3Q5/w400-h300/IMG_8843.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The war is over for these men! Well, at least THIS war, and the French happily lay down their weapons and flow southwest, ending the battle, which Task Force Reisman referred to as "The Battle of Cut-Throat's Knoll" forever after.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz7WS8g0sJueELCH4qXbvhmEb0YIzyHFAd1xW1H_hUN6SyUmUCfobbhmALBvP--rRDBROc4XvBoWgqXV9LbJrBBG6jN0ABbzBlP_r2GOmOBHYYkpc89LGuvPPWHCaeC2q5mCiq5AJWyt0E3FWKWCjYwwRkkUE_WuxHkPJ02-6j2gcWjuvirVyCebk7/s4032/IMG_8844.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz7WS8g0sJueELCH4qXbvhmEb0YIzyHFAd1xW1H_hUN6SyUmUCfobbhmALBvP--rRDBROc4XvBoWgqXV9LbJrBBG6jN0ABbzBlP_r2GOmOBHYYkpc89LGuvPPWHCaeC2q5mCiq5AJWyt0E3FWKWCjYwwRkkUE_WuxHkPJ02-6j2gcWjuvirVyCebk7/w400-h300/IMG_8844.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Never even got the infantry into the fight!</div><div><br /></div><div>Thus ends the battle, and thus ends Task Force Reisman's war in French Morocco! Later that evening US forces from the 9th Infantry Division finally captured the Kasbah, and a cease-fire officially went into effect on the morning of 11 November 1942, signaling a cessation of hostilities between the Vichy French and Allied Forces, who quickly became allies in time for the upcoming fighting in Tunisia.<br /><p>This was a neat little fight, remarkable by the fact the US infantry never even had to get out of their vehicles, due in equal parts to the low morale of the French and the great dice rolling for US firepower, to include Sgt Cuthbert's startling three tank kills on three shots, for which he was awarded the Silver Star!</p><div><div>Let's get to some stats:<br /><br /></div><div>-the US had 5 men killed, wounded, or missing</div></div><div><br /></div><div>-the French had 15 men killed, wounded, or missing</div><div><br /></div><div>-The French had three R35 light tanks destroyed</div><div><br /></div><div>-The French had 60 men, 1 25mm ATG, 1 MG, and 1 81mm mortar captured</div><div><br /></div><div>Characters:</div><div><br /></div><div>-Sgt Cuthbert, Vehicle 4 commander, Tank Destroyer Platoon, was awarded the Silver Star for knocking out three enemy tanks during the engagement</div><div><br /></div><div>-2nd Lt Swayne, Platoon Leader, Tank Destroyer Platoon, was awarded the Purple Heart but was able to immediately return to duty</div><p>Major Reisman was incredibly proud of the performance of his men in their inaugural campaign, though he knew they'd soon face experienced tank crews and panzer grenadiers of the German army, and that would be a totally new ball game.</p><p>A quick recap of the seven fights in French Morocco:</p><p>-US casualties: 120 men wounded or killed in action<br />US equipment: 1 x 37mm ATG, 2 x M3 Stuart, 2 x M3 Scout Car, 1 x M7 HMC, 1 x M3 Halftrack, and 3 trucks destroyed<br />French casualties: 145 men wounded or killed in action<br />French equipment: 1 x 25mm ATG, 3 x Laffly Armored Car, 6 x R35 light tank, and 2 x 75mm Field Gun destroyed<br />French captured: 200 men, 2 x 81mm mortar, 3 x Hotchkiss Machine Gun, 1 x 25mm ATG, and 1 x 75mm Field Gun captured</p><p>I'm very happy with how my Operation Torch campaign turned out, happy with my re-introduction to 5Core Company Command, happy I got to use my French troops, and happy to finally have gotten back to playing some games. I truly enjoyed these games and can't wait to get to more; my only trepidation is how long it takes to write these damn batreps. I actually enjoy documenting my tabletop games, and the way I document them, they just take so damn long; as with most folks, I've got a lot of demands on my time, and so it's not helping with the wife and kids when I have time with them but I'm sitting over here banging away on the laptop...</p><p>Task Force Reisman spent a few days resting and helping to police up the area and surrendering French forces, but then received orders attaching them to the United States' 1st Armored Regiment, 1st Armored Division. Upon arrival in Tunisia they were instantly placed under British command in a unit being called "Blade Force," headed for a place called "Chewey-Gooey," where they'd gain their first experience of war against the Germans and their Italian allies.</p><p>Coming soon!</p><p>V/R,<br />Jack</p><p><br /></p></div>Just Jackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03552962741823929433noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8660216775038377627.post-23014782486823065522023-02-08T12:05:00.000-08:002023-02-08T12:05:08.299-08:00Hell on Wheels, Operation Torch Fight #6<p> All,</p><p>1630 Local Time<br />9 November 1942<br />Near Port Lyautey, French Morocco</p><p>The Major was livid, again... Following Captain Henry's successful seizure of 'Murderville' and 'The Meatgrinder,' Task Force Reisman had been tasked with making an assault on the Kasbah, an old French fort northeast of the invasion beaches, smack dab between them and Port Lyautey, the ultimate objective. The US 9th Infantry Division had made several unsuccessful attacks on the Kasbah from the west/northwest and needed to fall back, regroup, and reorganize for continued combat operations, so high command decided to have TF Reisman give it a try from the southwest. Major Reisman was furious because 9th ID artillery and airstrikes pounded the Kasbah all morning, then lifted at 1230 in order to allow TF Reisman to attack. The only problem was, it was now 1630 and TF Reisman had still not launched its attack...</p><p>Major Reisman had tabbed Captain May's Dog Company for the attack on the Kasbah but, following the chaos of the amphibious landings, the attack on Mehdia, and the French counterattack, the various TF Reisman units were still hopelessly intermixed and mixing gear, and it took time to get it all sorted out. A lot of time, in fact, so much time that Dog Company missed its jump-off time, but the units had finally separated themselves and gotten back to their tables of organization. Major Reisman was forced to radio through to HQ and notify them of the delay a total of three times before Captain May was able to move his company up to the line of departure and signal they were prepared to launch. </p><p>The preparatory fires on the Kasbah had ceased at 1230 local time (no one has unlimited ammo), but Major Reisman was able to beg 9th Infantry Division artillery to resume bombardment to cover Captain May's advance to the line of departure. At the arranged time the guns fell silent; Captain May gave a nervous glance at his wristwatch: 1630, time to go. "Alright boys, up and at'em!"</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-KkPlPP3sKrGE97VTh9-DfAQeSXGgo2VnwNKl0fVcm2PlhbRxh17nUDOkTBtfwyz02gTtdi2quIEMZXpnBIefTw41FY0_qkBNI1dK7Pca2IOcNSQEfpB7PV7pYAjfaNnsYZ_UA9l4SF7xDiYqH-UPSRRWlAfWqNfDOBrNpdTZum67tpFPFdIgkj1s/s4032/IMG_8655.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-KkPlPP3sKrGE97VTh9-DfAQeSXGgo2VnwNKl0fVcm2PlhbRxh17nUDOkTBtfwyz02gTtdi2quIEMZXpnBIefTw41FY0_qkBNI1dK7Pca2IOcNSQEfpB7PV7pYAjfaNnsYZ_UA9l4SF7xDiYqH-UPSRRWlAfWqNfDOBrNpdTZum67tpFPFdIgkj1s/w400-h300/IMG_8655.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Overview, north is up. The Kasbah is located in the northeast (top right), and the French have Strongpoint Marie on a small hill in the southeast (bottom right), with the Wadi Sebou running between the two and flowing northwest (top center left) towards the sea. The river is bridged at a nearby (unnamed) village, but it is shallow in this area and can easily be waded by infantry. The US line of departure is the left-hand baseline.</div><div><br /></div><div>The ground here is a bit of a canyon, surrounded by low hills, hardball road running through it, broken only by the river and patches of rocky ground and brush.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmeXUBhudzP_zH5Mix2YP3YVc3CBh2CY0P03xjkXPJFcgNJMxMqetLoULjKMQziA1ek8gjX0-WN2R9YqO2jLIzm-PbshFx5oyLVR0WBXKZYm-Y3ePGEjV4NJ4IAoSThSSDGsnLkLZX-f_81JV7DHq3Ks-wFqpkyT-BUZ0Rz6lmauPsph_IQerYCdQR/s4032/IMG_8656.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmeXUBhudzP_zH5Mix2YP3YVc3CBh2CY0P03xjkXPJFcgNJMxMqetLoULjKMQziA1ek8gjX0-WN2R9YqO2jLIzm-PbshFx5oyLVR0WBXKZYm-Y3ePGEjV4NJ4IAoSThSSDGsnLkLZX-f_81JV7DHq3Ks-wFqpkyT-BUZ0Rz6lmauPsph_IQerYCdQR/w400-h300/IMG_8656.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The opposing forces, with Americans on the left, French on the right, and my dumbass feet making an appearance...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0WzLN-nZYE8sVaOTN9dLH2Yz7bZlfYwSNUKIpYFwvJxNIYiatpfZJB_TZ7vN-bXQX04pjZthKbLiPkrIQP7HGllirDaTQXwWYpMWWUSv8bWjXDz-SrXPaNiD4MUErqXcYBG8XjtZdSVLlMtnasPGcNc0zs0nLtG7n21rYAYcGcfpT0gycVrUrOev1/s4032/IMG_8657.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0WzLN-nZYE8sVaOTN9dLH2Yz7bZlfYwSNUKIpYFwvJxNIYiatpfZJB_TZ7vN-bXQX04pjZthKbLiPkrIQP7HGllirDaTQXwWYpMWWUSv8bWjXDz-SrXPaNiD4MUErqXcYBG8XjtZdSVLlMtnasPGcNc0zs0nLtG7n21rYAYcGcfpT0gycVrUrOev1/w400-h300/IMG_8657.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The American force consists of Captain May (bottom right) leading all three of his rifle platoons and a weapons platoon, with a pair of M7 Priest self-propelled guns attached (being used as assault guns). Here's the breakdown:<br />CO: Captain May, commander of Dog Company</div><div><br /></div><div>1st Platoon: 2nd Lt Steed<br />1st Squad, 1st Platoon: Cpl Faulk<br />2nd Squad, 1st Platoon: Cpl Harrison</div><div>3rd Squad, 1st Platoon: Sgt Marion</div><div><br /></div><div><div>2nd Platoon: 2nd Lt Carney<br />1st Squad, 2nd Platoon: Sgt Culver<br />2nd Squad, 2nd Platoon: Sgt Warren</div><div>3rd Squad, 2nd Platoon: Cpl Bickett</div></div><div><br /></div><div><div>3rd Platoon: 2nd Lt Crittenden<br />1st Squad, 3rd Platoon: Cpl Ambrose<br />2nd Squad, 3rd Platoon: Sgt Brown</div><div>3rd Squad, 3rd Platoon: Cpl Coryatt</div></div><div><br /></div><div>Weapons Platoon: Sgt Irvin</div><div>MG Team: Cpl Washington</div><div>MG Team: Cpl Bledsoe</div><div>Mortar Team: Cpl Stepnoski</div><div>Mortar Team: Cpl Casillas</div><div><br /></div><div>M7 Priest: 2nd Lt Robinson</div><div>M7 Priest: Sgt Davis</div><div><br /></div><div>The CO, Captain May, and the 3rd Platoon leader, Lt Crittenden, have both been decorated for bravery with the Bronze Star w/V. Conversely, all the Corporals listed in the rifle platoons are replacing Sergeants who were either casualties or relieved for incompetence/cowardice.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht9KVb-5AUwmXBoNBiUJZDuCW07xwTKNNWqIi1CEvnLPOFEzZ1D7cDmLMDwiqlEt-Lel1SOFaWQM-r3T3VsoTqotvd7g8GBDZAJQiCENwiWRx4sZaXhrST6pQWG2SwUY2QbuUSOhlJcCN6-Qju27OGhQ4pRii3Jb90ulHq13a9Tl75PI6s8-VB5344/s4032/IMG_8658.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht9KVb-5AUwmXBoNBiUJZDuCW07xwTKNNWqIi1CEvnLPOFEzZ1D7cDmLMDwiqlEt-Lel1SOFaWQM-r3T3VsoTqotvd7g8GBDZAJQiCENwiWRx4sZaXhrST6pQWG2SwUY2QbuUSOhlJcCN6-Qju27OGhQ4pRii3Jb90ulHq13a9Tl75PI6s8-VB5344/w400-h300/IMG_8658.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>But their French foe is packing quite a punch, pretty much equal in size to the attacking force, which is never a good idea. Here's what the French have:<br />-Commanding Officer (CO)</div><div>-Executive Officer (XO)</div><div>-3 x Rifle Platoon (of 3 x rifle squad, each)</div><div>-A weapons platoon consisting of 2 x Hotchkiss MG and 2x 81mm mortar</div><div>-A gun platoon consisting of 2 x 75mm field gun and 1 x 25mm anti-tank gun (ATG)</div><div>-A tank platoon (-) consisting of 2 x R35 light tanks</div><div><br /></div><div>Additionally, the French are experiencing a serious bout of high elan due to being considerably protected by the 4' walls of the Kasbah and the strong trenches of Strongpoint Marie and having successfully seen off three infantry attacks by the Amis, which will be reflected in their morale rolls/checks.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv2uCbj5ciQyG0H7w3sg42xCgT1P2kAa-sVXrhuQdrbmLAm5aHsdSc5BQz6BaMC3tvKRoGlr4Im7QtqoRB66ckog4vIiBwJ4L8eQU2MlQG4UFP-1fPQIwsKQ3SCXWQC2u29Zd4KBahd4Xvg0MMs5XLR1sreEyEzVS35UniPAHQ5Hxs8Fq6vKp9HDXc/s4032/IMG_8659.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv2uCbj5ciQyG0H7w3sg42xCgT1P2kAa-sVXrhuQdrbmLAm5aHsdSc5BQz6BaMC3tvKRoGlr4Im7QtqoRB66ckog4vIiBwJ4L8eQU2MlQG4UFP-1fPQIwsKQ3SCXWQC2u29Zd4KBahd4Xvg0MMs5XLR1sreEyEzVS35UniPAHQ5Hxs8Fq6vKp9HDXc/w400-h300/IMG_8659.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Overview, now with troops. The American force runs in a line from top left to bottom center left, while the French are clustered in the Kasbah (top right) and SP Marie (bottom right). I placed the Americans where they will start the game, having stood up and moved out in skirmish line immediately after the preparatory barrage lifted, about where they'd be once the French recovered from the US artillery.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifdgub7Y1IJBTbJx0IyaGXjXSzFID4xNttdjCP0SYTxviQ197CPlLYcTPrQv5ASM5633oskv2TPp__DaMXNEdE8x7VIu4L30MWHU2e1JwgWmQkXixjeHTNJYYmqnMuZ0ef-PhmozISYdgbKJlv1NNzIxnobYrSMDbRRG3eswe481YkxnJiA-qNzUfP/s4032/IMG_8660.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifdgub7Y1IJBTbJx0IyaGXjXSzFID4xNttdjCP0SYTxviQ197CPlLYcTPrQv5ASM5633oskv2TPp__DaMXNEdE8x7VIu4L30MWHU2e1JwgWmQkXixjeHTNJYYmqnMuZ0ef-PhmozISYdgbKJlv1NNzIxnobYrSMDbRRG3eswe481YkxnJiA-qNzUfP/w400-h300/IMG_8660.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The US start line, where you see the US Weapons Platoon at top left, except one of its MG teams, which is atop the hill at left center, and the infantry platoons in skirmish line, with Lt Steed's 1st Platoon at top center left, Lt Carney's 2nd Platoon at center, and Lt Crittenden's 3rd Platoon at far right, with Lt Robinson's two M7 SPGs at bottom right and the CO, Captain May, on the road at left top.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTEWUMKJyVNPSL9GSj8k-MlP8oM4ku-lPWhVRGWUwxRPYr0nMoXVpqtp0F3rm7hOe1o9PwQ36kCwa7bN2TU86sK_ESlUpn424nZK02C5-82b9ZR-LqBLvPzgVZTq2lLPNaNyhNQNn5130LeXImdQAaluCzkgCmpoSH426W2zmwMd87SqeRKArbiGS4/s4032/IMG_8661.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTEWUMKJyVNPSL9GSj8k-MlP8oM4ku-lPWhVRGWUwxRPYr0nMoXVpqtp0F3rm7hOe1o9PwQ36kCwa7bN2TU86sK_ESlUpn424nZK02C5-82b9ZR-LqBLvPzgVZTq2lLPNaNyhNQNn5130LeXImdQAaluCzkgCmpoSH426W2zmwMd87SqeRKArbiGS4/w400-h300/IMG_8661.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>On the extreme left flank there is Sgt Irvin leading the Weapons Platoon, with Cpl Washington's MG team next to him and both mortar teams below them (bottom left), and Lt Steed's 1st Platoon fanned out and moving towards the Wadi Sebou (center/right).</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqOP0wLdN9sKA-nNy6XkMIhTiZh9poh8387UWrlTnXLe1g-6AekYDAoBaBxCK4wRgJnLS4isHD86vTzXjp04CAjjmEpn-cM0Nl6doqqzC5mibYTfTQZ-ynUG9J8gxM8wvCl8MrYdY2gDbEn2H7IB8Y5y6ZW4rF2qnf4GLIM6x9zTp776zNSTSO5Ys2/s4032/IMG_8662.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqOP0wLdN9sKA-nNy6XkMIhTiZh9poh8387UWrlTnXLe1g-6AekYDAoBaBxCK4wRgJnLS4isHD86vTzXjp04CAjjmEpn-cM0Nl6doqqzC5mibYTfTQZ-ynUG9J8gxM8wvCl8MrYdY2gDbEn2H7IB8Y5y6ZW4rF2qnf4GLIM6x9zTp776zNSTSO5Ys2/w400-h300/IMG_8662.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>In the center we see Captain May in the road (left), Cpl Bledsoe's MG team on the nearby hill (bottom center), and Lt Carney's 2nd Platoon nearing the crossroads (center/right).</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS1clYlg9NOsplhZ2rJnGAyhxbpVWf9BZpsHLi8yh0QKbTf_4qVYDIjKES1QxI1IX5FYVN_65UppNZsp4cMM0gh3ahG3QVZrvODui9eqX7_fFbuJ3wK7GQPb31q5G25QHBpjj1NPnxLP6Qxp4kqTg2XyYG3AX8yIE_QZj94O1kiwjd5k0gKNj4LYaX/s4032/IMG_8663.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS1clYlg9NOsplhZ2rJnGAyhxbpVWf9BZpsHLi8yh0QKbTf_4qVYDIjKES1QxI1IX5FYVN_65UppNZsp4cMM0gh3ahG3QVZrvODui9eqX7_fFbuJ3wK7GQPb31q5G25QHBpjj1NPnxLP6Qxp4kqTg2XyYG3AX8yIE_QZj94O1kiwjd5k0gKNj4LYaX/w400-h300/IMG_8663.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>While on the US far right we've got Lt Crittenden's 3rd Platoon (right, with part of Lt Carney's 2nd Platoon visible at top left) and Lt Robinson's SPGs bringing up the rear (bottom center left).</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDeYdnJt3WOjB_KHCT8G6TOVcEuApVkpC1b-N33r6-kfmhEvwmFNfYxvkZdj99jToAj2FCcseQsLaXML5sysUy3xpmbpyGvYR8UsNZV0rEUQDyQ2Uzu3O4sRe0HUG9MaahYid3ScG3nTaeEf68LNwBFTyuYtchRy7rZ4r_OuEr-lM7FafiGUPZewFj/s4032/IMG_8664.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDeYdnJt3WOjB_KHCT8G6TOVcEuApVkpC1b-N33r6-kfmhEvwmFNfYxvkZdj99jToAj2FCcseQsLaXML5sysUy3xpmbpyGvYR8UsNZV0rEUQDyQ2Uzu3O4sRe0HUG9MaahYid3ScG3nTaeEf68LNwBFTyuYtchRy7rZ4r_OuEr-lM7FafiGUPZewFj/w400-h300/IMG_8664.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The French baseline, showing how everyone is protected in the Kasbah (top center right) or SP Marie (bottom center).</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2wIjmH2zAYe9y2gS5u6XyqvdTBptG764gUxytxfL1OgwYgy1UW7-CYpgKHP4HDoqJCNsh_wgRyR8uuMSnVxIYkhldnpyycZ5MvmKTmqoc3P-K691QBYwslUXxRtfKzHNGZkCjXE6LZyVaCbqViqq4QLfa9OedT_H8-wxECE9rkc6lSC8WicE5zX2U/s4032/IMG_8665.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2wIjmH2zAYe9y2gS5u6XyqvdTBptG764gUxytxfL1OgwYgy1UW7-CYpgKHP4HDoqJCNsh_wgRyR8uuMSnVxIYkhldnpyycZ5MvmKTmqoc3P-K691QBYwslUXxRtfKzHNGZkCjXE6LZyVaCbqViqq4QLfa9OedT_H8-wxECE9rkc6lSC8WicE5zX2U/w400-h300/IMG_8665.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The Kasbah, looking nigh-on impregnable, and fully staffed, to boot! The French have it stocked full of nastiness for the approaching Yanks: the French Commander (the three-figure stand at center right bottom) is in charge, with both 81mm mortars to his left. Up in the turrets he has his 25mm ATG (far right) and an MG team (top left), with another MG team manning the parapets (2nd deck, third stand from the right) and surrounded by a full rifle platoon on the 2nd deck and with another full rifle platoon manning the 1st deck (there are numerous loopholes for them to fire out of).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtA1RkbpLKFp8nKMOoXFlBS77xkvjl946HyWiAHRmcRUUa1OK-imehx2wW0kBEP64VIwZc8NSsfS50uqnRNTrDZNvq8h_UhUXLmQH3oOhrl2gryv5w7DF3okpPIeJZ7WyaXPR8r6sd5GR0xEMlhqKxY_r9absN3WbDve-Wx5al8IdhDOGAs5uRtaAy/s4032/IMG_8666.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtA1RkbpLKFp8nKMOoXFlBS77xkvjl946HyWiAHRmcRUUa1OK-imehx2wW0kBEP64VIwZc8NSsfS50uqnRNTrDZNvq8h_UhUXLmQH3oOhrl2gryv5w7DF3okpPIeJZ7WyaXPR8r6sd5GR0xEMlhqKxY_r9absN3WbDve-Wx5al8IdhDOGAs5uRtaAy/w400-h300/IMG_8666.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>And SP Marie, which is a little different in that they have a strong force dug in, but they also maintain a healthy mobile reserve of two rifle squads and two R35 light tanks (far left/bottom center). On the hill they have their XO, both 75mm field guns, and a rifle squad dug in.</div><div><br /></div><div>Let's take a quick step back in time, just for a moment, in order to help out the Americans.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBPXqBKqpado5uGL7hVDeHSRkwHWrloq6L6nkwNTcQftbburSmxZPNqhuPVNjaQkGlKzWTYBfbL5Kqhejfz02tbsRjoDsuxYojLTLCyJHav_SsQiaqZDDfhcYXqJ1wmSd-PWqPED2tRWhZzP6td96rRLBcO-C7YjE5AWfac3CAI463tt4312pLvRMP/s4032/IMG_8667.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBPXqBKqpado5uGL7hVDeHSRkwHWrloq6L6nkwNTcQftbburSmxZPNqhuPVNjaQkGlKzWTYBfbL5Kqhejfz02tbsRjoDsuxYojLTLCyJHav_SsQiaqZDDfhcYXqJ1wmSd-PWqPED2tRWhZzP6td96rRLBcO-C7YjE5AWfac3CAI463tt4312pLvRMP/w400-h300/IMG_8667.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>It's 1625 and the 9th Infantry Division artillery is pounding the Kasbah and SP Marie; the practically days-long pounding (cumulative) has taken its toll, knocking out two rifle squads and suppressing several other units in the Kasbah, and suppressing several units at SP Marie.</div><div><br /></div><div>*For the record, I have the full fort set, I just didn't want to take up too much room with it, so I only set up one of the four walls and two of the four turrets. I think it still looks pretty cool, though, an out here you can see the loopholes for firing that I was talking about.</div><div><br /></div>And with that, it's time to fight! The US barrage has lifted; the dusty GIs rise up and begin advancing, the only sound being the clank of their gear as they make their way across the rocky desert floor.<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN_DVigsQeipMZOt6L8rBfFTybB2FFF5iMBAbxk1g7OqPaonusgm_tb2MqtOYXlwx4BKZFUEslhJkcYOFDUGRithurgydW9CX0ffoYcOy4BUrjlPPeFbmlAXzyYSbV8Iz1mmGO7rlQemLT8rS51vaCt7cMfmDGwhSmUZPztfTTPcjVFILlI51wdsgc/s4032/IMG_8669.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN_DVigsQeipMZOt6L8rBfFTybB2FFF5iMBAbxk1g7OqPaonusgm_tb2MqtOYXlwx4BKZFUEslhJkcYOFDUGRithurgydW9CX0ffoYcOy4BUrjlPPeFbmlAXzyYSbV8Iz1mmGO7rlQemLT8rS51vaCt7cMfmDGwhSmUZPztfTTPcjVFILlI51wdsgc/w400-h300/IMG_8669.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The silence is broken when Cpl Bledsoe's water-cooled .30-cal MG (bottom right) opens fire, peppering the stone walls of the Kasbah (top left, with the American CO at center)...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Zsu48ZUy4BFPGG8ekqo-TiFZV_KhednNn5j9eKWIBRDO2SFYoL1M5aZNYKX9JESJ6pGnwuo6Dazm0RvZQ3VjFtz59P9WTkX1R-Hex6S2YlAik7MrO7KbnaqT2vFXB28-oUPioQT5jSL7RltVzfjWfhhpigrkLBQYlcu7x0rLtDLK2vq8Vpzpe7Z_/s4032/IMG_8670.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Zsu48ZUy4BFPGG8ekqo-TiFZV_KhednNn5j9eKWIBRDO2SFYoL1M5aZNYKX9JESJ6pGnwuo6Dazm0RvZQ3VjFtz59P9WTkX1R-Hex6S2YlAik7MrO7KbnaqT2vFXB28-oUPioQT5jSL7RltVzfjWfhhpigrkLBQYlcu7x0rLtDLK2vq8Vpzpe7Z_/w400-h300/IMG_8670.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The American machine gun fire has no effect on the French defenders (the yellow 'pinned' and red 'suppressed' beads are from the artillery barrage) and a French MG team (bottom right) returns fire on Cpl Bledsoe's MG team (hill at top center), suppressing them!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJOKp3oC4KosXkduRe88buJWQghE04hBtbDO-CuHNNurc6LDF-cmN2FNz0gbM87A3hT3eyCdSJ3Ah4FRDVLPpwAYN0ZsjnIAfMXdQSzho1Zvo0uz6NJI1i8vqLh9AtheD9rwriZ2IIDjeW8wlxL1UEdvoKaKEbg8y2HXaWq0DMQb0SUCp7PVxiS7co/s4032/IMG_8671.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJOKp3oC4KosXkduRe88buJWQghE04hBtbDO-CuHNNurc6LDF-cmN2FNz0gbM87A3hT3eyCdSJ3Ah4FRDVLPpwAYN0ZsjnIAfMXdQSzho1Zvo0uz6NJI1i8vqLh9AtheD9rwriZ2IIDjeW8wlxL1UEdvoKaKEbg8y2HXaWq0DMQb0SUCp7PVxiS7co/w400-h300/IMG_8671.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Lt Robinson (bottom left) orders both M7 Priests to reply, sending a 105mm HE round at the Kasbah (top right)...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsO1Yd7hRDAeiUZtz6Cac2KwOPonJ-MNc6iLnHROMLvFDH2aMKHjvzj6CVbLK1NFW5VlYM8ZFmi2a2WgiUnacdH3Wlwhs3GRrc71yybxtmQYc3ZcGiSCISpR2fZ3LyG4Brx3U8WF18rXqjj3NzuKfYuZEZy9zXe2nt4BXKtAgSBroInAZbkvy1spBV/s4032/IMG_8672.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsO1Yd7hRDAeiUZtz6Cac2KwOPonJ-MNc6iLnHROMLvFDH2aMKHjvzj6CVbLK1NFW5VlYM8ZFmi2a2WgiUnacdH3Wlwhs3GRrc71yybxtmQYc3ZcGiSCISpR2fZ3LyG4Brx3U8WF18rXqjj3NzuKfYuZEZy9zXe2nt4BXKtAgSBroInAZbkvy1spBV/w400-h300/IMG_8672.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The heavy guns have a telling affect, pinning the ATG (yellow bead at top right), suppressing a rifle squad (red bead at center on 2nd deck), and forcing an already suppressed MG team to fall back (red bead at bottom left)!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw6VJTEkh_WLB9hh-ioRXPpaQMNP-Yy4NfUfzpnR9K3fcpLL3iO03YkdE80p5ELHi6qkvIOzwyBH-xCW3pK63g-8UaRJCNk2Udnpy_YDMf0IOw9ZqDWaU0OAmO1HCaFcARlNLGAZ7ugVxj6NbwsCy15vc00z-rf9ReTotbUvqqVI1PjGIclZpyRHP9/s4032/IMG_8673.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw6VJTEkh_WLB9hh-ioRXPpaQMNP-Yy4NfUfzpnR9K3fcpLL3iO03YkdE80p5ELHi6qkvIOzwyBH-xCW3pK63g-8UaRJCNk2Udnpy_YDMf0IOw9ZqDWaU0OAmO1HCaFcARlNLGAZ7ugVxj6NbwsCy15vc00z-rf9ReTotbUvqqVI1PjGIclZpyRHP9/w400-h300/IMG_8673.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>All three US rifle platoons advance, with the SPGs moving up in support of 2nd and 3rd Platoons as 1st Platoon dips its toes into the Wadi Sebou (top center left).</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPJg0NnpXsU0pfWBS0LlreDCGR13qrF6pii3PbDW4jAA7Lxwa-cM1ekxBvxNRMqHr8x086agXtqh42DPtOMxkrU2VIOmQdfKE5Yxyzp3MIBMOhDtcwVeU8IGZH11IxhHGpLcSCUdoS5iyKBXzziWsidhs9aoNHhFDriBZw7x5LUYE1lswpyrn7QeNX/s4032/IMG_8674.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPJg0NnpXsU0pfWBS0LlreDCGR13qrF6pii3PbDW4jAA7Lxwa-cM1ekxBvxNRMqHr8x086agXtqh42DPtOMxkrU2VIOmQdfKE5Yxyzp3MIBMOhDtcwVeU8IGZH11IxhHGpLcSCUdoS5iyKBXzziWsidhs9aoNHhFDriBZw7x5LUYE1lswpyrn7QeNX/w400-h300/IMG_8674.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>On the French far left, their rifle squad on SP Marie (bottom right) spots the US 3rd Platoon (top left) and opens fire, to no effect.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4vzpOFCWaWG61XpPiftnvRvWPcT5rAdJHlARj7zDrOXBZTQT0KTHVW6gvIaUJ_frNHBvvH4d7UgRjseWkYHauZj5lOMl57GbPRSP1udvu0xkCeDVcEkSxirLAuv41xBmItCe-EH8jN5k09TJNLloyI4ukUo2I_w1wIgkEDLNSRGzBtGJuOpMfUpxK/s4032/IMG_8675.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4vzpOFCWaWG61XpPiftnvRvWPcT5rAdJHlARj7zDrOXBZTQT0KTHVW6gvIaUJ_frNHBvvH4d7UgRjseWkYHauZj5lOMl57GbPRSP1udvu0xkCeDVcEkSxirLAuv41xBmItCe-EH8jN5k09TJNLloyI4ukUo2I_w1wIgkEDLNSRGzBtGJuOpMfUpxK/w400-h300/IMG_8675.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>And the remaining French MG team in action opens fire on the US 1st Platoon (right top), pinning Lt Steed's command team.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAlQ8ttBoMRvJMTe8QW-74LDCgojCg3lVmIvNHo1PDDwia5UKxgDcWxKvtVWy-TjjgLe6HqbtDXb9MDXyqW7rW7oWFqGCyF_D4CuCfD35k7cnjT5uQ_wCgH6Oupk0Zea4jMwUtE3qN5zj37QaAG8-siQDooHkvbFjN3M_kmKSKJ3PhiufMpUyYYGVC/s4032/IMG_8676.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAlQ8ttBoMRvJMTe8QW-74LDCgojCg3lVmIvNHo1PDDwia5UKxgDcWxKvtVWy-TjjgLe6HqbtDXb9MDXyqW7rW7oWFqGCyF_D4CuCfD35k7cnjT5uQ_wCgH6Oupk0Zea4jMwUtE3qN5zj37QaAG8-siQDooHkvbFjN3M_kmKSKJ3PhiufMpUyYYGVC/w400-h300/IMG_8676.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>And then, without ever letting off the trigger, the French MG team shifts fire to Lt Carney's 2nd Platoon (left top), pinning Sgt Culver's squad.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6BXL0iXcIdD-r-uWhE4jgxh6u-IOhOVgCbs32AoPXZbSh9AoTQbgn2sOQOTqSzVcvpj2iZZVGYJjt-Y2UGm5Sn9AC1dxPvQVgC-hVjffxHZSJn_Y6Z02bC9lWEP8Rg2N1hAPBfjYjHZvwtb0Mj7bYwXuuQPrnW-nBKO9M2K55Awy-uZOcyzGp7Ili/s4032/IMG_8677.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6BXL0iXcIdD-r-uWhE4jgxh6u-IOhOVgCbs32AoPXZbSh9AoTQbgn2sOQOTqSzVcvpj2iZZVGYJjt-Y2UGm5Sn9AC1dxPvQVgC-hVjffxHZSJn_Y6Z02bC9lWEP8Rg2N1hAPBfjYjHZvwtb0Mj7bYwXuuQPrnW-nBKO9M2K55Awy-uZOcyzGp7Ili/w400-h300/IMG_8677.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>As Captain May falls back and rallies Cpl Bledsoe's MG team (bottom center, with 1st Platoon at top left and 2nd Platoon at far right).</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjddYl71mDJ7uUtUlcShwP5xwEB8ox2UB-D-yKErOfuBaITFZcIduHPqTUwmEPGPQ1gYT8jzB1duLlzPrybUH7nOfhAKuvk1pbP2XidCfD7lZTbgKTfAL0cjUSCNsrLqtlFOvj_BJLUiBpeSEPwZsTFbVV4w6_XqbkAfjZQFU_AxZswiZmhwCSrB7HX/s4032/IMG_8678.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjddYl71mDJ7uUtUlcShwP5xwEB8ox2UB-D-yKErOfuBaITFZcIduHPqTUwmEPGPQ1gYT8jzB1duLlzPrybUH7nOfhAKuvk1pbP2XidCfD7lZTbgKTfAL0cjUSCNsrLqtlFOvj_BJLUiBpeSEPwZsTFbVV4w6_XqbkAfjZQFU_AxZswiZmhwCSrB7HX/w400-h300/IMG_8678.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>There is a lull in the firing as the French pause to collect themselves.</div><div><br /></div><div>*The French rolled a 'Scurry,' which may seem kinda bad for them because they don't need to move, but they really need to rally and this will allow them to do it. As a matter of fact, if all goes well, they'll be able to do it without allowing the Americans to get in a free move (in the rules, when a side rolls up a Scurry they move whichever units they want to, but any enemy units that see them move get a free move).</div><div><br /></div><div>In the Kasbah, the French CO manages to rally every single one of the pinned and suppressed units without incident!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiarjFVXCrp5UqZSGipfViv26GO6vV_Z-MqmnxJhWu6EBi3IzJOcUWoTT_pb_bWzhdqL7V2P1hIsCUxtuSkQEFCijqQikxXR1wm-5eJLXIvtt5mrlF3erWZcMvxqYx2jKU4FDQryCmQfd9WtJW2NmzI1qaV57xZqAhjgHrIFotLT3EATO3CK26skriW/s4032/IMG_8679.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiarjFVXCrp5UqZSGipfViv26GO6vV_Z-MqmnxJhWu6EBi3IzJOcUWoTT_pb_bWzhdqL7V2P1hIsCUxtuSkQEFCijqQikxXR1wm-5eJLXIvtt5mrlF3erWZcMvxqYx2jKU4FDQryCmQfd9WtJW2NmzI1qaV57xZqAhjgHrIFotLT3EATO3CK26skriW/w400-h300/IMG_8679.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>SP Marie was also pretty beaten up by the bombardment, so the opportunity to rally is a blessing. All goes well here except the suppressed 75mm gun (red bead at far right) only manages to get 'up' to pinned, and they have to leave their XO 'men down.'</div><div><br /></div><div>In the rules, 'men down' means the unit is taking casualties and is temporarily combat ineffective. They can be rallied, but their panic is bad enough that they cannot self-rally, they have to have a friendly unit move into base contact to rally them. If that fails they may continue to panic (stay 'men down') or even get knocked out of the game (casualties are so bad they have routed and are removed from the game). The French could have moved a unit up to rally the XO (white bead at center), but if they move and American units can see it (plenty of them would) then those American units would get a free move, and the French don't want the Yanks stealing any marches on them, they want the Americans out there in the open for as long as possible.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqCYPmRhDYV8aUDxfytIHNvWk0Qn2mSao1sEddZUn8MUFBNpuFooFtLBwBMU9t4P3YLTS3wJT6zZapGhKoDZbf53PZhN5OkiJhgCXIYA50UgY_ooIqXiXdKp6O2CxLrRwOyGUb_RTppOnoTYhSU9XToDHFRvoGAnXVoQn_9senfE2_XqrNQTLzTHJ4/s4032/IMG_8680.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqCYPmRhDYV8aUDxfytIHNvWk0Qn2mSao1sEddZUn8MUFBNpuFooFtLBwBMU9t4P3YLTS3wJT6zZapGhKoDZbf53PZhN5OkiJhgCXIYA50UgY_ooIqXiXdKp6O2CxLrRwOyGUb_RTppOnoTYhSU9XToDHFRvoGAnXVoQn_9senfE2_XqrNQTLzTHJ4/w400-h300/IMG_8680.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>So the Americans don't get a free move, they just get their normal activation: Cpl Bledsoe's MG team, recently rallied by Captain May (bottom left), resumes firing on the Kasbah (top right).</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZLeZRCeuwpCKSb6WRshKoQZ0SmMHdyWeE3-RbFkyjEwQLANQt7qnDucrvxLLO1_9ZDbxr3xjuuIwU-IOmLrMA3z6WvTtbssCyRT9EY4NbVuV7fNDbIN7bqAZctHa8IXXkam3VahBk1nEB5mw3M9rteZN0QOVaCxibUnNaWW0v08zP7I0QEgKXR7zg/s4032/IMG_8681.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZLeZRCeuwpCKSb6WRshKoQZ0SmMHdyWeE3-RbFkyjEwQLANQt7qnDucrvxLLO1_9ZDbxr3xjuuIwU-IOmLrMA3z6WvTtbssCyRT9EY4NbVuV7fNDbIN7bqAZctHa8IXXkam3VahBk1nEB5mw3M9rteZN0QOVaCxibUnNaWW0v08zP7I0QEgKXR7zg/w400-h300/IMG_8681.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>They suppress a French rifle team on the first deck, but the French MG team (bottom right) again returns fire and pins them down (top center).</div><div><br /></div><div>*For those wondering how I resolve casualties, I stole Buck Surdu's mechanism from Combat Patrol. You pick out a unit, usually a platoon of 2-4 stands, then roll your firepower dice, and when you achieve positive results (kill, men down, suppressed, or pinned) you roll a D6 to determine which stand receives the effect. It sure as hell makes the game a lot harder; you can want to shoot the enemy MG team, but when he's flanked by rifle squads, you may 'miss' the MG team and 'hit' one of the rifle squads instead.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqoK30fxTzCNL9kYodNTJUQVB49s2_-kFQe50Mw8IIi-eC1LeluUC6S2VlVCiyCRytXAIQcu2HTb6zFefUktIoWUVifPjNl_kIC9gKeMJ5fVBshjQwCIfs4qsGd_oC9imexTvUz1NYpkm30OWMPT_ZPig4BiHZq52AKi1Ev7I3T7GMCGJ9810rplaf/s4032/IMG_8683.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqoK30fxTzCNL9kYodNTJUQVB49s2_-kFQe50Mw8IIi-eC1LeluUC6S2VlVCiyCRytXAIQcu2HTb6zFefUktIoWUVifPjNl_kIC9gKeMJ5fVBshjQwCIfs4qsGd_oC9imexTvUz1NYpkm30OWMPT_ZPig4BiHZq52AKi1Ev7I3T7GMCGJ9810rplaf/w400-h300/IMG_8683.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The American SPGs (bottom left) again fire on the Kasbah (top right)...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY3_FE38a-FlsRjX3GbXjMyt4fR5khk2fgdrSzzmbD8mbU_6mEEsXqKfXKdDR_9wJDmFCI0Y6BMFQXfCLxQLB8vq07QOg92qK_Faz8FMifOeE-kKGSHNHjwgP08nAcL2LPMvfPfUjSYPQz_i6PDwMOKHdEMvIhujusexAUvAnj0lNQRDYLPfJnbcLd/s4032/IMG_8684.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY3_FE38a-FlsRjX3GbXjMyt4fR5khk2fgdrSzzmbD8mbU_6mEEsXqKfXKdDR_9wJDmFCI0Y6BMFQXfCLxQLB8vq07QOg92qK_Faz8FMifOeE-kKGSHNHjwgP08nAcL2LPMvfPfUjSYPQz_i6PDwMOKHdEMvIhujusexAUvAnj0lNQRDYLPfJnbcLd/w400-h300/IMG_8684.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>And the 105mm guns being direct-fired over open sights are having a telling effect on the French garrison! A rifle squad is knocked out, a suppressed rifle squad falls back (red bead at bottom center, from the parapets), another rifle squad is suppressed (red bead at left, on the first deck), and a rifle squad is pinned (yellow bead at left top, on second deck)!<br /><br />But that damned MG team on the 2nd deck (center right) is still in action, as is the 25mm ATG...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXITIks1lBTSLFkMQPwwBMICMom_GOu1U82Vts216RxeqTxM44fBQhG0C5wli5CtFF82IDqgHrbJKppre46S1gYKdyGNkGpXm_3aPXnhflnae9Mn3EPZ2m1zy7eMhY48GgJaFmk8qGzkF2k6Ls4ToFRC2kn_7kjG1j4ZLVGeYSrJmtJCoGGOGCSBRm/s4032/IMG_8685.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXITIks1lBTSLFkMQPwwBMICMom_GOu1U82Vts216RxeqTxM44fBQhG0C5wli5CtFF82IDqgHrbJKppre46S1gYKdyGNkGpXm_3aPXnhflnae9Mn3EPZ2m1zy7eMhY48GgJaFmk8qGzkF2k6Ls4ToFRC2kn_7kjG1j4ZLVGeYSrJmtJCoGGOGCSBRm/w400-h300/IMG_8685.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Speaking of which, the French ATG (bottom right) returns fire on the American SPGs (top left)...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT2FeqYc_1eCeWBP-A3e4MKKgwdx_EedbUNNQt_ULe3lGk_icW9rnkquNcLjID8SJDhDlk28KdY8ioP8H0_SSyVOF8zpUeJEJZXd-w4Hw5dYSbbRnbF4IkeXc9w0gE8S3GRiiwajirBQFVkCj8C54KiHzqffz6oc96f0tBQy6c-b-l-XE88XAOM9Nc/s4032/IMG_8686.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT2FeqYc_1eCeWBP-A3e4MKKgwdx_EedbUNNQt_ULe3lGk_icW9rnkquNcLjID8SJDhDlk28KdY8ioP8H0_SSyVOF8zpUeJEJZXd-w4Hw5dYSbbRnbF4IkeXc9w0gE8S3GRiiwajirBQFVkCj8C54KiHzqffz6oc96f0tBQy6c-b-l-XE88XAOM9Nc/w400-h300/IMG_8686.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>It misses, but hits close enough to pin Lt Robinson's crew.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfaEjOgRaqgaDdGu_pY4As50ct8IKUa04pgTwO4bd63Y7J4ch8Pj3kO4HfBR043K5FT_lVK3NTZMjHUFMWO6LfdxjeqgGGljjmgQnXjNGpuc3EcgxOgcuZ_QkLzDgtaOS06i0Zpjqu9MR_grIS-tZduRkqUEixOOr2Fee9bxwyxaxW12AfOqop2T2I/s4032/IMG_8687.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfaEjOgRaqgaDdGu_pY4As50ct8IKUa04pgTwO4bd63Y7J4ch8Pj3kO4HfBR043K5FT_lVK3NTZMjHUFMWO6LfdxjeqgGGljjmgQnXjNGpuc3EcgxOgcuZ_QkLzDgtaOS06i0Zpjqu9MR_grIS-tZduRkqUEixOOr2Fee9bxwyxaxW12AfOqop2T2I/w400-h300/IMG_8687.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Sgt Irving (bottom left) orders the US mortars to target SP Marie (top right)...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-RhaDpkSIQ_cgKK6GwSHiGYYEMUlIcbPGqvsbyT2l2ewijYWEd_y5J3voey_-mky2uL-9re22yoy_HN_YoF_Nk--k-qWGEm5pOwGEKXG53iJUTXnYA-Qz3rKil4vlXwUfQQPi8LQV7my8ry5-VrAJEaoi_sr6dxVFjv5mV94vyhzriMWV-nKy_dkv/s4032/IMG_8688.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-RhaDpkSIQ_cgKK6GwSHiGYYEMUlIcbPGqvsbyT2l2ewijYWEd_y5J3voey_-mky2uL-9re22yoy_HN_YoF_Nk--k-qWGEm5pOwGEKXG53iJUTXnYA-Qz3rKil4vlXwUfQQPi8LQV7my8ry5-VrAJEaoi_sr6dxVFjv5mV94vyhzriMWV-nKy_dkv/w400-h300/IMG_8688.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Suppressing one of the 75mm guns (red bead at center left) and one of the tanks (red bead at right top) and pinning the other tank.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuP4yXGFWjoPupRHOHAM-5CU1kWk0En3GhhDzoADhCabQLUs_yfddVMqWircP1sB-qDYCnf_O-u8iWvG7TKJh-CLdknd6uHaUo7zBFX77xMCh4y7ilP1p6pE49KrIz2EcbTNVCfq115qyUU7ctlno-cNwCa47JiOjxtU58YoFPGQFHoKtnGqcLBhwn/s4032/IMG_8689.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuP4yXGFWjoPupRHOHAM-5CU1kWk0En3GhhDzoADhCabQLUs_yfddVMqWircP1sB-qDYCnf_O-u8iWvG7TKJh-CLdknd6uHaUo7zBFX77xMCh4y7ilP1p6pE49KrIz2EcbTNVCfq115qyUU7ctlno-cNwCa47JiOjxtU58YoFPGQFHoKtnGqcLBhwn/w400-h300/IMG_8689.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>As Lt Steed rallies his command team and leads 1st Platoon into the river and Captain May rallies Cpl Bledsoe's MG team again (bottom left).</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGktSpDF6bAaULsb1qF_j6j3GJ7r8qhgjJ29ogAuvRChAvbwUGfM0AwPSaMPKVau_7ZNWmCkYRyr0KdOAQCBQRdjTV8kfjRqUAq5K3Xx8VSVO2qVXxe_kXD369FlIeNrA8BEmVxqTRbi5f9puewn4BaKVRBQ7wjucY3XZ8GZ6uCy7F4bvY5HpDrnb7/s4032/IMG_8690.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGktSpDF6bAaULsb1qF_j6j3GJ7r8qhgjJ29ogAuvRChAvbwUGfM0AwPSaMPKVau_7ZNWmCkYRyr0KdOAQCBQRdjTV8kfjRqUAq5K3Xx8VSVO2qVXxe_kXD369FlIeNrA8BEmVxqTRbi5f9puewn4BaKVRBQ7wjucY3XZ8GZ6uCy7F4bvY5HpDrnb7/w400-h300/IMG_8690.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The French MG team in the Kasbah (bottom center) keeps chattering, targeting Lt Steed's 1st Platoon (right top), suppressing Cpl Harrison's squad.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfPReEEIRxCvnu42opjWJKCjqz9ug3zi8epTDOFXJDpoCckxxqCgViAyq8xFDV4JpfrvigitGwJntjLU1-6rmACGysko5TEu88nzGpJGfoH20pQDyBR2OrB8mbGciltua53gN5-VZyn6mF4IW-zUUkl6GKtDQVPDLjF6TA4h0wKr2Vmv83jNN0HHBQ/s4032/IMG_8691.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfPReEEIRxCvnu42opjWJKCjqz9ug3zi8epTDOFXJDpoCckxxqCgViAyq8xFDV4JpfrvigitGwJntjLU1-6rmACGysko5TEu88nzGpJGfoH20pQDyBR2OrB8mbGciltua53gN5-VZyn6mF4IW-zUUkl6GKtDQVPDLjF6TA4h0wKr2Vmv83jNN0HHBQ/w400-h300/IMG_8691.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Lt Carney rallies Lt Davis' M7 SPG and Sgt Culver's squad, then leads 2nd Platoon up to the edge of the village (center, from left bottom), as Lt Crittenden pushes 3rd Platoon forward (far right). Lt Robinsons pushes his M7 SPG up behind 2nd Platoon, while Sgt Davis pushes his up into a hull-down position behind a stone wall (right center).</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH6NFljbKPOXEvW3uk1Kk3q5tb09uwTD3qJ0tknCLV9pSuF3T0vXGw-L5MtUcYNXSaaOhYe4p7f9P5XWFa2wwWcBZttP7Ovvg-4HMrPuEMcLCX5sQp1MD62UREM5hZbr3wMIAe0zOWDh0AIdhKh4b2siPsFPomiGeUuvzDsznMscJksVUZctTsSIwy/s4032/IMG_8692.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH6NFljbKPOXEvW3uk1Kk3q5tb09uwTD3qJ0tknCLV9pSuF3T0vXGw-L5MtUcYNXSaaOhYe4p7f9P5XWFa2wwWcBZttP7Ovvg-4HMrPuEMcLCX5sQp1MD62UREM5hZbr3wMIAe0zOWDh0AIdhKh4b2siPsFPomiGeUuvzDsznMscJksVUZctTsSIwy/w400-h300/IMG_8692.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The French MG team in the Kasbah (bottom right) continues its incessant chattering, engaging Lt Carney's 2nd Platoon (top left), but not affecting anything as the GIs have reached the cover of the village.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCTazsiHh2JlMLx-9rNfTl7YQnAPmu1e6KY482vQetNKblaercLaeQ6wiX3mHovYej3qdgWkN39nn14iUyJM_ZDk6Xv_XBcKix0lhu7NYsUz87AQLdVXgmT9EZ9Pe9YNGsddlODXBmLPjyk9tJ2bIdhMm2FA7KzNCZd412Jtt5O_4eor6JvXP6YsET/s4032/IMG_8693.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCTazsiHh2JlMLx-9rNfTl7YQnAPmu1e6KY482vQetNKblaercLaeQ6wiX3mHovYej3qdgWkN39nn14iUyJM_ZDk6Xv_XBcKix0lhu7NYsUz87AQLdVXgmT9EZ9Pe9YNGsddlODXBmLPjyk9tJ2bIdhMm2FA7KzNCZd412Jtt5O_4eor6JvXP6YsET/w400-h300/IMG_8693.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>While the French rifle squad atop SP Marie (bottom right) fires on Sgt Davis' SPG (top left), but the thin armor is enough to shelter the Yanks from the small arms fire.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPVp9uR-D4PBhaPMov864EXEOqYIJo4h5-n0GTxzyFZdTN8Rq2HFM77qrdj3sLTenOAp3gAygm9YMTvWzPb7Q_9azPBGIhPExH5vxHAidxMeMFB8WWnlEuXP0eOHc4tIL3OxPzQ_WibO1JxSQNhlSe1arwkyQ6gCq2MfQSjQ8t107R8ZGiID3W9WOt/s4032/IMG_8694.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPVp9uR-D4PBhaPMov864EXEOqYIJo4h5-n0GTxzyFZdTN8Rq2HFM77qrdj3sLTenOAp3gAygm9YMTvWzPb7Q_9azPBGIhPExH5vxHAidxMeMFB8WWnlEuXP0eOHc4tIL3OxPzQ_WibO1JxSQNhlSe1arwkyQ6gCq2MfQSjQ8t107R8ZGiID3W9WOt/w400-h300/IMG_8694.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>In the Kasbah, the French commander calmly sets about rallying his shocked Poilus, while his 81mm mortars go to work on Lt Carney's 2nd Platoon...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ5WoNu2Ikrezf5-2_QJbICqVusOuNsU-dlnBg9eOG-ewruj3aDhc7ZLAPJZXA7_LV2T-vUrGXo4cL_vo1-OH_YmgAbY8xOzBuh69XBmJ0TMnMRweWc7neTqm-O_alAcPJS_g0AySx7gkVbOJN6OvwHCS4tQJDTjvitcpKzbqpZBMAnPtWwM-sozQu/s4032/IMG_8695.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ5WoNu2Ikrezf5-2_QJbICqVusOuNsU-dlnBg9eOG-ewruj3aDhc7ZLAPJZXA7_LV2T-vUrGXo4cL_vo1-OH_YmgAbY8xOzBuh69XBmJ0TMnMRweWc7neTqm-O_alAcPJS_g0AySx7gkVbOJN6OvwHCS4tQJDTjvitcpKzbqpZBMAnPtWwM-sozQu/w400-h300/IMG_8695.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The 81mm HE rounds are a bit long, but close enough to suppress Sgt Culver and Cpl Bickett's squads (red beads at center).</div><div><br /></div><div>*I just realized I forgot to move my CO last turn after he rallied Cpl Bledsoe's MG team... Whatever, I chalk it up to American inexperience.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRDuZy20ybGPLn5h1peaBL2Suw8QQCO7WvuIgYRn3yg0iP5NhTsgcJlZrT37jdvI9E-ss5s3F8cy1C0j_pCZ74ViXdaiAYo8H3LarGeBdiRyLmjX-LmHpXG9PrWrY4iab5aCq35x324721vOY_5Oe6rkkMHnFPZZZYakaF00oEbzr8_dTqMFPRzvT7/s4032/IMG_8696.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRDuZy20ybGPLn5h1peaBL2Suw8QQCO7WvuIgYRn3yg0iP5NhTsgcJlZrT37jdvI9E-ss5s3F8cy1C0j_pCZ74ViXdaiAYo8H3LarGeBdiRyLmjX-LmHpXG9PrWrY4iab5aCq35x324721vOY_5Oe6rkkMHnFPZZZYakaF00oEbzr8_dTqMFPRzvT7/w400-h300/IMG_8696.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>One of the 75mm guns (bottom left) on SP Marie engages Lt Crittenden's 3rd Platoon (top right center, with 2nd Platoon and Sgt Davis' SPG visible to the right of them)...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE2tXRjh7RQ6qgKcmEpukA4UdwF480B-fOLYbcNBu9WgkrWy55YsmqeWipU-52A7FtkZtahLQs35fcgxgSUPaQgMzIsYy0HL-KErzSGS-FkOiEBxzkNNgGM9QC0n3OdzQA8hWOmX7C95PKspN6q-NpaL0UdkLo_ZM6LmbQepahJcWZfpcO9BcUO6sd/s4032/IMG_8697.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE2tXRjh7RQ6qgKcmEpukA4UdwF480B-fOLYbcNBu9WgkrWy55YsmqeWipU-52A7FtkZtahLQs35fcgxgSUPaQgMzIsYy0HL-KErzSGS-FkOiEBxzkNNgGM9QC0n3OdzQA8hWOmX7C95PKspN6q-NpaL0UdkLo_ZM6LmbQepahJcWZfpcO9BcUO6sd/w400-h300/IMG_8697.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>And, quite inexplicably, misses everyone! The American riflemen (bottom left) return fire, to no effect (top right).</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6zdFGx5GNZL5xYSh2dljbz9-Cfafsou8my8tL6YWarMbChkdkyVKhXgxcnZ69kkRaPLO-X4MubEPZPqYq8Hftm4wdbeD5GQHINvUgHdNc6v8Yy9VtZgkzk57NRiPmRYSxse8Br8xt1rAmgM7pS74MQUxxLxQ3DRm9mGyjEPcHl-SlRAB1izAN9nCU/s4032/IMG_8698.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6zdFGx5GNZL5xYSh2dljbz9-Cfafsou8my8tL6YWarMbChkdkyVKhXgxcnZ69kkRaPLO-X4MubEPZPqYq8Hftm4wdbeD5GQHINvUgHdNc6v8Yy9VtZgkzk57NRiPmRYSxse8Br8xt1rAmgM7pS74MQUxxLxQ3DRm9mGyjEPcHl-SlRAB1izAN9nCU/w400-h300/IMG_8698.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Behind SP Marie, where they're still being bombarded by the American mortars, an enterprising French NCO (left bottom) assists a nearby tank crew in rallying back into the fight, then prepares to expose himself (ooh la la!) by moving up the hill to rally the still 'men down' XO (white bead at center top)...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlFJ1wxYkf20rmjLxkMHuykrY9i2XrxurWioe1J51LWDkKYwcxZxlSXYJEN-4fthBZ9hmaFqO5rvy6xaFB-iAQO7SaC04EhxmEMxaguFP2r00VQ-O6GTs9fGZPYu1dne6Ckle5o5VmgLAxNI9i_QHXyUUTbqZlmkTKXf5yusgGe0fSkHTUErw0Ftp-/s4032/IMG_8699.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlFJ1wxYkf20rmjLxkMHuykrY9i2XrxurWioe1J51LWDkKYwcxZxlSXYJEN-4fthBZ9hmaFqO5rvy6xaFB-iAQO7SaC04EhxmEMxaguFP2r00VQ-O6GTs9fGZPYu1dne6Ckle5o5VmgLAxNI9i_QHXyUUTbqZlmkTKXf5yusgGe0fSkHTUErw0Ftp-/w400-h300/IMG_8699.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The gallant French squad moves up (bottom center left, from bottom right), doing their best to take shelter in the craters caused by the earlier American barrage and preparing to rally the French XO (just above them)...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirhqh4e2tmKXU-KbxYYapfn9eaEB9gNIbb-ydLz8u9dx2f_owUkexu0KQ2ZvwyfZktc5qJ7MoWwB0XyYXVYUonp5t8Y1olWUF-hLtL8uSRJ5UzWAn30qIcJKRGanY80N_gT7u9BIgmBemyUyJWl0RNrzbuuJWKJM0MRHlDj6lvGNBlyk2w1x7D5Nlu/s4032/IMG_8700.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirhqh4e2tmKXU-KbxYYapfn9eaEB9gNIbb-ydLz8u9dx2f_owUkexu0KQ2ZvwyfZktc5qJ7MoWwB0XyYXVYUonp5t8Y1olWUF-hLtL8uSRJ5UzWAn30qIcJKRGanY80N_gT7u9BIgmBemyUyJWl0RNrzbuuJWKJM0MRHlDj6lvGNBlyk2w1x7D5Nlu/w400-h300/IMG_8700.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>But Cpl Coryatt's rifle squad (part of 3rd Platoon, bottom left) spots the Frenchmen moving about on SP Marie (top right) and opens fire with their M-1 Garands and BARs, suppressing the French squad and halting their efforts to rally the French XO!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-EnZPpjY5e2oyDz-SLGbOwEVUn5qViXF_bJ_zFJ2kJnKlm0RmgUN-mp0n2QWZXqZArElr0OG3lE2q6zUBA5dQopsmjGnoZ7woAegotZkuYZa54ErXTua9PO9G4S9xn231PCDIKk4_s-secl6x3R5K80MSMeGz6YLoiY61K_54z2AQcFHVKQszcY-D/s4032/IMG_8701.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-EnZPpjY5e2oyDz-SLGbOwEVUn5qViXF_bJ_zFJ2kJnKlm0RmgUN-mp0n2QWZXqZArElr0OG3lE2q6zUBA5dQopsmjGnoZ7woAegotZkuYZa54ErXTua9PO9G4S9xn231PCDIKk4_s-secl6x3R5K80MSMeGz6YLoiY61K_54z2AQcFHVKQszcY-D/w400-h300/IMG_8701.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>And now the French are pissed! "Sacre bleu!" The other French rifle squad from the reserve moves up, right into the center of the defensive positions, to rally everyone he can (I'm talking about the rifle stand at left center, which is basically sitting against the palm trees and between a suppressed 75mm gun, the XO, and the newly suppressed rifle squad, coming from the craters at bottom right).</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7cUAiHq8rEUFCrmXaNSEbj5JleMtgrUlIk4zygU5_D1y_RcxpXy1z3TYYGGOqOVUJMOjJI3bYwsoKbK9eKGTM4kfYU0q1pHMyoKEBdB_MN9OBEl0dEs2yRSXFvhyvfP8AgQ39_BV_R9lkBpd3h3t3opHVxgFRTQFzkmcO_TBg4on0W7lk0j5An0Mr/s4032/IMG_8702.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7cUAiHq8rEUFCrmXaNSEbj5JleMtgrUlIk4zygU5_D1y_RcxpXy1z3TYYGGOqOVUJMOjJI3bYwsoKbK9eKGTM4kfYU0q1pHMyoKEBdB_MN9OBEl0dEs2yRSXFvhyvfP8AgQ39_BV_R9lkBpd3h3t3opHVxgFRTQFzkmcO_TBg4on0W7lk0j5An0Mr/w400-h300/IMG_8702.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>But Cpl Ambrose's squad (bottom left) spots them and opens fire (top right), suppressing them, too!!</div><div><br /></div><div>*Wow, that's some crazy dice rolling, rolling '6' twice in a row on 1D6!!!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVO6kMwujoHJn82f3CZziAyUg9FdXsPPrncM9vNq10k9MWHIFtvglhac7K6t-D3H92-qd23Wp5yh__SsH-mzdB_Pzk97vZEjKl4gl5SlxjtKLJKZmcybCCrsgpwrkd5vf1prNA2JQ7Lc903H-S92cVwPYAU9LRnA1wYrzw-wh6bhq3iuwj6YmC_FAm/s4032/IMG_8703.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVO6kMwujoHJn82f3CZziAyUg9FdXsPPrncM9vNq10k9MWHIFtvglhac7K6t-D3H92-qd23Wp5yh__SsH-mzdB_Pzk97vZEjKl4gl5SlxjtKLJKZmcybCCrsgpwrkd5vf1prNA2JQ7Lc903H-S92cVwPYAU9LRnA1wYrzw-wh6bhq3iuwj6YmC_FAm/w400-h300/IMG_8703.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>SP Marie is actually quite a mess, even more so now! Their XO is 'men down,' one of their tanks, two of their rifle squads, and one of their 75mm guns are suppressed, and the other 75mm gun is pinned.</div><div><br /></div><div>The exasperated French commander now uses his last activation on the light tank (left bottom) that just got rallied by the first reserve rifle squad (before he rushed up the hill and got suppressed); the tank commander calls out to the other tank's crew and rallies them... </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzQ_h43wGosuRxz32RQttcHT4bzCUJpy9ubdWU4ZTwzp4PVpRa8n6ktVUAgg-SKDdmDd2mNSI_3r1DXWlOrCeBoKjNPDpwoZqE_2nf0OQ0g-_KcPdtwxmcvq9QYSUYuLBT2PIX__MbU1aEFBSFMlAelqXevggdHG5ndFLta4oLhdBDl6nYyUp1jpqi/s4032/IMG_8704.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzQ_h43wGosuRxz32RQttcHT4bzCUJpy9ubdWU4ZTwzp4PVpRa8n6ktVUAgg-SKDdmDd2mNSI_3r1DXWlOrCeBoKjNPDpwoZqE_2nf0OQ0g-_KcPdtwxmcvq9QYSUYuLBT2PIX__MbU1aEFBSFMlAelqXevggdHG5ndFLta4oLhdBDl6nYyUp1jpqi/w400-h300/IMG_8704.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Then pushes up the hill, adding to the traffic jam (center top, from bottom right), intent on rallying everyone we can...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsII6l2GriHeK-SwJq4-q1MDNuZUJPplqZ-77TQqiTXFBj6PkbXRTCFYkDII_q3YzwS9o-EZb9wxISmKjcHisDFhmXjivYyElTr1dfACQ8_Ergui9sGjjQsd676QAjwPrqc3o4fhoIFM_Wez_gnDja7Csds61JvW_CZujhTJVnqBswYdO6XTLYxZfU/s4032/IMG_8705.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsII6l2GriHeK-SwJq4-q1MDNuZUJPplqZ-77TQqiTXFBj6PkbXRTCFYkDII_q3YzwS9o-EZb9wxISmKjcHisDFhmXjivYyElTr1dfACQ8_Ergui9sGjjQsd676QAjwPrqc3o4fhoIFM_Wez_gnDja7Csds61JvW_CZujhTJVnqBswYdO6XTLYxZfU/w400-h300/IMG_8705.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Back on the extreme US left, Cpl Washington (bottom left) spots the French tank atop SP Marie (top right) and orders his .30-cal MG team to engage it. A steady stream of tracers heads for the hill...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqKfBK9GDo1IYnJOsf_lJ52I2aocXw7DVLZTc-GNSIJtoTJoh4zD5r1khT1EYeBp9gAmvcqFPKJ1yLxKwK_NlFyaT_I2thfrkTaIOgkRsAtnxGe_LOyz6M1ooY8aax-9sZXj-L9696p4R4ClsacGuXa4naJpfIlk_iiB_Hmu8L-GisJU1k-cKbSEvb/s4032/IMG_8706.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqKfBK9GDo1IYnJOsf_lJ52I2aocXw7DVLZTc-GNSIJtoTJoh4zD5r1khT1EYeBp9gAmvcqFPKJ1yLxKwK_NlFyaT_I2thfrkTaIOgkRsAtnxGe_LOyz6M1ooY8aax-9sZXj-L9696p4R4ClsacGuXa4naJpfIlk_iiB_Hmu8L-GisJU1k-cKbSEvb/w400-h300/IMG_8706.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Not only is the French tank's crew suppressed (center top), but a nearby 75mm gun that was already suppressed panics and falls back (to bottom right)!!!</div><div><br /></div><div>*Oddly enough, everything is going the Americans' way right now, and I mean everything. There's no way US fire on the Kasbah and SP Marie should be this effective, but I'm rolling my ass off, and then for US activation, I top it all off by rolling up a 'Scurry,' which will allow the US infantry to push ahead without drawing any fire!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqO6YFGPutCYLSDopCLFLVNIFYA9XRVYZr8x296p2HTji-DveNtKH2o2ccjivdKE9Ly9LtyZseDlNWAmc3ky1jIU4QUW2w5FvS_lBKpjX7UGWL6QMDQ2SHDJmyWbT7g5UdREjuULHupjtccfPGxnPEgK4_yvBpjHvdIk1pEQnbSq4qflPKpy1dVZ4S/s4032/IMG_8707.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqO6YFGPutCYLSDopCLFLVNIFYA9XRVYZr8x296p2HTji-DveNtKH2o2ccjivdKE9Ly9LtyZseDlNWAmc3ky1jIU4QUW2w5FvS_lBKpjX7UGWL6QMDQ2SHDJmyWbT7g5UdREjuULHupjtccfPGxnPEgK4_yvBpjHvdIk1pEQnbSq4qflPKpy1dVZ4S/w400-h300/IMG_8707.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The battlefield is absolute chaos, with the French troops absolutely shocked and bewildered by the effectiveness of Task Force Reisman's long range fires and the US troops' willingness to press home the assault! The French defenders are having their moment of doubt, and an eerie silence descends over the battlefield as the French again attempt to steady themselves amidst the smoke and destruction, as Captain May beseeches his small unit leaders to continue the advance.</div><div><br /></div><div>Lt Steed manages to get his 1st Platoon across the river in the north (top right)!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNMzh-9TmBBBIrINwFDFyv22vYQrubFMZTS-GRbTBU64F_BC_-L7LZlTFQ0IjvutIMCsH06D5gxD0utqlKIbB7KE44vISoHs0nldEIwD5H2IUppmuAgtk4BEOc4Hi4ShceFmrcPUsEdjCuT9a3ioYXiL5BMl3ca97QN-QlZfuonsHIGiMdx1S_6EZO/s4032/IMG_8708.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNMzh-9TmBBBIrINwFDFyv22vYQrubFMZTS-GRbTBU64F_BC_-L7LZlTFQ0IjvutIMCsH06D5gxD0utqlKIbB7KE44vISoHs0nldEIwD5H2IUppmuAgtk4BEOc4Hi4ShceFmrcPUsEdjCuT9a3ioYXiL5BMl3ca97QN-QlZfuonsHIGiMdx1S_6EZO/w400-h300/IMG_8708.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>As Captain May dives in in the center, rallying the two suppressed rifle squads of Lt Carney's 2nd Platoon...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixmpQMJg-LaNLNEEzVemdxWAvEvkCJqI8aW3IyK9YonbuD8xvY90gfhyaZ76ywAoac7QSAi8VgiG0yMHbTZifijrj3Nfaqly8U_tI-ASJCxyQJvMW2qm1lfHVIhB2sSkMS2DloFQTun2SjxyY9d8zpIhJ2XbPf5WMtXIYwrduCAUFQN7P9BvhCvecj/s4032/IMG_8709.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixmpQMJg-LaNLNEEzVemdxWAvEvkCJqI8aW3IyK9YonbuD8xvY90gfhyaZ76ywAoac7QSAi8VgiG0yMHbTZifijrj3Nfaqly8U_tI-ASJCxyQJvMW2qm1lfHVIhB2sSkMS2DloFQTun2SjxyY9d8zpIhJ2XbPf5WMtXIYwrduCAUFQN7P9BvhCvecj/w400-h300/IMG_8709.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>2nd Platoon pushes deeper into the village, supported by Lt Robinson's M7 SPG (which is wisely sheltering behind an Arab food stand, left center), as Lt Carney pushes his 3rd Platoon up to the cover of some nearby rocky ground (right).</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyC1sFpTHF6LSYHspcJUBVTaLr0mGpurTu2vFAFd-WeH4AgAltYYaW6Lwa7g-2y4CodOvKCt_vPV3aCQB9by8n_DobkMJSnVq69DfWBKlQazprCJIPM1hi18mmjinxlrpotJI9IDswFK0nP276r3JLvnRzmNg4PtDbkFzCYD8URCLX_BVNHUyppvau/s4032/IMG_8710.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyC1sFpTHF6LSYHspcJUBVTaLr0mGpurTu2vFAFd-WeH4AgAltYYaW6Lwa7g-2y4CodOvKCt_vPV3aCQB9by8n_DobkMJSnVq69DfWBKlQazprCJIPM1hi18mmjinxlrpotJI9IDswFK0nP276r3JLvnRzmNg4PtDbkFzCYD8URCLX_BVNHUyppvau/w400-h300/IMG_8710.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>But once again the French commander in the Kasbah calmly sets about rallying his men, and not only does he manage that, he actually gets all of his rifle squads back to the parapets, and the 2nd MG team up into the left-hand turret (far left)!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX1Zrz9BUWV8H8CmaTKWgjAApJ79hT84WAbLi_Euom33D8HlKtDF55hDA52ebeMFgyULCzQP7eJmk2ZvqcYJ0W4cm3-nfdvOtsRBYsdlraPV-nWRjTAqIYQywf_qnqGBfq6Gpq0tFlkFcd1Hjd2VUwT-hTaF3KbAqsL8iThuo6z_oW86ncPHEy2HWW/s4032/IMG_8711.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX1Zrz9BUWV8H8CmaTKWgjAApJ79hT84WAbLi_Euom33D8HlKtDF55hDA52ebeMFgyULCzQP7eJmk2ZvqcYJ0W4cm3-nfdvOtsRBYsdlraPV-nWRjTAqIYQywf_qnqGBfq6Gpq0tFlkFcd1Hjd2VUwT-hTaF3KbAqsL8iThuo6z_oW86ncPHEy2HWW/w400-h300/IMG_8711.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The situation at SP Marie is a bit more dire though (look at all those red beads!); nevertheless, they set about rallying. The pinned 75mm gun (top center) and the suppressed tank (just below it) are good, but the suppressed rifle squad in the craters (center left) only manages to get 'up' to pinned, while the suppressed rifle squad against the trees (left) fails altogether...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOnq9swWV6J2lV40b54yfEQTsCYsfdIXNFEOSOQUNXhV3fj6yRCx0U_kyPLEPhZQ9AqUqD64FvW2wtwGPLHnKbnEfzyZcDH6TbDUS5PB35XiEJAP82vZOp3D0Vlv8pOEMM4mhK2SEde5Z1np2DOaiWLR6f8Ko5LncheBInnFzOXUHb9K29jeAV5yF8/s4032/IMG_8712.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOnq9swWV6J2lV40b54yfEQTsCYsfdIXNFEOSOQUNXhV3fj6yRCx0U_kyPLEPhZQ9AqUqD64FvW2wtwGPLHnKbnEfzyZcDH6TbDUS5PB35XiEJAP82vZOp3D0Vlv8pOEMM4mhK2SEde5Z1np2DOaiWLR6f8Ko5LncheBInnFzOXUHb9K29jeAV5yF8/w400-h300/IMG_8712.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>And falls back (top right, from far left). The French rifle squad that was dug-in and in good shape voluntarily falls back (far right, from bottom left) to assist the suppressed 75mm gun crew (far right) in rallying...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjttU3NVj2s-0HCpnTkbL0dcH5cEbOusPkI3N8XFNDYtIEKl21KAjOpBsw6bJqlDq1gS0hE_1yDQfbDz0V-9aYrQCLifppOPTctM71odZ8CPaEBeC9MdX4kSpyqD54s8CXjF8tSZVSUahDssrm4U71QnMLTmti5MPVoORFf6x0SKr3nS6gxXAeuhuUH/s4032/IMG_8713.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjttU3NVj2s-0HCpnTkbL0dcH5cEbOusPkI3N8XFNDYtIEKl21KAjOpBsw6bJqlDq1gS0hE_1yDQfbDz0V-9aYrQCLifppOPTctM71odZ8CPaEBeC9MdX4kSpyqD54s8CXjF8tSZVSUahDssrm4U71QnMLTmti5MPVoORFf6x0SKr3nS6gxXAeuhuUH/w400-h300/IMG_8713.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>It succeeds and they move back up the hill to re-occupy their defensive positions (top left, from far right). While there, they attempt to rally the still 'men down' French XO (white bead at center top), but it fails and the French XO remains 'men down!'</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzRHYqBYaG19PhClrbKchorNTdaHKPq7GFTrWgqLjIZNhmH6jKWapQ7N6oSLRPAqW6N_URc655r7R6fnPsOJGz-lYS2eRsrSTXUjpMtxydtv5yrYE6KAKQZOBqRHTthoMmRo_QrOD0BkYpRLmZd-g1Tl19qWakq9SDNX8Sn_YtjLLaLohE2wkfcvdj/s4032/IMG_8714.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzRHYqBYaG19PhClrbKchorNTdaHKPq7GFTrWgqLjIZNhmH6jKWapQ7N6oSLRPAqW6N_URc655r7R6fnPsOJGz-lYS2eRsrSTXUjpMtxydtv5yrYE6KAKQZOBqRHTthoMmRo_QrOD0BkYpRLmZd-g1Tl19qWakq9SDNX8Sn_YtjLLaLohE2wkfcvdj/w400-h300/IMG_8714.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Back at the Kasbah, the French ATG (bottom right) sights in on Lt Robinson's M7 SPG (in village at top left) and fires...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwqLajDunoQ251g-4MsyNVX66QYpJXegxk6VqgasvnbLo8_jTZD4QqFckcpQnNB5PgiXkXprLU5uNB_ANtwVz76Whu0gIV0jEX7b9tmxm_Zh7a9yex34NGR4cet9M2xXhqU-3tMpKJPgnNAc-Yu5B5mkv3u3VjXh6Boph_0WRxaJT0Awn04NeA4Q0q/s4032/IMG_8715.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwqLajDunoQ251g-4MsyNVX66QYpJXegxk6VqgasvnbLo8_jTZD4QqFckcpQnNB5PgiXkXprLU5uNB_ANtwVz76Whu0gIV0jEX7b9tmxm_Zh7a9yex34NGR4cet9M2xXhqU-3tMpKJPgnNAc-Yu5B5mkv3u3VjXh6Boph_0WRxaJT0Awn04NeA4Q0q/w400-h300/IMG_8715.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Suppressing the American gun!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjCiAlKhrynKWQK6zgyr0bH9xxfrX28jdY0pH5H_FEJgFVF41Rl4hXIbyeT3SEiwTqeQZGK_wCiw5YJOtS4dbq0KrNbs_toNlVC7B9-8g3Fd-IvFMD_GkTqYBCt4OL00U8d__JP8D5KSr4Cb95AgazPhzCc9ruTqxVjt6Kqr5JNBhfCkMSthCpMiXx/s4032/IMG_8716.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjCiAlKhrynKWQK6zgyr0bH9xxfrX28jdY0pH5H_FEJgFVF41Rl4hXIbyeT3SEiwTqeQZGK_wCiw5YJOtS4dbq0KrNbs_toNlVC7B9-8g3Fd-IvFMD_GkTqYBCt4OL00U8d__JP8D5KSr4Cb95AgazPhzCc9ruTqxVjt6Kqr5JNBhfCkMSthCpMiXx/w400-h300/IMG_8716.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Cpl Bledsoe's MG team (bottom right) returns fire on the Kasbah, pinning the French ATG and the MG team adjacent to it.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqvQskYpZV-uz_DkzO5Kh5ck0yKyLGJ4Bno-Lwz4gtI1Mc1qBX3LAejYw1W8HTrXwt2OOlUVbN64d4KeS-R53afbw9Z1h8TooDiwQCqbZN2EUN26CNwnqQDsbPzYVYUuAORS-gOBIJSywd8jJSmU_4O63YDkzaIT6QSwiMHj_CmSTsl7Pa3ISFCyHs/s4032/IMG_8717.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqvQskYpZV-uz_DkzO5Kh5ck0yKyLGJ4Bno-Lwz4gtI1Mc1qBX3LAejYw1W8HTrXwt2OOlUVbN64d4KeS-R53afbw9Z1h8TooDiwQCqbZN2EUN26CNwnqQDsbPzYVYUuAORS-gOBIJSywd8jJSmU_4O63YDkzaIT6QSwiMHj_CmSTsl7Pa3ISFCyHs/w400-h300/IMG_8717.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>As the French mortars (bottom center right) continue to engage 2nd Platoon (top left)...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFkFSeV_oe7QdJcpMiNqaAvWkRS-O-8PPV-GqLNHF81ykRhIRL-gXtfeym-_sdd8AOB5w9uC_0ZekYAdf1Z_wT-W4bUAGvPN8NXLvKz0PNfgVP6HL5Nw8pwm4mp4Vi4gU-K-kTbW1uW4S_HbhMPlz2E1esMPd72QpK7gxIq1EU6rU-h_qob1yC34pH/s4032/IMG_8718.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFkFSeV_oe7QdJcpMiNqaAvWkRS-O-8PPV-GqLNHF81ykRhIRL-gXtfeym-_sdd8AOB5w9uC_0ZekYAdf1Z_wT-W4bUAGvPN8NXLvKz0PNfgVP6HL5Nw8pwm4mp4Vi4gU-K-kTbW1uW4S_HbhMPlz2E1esMPd72QpK7gxIq1EU6rU-h_qob1yC34pH/w400-h300/IMG_8718.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The 81mm mortar rounds rain down on the hapless GIs, knocking out Sgt Warren's squad (far right), suppressing Lt Carney's command team and Cpl Bickett's squad, and forcing Lt Robinson's M7 SPG (which was already suppressed by the French ATG) to fall back (far left, from right)!!!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuTInKZALPOQujOmZBFLxwqs8l1eQNtANPNK7OXDmrE_jj9vWojdHgbKitaJsx97hhmBXzejQaIEqrV7g8himmsLYHlkX2aoqZ8axwY5QSuhathNHPnFYEGC7fvp1P3qo5tcrRSbCIGI2wqgpeGOuKAxGP0C2rw56VAB3xe4g2QDBbT0pZzaqMkhKx/s4032/IMG_8719.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuTInKZALPOQujOmZBFLxwqs8l1eQNtANPNK7OXDmrE_jj9vWojdHgbKitaJsx97hhmBXzejQaIEqrV7g8himmsLYHlkX2aoqZ8axwY5QSuhathNHPnFYEGC7fvp1P3qo5tcrRSbCIGI2wqgpeGOuKAxGP0C2rw56VAB3xe4g2QDBbT0pZzaqMkhKx/w400-h300/IMG_8719.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Followed by a French 75 on SP Marie (bottom left) firing on Lt Crittenden's 3rd Platoon (left top)...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIfbpTQWoL1IW9gIOKAs-dPfdoYA1hyhloPOm7vi-C36JE1xRI_EhN_N9X_oLVMk9W33024klxYk5xcDQarIayMiz4ZBWaD6z23bHP__RVp8bwgjTl6cQOObapCNxM_ey2k1P7O2_f2inR9UyT0_wuVQfnXNHy6qIvUlobfCWJmid-7_QjD_gq5521/s4032/IMG_8720.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIfbpTQWoL1IW9gIOKAs-dPfdoYA1hyhloPOm7vi-C36JE1xRI_EhN_N9X_oLVMk9W33024klxYk5xcDQarIayMiz4ZBWaD6z23bHP__RVp8bwgjTl6cQOObapCNxM_ey2k1P7O2_f2inR9UyT0_wuVQfnXNHy6qIvUlobfCWJmid-7_QjD_gq5521/w400-h300/IMG_8720.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Suppressing Sgt Brown's squad (red bead) and pinning Cpl Coryatt's (yellow bead)!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv64qZKfxC5N0unuORot7RiEoqvzGutO3RujqPKemIiBkPJSQP6s0JWm1IGxS5p0FaqVsnCvAHXZ1MwV9S9amuZlkEsT-zNO4CoTnN4lubXtIoFeCDRJxA0RirZL_2W6p7jiLv5Is4yzIleWXm6lq1J3_79u8W2H6vFh_jDmQw1wAAyR0yyYFJKaXf/s4032/IMG_8721.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv64qZKfxC5N0unuORot7RiEoqvzGutO3RujqPKemIiBkPJSQP6s0JWm1IGxS5p0FaqVsnCvAHXZ1MwV9S9amuZlkEsT-zNO4CoTnN4lubXtIoFeCDRJxA0RirZL_2W6p7jiLv5Is4yzIleWXm6lq1J3_79u8W2H6vFh_jDmQw1wAAyR0yyYFJKaXf/w400-h300/IMG_8721.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Cpl Washington's MG team (bottom left, with Cpl Bledsoe's MG team at bottom right) fires on SP Marie (top right), pinning the 75mm gun that just fired on 3rd Platoon (just below SP Marie).</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_sEoZ6xqxicIy0P03OXttg9b5ly5fI_lQAZs8tl3oLPOJJEmIM4icHExMOuF-ZlffAL44nQkpgh_0QiQmp_9S8qhPVxVn2p51LQXg83esG1bONa_VDORUtplWmr5UOC-1KlB3ZNaoUaoVxEi4aFJf7IEevlgb2FmXwjp3gvRYJJnSWmuFpFTcG5am/s4032/IMG_8722.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_sEoZ6xqxicIy0P03OXttg9b5ly5fI_lQAZs8tl3oLPOJJEmIM4icHExMOuF-ZlffAL44nQkpgh_0QiQmp_9S8qhPVxVn2p51LQXg83esG1bONa_VDORUtplWmr5UOC-1KlB3ZNaoUaoVxEi4aFJf7IEevlgb2FmXwjp3gvRYJJnSWmuFpFTcG5am/w400-h300/IMG_8722.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>As the other 75mm gun (far right) fires on Sgt Davis' M7 SPG (top left, behind wall)...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEwcWBDYzT-1D1MJkixgIFYuCDwEi7bZIk85u4txMeQgfwuh1KV9Nd6WlDTDR_GeA-fog7Bz33xGmMqdBZXHluSWMx5ixvAM7VKdhEgBfbb1Y9EEU0FS06i8MtpbjQ98LujPo--QAFVRd0rZPz5xswviRLqgAXwGo-l7NbCQVxw6k-asy9MWkcESfs/s4032/IMG_8723.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEwcWBDYzT-1D1MJkixgIFYuCDwEi7bZIk85u4txMeQgfwuh1KV9Nd6WlDTDR_GeA-fog7Bz33xGmMqdBZXHluSWMx5ixvAM7VKdhEgBfbb1Y9EEU0FS06i8MtpbjQ98LujPo--QAFVRd0rZPz5xswviRLqgAXwGo-l7NbCQVxw6k-asy9MWkcESfs/w400-h300/IMG_8723.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The 75mm round explodes right behind the American armored vehicle (bottom left) as Sgt Davis screams at his gunner to return fire; "on the way!"</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilSAvdxPh4eRMPq0C5v-dzx0swN0XFP5dxV-8T0kavnspe1qMQZqFAT1U1siqjWBROiDQNXmk1jiuxrwdaIg78vSSpuQ-wpgJ6Me4gh3Ey6EU5steGpTdf0blu_PalCbML8KVl6dCssopFnu_FRdwDexqC_-jfiMU2exWeplR4WNOcq6gnXMsv3EWm/s4032/IMG_8724.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilSAvdxPh4eRMPq0C5v-dzx0swN0XFP5dxV-8T0kavnspe1qMQZqFAT1U1siqjWBROiDQNXmk1jiuxrwdaIg78vSSpuQ-wpgJ6Me4gh3Ey6EU5steGpTdf0blu_PalCbML8KVl6dCssopFnu_FRdwDexqC_-jfiMU2exWeplR4WNOcq6gnXMsv3EWm/w400-h300/IMG_8724.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The 105mm HE round impacts directly on the French gun's defensive position, causing casualties and sending them 'men down' (white bead at bottom left), as the French R35 light tank holds position atop the hill and fires on the American SPG...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYXnvYcguarvnlJ63zRthDJJtan60BdwYdMoTXg9oEF8Ab4if9Lme5KrG7YsWn8lZ11x_0O5BrJneQmvaaVe421SW5bvsO8UkxrE2xnXBMFTQ9EPHOXUpQxyfyf81YTwPbcxmTHsGSi6xQ4Jl-9dAk7jxRk37PEJS8q6uPjW3VU-vqMw6c02pE6wVx/s4032/IMG_8725.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYXnvYcguarvnlJ63zRthDJJtan60BdwYdMoTXg9oEF8Ab4if9Lme5KrG7YsWn8lZ11x_0O5BrJneQmvaaVe421SW5bvsO8UkxrE2xnXBMFTQ9EPHOXUpQxyfyf81YTwPbcxmTHsGSi6xQ4Jl-9dAk7jxRk37PEJS8q6uPjW3VU-vqMw6c02pE6wVx/w400-h300/IMG_8725.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The 37mm armor-piercing round misses, sending up a small fountain of sand and rocks right next to the SPG (bottom left), as Sgt Davis continues screaming "return fire!" Another 105mm HE round is sent down range...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN4krNLHS391nAZP6C-m3sbT0CgnB2rREtclQmTmyVPfLkng2m8doQA9-2jtyqzaiMvOLUmUHejQ7Zy0Oh9a_eGGBGGVbhDUzl2iJQUmRteuQwcRZC_MtCOSTGkh2kBMbn-sF8NruHJrqpXSQIoZnQKlENSUE6NVdhKGWbZErW4taRDJTfQZ8H3z7W/s4032/IMG_8726.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN4krNLHS391nAZP6C-m3sbT0CgnB2rREtclQmTmyVPfLkng2m8doQA9-2jtyqzaiMvOLUmUHejQ7Zy0Oh9a_eGGBGGVbhDUzl2iJQUmRteuQwcRZC_MtCOSTGkh2kBMbn-sF8NruHJrqpXSQIoZnQKlENSUE6NVdhKGWbZErW4taRDJTfQZ8H3z7W/w400-h300/IMG_8726.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>But detonates harmlessly atop the hill, as the French tank crew attempts to rally the beleaugured units atop SP Marie, but morale is flagging and it's an absolute disaster!!! The nearest 75mm gun (center), which is pinned, panics and becomes suppressed! The pinned rifle team (in the craters at top left) stays pinned! The French tank commander checks the still 'men down' XO (white bead at left), and they stay 'men down'! The French tank commander checks the 'men down' 75mm gun crew (white bead at bottom center)...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSbxFGUs1IfKHpnbTa-NKSqPxQuiwpRPbOiEjDKHHjnhA4_WOL7zRTltCsiBsEbO0CqBAWM4LFHsgTFO6rgO_2ndbrqAR3vylAypI7hUsMs2wAEb2g2kfNGjBEYLRBTJzaD_-WOAnGSDm5j5I5zx8IUfN2rJJwMIXoA128ew3qpMV1wzW299J2KZK1/s4032/IMG_8727.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSbxFGUs1IfKHpnbTa-NKSqPxQuiwpRPbOiEjDKHHjnhA4_WOL7zRTltCsiBsEbO0CqBAWM4LFHsgTFO6rgO_2ndbrqAR3vylAypI7hUsMs2wAEb2g2kfNGjBEYLRBTJzaD_-WOAnGSDm5j5I5zx8IUfN2rJJwMIXoA128ew3qpMV1wzW299J2KZK1/w400-h300/IMG_8727.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The gun crew panics, spikes the gun (center top) and flees! The French tank commander, exasperated, reverses down the hill (bottom right), where he attempts to rally the suppressed rifle squad cowering there, but they only manage to get 'up' to pinned!!!</div><div><br /></div><div>*Holy @#$%, I have never in my life seen such horrible dice rolling, and if it was happening to me I'd probably off myself. It was surreal, and all this is happening in the one fight I actually expected/planned on the Americans losing, the assault on a virtually impregnable fortress! Things are looking too easy, but looks can be deceiving...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRnCeV-hiq7F72HPJSAm4GIjEUegu2U_D6lJ3aDtonJsEDSVX7EamaHkiaWmt-jW5La_gq-dfjVpe54dQcAtxjKAmzAAqJhIN2wb8fvjnbVqzTNi57NBgNp1PzpRFmu73u_u_mGDpORhKwStior1GgBX630ypIVX_8CkWDOKfA9bwcr4gNE4mv_eRH/s4032/IMG_8728.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRnCeV-hiq7F72HPJSAm4GIjEUegu2U_D6lJ3aDtonJsEDSVX7EamaHkiaWmt-jW5La_gq-dfjVpe54dQcAtxjKAmzAAqJhIN2wb8fvjnbVqzTNi57NBgNp1PzpRFmu73u_u_mGDpORhKwStior1GgBX630ypIVX_8CkWDOKfA9bwcr4gNE4mv_eRH/w400-h300/IMG_8728.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>On the far US left, Sgt Irvin (bottom right) orders Cpl Washington's MG team and both mortar teams to engage the Kasbah (top left)...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGJLhsuV8Fq7MTVDYfbgd2NanV0ONv-uwyI77rywr2chEFQdZbBO2eCoZBc7bAzG6HQC5UkUtGMrwENglj7YteFm8lg77CdsdPN3QYBbaE2qGMuZSKFPbQTiLU--7ujqZM4YhRhZLBmLaxMXxMpRoNsmKiDM8VvUQDo9Izlp52yk_JhQv3Edd9Bbxm/s4032/IMG_8729.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGJLhsuV8Fq7MTVDYfbgd2NanV0ONv-uwyI77rywr2chEFQdZbBO2eCoZBc7bAzG6HQC5UkUtGMrwENglj7YteFm8lg77CdsdPN3QYBbaE2qGMuZSKFPbQTiLU--7ujqZM4YhRhZLBmLaxMXxMpRoNsmKiDM8VvUQDo9Izlp52yk_JhQv3Edd9Bbxm/w400-h300/IMG_8729.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>And the US fire is murderous: a rifle squad is knocked out, two rifle squads and a mortar team are suppressed (red beads), and a mortar team is pinned (yellow bead at bottom left; the MG team and ATG with yellow beads at top right were already pinned)!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHuldj6P6Wfay5n0sM0EwcLWYBh9neSCZ1eFo5zeBreijkTVfsbNcoa860wt36HI0oJ6s3-OkfbeWfqfwvAg2zn9Gez2YFydkn-KUBZZ4ITwUsshBkCJr9B8xhIq8UsJssWJ8UOjr3a-CcCqrdUMf9idwMZNdEX_9hixTuUQsF1YX0_Y2tmLI05wrw/s4032/IMG_8730.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHuldj6P6Wfay5n0sM0EwcLWYBh9neSCZ1eFo5zeBreijkTVfsbNcoa860wt36HI0oJ6s3-OkfbeWfqfwvAg2zn9Gez2YFydkn-KUBZZ4ITwUsshBkCJr9B8xhIq8UsJssWJ8UOjr3a-CcCqrdUMf9idwMZNdEX_9hixTuUQsF1YX0_Y2tmLI05wrw/w400-h300/IMG_8730.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Cpl Bledsoe's MG team (bottom right) gets in on the act, laying down fire on the Kasbah (top left) as Lt Steed leads his 1st Platoon forward (left, from the river below them).</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwpF_d4RlYPx587rr6d1TfuNANpj6UEposb3NTCjxKvPOxQmOKcCxPZ8v2JDtxq56ZMIDlUYyYhc9UVj5TeM8iy37yndUTX13R4MExkqOYCO6eon_hpqkG6l4wbJsiCEiDmkDtlbDptaYQCzpHHlF0KozviXsMxFHRFth4N767ONMnB3EkFzjhQyVA/s4032/IMG_8731.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwpF_d4RlYPx587rr6d1TfuNANpj6UEposb3NTCjxKvPOxQmOKcCxPZ8v2JDtxq56ZMIDlUYyYhc9UVj5TeM8iy37yndUTX13R4MExkqOYCO6eon_hpqkG6l4wbJsiCEiDmkDtlbDptaYQCzpHHlF0KozviXsMxFHRFth4N767ONMnB3EkFzjhQyVA/w400-h300/IMG_8731.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>While in the center, Captain May braves enemy mortar and machine gun fire to dive into the center of the village and set about rallying 2nd Platoon.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqA5Bra5GZzoYA1xzg4EZYbZyg2DQH19P1YJhxcIu7OSKqLi7RNHdPOxi9FJoQ5lNvXMia_6WvPEpG1bi42vVpT47aGAin2fzWC2L_qAIdINyZPnSqPBu3cCtIWnwo5SfljHdxPF_mlSnpcl952g2y-uHjHQiKwTyglYHk3WRjfWl0qfx-o3_-NmVt/s4032/IMG_8732.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqA5Bra5GZzoYA1xzg4EZYbZyg2DQH19P1YJhxcIu7OSKqLi7RNHdPOxi9FJoQ5lNvXMia_6WvPEpG1bi42vVpT47aGAin2fzWC2L_qAIdINyZPnSqPBu3cCtIWnwo5SfljHdxPF_mlSnpcl952g2y-uHjHQiKwTyglYHk3WRjfWl0qfx-o3_-NmVt/w400-h300/IMG_8732.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Back in fighting shape, Captain May (bottom right) orders Lt Carney to take his 2nd Platoon over the river (center, from right).</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR-uxJ4RhHWY4j-MkV8FEvcZ3TYwHIAdIwtNOXG6oRYY7BmXr_myupPfgEpHuKZmLthQy22vGRiSrLSxm8hPFb6THcJjkWulSYo1tZHJnULM1difbYtXnBRs_xdzXivWJ2TcpnAfg1l16diFfoopkmt3cDjVCh669mVMZMMV6NqvnR3SC96-YlpurU/s4032/IMG_8733.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR-uxJ4RhHWY4j-MkV8FEvcZ3TYwHIAdIwtNOXG6oRYY7BmXr_myupPfgEpHuKZmLthQy22vGRiSrLSxm8hPFb6THcJjkWulSYo1tZHJnULM1difbYtXnBRs_xdzXivWJ2TcpnAfg1l16diFfoopkmt3cDjVCh669mVMZMMV6NqvnR3SC96-YlpurU/w400-h300/IMG_8733.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>But the 2nd French MG team in the Kasbah (bottom right) opens fire on Lt Steed's 1st Platoon (top left), causing casualties in Cpl Harrison's 2nd Squad and sending them 'men down!'</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLCF_GefBkBdC4kdfsw6lZ_AxlHm3kOpFUuXWDpRT7ZXU0ROthHckuF7bqIMYaFzUdRuMEldI3VKOo3EZ-RQO7sw8vF2o6nEXtfXvR1mteHiPiSgXL5iLsZkzh2AslWHRtn1wISg8xEsjjLAvoDXwue4tSb7Ls9lS5JtsBV6HnvIr4FmuabqvbKeZq/s4032/IMG_8734.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLCF_GefBkBdC4kdfsw6lZ_AxlHm3kOpFUuXWDpRT7ZXU0ROthHckuF7bqIMYaFzUdRuMEldI3VKOo3EZ-RQO7sw8vF2o6nEXtfXvR1mteHiPiSgXL5iLsZkzh2AslWHRtn1wISg8xEsjjLAvoDXwue4tSb7Ls9lS5JtsBV6HnvIr4FmuabqvbKeZq/w400-h300/IMG_8734.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Before shifting fire to the left and engaging Lt Carney's 2nd Platoon as it's crossing the bridge (top left, with 1st Platoon at top center), suppressing Cpl Bickett's squad and pinnning Sgt Culver's squad!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjwREcJo9Uyy9UIpMqpsDY7eJ6MXzJQlNzz5ShPMRSmQGD9_gSsVsuvPRgWwmRZ3trf0E0DIKuc36ip3n2PL33G-OSsuLnIkomL5wZQUFBOt6f7Q1KCuhiQu4_vrCJIWWvx_le0BvM31h_JQ5o3YOFejRzqpewLr3bqqBDnt9QfiEpYb5tcGWt-5fR/s4032/IMG_8735.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjwREcJo9Uyy9UIpMqpsDY7eJ6MXzJQlNzz5ShPMRSmQGD9_gSsVsuvPRgWwmRZ3trf0E0DIKuc36ip3n2PL33G-OSsuLnIkomL5wZQUFBOt6f7Q1KCuhiQu4_vrCJIWWvx_le0BvM31h_JQ5o3YOFejRzqpewLr3bqqBDnt9QfiEpYb5tcGWt-5fR/w400-h300/IMG_8735.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>On the other side of the village (left bottom, between the wall, palm trees, and explosion, with 2nd Platoon at top left and 3rd Platoon at center), Sgt Davis' M7 SPG fires on SP Marie (top right)...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj9n7arq62HgzsxuXa7i1AHeD4Gj1P2eFAIqW9E_kDdtNDTtAoyhMkkLA8MLRDg64oGSuhlSmobzVJXMgz7hPX5_Bj-NdREexzSQGp7TfeqJvGIaO4kh12jH3UsAoie0nXkHmStBHCnHD06sDgAW_KAFeMh8ElLlCRNLK8nu7a_8wqVPJJ44tUyIDd/s4032/IMG_8736.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj9n7arq62HgzsxuXa7i1AHeD4Gj1P2eFAIqW9E_kDdtNDTtAoyhMkkLA8MLRDg64oGSuhlSmobzVJXMgz7hPX5_Bj-NdREexzSQGp7TfeqJvGIaO4kh12jH3UsAoie0nXkHmStBHCnHD06sDgAW_KAFeMh8ElLlCRNLK8nu7a_8wqVPJJ44tUyIDd/w400-h300/IMG_8736.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Suppressing a French rifle squad (red bead in the craters at center bottom).</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB0akt7EN4H3O-W_b0D-OFv5UG_OKG15EhRwrnHoEXnjg7CsC14sAz2v8eoA29LPTCr5aE2dh4EsYBUjxdXhz7wtEXygFlutlyAcH5kaUQkjQQ6pFzXQ5Kwv4Dq2-E0HCKclXl_J07Ts-ODrS-6r5k2tlmxN0oRY9i3qHVDjbstvfNiWeR2ZEXidHp/s4032/IMG_8737.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB0akt7EN4H3O-W_b0D-OFv5UG_OKG15EhRwrnHoEXnjg7CsC14sAz2v8eoA29LPTCr5aE2dh4EsYBUjxdXhz7wtEXygFlutlyAcH5kaUQkjQQ6pFzXQ5Kwv4Dq2-E0HCKclXl_J07Ts-ODrS-6r5k2tlmxN0oRY9i3qHVDjbstvfNiWeR2ZEXidHp/w400-h300/IMG_8737.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Lt Crittenden sets about rallying his pinned and suppressed troops...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkqzb3jxc7dLnFNACpSJIugVfDF1s_slUidDQWGq6UPlin6eOpd0Dw7BjhiM9tRBVr4pta3ZlVf0sjVUqHFX3nVmrxzpIaTpyD2OowVQ0j064ETMlN2o2sTjaHLdcrST8Y1HmFZVqDOGEKjQaeZronjcQ1TtDcD0Tvy-rRLwZd_QfMsm_SgPsmRYG9/s4032/IMG_8738.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkqzb3jxc7dLnFNACpSJIugVfDF1s_slUidDQWGq6UPlin6eOpd0Dw7BjhiM9tRBVr4pta3ZlVf0sjVUqHFX3nVmrxzpIaTpyD2OowVQ0j064ETMlN2o2sTjaHLdcrST8Y1HmFZVqDOGEKjQaeZronjcQ1TtDcD0Tvy-rRLwZd_QfMsm_SgPsmRYG9/w400-h300/IMG_8738.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Then leads them forward, up to take cover in a nearby set of craters, as Sgt Davis pushes his M7 SPG right up behind them.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA29_FiBQVqW7FM_sF3SkYSD4t6DbkFpcMywkzVVH1Au1wdLTbGVqDHFbWNxfqxpHvZyvN76eeaklcQyIORV39GQhZfwqetS-sN4BKk3f6i2Q2gnQfV63MZnXQUWWWGUO8Z_j9E2-kP3Nf-bYFN_zffLckqlL3iLmsCsYTeS9MgRyfj0rlEV5Dtco8/s4032/IMG_8739.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA29_FiBQVqW7FM_sF3SkYSD4t6DbkFpcMywkzVVH1Au1wdLTbGVqDHFbWNxfqxpHvZyvN76eeaklcQyIORV39GQhZfwqetS-sN4BKk3f6i2Q2gnQfV63MZnXQUWWWGUO8Z_j9E2-kP3Nf-bYFN_zffLckqlL3iLmsCsYTeS9MgRyfj0rlEV5Dtco8/w400-h300/IMG_8739.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Again the French 2nd MG team in the Kasbah (bottom right) speaks, this time firing on Lt Crittenden's 3rd Platoon (left top, near SP Marie)...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWqO5A5txllpc6O-_sG9gJHJ_wR2drHsmJVJL1n3fjOlLXHuXD3WVmW_E0XC0ymOJjSChYvc_njfMHk-RkUbkr9h9OCerS1L04k9jAQcqvYpHVE_qt3L5RetVRY-mdrq0gGIf1ZCu18OY29u6d_vVFjkeVHbm-yhImjQnpAb99CMe_4xUH4DypEqfy/s4032/IMG_8740.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWqO5A5txllpc6O-_sG9gJHJ_wR2drHsmJVJL1n3fjOlLXHuXD3WVmW_E0XC0ymOJjSChYvc_njfMHk-RkUbkr9h9OCerS1L04k9jAQcqvYpHVE_qt3L5RetVRY-mdrq0gGIf1ZCu18OY29u6d_vVFjkeVHbm-yhImjQnpAb99CMe_4xUH4DypEqfy/w400-h300/IMG_8740.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>And Corporal Ambrose' squad is knocked out!</div><div><br /></div><div>And then the French roll up a 'Firefight,' which will certainly help their cause. Normally I wouldn't allow them to rally, but since they're in such strong, fortified defensive positions, I think it makes sense for their CO be allowed to do it.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaqes9DYzXe1r2KDKO6bg0FQMZ73uR13sAyVne9pWgKNo30EFQ4mcZ6ZG0b1Qtp3_ynXhKT2zScrjkyeHaxI7_K6ET9BU9lP2_mNsVBQRlua4cWO6hUxDXzxlqDStEPAhULjdoaWpOycaN0MoQDu4IxqH1xwxJy_k1TK0QQIaAUByaDUr9bWKRR44G/s4032/IMG_8741.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaqes9DYzXe1r2KDKO6bg0FQMZ73uR13sAyVne9pWgKNo30EFQ4mcZ6ZG0b1Qtp3_ynXhKT2zScrjkyeHaxI7_K6ET9BU9lP2_mNsVBQRlua4cWO6hUxDXzxlqDStEPAhULjdoaWpOycaN0MoQDu4IxqH1xwxJy_k1TK0QQIaAUByaDUr9bWKRR44G/w400-h300/IMG_8741.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>So, once again, the French CO, aided by the four-foot-thick walls of the Kasbah, is able to rally his beleaguered garrison!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4XvpX-ywVsUbHWcMnWQiY6ptUzMlPSS3lKEdzZ17Bs-7nGH3d6p-xUv8TA0NqgwEDGnaBFpL9dgfl9q0_vtQqzE8BwYDW57Of2c7V5nnnRGUnrCv4bZ_3P_aGX5Js1d44P0ARnz5hlWP7Kxu1jCE0xSFqntZ_FEAxXOpqSv8NKsZb7TSTDMcLp2rx/s4032/IMG_8742.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4XvpX-ywVsUbHWcMnWQiY6ptUzMlPSS3lKEdzZ17Bs-7nGH3d6p-xUv8TA0NqgwEDGnaBFpL9dgfl9q0_vtQqzE8BwYDW57Of2c7V5nnnRGUnrCv4bZ_3P_aGX5Js1d44P0ARnz5hlWP7Kxu1jCE0xSFqntZ_FEAxXOpqSv8NKsZb7TSTDMcLp2rx/w400-h300/IMG_8742.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The French ATG, in the right-hand turret of the Kasbah (bottom right), sights in on Sgt Davis' M7 SPG (top left) and fires on its exposed flank armor. The round actually penetrates the armored vehicle, and while it doesn't do any real damage, it does manage to suppress the crew.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu8Bkq5vm1mnnPw6184a9mNNZ8PDhqptjU5WWQDMoak7fZICWN4BOfNhjDodJa7QGYqL_HroFbKR3_kQZsR6uteHLsY63PSTitTgRI0sGjGg7XSWuPj6YTwvxC4fC5uHYW9kBdF1eyb19zK7Cm6red_1aZENjyouD-yxFcUpT_KLZJbcLysGY2azWJ/s4032/IMG_8743.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu8Bkq5vm1mnnPw6184a9mNNZ8PDhqptjU5WWQDMoak7fZICWN4BOfNhjDodJa7QGYqL_HroFbKR3_kQZsR6uteHLsY63PSTitTgRI0sGjGg7XSWuPj6YTwvxC4fC5uHYW9kBdF1eyb19zK7Cm6red_1aZENjyouD-yxFcUpT_KLZJbcLysGY2azWJ/w400-h300/IMG_8743.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>As the French 2nd MG team (bottom right) continues laying into Lt Crittenden's 3rd Platoon (top left)...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4-qUYSdCPEqormXinfXagRCM0_8kVuQqZRVWXxRX3b4RpLhgcHZeKS-IeKlyc6glJa5R-OYO1522kSuMO4xzbU9Cc-iG8pa2mGLnnSwqh2Y6-z_PUfqwBb35Q9r_UVip1FZdtFnp8KjnqxIImiA9H349u2qV92Akvke1hbf34nok9irXoWc2KRbhN/s4032/IMG_8744.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4-qUYSdCPEqormXinfXagRCM0_8kVuQqZRVWXxRX3b4RpLhgcHZeKS-IeKlyc6glJa5R-OYO1522kSuMO4xzbU9Cc-iG8pa2mGLnnSwqh2Y6-z_PUfqwBb35Q9r_UVip1FZdtFnp8KjnqxIImiA9H349u2qV92Akvke1hbf34nok9irXoWc2KRbhN/w400-h300/IMG_8744.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Sgt Brown's squad is knocked out, the casualties falling beside Cpl Ambrose's, while Lt Crittenden and his command team are suppressed and Cpl Coryatt's squad is pinned!</div><div><br /></div><div>*I have a really bad feeling about this, that all the bad French die rolls are coming back to me right now in this 'Firefight'...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMsm_Ruq9NCas9asc6QNC9KlAtThecRBvqNAaeqM4QYIwiJvmyh8U1iQUYMBSbxXUjPIaaXpjB_GlocNIG_BO-nE4yikY5F2CjmxGuCRp2cSTIieBX3j5RNVDGLwgBou4p5H7QCDjAEWBwM-DUYNM1psRSa5PbZk8GABqUCVAha6rVFUzryW-uE4Ys/s4032/IMG_8745.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMsm_Ruq9NCas9asc6QNC9KlAtThecRBvqNAaeqM4QYIwiJvmyh8U1iQUYMBSbxXUjPIaaXpjB_GlocNIG_BO-nE4yikY5F2CjmxGuCRp2cSTIieBX3j5RNVDGLwgBou4p5H7QCDjAEWBwM-DUYNM1psRSa5PbZk8GABqUCVAha6rVFUzryW-uE4Ys/w400-h300/IMG_8745.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The other French MG team (right) and two rifle squads (left and bottom center right) open fire on Lt Steed's exposed 1st Platoon (top center)....</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJF2yxBA8QUYE7q3chYwqSkxGwytMXE28cS7itC7PQeDw1yEYLvUrjSKT0iOB6e6Xaq3py4NeBp-10POntDcjU5qRF0f1-8AGZRxsnOfrajmXK_-sl7MKgWPFr5RBhRTrekFHRYHt1cxKA-_EUjpJXkeWZMvaxc4WJMelYbR-vELIp4p4sqreEIuJO/s320/IMG_8746.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJF2yxBA8QUYE7q3chYwqSkxGwytMXE28cS7itC7PQeDw1yEYLvUrjSKT0iOB6e6Xaq3py4NeBp-10POntDcjU5qRF0f1-8AGZRxsnOfrajmXK_-sl7MKgWPFr5RBhRTrekFHRYHt1cxKA-_EUjpJXkeWZMvaxc4WJMelYbR-vELIp4p4sqreEIuJO/w400-h300/IMG_8746.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Lt Steed's command team is knocked out and Sgt Marion's squad is pinned!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVGw5Q7q7v9cTmpUaBPfYmSqf4C1N6ozBNFH2-FSh_XShnWYlste8aIkS-NPsYxd8dFDdEaqgW1jZcGdxPCQ7ZL5R_nGOZl7CEzoXIW9eeqbjL3x1hFG-PVCI4jyjWIPJeu9gL6q9WxFsBFxI8719kLKfaniidoEdbP5R58reV_7of9TSnJHMDbyLC/s4032/IMG_8747.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVGw5Q7q7v9cTmpUaBPfYmSqf4C1N6ozBNFH2-FSh_XShnWYlste8aIkS-NPsYxd8dFDdEaqgW1jZcGdxPCQ7ZL5R_nGOZl7CEzoXIW9eeqbjL3x1hFG-PVCI4jyjWIPJeu9gL6q9WxFsBFxI8719kLKfaniidoEdbP5R58reV_7of9TSnJHMDbyLC/w400-h300/IMG_8747.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>As the French mortars (bottom right) target Lt Carney's 2nd Platoon as it is crossing the bridge (top left)...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9eYqOF_AYztlHZX6ulG2uT2hSHrjYgDr2wBx7xgvbNiuP65nHUMY1-eUrvwXMT1Th6Q9_XfBh7GSC-ej4KtdeHxuSo4Mg_jGING2LVm6qcHOpEDWzoqzp8l0J6lZ0kYhwfAaqeWKPNTmDUj3E2O1ME-5bGmpXXwOHSNh87OD6gi7jZPrvdU4bdL6H/s4032/IMG_8748.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9eYqOF_AYztlHZX6ulG2uT2hSHrjYgDr2wBx7xgvbNiuP65nHUMY1-eUrvwXMT1Th6Q9_XfBh7GSC-ej4KtdeHxuSo4Mg_jGING2LVm6qcHOpEDWzoqzp8l0J6lZ0kYhwfAaqeWKPNTmDUj3E2O1ME-5bGmpXXwOHSNh87OD6gi7jZPrvdU4bdL6H/w400-h300/IMG_8748.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>And pounds the GIs mercilessly, sending Sgt Culver's squad 'men down' and suppressing Lt Carney's command team and Cpl Bickett's squad, as Captain May (top left) looks on helplessly, thinking 'maybe a bridge too far?'</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwRdye64r3aknAdN9aCcNQ6yBWLNmEti_SNHJIj2LnikJLrA5Ia_JZNHw7b8QLxeiGpFYOnFUdrK8uy0FTM7E-99UVWihPgYZ52ML2c2_Fgewbl2P0_WPDiln7vbJOJhyNw7yWY0QGL4YIk_CAkg0ewvF2lGL7CUHMZwjsWO4CQ1YW1WY5QCzsDUJP/s4032/IMG_8749.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwRdye64r3aknAdN9aCcNQ6yBWLNmEti_SNHJIj2LnikJLrA5Ia_JZNHw7b8QLxeiGpFYOnFUdrK8uy0FTM7E-99UVWihPgYZ52ML2c2_Fgewbl2P0_WPDiln7vbJOJhyNw7yWY0QGL4YIk_CAkg0ewvF2lGL7CUHMZwjsWO4CQ1YW1WY5QCzsDUJP/w400-h300/IMG_8749.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The Americans bravely attempt to fight their way out of the kill sack: Cpl Faulk's rifle squad (part of 1st Platoon, at left center, which just lost its platoon leader) and both machine guns (Cpl Washington's team at bottom left and Cpl Bledsoe's team at bottom right) fire on the Kasbah (top left), but only manage to pin one of the French machine guns...</div><div><br /></div><div>The Yanks catch a lucky break, they roll up a 'Scurry,' which will allow them to rally a bunch of their pinned/suppressed/men down troops, maybe get to some better cover.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKwqmAZTyJVwDbhg6y3rGSdt1rVpXJA9JfYV2pB01_Bn9V2ZUZMoBcDJMepziw_CVUloueaadtLgCa2uweO_6n5Q6gwWC9uU3B_HwOUJdmqj29vA6n5XiOabrMAla2ReQFPZgP0eGg551jjXbzbo-axhLmZRuEetbAr9yVsCL2N_pk16hh3yaLaK3Z/s4032/IMG_8750.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKwqmAZTyJVwDbhg6y3rGSdt1rVpXJA9JfYV2pB01_Bn9V2ZUZMoBcDJMepziw_CVUloueaadtLgCa2uweO_6n5Q6gwWC9uU3B_HwOUJdmqj29vA6n5XiOabrMAla2ReQFPZgP0eGg551jjXbzbo-axhLmZRuEetbAr9yVsCL2N_pk16hh3yaLaK3Z/w400-h300/IMG_8750.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Captain Mays is wracked by indecision: should he use this temporary lull in the fighting to withdraw his bloodied and exposed troops, or should he press the attack?</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNo17kvRDeZOzP5ZnhMxVrkeW514xQYaES5SZ3K3NZGl9Uc8Cdq4obQ9t4mfCZQUx5jCpvmCd432TjdoPDomyDowbJIO6DSgB4kglqHzQS8LwUnb_UaCb9FYvaucVmK7n-Q6RC4UrTjDnDeMemPM9ZNNuhMZS8sMgKA548f1DPxLX5PvlTiIzI4gW-/s4032/IMG_8752.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNo17kvRDeZOzP5ZnhMxVrkeW514xQYaES5SZ3K3NZGl9Uc8Cdq4obQ9t4mfCZQUx5jCpvmCd432TjdoPDomyDowbJIO6DSgB4kglqHzQS8LwUnb_UaCb9FYvaucVmK7n-Q6RC4UrTjDnDeMemPM9ZNNuhMZS8sMgKA548f1DPxLX5PvlTiIzI4gW-/w400-h300/IMG_8752.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>We're gonna take that damned fort, he thinks to himself as he rushes up to the bridge and begins rallying 2nd Platoon. Both rifle squads are good, but the platoon's command team only manages to get 'up' to pinned (actually, in my haste I made a mistake: the command team was 'men down,' so if I tried to rally them and I rolled a '1' they would stay 'men down,' not go 'up' to pinned. Turns out it didn't matter...).</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBRBE3YYmqnDZE5oYyjPihCo689uv0LjJWbbGIrnPbq7oPj0EBzeyDuIKMMic6Oj12rBoiAw33nGKNTDHrTnQXncsZvSVK13hujHqAqyaYccsCkkHUu-WNh-vqnM-tYzwO-LYq7v12LATkneodcOAB-ssPakmqYI5usfYN_HZrc8IQGCFO9x2GVBuh/s4032/IMG_8753.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBRBE3YYmqnDZE5oYyjPihCo689uv0LjJWbbGIrnPbq7oPj0EBzeyDuIKMMic6Oj12rBoiAw33nGKNTDHrTnQXncsZvSVK13hujHqAqyaYccsCkkHUu-WNh-vqnM-tYzwO-LYq7v12LATkneodcOAB-ssPakmqYI5usfYN_HZrc8IQGCFO9x2GVBuh/w400-h300/IMG_8753.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>On the US right, Lt Crittenden's command team and Cpl Coryatt's rifle squad (bottom center) both manage to self rally, as do Lt Robinson's SPG (top left) and Sgt Davis' SPG (center).</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixfsK8GyIv_IEaiC6X02JZmHfIPrim8f0NjQP-cDvpyPW3XoGdZJy-I3Qcc7nZrk7-V67GwuPvWMIcGQ8bpH_3bBwkM-M8DeE9jpxIkezO05a2dtxBp9ZuxD5DgscDSvhPaGrHsaaNXzWBptGPp55jTriJiTn9EFNglM7eWBIdSsMtHQrYwqKLwJvz/s4032/IMG_8754.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixfsK8GyIv_IEaiC6X02JZmHfIPrim8f0NjQP-cDvpyPW3XoGdZJy-I3Qcc7nZrk7-V67GwuPvWMIcGQ8bpH_3bBwkM-M8DeE9jpxIkezO05a2dtxBp9ZuxD5DgscDSvhPaGrHsaaNXzWBptGPp55jTriJiTn9EFNglM7eWBIdSsMtHQrYwqKLwJvz/w400-h300/IMG_8754.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>But on the US left, Cpl Harrison's squad successfully rallies, but Sgt Marion's panics and becomes suppressed (bottom left)!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1RPh0qCgOCAlmlbNGh-wW6y8POtHqSxhN4Aes8u0L3xlIBK4PrCHXgsvV4_w1Gn_UVkCT8idnLN7NEUNa-fsRS4e6vEw3F4Z1Kkj89EBoRY6khBwocK6oJSJeFbbEiiHiQZgXYdwfeYybAgaxjUhsc3rye2eQB-pquXjjN0VukXjg8-9h7vM3DITZ/s4032/IMG_8755.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1RPh0qCgOCAlmlbNGh-wW6y8POtHqSxhN4Aes8u0L3xlIBK4PrCHXgsvV4_w1Gn_UVkCT8idnLN7NEUNa-fsRS4e6vEw3F4Z1Kkj89EBoRY6khBwocK6oJSJeFbbEiiHiQZgXYdwfeYybAgaxjUhsc3rye2eQB-pquXjjN0VukXjg8-9h7vM3DITZ/w400-h300/IMG_8755.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Not completely sure of himself but unwilling to throw in the towel, Captain May (bottom center) orders 2nd Platoon forward (center) continuing its assault on the Kasbah (top right, with 1st Platoon at far left). Lt Carney, still pinned on the bridge, looks on helplessly...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpaXbYoAiI6X6gOHMEaYceq-XhH_373PcWBAP0R4ob6du0T5W8ccC2SsBk46FUne-XT_8diQcW-w70AUIJ_Erx-NrxA9P0bbfMQJoyM7LisgzKCZVslc_c9L_jnspo3xAVUk9Vc1pfs_wDAs7L9LIJsxPffzg2IW-FTKkRNmt3HcuAximbfWMPxzPn/s4032/IMG_8756.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpaXbYoAiI6X6gOHMEaYceq-XhH_373PcWBAP0R4ob6du0T5W8ccC2SsBk46FUne-XT_8diQcW-w70AUIJ_Erx-NrxA9P0bbfMQJoyM7LisgzKCZVslc_c9L_jnspo3xAVUk9Vc1pfs_wDAs7L9LIJsxPffzg2IW-FTKkRNmt3HcuAximbfWMPxzPn/w400-h300/IMG_8756.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>On SP Marie, the French troops rally...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicsJxU8SRTrPY3cDsmbbut5paXOWY1QsQjjTTJqDn-Jn43t-4mGbF_ZnwsSNDx0Mw3OLZb6-9rE5J1tNaUmT1QGAxVYU6TMzseHh1N6elkf_UHvRBEgLSZqTh5uFK-ijtwLEBk42xN6FXjKp7NcyzRI5TDL6P0Su5O4L2IKWBD-sYQ8Zsirqy2AeRV/s4032/IMG_8757.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicsJxU8SRTrPY3cDsmbbut5paXOWY1QsQjjTTJqDn-Jn43t-4mGbF_ZnwsSNDx0Mw3OLZb6-9rE5J1tNaUmT1QGAxVYU6TMzseHh1N6elkf_UHvRBEgLSZqTh5uFK-ijtwLEBk42xN6FXjKp7NcyzRI5TDL6P0Su5O4L2IKWBD-sYQ8Zsirqy2AeRV/w400-h300/IMG_8757.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>And then push up, with the infantry moving into defensive positions on the hill (left) while the tanks move out, onto the road, on the right (far right, with Sgt Davis' SPG just visible at center and 3rd Platoon behind the trees, further left)!!!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDtopBY3GXKY8OJeq--_n8hGYskhQDDor07Zw5pBc9WauiwqWVrQOO4zkKxTBfBRyPqSLlG2Dty-1mZ_yDmu-lJNcgRubmPaWZpfYcxhOv9cPSC_wLm1MXDE2tGsjSvUW7TIYG_bV1U23cQRikDc8thYerlvUvPF263R6g39wkaLz2Z9-fcGD5h-fp/s4032/IMG_8758.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDtopBY3GXKY8OJeq--_n8hGYskhQDDor07Zw5pBc9WauiwqWVrQOO4zkKxTBfBRyPqSLlG2Dty-1mZ_yDmu-lJNcgRubmPaWZpfYcxhOv9cPSC_wLm1MXDE2tGsjSvUW7TIYG_bV1U23cQRikDc8thYerlvUvPF263R6g39wkaLz2Z9-fcGD5h-fp/w400-h300/IMG_8758.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The French mortars (bottom left) go to work on 2nd Platoon (top right)...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDxvBxrblHyGr0i45KS71gs-QxTF-ytkCwMgtiINYwTf2jd-f6RinhxVtLws5h7klVlktrVRIxG48G17asKYI3dlv2wkkdJurgoXx0W4dXHL74CrCuPttdZYvqiaM23t6kJ5vIWm55hvB8j92dYlUsieuNaRBl3vOx2v6Ff0-Hwjz9qMI0o-kJ2Ilq/s4032/IMG_8759.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDxvBxrblHyGr0i45KS71gs-QxTF-ytkCwMgtiINYwTf2jd-f6RinhxVtLws5h7klVlktrVRIxG48G17asKYI3dlv2wkkdJurgoXx0W4dXHL74CrCuPttdZYvqiaM23t6kJ5vIWm55hvB8j92dYlUsieuNaRBl3vOx2v6Ff0-Hwjz9qMI0o-kJ2Ilq/w400-h300/IMG_8759.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>And this has officially turned into a disaster. Nay, a debacle...</div><div><br /></div><div>Lt Carney's command team (on the bridge), Sgt Culver's squad (right), and Captain May's command team (bottom left) are all knocked out by the withering French fire, while Cpl Bickett's squad (red bead at center), the sole remaining US unit in the center, is suppressed!!!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKFYerbXWxqsEWX3yNR26X3g4xIC3RynwR_Ds8zsuDaB58BJ2zC55UQvu4JoqNlaSGWEu4AW5oASl1CY1E4GlTrnuhBIaWOh2C4ivA1uEJ3W5XMekc6X9U5bkoo6rel6sAOMKEjgzpeIzpcGUsnDG5x0ozjbysD2Ts-y4w8-KfL1ae2zWg4qnCFC9s/s4032/IMG_8760.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKFYerbXWxqsEWX3yNR26X3g4xIC3RynwR_Ds8zsuDaB58BJ2zC55UQvu4JoqNlaSGWEu4AW5oASl1CY1E4GlTrnuhBIaWOh2C4ivA1uEJ3W5XMekc6X9U5bkoo6rel6sAOMKEjgzpeIzpcGUsnDG5x0ozjbysD2Ts-y4w8-KfL1ae2zWg4qnCFC9s/w400-h300/IMG_8760.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>While a little further left, one of the French light tanks lines up a point-blank shot on Sgt Davis' M7 SPG and sends an armor-piercing round their way...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEUrl7RMYDa-ZPEeOEu9L5v-ZrIH_wQ8RV1HeeKRUJt1jT2waza69lVH10YlExQEcx7cI7mxLPXxyfkNoIUOUY9vIH_vlybfqzBWxr3OYu4ikfd8YES-E_xAUqeXYuL2-Rn3hByhFCClPV4lrws_28H8eXUAX-32gEKSL3ikv_uaWnMrreJUnqFxvB/s4032/IMG_8761.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEUrl7RMYDa-ZPEeOEu9L5v-ZrIH_wQ8RV1HeeKRUJt1jT2waza69lVH10YlExQEcx7cI7mxLPXxyfkNoIUOUY9vIH_vlybfqzBWxr3OYu4ikfd8YES-E_xAUqeXYuL2-Rn3hByhFCClPV4lrws_28H8eXUAX-32gEKSL3ikv_uaWnMrreJUnqFxvB/w400-h300/IMG_8761.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Brewing up the American armored vehicle, killing Sgt Davis instantly and suppressing Cpl Coryatt's rifle squad (red bead at bottom center)! <br /><br />Lieutenant Crittenden (right) scrambles...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOf-WOFJmj1zd_JDYv1fCaO2pqRDYFThXFTldOOCynhjxFc9EIXVP57F616slNeC3W8Eg5R_qunm516Ixsfqwz_tNViZgg3weZsHvn8BAKZ88dr5VY5YYWV7HkNyKXGtIM94wcR7MuQ87Gu-m98IYRTBg_cuV0QkOg64RYmrVpMnEZYNowJp-T0Ki2/s4032/IMG_8762.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOf-WOFJmj1zd_JDYv1fCaO2pqRDYFThXFTldOOCynhjxFc9EIXVP57F616slNeC3W8Eg5R_qunm516Ixsfqwz_tNViZgg3weZsHvn8BAKZ88dr5VY5YYWV7HkNyKXGtIM94wcR7MuQ87Gu-m98IYRTBg_cuV0QkOg64RYmrVpMnEZYNowJp-T0Ki2/w400-h300/IMG_8762.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>And deploys his anti-tank team (left), and Cpl Slade immediately fires a rocket at the French tank that just knocked out Sgt Davis' M7 SPG...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC099Z16DCp3Rtt0ER_33UQBbqZHCKe5QORO5NhR-DiYVcsVgddb5FQRff8VOHAQvFz5oYxSONhcyLLNGkBjLGAmxFR2r-KtMgj8P21FJfnOe8tllft6LgfTEIIS17HRySY8Q7ytUypOj4KqndUKNmSELWl9XiS442sIzWmn6ov67LLo2PNWuP86Yu/s4032/IMG_8763.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC099Z16DCp3Rtt0ER_33UQBbqZHCKe5QORO5NhR-DiYVcsVgddb5FQRff8VOHAQvFz5oYxSONhcyLLNGkBjLGAmxFR2r-KtMgj8P21FJfnOe8tllft6LgfTEIIS17HRySY8Q7ytUypOj4KqndUKNmSELWl9XiS442sIzWmn6ov67LLo2PNWuP86Yu/w400-h300/IMG_8763.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The rocket glances off the frontal armor of the French tank, suppressing the crew (bottom center), as the French 75mm gun atop SP Marie (far left) fires on 3rd Platoon (right top)...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDN5A7lsNwlvkcxE1dZOuY9VhKA7EERZYGip9T-Intzrt4FUQzecifMj07gyqZQmdLQJxc8RXoH2XxaOresfCRhGbYS2dDaC2ErBHL0F-Q929tkQa-k_jHXollafwFQLcjxZPQwAE_xQ5yI6qyGv9LOHZBLq28z75-D_9y_hBHTrDXVoQIGpVYmIAh/s4032/IMG_8764.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDN5A7lsNwlvkcxE1dZOuY9VhKA7EERZYGip9T-Intzrt4FUQzecifMj07gyqZQmdLQJxc8RXoH2XxaOresfCRhGbYS2dDaC2ErBHL0F-Q929tkQa-k_jHXollafwFQLcjxZPQwAE_xQ5yI6qyGv9LOHZBLq28z75-D_9y_hBHTrDXVoQIGpVYmIAh/w400-h300/IMG_8764.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Sending Cpl Slade's team 'men down' (white bead at center left) and pinning Lt Crittenden's command team (yellow bead at center)!</div><div><br /></div><div>"Hey!" Lt Crittenden yelled, he and his command team hunkering down amongst the craters. "Hey! Corporal Coryatt!" "Yes, Sir?" queried the young Corporal in charge of 3rd Squad. <br /><br />"This is it men, we're in a REALLY bad way," Lt Crittenden hollered. "We're sitting ducks out here, can't go forward, can't go back, and they know it. This is it, they're gonna come for us, any minute now. Tell your men to lay all their grenades and ammo out, and fix bayonets, we gotta bloody their nose bad enough to turn them back. Sun's going down, we can just wait 'til they fall back and it gets dark, then we can skin outta here."<br /><br />"What about the wounded, Sir?" Cpl Coryatt asked, his voice quivering with fear, "we can't just leave them out here. Can't we just surrender, Sir?"<br /><br />"You shut your damn mouth, and you leave the thinking to me, now prepare yourselves for close combat, them Frenchies'll be coming any minute, we'll be lucky if they don't come with them tanks..."</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7SW98UMsxq1uC2S_UYvODpNZH06OD7mEp18d9Fa2Y78_dGdQ6j-4ckB9bLp8pDtkquQDOAUNGlI91WklbFm7UumklXcWgsbzJ4dVz-CWCOQAhGITjG4Q-zWdOsXmIN8X8k9BO2EtlaAoXx9UyIARtw5_VI64tMwHmc-q7M-fvP60kZgSzqlgXLZeA/s4032/IMG_8765.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7SW98UMsxq1uC2S_UYvODpNZH06OD7mEp18d9Fa2Y78_dGdQ6j-4ckB9bLp8pDtkquQDOAUNGlI91WklbFm7UumklXcWgsbzJ4dVz-CWCOQAhGITjG4Q-zWdOsXmIN8X8k9BO2EtlaAoXx9UyIARtw5_VI64tMwHmc-q7M-fvP60kZgSzqlgXLZeA/w400-h300/IMG_8765.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>But, so far at least, the French were content to continue their slaughter from a distance: the two MGs in the Kasbah opened fire on the leaderless 1st Platoon (top right), swinging their guns back and forth, raking the American infantrymen...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFjmqOhJro89TiTaC4HFSFpx3d68MfDxu-VVnbjmcDslYNrchhiCnbF6abIxlCA8rScsdnY46Gv4ZpyfDHbH11M6ZOotqPlEjzVTjYnSWR30FLs5E2rmn9Jxy1shN70VhQ05kAFyoOs0RSDLE14wNBrcKrwOCZZHj_r2dkhTPRaTWfhcNzARVsAAVe/s4032/IMG_8766.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFjmqOhJro89TiTaC4HFSFpx3d68MfDxu-VVnbjmcDslYNrchhiCnbF6abIxlCA8rScsdnY46Gv4ZpyfDHbH11M6ZOotqPlEjzVTjYnSWR30FLs5E2rmn9Jxy1shN70VhQ05kAFyoOs0RSDLE14wNBrcKrwOCZZHj_r2dkhTPRaTWfhcNzARVsAAVe/w400-h300/IMG_8766.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Cpl Harrison's squad is knocked out and Cpl Faulk's squad is pinned (yellow bead)!</div></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf1NcvxFTGgujjZiqGZ3_sc9N6P1c11oYnq8PcnfK3qTzN71xMoAbCdrGTDwp_DTWo75AMuqXsnmZazWRRY4V4n3-R-fAcriF-rs5jTnogXLNTFzOs7QKUue4-wxkl4pHjVXJc12n_Sfm5s8b9keHPTrdVm_0mI-4wMJAU4hKif7kIpdwuonXYeM_L/s4032/IMG_8768.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf1NcvxFTGgujjZiqGZ3_sc9N6P1c11oYnq8PcnfK3qTzN71xMoAbCdrGTDwp_DTWo75AMuqXsnmZazWRRY4V4n3-R-fAcriF-rs5jTnogXLNTFzOs7QKUue4-wxkl4pHjVXJc12n_Sfm5s8b9keHPTrdVm_0mI-4wMJAU4hKif7kIpdwuonXYeM_L/w400-h300/IMG_8768.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>And that was when the French commander noticed it. "What is it, mon Capitan?" asked his adjutant. "Shhh, listen..." replied the CO. "Do you hear that?" "What, mon Capitan?"</div><div><br /></div><div>"Only our guns are firing, Lieutenant."</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj-xpdoTbi1OajClbKCGa1vr4stY3-CV4fKbherakGq-K_yJ4vhTo5kjERkxqwzmg4R5Rs3qLf1xtS8eUagBB3chmXanhPEXnMOt4_MyXiVsF03E5OVO3XQP3HL9vB6fZH6OZh5tDzzuYG5TfGGJQUAuDHdF6Qlk7Mb1ky4nZtmdFeZtsdT6Ux80c9/s4032/IMG_8769.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj-xpdoTbi1OajClbKCGa1vr4stY3-CV4fKbherakGq-K_yJ4vhTo5kjERkxqwzmg4R5Rs3qLf1xtS8eUagBB3chmXanhPEXnMOt4_MyXiVsF03E5OVO3XQP3HL9vB6fZH6OZh5tDzzuYG5TfGGJQUAuDHdF6Qlk7Mb1ky4nZtmdFeZtsdT6Ux80c9/w400-h300/IMG_8769.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The French commander climbed up to the second deck to get a good look at the battlefield, and it was scene straight from Dante's inferno. But it confirmed what his ears told him. "Cease fire, cease fire!" he cried out to his men, signaling the same to his subordinates on Strongpoint Marie.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikUKf0Nlr9B7AlBLWPksOtcyl-ZUxb1xzXxNWKIHFTAKAZeL1tlhG22bJ-97neO7Qap6bCD_W-20C0lUYmSCAF7N_15svqTD0hwIZL3fwiLOoPEG3mkUYi_St5g1kqDisIr9L8eYSrXGaS6udzwDALul-cAuwY6qJtxSBXI_hMyRpYYvNvpOEudcv2/s4032/IMG_8770.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikUKf0Nlr9B7AlBLWPksOtcyl-ZUxb1xzXxNWKIHFTAKAZeL1tlhG22bJ-97neO7Qap6bCD_W-20C0lUYmSCAF7N_15svqTD0hwIZL3fwiLOoPEG3mkUYi_St5g1kqDisIr9L8eYSrXGaS6udzwDALul-cAuwY6qJtxSBXI_hMyRpYYvNvpOEudcv2/w400-h300/IMG_8770.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The French XO, atop SP Marie, ordered his men to cease fire, and recalled his tanks to the leeward side of the hill (far left, from far right, with the remains of Lt Crittenden's 3rd Platoon, sharpening their bayonets in preparation to repel a French charge, at top right). </div><div><br /></div><div>An eerie silence once again descended upon the battlefield, this one permanent...</div><div><br /></div><div>"What's happening, Sir?" asked Cpl Coryatt. </div><div><br /></div><div>Lt Crittenden hazarded to raise his helmeted head up above the lip of the crater, stating directly into the eyes of dozens of French soldiers on SP Marie doing the same thing. "I'll be damned, Coryatt. Your grandkids ain't never gonna believe this one," Lt Crittenden hoarsely whispered. </div><div><br /></div><div>"What is it, Sir?" </div><div><br /></div><div>"They done whooped us, and they're lettin' us be." Lt Crittenden de-cocked his M1911 pistol, then rolled over onto his back, where he uttered a prayer of thanks, then peered west, into the setting sun, towards safety.</div><div><br /></div><div>The French silently held their ground, eating their rations in their fighting positions, keeping a wary eye on these strange Americans. Lt Robinson, peered over the armor of his M7 Priest, understanding what the French were doing, and understanding what he needed to do. Once it was completely dark, he dismounted his vehicle and moved up to the front lines, searching out the scattered, battered American units, where he ordered them to police up their casualties as best as possible and fall back to the rear, designating a rally point west of the Line of Departure they'd crossed nearly four hours ago. He started with Lt Crittenden's 3rd Platoon, then worked his way left to 2nd and then 1st Platoons, the entire operation observed, but not molested, by the French under the light of a crescent moon.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbSO8oylhg1nBOlOlB9wcN3CIAln2OYK-QOvPeZtxsImKqcLXitzOrRrYEK2SuOO2TSfuZmJgaibfZNzwPvykuTWBn0WIAeZRtnej_KOpGX45lLpnPNc2SJiTLeEovRKe1PJF9FWGntUQ_f-i9Yjgnd0UoQgtY4yr5j5FAkdWCOytEwmJhzrpQScdw/s4032/IMG_8771.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbSO8oylhg1nBOlOlB9wcN3CIAln2OYK-QOvPeZtxsImKqcLXitzOrRrYEK2SuOO2TSfuZmJgaibfZNzwPvykuTWBn0WIAeZRtnej_KOpGX45lLpnPNc2SJiTLeEovRKe1PJF9FWGntUQ_f-i9Yjgnd0UoQgtY4yr5j5FAkdWCOytEwmJhzrpQScdw/w400-h300/IMG_8771.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>The surviving GIs fall back in defeat, bringing their casualties (well, at least their wounded) with them.<br /><p>Well, holy guacamole, that was nuts! I've personally never experienced a game with such a wild, dramatic swing. I mean, initially everything was going the Americans' way; I was actually scared the GIs were going to take the damned Kasbah, and that was not the intent, they were meant to fail, fall back in an orderly fashion, and let the campaign play out in accordance with history (the French fort doesn't surrender until the morning of 11 November 1942). The French were rolling some terrible dice, and they took some casualties, but ultimately they were saved by the thick walls and entrenchments, which kept casualties to a minimum. Even so, the Americans were starting to take some casualties and their attack was running out of steam; there was a point where the CO, Captain May, had moved up in the village to rally 2nd Platoon after a pretty stiff mortar barrage, and when it was successful I really should have taken the opportunity to call off the attack and have the GIs fall back at that point. </p><p>But I didn't, and the grunts of Dog Company paid dearly because the French then rolled up a Firefight and used it to absolutely demolish the company. The only real thing that saved me from my horrible decision to continue the fight when the French had rallied and were about to open their can o'whupass was the fact I made some amazing casualty rolls (five out of eight characters only received a 'scratch' or 'light wound') for the characters so everyone didn't die...</p><div><div>Let's get to some stats:<br /><br /></div><div>-the US had 30 men killed, wounded, or missing</div></div><div><br /></div><div>-the US lost an M7 Priest Howitzer Motor Carriage destroyed</div><div><br /></div><div>-the French had 20 men killed, wounded, or missing</div><div><br /></div><div>-The French had a a 75mm gun destroyed</div><p>Characters:</p><p>-Sgt Davis, Vehicle 2, Self Propelled Gun Platoon, received the Purple Heart and was killed in action</p><p>-Sgt Warren, 2nd Squad Leader, 2nd Platoon, Dog Company, received the Purple Heart and was wounded severely enough to require evacuation to the United States and medical discharge</p><p>-Sgt Culver, 1st Squad Leader, 2nd Platoon, Dog Company, received the Purple Heart and was wounded, will return 1 Jan 1943</p><p>-Captain May, Company Commander, Dog Company, received the Purple Heart and was wounded, will return 16 Nov 1942</p><p>-Cpl Harrison, 2nd Squad Leader, 1st Platoon, Dog Company, received the Purple Heart and was wounded, will return 16 Nov 1942</p><p>-Cpl Ambrose, 1st Squad Leader, 3rd Platoon, Dog Company, received the Purple Heart and was wounded, will return 16 Nov 1942</p><p>-2nd Lt Carney, 2nd Platoon Leader, Dog Company, received the Purple Heart and was wounded, able to immediately return to duty</p><p>-Sgt Brown, 2nd Squad Leader, 3rd Platoon, Dog Company, received the Purple Heart and was wounded, able to immediately return to duty</p><p>This was the first fight where the Task Force didn't have someone decorated for gallantry. I think Captain May and maybe Lt Carney and/or Lt Crittenden might have been decorated if things had gone better; while of course many heroes are born of military disaster, these guys had shown some personal bravery, but their tactical decision-making left a lot to be desire (particularly the Captain's), they didn't carry the day, and they didn't do anything particularly valorous in defeat. Hell, two of them were wounded, and Lt Crittenden just laid there until it got dark, then grabbed his wounded and walked out. Actually, Lt Robinson, from the SPG Platoon, did a great job of kinda taking charge to organize the withdrawal, but he was only able to do that because things were much, much calmer way back in the rear, where he was after he broke and ran due to things getting a bit too heated in the village.</p><p>In any case, interesting times! Task Force Reisman hunkered down to lick its wounds, and enjoyed a relatively uneventful night. In the predawn hours of 10 November 1942, a young Navy Ensign named Starkweather led a team in rubber boats up the Wadi Sebou to cut through a boom-net blocking the river; the French defenders discovered them and, despite every member of the Navy being wounded, Ensign Starkweather's team succeeded in cutting through the boom-net.</p><p>But when the sun came up it was realized the breach was made in the wrong location and couldn't be used; nevertheless, the Skipper of the USN destroyer USS Dallas pushed up the Wadi Sebou and rammed through the boom-net, proceeding quickly up river under heavy French fire, until it became stuck in the mud! It was saved, however, by a near miss from French artillery that actually lifted the vessel's stern out of the mud, freeing her to continue upriver where she used her 5" guns to pound the Kasbah, and landed 75 American soldiers behind enemy lines, quickly capturing Port Lyautey's airfield.</p><p>The next day the Task Force was essentially provided no orders, as peace talks with French leadership were being carried out. But Major Reisman was not satisfied to simply sit on his hands, so he ordered his men in vicinity of the invasion beaches and Mehdia to carry out aggressive patrolling (though they were told to stay well clear of the Kasbah and Strongpoint Marie!), while he sent elements of his Armored Reconnaissance Company on an even wider right hook, around the Kasbah, looking for a back door to Port Lyautey. Of course, it wasn't long until they ran into French defenders, which is our next fight (and last of the landings in Morocco).</p><p>V/R,<br />Jack </p><p><br /></p></div>Just Jackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03552962741823929433noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8660216775038377627.post-824772426795848652023-02-02T07:48:00.000-08:002023-02-02T07:48:38.082-08:00Hell on Wheels, Operation Torch Fight #5<p>All,</p><p>0730 Local Time<br />9 November 1942<br />Near Port Lyautey, French Morocco</p><p>The French counterattacked the invasion beaches early this morning; lucky it wasn't aimed at Captain Henry's Armored Reconnaissance Company, which was bloodied, confused, and sleeping in the open desert to the southwest of the invasion beaches, with barely anything worthy of being called a 'defensive line' established. In any case, the French pressed hard on the beaches, in two columns; Lt Olsavsky, bolstered by the Major's late arrival, held it together just along to allow his crew-serves to separate the enemy infantry from the tanks, and then some kid named Tippett popped up and knocked out two French armored vehicles with one of those new rocket launchers! </p><p>And now we return to 'Murderville'/'The Meatgrinder.' To refresh your memory, the Americans hit the beach yesterday morning and secured the beaches relatively quickly, albeit with plenty of chaos and confusion owing to the inherent nature of an amphibious operation, their first taste of combat, and bad weather/sea conditions. US forces in the area were being pummeled by French artillery in and around 'The Kasbah,' an ancient, walled fortress; despite this, US forces quickly secured the town of Mehdi, immediately behind the invasion beaches, and Major Reisman had the idea to push mechanized elements around The Kasbah in a wide, sweeping movement to the south. </p><p>To that end, the Major ordered his Armored Reconnaissance Company commander, Captain Henry, to grab what forces he had to hand and immediately step off, hoping to catch the French off balance, but it didn't quite work out due to the fact Captain Henry drug his feet. The mechanized column didn't depart for more than six hours AFTER Major Reisman gave the order, and it did so under the command of 1st Lt Richards, the Armored Recon Company's Executive Officer, because Captain Henry was still dallying on the beach. Rather than catching the enemy off guard, Lt Richards' column ran into well-armed and determined defenses manned by French Colonial troops</p><p>Ultimately, a long and bloody battle was fought, and the French defenders held their ground. The American force fell back in disarray, leaving gear and casualties on the battlefield, to include the bodies of 1st Lt Richards and the Engineer Platoon leader, 2nd Lt Jefferson, both killed in action. Finally making his way forward, off the beaches, Captain Henry ran smack into the retreating American force, go them halted and calmed down, and began piecing together what happened. Wracked with guilt over Lt Richards' death on a mission HE should have been leading, Captain Henry took out his wrath on Sgt Kidd, the hapless commander of an M3 Gun Motor Carriage (half-tracked tank destroyer mounting a 75mm gun), who had performed quite admirably during the battle but had failed to bring American casualties with him in the confusion of the withdrawal.</p><p>After a long, cold, jittery night in the open desert, Captain Henry and his men watched a preparatory artillery barrage pepper the objective as they moved up to the line of departure, preparing to launch their attack the moment the artillery barrage halted.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSVw6I80YUDJbR7KkYAyH-GNQBnDuTPRV0VCtIpBuNu9YvdTuQpL2Z0DWO9YHKGhLv8s2S26HcQVjxkGhV9U-Yi6rwOOCSkz2yV7YdjudWuAHXMabYrig5qlJEpXgCT-Qy0iknBIC8RHvtBp-Ec5gt59TyrX431RNlkFHzuVqxVLqSJjjn8MdSCDVM/s4032/IMG_8443.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSVw6I80YUDJbR7KkYAyH-GNQBnDuTPRV0VCtIpBuNu9YvdTuQpL2Z0DWO9YHKGhLv8s2S26HcQVjxkGhV9U-Yi6rwOOCSkz2yV7YdjudWuAHXMabYrig5qlJEpXgCT-Qy0iknBIC8RHvtBp-Ec5gt59TyrX431RNlkFHzuVqxVLqSJjjn8MdSCDVM/w400-h300/IMG_8443.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Overview, north is up. At center left, just east (right) of the crossroads, is a small oasis with a couple hovels. Below and at top left are unnamed bluffs, while at left top is a knoll identified as Hill 23, soon to be known as "Purple Heart Hill," while at far right is Hill 55, soon to be known as "The Meatgrinder." At top center right is Hill 34, while the village of Barhrein, soon to be known as "Murderville," sits on either side of the bridged Wadi Sebou tributary.<span> </span><div><span><br /></span></div><div><span>You can see Sgt Foster's destroyed M3 Scout Car on the road at bottom center, Sgt Rasby's M3 Scout Car and Sgt Parker's destroyed M3 Stuart on/near Purple Heart Hill at left top, and the abandoned trucks of the Engineer Platoon at left center (just above the oasis). </span><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-OfMZEmgau__cf4behyeW8XZsfr4z7eAUFwc30-0XgqWYUgGmVogK8kl0yCE8uBtHIZ0XkrQwNwkq1UgHWOxB3fYRWc2XtTH0riYq1ZLYmG-_ixlHJPLWNy_nFNVfeBenFOH2mHCKDjXgPTMieF-5fJ8itVanTbQ4Z7bxtSDPdKC53g8THb8B8PI_/s4032/IMG_8444.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-OfMZEmgau__cf4behyeW8XZsfr4z7eAUFwc30-0XgqWYUgGmVogK8kl0yCE8uBtHIZ0XkrQwNwkq1UgHWOxB3fYRWc2XtTH0riYq1ZLYmG-_ixlHJPLWNy_nFNVfeBenFOH2mHCKDjXgPTMieF-5fJ8itVanTbQ4Z7bxtSDPdKC53g8THb8B8PI_/w400-h300/IMG_8444.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>The opposing forces, with Americans at left and French at right.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8WLmXtCv68g385l_iVShF8w5Eq_YbgQ2Bl8V3Jiij4yr__pa8RvQognhjh3U0wsIZHnZULKsbOWSVR97kg0Fgv5DrGObkrPARIf8kJu4ag3f_kJVVtcnqzd0F_S7MEtiiN51zWnNZkkVFHdRCFhDWDbd38GmU0Zy0BY0b-zZ0BWtlc7q7IWu1K2tq/s4032/IMG_8445.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8WLmXtCv68g385l_iVShF8w5Eq_YbgQ2Bl8V3Jiij4yr__pa8RvQognhjh3U0wsIZHnZULKsbOWSVR97kg0Fgv5DrGObkrPARIf8kJu4ag3f_kJVVtcnqzd0F_S7MEtiiN51zWnNZkkVFHdRCFhDWDbd38GmU0Zy0BY0b-zZ0BWtlc7q7IWu1K2tq/w400-h300/IMG_8445.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><div>The Americans are as follows:<br /><br /></div><div>Overall Commander: Captain Henry, Armored Reconnaissance Company CO<br /><br /></div><div>Tank Platoon: 2nd Lt Hastings, 2nd Tank Platoon Leader<br />Sgt Gibson, Vehicle 4, 1st Tank Plt<br /><br /></div><div>Scout Car Platoon: Sgt Foster, Vehicle 2, Arm Car Plt (but he and his crew are on foot because his vehicle was immobilized during the previous battle, and when the Americans began to retreat, they were forced to destroy it rather than allow it to fall into enemy hands)</div><div><br /></div><div>Tank Destroyer: Sgt Kidd, Tank Destroyer Plt (feeling very demoralized after the last fight, particularly given the fact the CO, Captain Henry, told him the best thing he could do to make up for his 'cowardly actions' in the last fight was to 'die in battle' in this fight)</div><div><br /></div><div>1st Armored Recon Plt: 2nd Lt Woodson (led the repulsed attack on The Meatgrinder in the last battle, looking forward to an opportunity to redeem/prove himself)<br />Sgt Bienemy, 1st Squad, 1st Arm Rec Plt</div><div>Sgt Anderson, 2nd Squad, 1st Arm Rec Plt<br />Sgt Carrington, 3rd Squad, 1st Arm Rec Plt</div><div>Sgt Harrison, Machine Gun Squad, 1st Arm Rec Plt</div><div>Sgt Zgnonina, Mortar Squad, 1st Arm Rec Plt</div><div><br /></div><div><div>2nd Armored Recon Plt: 2nd Lt Royals<br />Sgt Castle, 1st Squad, 2nd Arm Rec Plt</div><div>Sgt Hendrickson, 2nd Squad, 2nd Arm Rec Plt<br />Sgt Ravotti, 3rd Squad, 2nd Arm Rec Plt</div><div>Sgt Buckner, Machine Gun Squad, 2nd Arm Rec Plt</div><div>Sgt Mims, Mortar Squad, 2nd Arm Rec Plt</div></div><div><br /></div><div>Engineer Platoon: Sgt Humphries, 1st Squad, Engineer Plt</div></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEh5FEfK0CQn0L9obazNFAUhipBfrp5SscPAOb_N7LXqTpojBl4bUuMtpKIn_LWUSUl9G3_D2FEu_Rmh8UXFPAIben1eMXd0-EVUWpUXdexWPmCoUq8FkixmXe-6xoHR9UCXIkfTrogBaQXBhScMKz_P_87Ogx5ZU5hJD6tebxHyFjuIsmNJkOEm9L/s4032/IMG_8446.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEh5FEfK0CQn0L9obazNFAUhipBfrp5SscPAOb_N7LXqTpojBl4bUuMtpKIn_LWUSUl9G3_D2FEu_Rmh8UXFPAIben1eMXd0-EVUWpUXdexWPmCoUq8FkixmXe-6xoHR9UCXIkfTrogBaQXBhScMKz_P_87Ogx5ZU5hJD6tebxHyFjuIsmNJkOEm9L/w400-h300/IMG_8446.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The French force. Of note is the fact these men are from a Colonial (Moroccan) Battalion, so they are a actually defending their homeland and thus are a bit more invested than their conventional, European brethren. The French force consists of:<br />-A Commander</div><div>-His Executive Officer (XO)</div><div>-Two rifle platoons, consisting of three rifle squads, each</div><div>-An armored platoon consisting of one R35 Renault tank (the armored car was knocked out in the last fight)</div><div>-An artillery platoon consisting of two 75mm howitzers</div><div>-A weapons platoon consisting of a Platoon Leader, two Hotchkiss machine gun squads, and an 81mm mortar squad</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2QBq-_4vqTkh812mwWXtLN72bciTpKIxXVGUCTC-Eh_R7gHiz1JM1giEnmdLbCr1ohle2qnEGNtFLIOeDSb09Fwh8r6NvsgogSdQqSDiZ6ieVbqyKEKuY5mCRye7tiTIzvhQHAG-tP-AAWzmvPGWz_tFLdSZEHhVtuHY5WU6HomQiu5yjWaj0ttYS/s4032/IMG_8447.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2QBq-_4vqTkh812mwWXtLN72bciTpKIxXVGUCTC-Eh_R7gHiz1JM1giEnmdLbCr1ohle2qnEGNtFLIOeDSb09Fwh8r6NvsgogSdQqSDiZ6ieVbqyKEKuY5mCRye7tiTIzvhQHAG-tP-AAWzmvPGWz_tFLdSZEHhVtuHY5WU6HomQiu5yjWaj0ttYS/w400-h300/IMG_8447.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Overview, now with troops. The French have their 1st Rifle Platoon dug-into 'Murderville' (center top), accompanied by the overall French commander, with their Weapons Platoon (mortar and MG) dug-in right behind them, just across the Wadi Sebou (right top), and the other MG dug-in atop Hill 34. The French 2nd Rifle Platoon is dug-in on The Meatgrinder (far right), where it is accompanied by one of the 75mm guns. The other 75mm gun is dug-in just behind Hill 34 (top right), and it is accompanied by the armored vehicles (R35 tank), which is hidden between the buildings east of the Wadi Sebou (top right). It should be noted that, unlike in the last fight, where the French occupied 'reverse-slope' type of positions, the Americans are now aware of their presence, so they have decided to move some of their weapons forward in order to have wider field of fire. </div><div><br /></div><div>For their part, the Americans can be seen coming in from their baseline, with advance elements of the force clustered around the crossroads (left bottom) and approaching Purple Heart Hill (left top), with the 1st Armored Recon Platoon still mounted and taking the right-hand fork, on its way The Meatgrinder, while the 2nd Armored Recon Platoon has dismounted and is just passing Purple Heart Hill on its way to Murderville. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEArtCTROIjmHpjrZwm3KIRGM6gY2IDNhLznFzVjd77aPLso3uEplcvf4rpgFZxEWekSYtgAJ8w0eWwuldQFgwyqFIt0xWcpJd1nzPFGX9DW-XjSuJjuhdpzVz8cmK6jzrRESYGZj-JTbjmG6430ZfJx2BjjyCIV0_lREZKVVr-BuIWqEg2l_cdJHH/s4032/IMG_8448.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEArtCTROIjmHpjrZwm3KIRGM6gY2IDNhLznFzVjd77aPLso3uEplcvf4rpgFZxEWekSYtgAJ8w0eWwuldQFgwyqFIt0xWcpJd1nzPFGX9DW-XjSuJjuhdpzVz8cmK6jzrRESYGZj-JTbjmG6430ZfJx2BjjyCIV0_lREZKVVr-BuIWqEg2l_cdJHH/w400-h300/IMG_8448.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>A look at the American left, where 2nd Armored Recon Platoon's heavy weapons (Sgt Buckner's MG team and Sgt Mims' mortar team) are set up atop Purple Heart Hill, in order to support Lt Royals' dismounted thrust into Murderville (top right), which is accompanied by Sgt Humphries' Engineer Squad. Shivers run up Sgt Kidd's spine as he is ordered to take his tank destroyer, accompanied by Sgt Foster's Scout Car crew (which is on foot), to the left of Purple Heart Hill, over next to Sgt Parker's knocked out tank (left), exactly where he started the last fight...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfkhzKZfMUkdFSPqTc4oumFvYezDooqmhGkYpm82BkU8oYWL1lyT6yWHn7yupcyK0sEoUICLQ1EAUGN1WwDMEbdhwo2opUV7bdthEAFCGGM2FCIgSsK-tkU_C78w9pSp_gDDWzAIDBQ8tKilomwSQ-4SbOVu0cMIKg9ZehfC0kE63hIyOvk7za2yXy/s4032/IMG_8449.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfkhzKZfMUkdFSPqTc4oumFvYezDooqmhGkYpm82BkU8oYWL1lyT6yWHn7yupcyK0sEoUICLQ1EAUGN1WwDMEbdhwo2opUV7bdthEAFCGGM2FCIgSsK-tkU_C78w9pSp_gDDWzAIDBQ8tKilomwSQ-4SbOVu0cMIKg9ZehfC0kE63hIyOvk7za2yXy/w400-h300/IMG_8449.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The CO, Captain Henry (left, on the road, just below Lt Royals' 2nd Armored Recon Plt), looks on as Lt Woodson's 1st Armored Recon Platoon, led by Lt Hastings and Sgt Gibson's M3 Stuarts, pushes towards the Meatgrinder (off camera to far right). Lt Woodson has had Sgt Harrison (MG) and Sgt Zgnonina (60mm mortar) dismount their weapons (center left) to support the attack.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivYAzXxbTlwE6dd7Obh5Z0d92vGtDQbneveIW5U0aqFerHo01ZCD_1pUCA4fV_0XEsvll4mqR3LDXlNypDCzdMf65ovV3TS5hZvAFcS3ia4XY3WPTeb99zq8yIzSnaUh4jmz75yPSQ3Z665KYTXH5KM_sH8o9XnS_THh__GuT37Cr3U1yuExWwKYHe/s4032/IMG_8450.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivYAzXxbTlwE6dd7Obh5Z0d92vGtDQbneveIW5U0aqFerHo01ZCD_1pUCA4fV_0XEsvll4mqR3LDXlNypDCzdMf65ovV3TS5hZvAFcS3ia4XY3WPTeb99zq8yIzSnaUh4jmz75yPSQ3Z665KYTXH5KM_sH8o9XnS_THh__GuT37Cr3U1yuExWwKYHe/w400-h300/IMG_8450.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The French 1st Platoon, dug-into Murderville, with their CO. You can see their Weapons Platoon dug-in across the river (top right).</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5DQWus8mCDvt3dh8MQphj3YS8qlcjit_UCzQj-89XrFvw0Sfd6SkcxjFOeMFPW3Y2Udd1G9LOoB6HtRTWJO63oK0agNTDBvkMnU-AUuuB5KNd_Hhp8wEJYNo6wuQlqsvW8e2qQ63boWpeKiGQaNBPP-h1g0h9YLvvf2DZ3vT7shyaHIHs1CTu0h4x/s4032/IMG_8451.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5DQWus8mCDvt3dh8MQphj3YS8qlcjit_UCzQj-89XrFvw0Sfd6SkcxjFOeMFPW3Y2Udd1G9LOoB6HtRTWJO63oK0agNTDBvkMnU-AUuuB5KNd_Hhp8wEJYNo6wuQlqsvW8e2qQ63boWpeKiGQaNBPP-h1g0h9YLvvf2DZ3vT7shyaHIHs1CTu0h4x/w400-h300/IMG_8451.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>A look at The Meatgrinder, defended by the dug-in 2nd Rifle Platoon, with its 75mm gun advanced a bit on the northern flank (top left) and the XO (center top), and now supported by the R35 tank (far right).</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMvvMWJv5MbHFcgUK5kDT6XMpQxdY20UIvzPVsiAHOIb4TZKiDbP2lU08kiL5Se1JmOhg5oEd3JRh68uXM7zrtviHO843RZalYfZcZwkRVV5JyVsWtTqY6eW3yeTENrHbSMRabSKO8Td2nQGfwoXhXujIXtOTOmWMr9u5j2TOMHT-nBo8C-hTAo6zY/s4032/IMG_8452.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMvvMWJv5MbHFcgUK5kDT6XMpQxdY20UIvzPVsiAHOIb4TZKiDbP2lU08kiL5Se1JmOhg5oEd3JRh68uXM7zrtviHO843RZalYfZcZwkRVV5JyVsWtTqY6eW3yeTENrHbSMRabSKO8Td2nQGfwoXhXujIXtOTOmWMr9u5j2TOMHT-nBo8C-hTAo6zY/w400-h300/IMG_8452.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The French in the northeast, east of the river (Wadi Sebou), where a machine gun and the 81mm mortar team dug-in at bottom/far left, another machine gun dug-in atop Hill 34 (top center), and their 75mm dug-in on the road (right). The Laffly armored car is still burning at bottom right.</div><div><br /></div><div>Time to fight!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXBe2O9XBqZJy9wYg5h5laL3Amh00NrxURvAc9M77g7_eAbS6LrWMNNeu_Nat4B-4NiB_0l768Fr8wrVVw1YBU1A-TMi5Y1bePyif5C2P7cr-ZmQ8SSh8Slm_0Y4NUcP-RDZv4WZtEPqgSVRKRCgMuA8SFKMvvFKLPia_6JxuMd7xqUEI_8NHQCFJE/s4032/IMG_8453.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXBe2O9XBqZJy9wYg5h5laL3Amh00NrxURvAc9M77g7_eAbS6LrWMNNeu_Nat4B-4NiB_0l768Fr8wrVVw1YBU1A-TMi5Y1bePyif5C2P7cr-ZmQ8SSh8Slm_0Y4NUcP-RDZv4WZtEPqgSVRKRCgMuA8SFKMvvFKLPia_6JxuMd7xqUEI_8NHQCFJE/w400-h300/IMG_8453.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The fight begins with the French 75 at The Meatgrinder (bottom right) spotting Lt Woodson's tank-led column (top left) advancing up the hardball road and opening fire, pinning Lt Hastings' vehicle!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4yI78cTlGpbbdVaVBGXC8GrLGC67upj2KP1rd5fpEn9Q970Mn4HjGWLINk3AMM74Lo9Q6xLf8yVN4TF7zeNRSs45o-APYOhmIg0pIyV58bTiY7BvLCtK7QDSiV2f1SdS31GDKIC6_fiT9GFFe_HUgm6d186-KmafXzsIbI4cJxGjTyywB34fRpfUA/s4032/IMG_8454.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4yI78cTlGpbbdVaVBGXC8GrLGC67upj2KP1rd5fpEn9Q970Mn4HjGWLINk3AMM74Lo9Q6xLf8yVN4TF7zeNRSs45o-APYOhmIg0pIyV58bTiY7BvLCtK7QDSiV2f1SdS31GDKIC6_fiT9GFFe_HUgm6d186-KmafXzsIbI4cJxGjTyywB34fRpfUA/w400-h300/IMG_8454.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>While the other 75, below Hill 34 (bottom right, with Murderville and Purple Heart Hill visible at top left, opens fire on Sgt Kidd's tank destroyer (top center left)...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwnbOIS7q1PEsP3MvRUvVqwpR3OdStaX3Ct7qRIrQsJOi-HaUzjhSp7OAb9nyvaA9OP86Obn7Jy7IUXQX8zelfZ2WcbPZ2BKx5ekdMez8vssqQjxVudfKOn36XJZqW0c02H5A1-K1GAIWyooi6MKU-0WFJCvH90gGK9GOJ0QdGgFv-hAoV2T92zY4n/s4032/IMG_8455.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwnbOIS7q1PEsP3MvRUvVqwpR3OdStaX3Ct7qRIrQsJOi-HaUzjhSp7OAb9nyvaA9OP86Obn7Jy7IUXQX8zelfZ2WcbPZ2BKx5ekdMez8vssqQjxVudfKOn36XJZqW0c02H5A1-K1GAIWyooi6MKU-0WFJCvH90gGK9GOJ0QdGgFv-hAoV2T92zY4n/w400-h300/IMG_8455.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The 75mm HE round hits well off target (bottom center), and Sgt Kidd's crew (bottom right) immediately returns fire, pinning the French crew.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvV9Ht43cmjJF922zm2HTedZ7HC3dPaqq3F1fMfX1Td_xNmPZrEANBRtRjvhOAOiONKQXJ50G9Peu0JK7-x0AdDEwA1Pubp24IS4AC-Ud2wzwx2FiW_H1Tk8XAd7VyiQDvrtWlgm6afhfiZHOK5qJMJritWa5GSN2ipeB7nkfP0AWW39lIxf_8f8pj/s4032/IMG_8457.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvV9Ht43cmjJF922zm2HTedZ7HC3dPaqq3F1fMfX1Td_xNmPZrEANBRtRjvhOAOiONKQXJ50G9Peu0JK7-x0AdDEwA1Pubp24IS4AC-Ud2wzwx2FiW_H1Tk8XAd7VyiQDvrtWlgm6afhfiZHOK5qJMJritWa5GSN2ipeB7nkfP0AWW39lIxf_8f8pj/w400-h300/IMG_8457.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>As the French MG atop Hill 34 (bottom right) rakes Purple Heart Hill (top left, just beyond Murderville), pinning Sgt Buckner's MG team.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjilduZTjNTJoXwm8e5ezEifblA-uhAjHCry75bd3hXp5LKhmUouF7HrlvAGBJEsC9FsNfpotAi-btq-Rm4goWF14u7JOpzr73TwzUlx_81qGne-VF9Zwr0bo-Lwov_xi7Oe5IUCLBlvyiNTOpJHTfPogPjNMnmLwEx1ymYgm6eF6NNkVM88-hoH-kk/s4032/IMG_8458.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjilduZTjNTJoXwm8e5ezEifblA-uhAjHCry75bd3hXp5LKhmUouF7HrlvAGBJEsC9FsNfpotAi-btq-Rm4goWF14u7JOpzr73TwzUlx_81qGne-VF9Zwr0bo-Lwov_xi7Oe5IUCLBlvyiNTOpJHTfPogPjNMnmLwEx1ymYgm6eF6NNkVM88-hoH-kk/w400-h300/IMG_8458.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The French 81mm mortar team (bottom right) goes to work, targeting Lt Royals' platoon (top left)...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh0llugtHN8aKPW_Gy0bbM2CwcXSKdPL6CKBOTVHH4m7iPFmf-KW6xIMFmoBoU0C4Fsh50emAI04dRjtcbH9I8KdYfyMs2CfNQPQwIhXmg4h2C4SjiZgIqm1ubwVnjY2rWTRMvhgHRFK-GH_QYd4SmzIwHGia8d3YS2O44ft88OATrF_LoguX7dmpm/s4032/IMG_8459.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh0llugtHN8aKPW_Gy0bbM2CwcXSKdPL6CKBOTVHH4m7iPFmf-KW6xIMFmoBoU0C4Fsh50emAI04dRjtcbH9I8KdYfyMs2CfNQPQwIhXmg4h2C4SjiZgIqm1ubwVnjY2rWTRMvhgHRFK-GH_QYd4SmzIwHGia8d3YS2O44ft88OATrF_LoguX7dmpm/w400-h300/IMG_8459.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Sgt Castle's 1st Squad takes the brunt of the enemy mortar fire, knocking them out of the fight!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiczhja1Bh681Vm0gKr7stpD_Rtpo1_PJxSFPJAmaKYbG7_UblzKfQQp_Sj1GwsahPYoM2kPbTGj4Ij0cUvVScAQmrLNjppq6k5rDWkfdaKvhUqYVjTV2ohqgoB5eq88U2FkSaS8MRRoooivy3Ou5feXQXLMqnyNEiOhy8COqLiphdikGzXDMVgU2Qv/s4032/IMG_8460.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiczhja1Bh681Vm0gKr7stpD_Rtpo1_PJxSFPJAmaKYbG7_UblzKfQQp_Sj1GwsahPYoM2kPbTGj4Ij0cUvVScAQmrLNjppq6k5rDWkfdaKvhUqYVjTV2ohqgoB5eq88U2FkSaS8MRRoooivy3Ou5feXQXLMqnyNEiOhy8COqLiphdikGzXDMVgU2Qv/w400-h300/IMG_8460.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>As the other French MG (bottom right) takes their own shot at Sgt Kidd's tank destroyer (top center)...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKF1ZvdXap7U1RAs8tIF9BWBBASS84_gMvC6a58JRZ90Rz9-Q3KMEhFtOrDtpEBL67WX_3JLpyZxLBvSfq8v1vpkgFju0BXbft0gTaNR1wOtQPz9LY9qP3QH7mETFkH0dX2jbBlaB0V6RWt16RrGmf67-bAbo3KRkyD7B1XE01nZAnhoXwGenYzyid/s4032/IMG_8461.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKF1ZvdXap7U1RAs8tIF9BWBBASS84_gMvC6a58JRZ90Rz9-Q3KMEhFtOrDtpEBL67WX_3JLpyZxLBvSfq8v1vpkgFju0BXbft0gTaNR1wOtQPz9LY9qP3QH7mETFkH0dX2jbBlaB0V6RWt16RrGmf67-bAbo3KRkyD7B1XE01nZAnhoXwGenYzyid/w400-h300/IMG_8461.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>But they (top right) miss, too, and again Sgt Kidd's crew returns fire, pinning the French MG team.</div><div><br /></div><div>*And then the craziest thing happened, and you won't believe me, but it's true. Fate had it in for old Sgt Kidd: the US rolled up a random event, and it was "Panic, a random unit is suppressed and falls back." I rolled a D12, and it landed on...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAA1ZGzpZ9F5zBEUgyXIYx5uxNh2R-WDvLb-GhbG19FMOKWX-GiQ3gtVUdn6yVTDZp_K4ACXKnkuH5tSdtKbvay6MRcHJh2EKkbp15Y0lKA8o_ntcNaQxeXHE_QZNEwyKoX_qPhc953jVotYM1fo_e5Vg8Ecv_Hzzw8zhg0hce22RN9Z2tkloXfpYS/s4032/IMG_8462.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAA1ZGzpZ9F5zBEUgyXIYx5uxNh2R-WDvLb-GhbG19FMOKWX-GiQ3gtVUdn6yVTDZp_K4ACXKnkuH5tSdtKbvay6MRcHJh2EKkbp15Y0lKA8o_ntcNaQxeXHE_QZNEwyKoX_qPhc953jVotYM1fo_e5Vg8Ecv_Hzzw8zhg0hce22RN9Z2tkloXfpYS/w400-h300/IMG_8462.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Sgt Kidd's tank destroyer, which immediately went suppressed and fell back behind Purple Heart Hill (far right, from center)...<br /><br />So, in terms of the story, the tank destroyer's crew was calmly and efficiently going about their deadly business, but suddenly their distraught vehicle commander just broke: "Driver, reverse out, back behind Purple Heart Hill!" "What Sarge? Now? We're doing fine!" "Dammit, we're drawing too much fire, I said get us the hell outta here, NOW!" The tank destroyer crew was watching the anxiety over yesterday's fight, the constant fear of death, and the weight of command just break down their Sergeant, and it was terrifying. He'd been there rock, had made great decisions, kept them safe when all hell was breaking loose around them, and now here he was, unable to lead them, and now they were only too happy to cower behind Purple Heart Hill...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8-BYThd-5N8tMJ-RfDWEQQo2MzFRFKcnMNEEH9vtK5fArLUWoL29eP7UMxxnapdoB8mJ6NEOsVTFeWhrAhllchCOjxIDe8-rbU_h6-X9WpaVxNjUiVkrjRzQyNoi0LPv8JztTTh8RCcNNAXlOdvtVvwuRNlfonCKnnzMb8I7DtsFqr_ONqVLndYmY/s4032/IMG_8463.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8-BYThd-5N8tMJ-RfDWEQQo2MzFRFKcnMNEEH9vtK5fArLUWoL29eP7UMxxnapdoB8mJ6NEOsVTFeWhrAhllchCOjxIDe8-rbU_h6-X9WpaVxNjUiVkrjRzQyNoi0LPv8JztTTh8RCcNNAXlOdvtVvwuRNlfonCKnnzMb8I7DtsFqr_ONqVLndYmY/w400-h300/IMG_8463.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>On the American right, Sgt Gibson pushed his M3 Stuart up to cover Lt Hastings' tank (bottom left), allowing them to rally, before firing on the French 75 on The Meatgrinder (top right).</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5AnZrD7GV98Y7u9f-m53VWkNQ05VJ2vN7FxfAB5dmTogNbsYr95NKlwooJAJStTXANRv9Qf8vTyStEBboH-AfUEhX6fVtmbQY9b2FaabFYd1UDmB4o240HK_NED7UIdf7YlhlrGMAmF7688q0UHcEoUwzWYdsR2K1aNe96tgD15FmvcfboMo3FO9N/s4032/IMG_8464.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5AnZrD7GV98Y7u9f-m53VWkNQ05VJ2vN7FxfAB5dmTogNbsYr95NKlwooJAJStTXANRv9Qf8vTyStEBboH-AfUEhX6fVtmbQY9b2FaabFYd1UDmB4o240HK_NED7UIdf7YlhlrGMAmF7688q0UHcEoUwzWYdsR2K1aNe96tgD15FmvcfboMo3FO9N/w400-h300/IMG_8464.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>But Sgt Gibson's (top right) 37mm HE round misses, and the French 75mm gun crew (bottom left) returns fire...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYtlq_cte8XTHC8glIuc2M7e8mPxpCx60EYImEknJbXQd6ygP_TOoseZ5ipqqMbJSunsIOKwYWjdG6xT1uFLBjl0uI_LXN1E27TLA2eg-1ZlH5TQ_f6l45vYth1vL5j6Hp38_Z93iszTGugC6MJGlAfVkMzXny-Wr8jh17QR6d0I-eLgX1BpXackAv/s4032/IMG_8465.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYtlq_cte8XTHC8glIuc2M7e8mPxpCx60EYImEknJbXQd6ygP_TOoseZ5ipqqMbJSunsIOKwYWjdG6xT1uFLBjl0uI_LXN1E27TLA2eg-1ZlH5TQ_f6l45vYth1vL5j6Hp38_Z93iszTGugC6MJGlAfVkMzXny-Wr8jh17QR6d0I-eLgX1BpXackAv/w400-h300/IMG_8465.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Immobilizing Sgt Gibson's tank and suppressing the crew, as well as Lt Hastings' crew!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI_eTaWkGF-E3e85mrLzbWJMhfSvUXhAWtFYLBDZH7YuIIBe0o0DvlAfQzZmyuW2kuqL8N2vAodsybN0CDHCGy_j-9kOav5rhWaGWIxplE8lwFJilN_A-ZRPfCl7zAA9_SEUn-pHUe8IjGr943lIcoccWprGm3ADdW5Hz0CEvEEghQlLpkCGLM42-1/s4032/IMG_8466.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI_eTaWkGF-E3e85mrLzbWJMhfSvUXhAWtFYLBDZH7YuIIBe0o0DvlAfQzZmyuW2kuqL8N2vAodsybN0CDHCGy_j-9kOav5rhWaGWIxplE8lwFJilN_A-ZRPfCl7zAA9_SEUn-pHUe8IjGr943lIcoccWprGm3ADdW5Hz0CEvEEghQlLpkCGLM42-1/w400-h300/IMG_8466.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Captain Henry immediately dashes forward to rally his understrength tank platoon, but the enemy fire is simply to hot: Sgt Gibson's crew rallies 'up' to pinned...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBrDyXfrxVBH6Bm3V-8Ru2VbrLEQfLXmaMRSaOVr1W4Z_Y0gssi0vRXIOSXqhHNpcFjs__BGQoNDlPAoN_fzKz5YWCI7ILsE260mFDFBoTfQByAU4Y0hXKLSmfE7qw-lVpyaB-uxKi26MwT6tlr5hKomWGdzOwNDS5gBxcPNUgT-8hYlL-BOHeShS1/s4032/IMG_8467.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBrDyXfrxVBH6Bm3V-8Ru2VbrLEQfLXmaMRSaOVr1W4Z_Y0gssi0vRXIOSXqhHNpcFjs__BGQoNDlPAoN_fzKz5YWCI7ILsE260mFDFBoTfQByAU4Y0hXKLSmfE7qw-lVpyaB-uxKi26MwT6tlr5hKomWGdzOwNDS5gBxcPNUgT-8hYlL-BOHeShS1/w400-h300/IMG_8467.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>But Lt Hastings' panics and his tank falls back, suppressed (top left, from bottom right)!!!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaGhIrzg_F6dqoYsS1XLHnSSnfpNTnPw_R0WA6VIRiAeribx6YfwSpt-rGH7aFb9rJgtrG9U0JPA5aCLWczOTORhHDhutNVWbOkN_49QDKwWvgL6HSvJP9oeRqwD1-UB9e0JeFtRsVDkiHgvgWIaBFcDqqlRW1vBcvIxbNLizdwCwgx6JXHKPpcT2O/s4032/IMG_8468.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaGhIrzg_F6dqoYsS1XLHnSSnfpNTnPw_R0WA6VIRiAeribx6YfwSpt-rGH7aFb9rJgtrG9U0JPA5aCLWczOTORhHDhutNVWbOkN_49QDKwWvgL6HSvJP9oeRqwD1-UB9e0JeFtRsVDkiHgvgWIaBFcDqqlRW1vBcvIxbNLizdwCwgx6JXHKPpcT2O/w400-h300/IMG_8468.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Back in the US center, 1st Platoon's MG and mortar teams (bottom left) go to work, targeting the French 75 at The Meatgrinder (top right)...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbqU7L8Bd4T5Inrew7X36M55_9taChrxXvW7lJZ4NDzabw1usmuYD5tqyI_-taOYJIi5v7A30GSIqIlb5-Of3-NhYsMv9WD332BdkTKgwKeJg9BSrDkKwIfgA3d4t45Qj2WlEsTUBhvmEAWgZ9SCSlLWw6YxKD7PZLLycy5cOCOGE8DjoOUEXjEOrJ/s4032/IMG_8469.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbqU7L8Bd4T5Inrew7X36M55_9taChrxXvW7lJZ4NDzabw1usmuYD5tqyI_-taOYJIi5v7A30GSIqIlb5-Of3-NhYsMv9WD332BdkTKgwKeJg9BSrDkKwIfgA3d4t45Qj2WlEsTUBhvmEAWgZ9SCSlLWw6YxKD7PZLLycy5cOCOGE8DjoOUEXjEOrJ/w400-h300/IMG_8469.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>And they manage to suppress the enemy gun crew.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6LDdO2J085eQHwclbTAK437TLcPmRfby8ZtbPeBAcfhAKFjcw7AxN_wRqTCNJKEVb2U6Ng4-OttjEJIyFlDufEofxGyVkHSy3PbQXu9xehwGTxOJ3SOmgCZ7ZBzgaHDOVxcGitwy2MPcTBxhCO5aAGag-vq_vUd6SHkWS-R5pZfmoZMUC8zmuTJna/s4032/IMG_8470.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6LDdO2J085eQHwclbTAK437TLcPmRfby8ZtbPeBAcfhAKFjcw7AxN_wRqTCNJKEVb2U6Ng4-OttjEJIyFlDufEofxGyVkHSy3PbQXu9xehwGTxOJ3SOmgCZ7ZBzgaHDOVxcGitwy2MPcTBxhCO5aAGag-vq_vUd6SHkWS-R5pZfmoZMUC8zmuTJna/w400-h300/IMG_8470.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>As 2nd Platoon's heavy weapons, sited in atop Purple Heart Hill (bottom left), fires on the French 75 below Hill 34 (top right), but miss.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkxoT4FsEAehPrF_Tmh4YSYAiip2b_N-hcXOrR9clhcxk-HOTrayXTVe1o-WEDZGIoSHx_zUt39mZKwIgWL7bZ21uACFV3eS4raBOLUVS4FV9sPGdCORpxuayJCsmKjmkg8UkxJDsI1ms0tSI_yEi6RpnOKWnNkUZUbze0L9e7QcACeP0fSpuhk-gG/s4032/IMG_8471.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkxoT4FsEAehPrF_Tmh4YSYAiip2b_N-hcXOrR9clhcxk-HOTrayXTVe1o-WEDZGIoSHx_zUt39mZKwIgWL7bZ21uACFV3eS4raBOLUVS4FV9sPGdCORpxuayJCsmKjmkg8UkxJDsI1ms0tSI_yEi6RpnOKWnNkUZUbze0L9e7QcACeP0fSpuhk-gG/w400-h300/IMG_8471.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>On the US right, Lt Woodson pushes his 1st Platoon forward, under enemy fire, rallying Sgt Gibson's tank crew as they go (Lt Woodson's vehicle has made it all the way up to Sgt Foster's burning Scout Car (center right), while Sgt Gibson's immobilized tank is just right of the oasis).</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmQV2kejSeF7C9HPPV-n8YTWPBrP_MMv5uKoHXGYAanGsd2Log92Nu6ik06Tm5BRlCobcmT389dU8YHvjs9dkvP-5rpxyh1FvpMnXQm-f2Hb7CoJd3hf2r22Zy294CxhDjslGvLZL7ZKRmzpGkjD1A6v6GaDeRgcI9l3PH2Yoyb3wWJnUGKMjqFBkS/s4032/IMG_8472.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmQV2kejSeF7C9HPPV-n8YTWPBrP_MMv5uKoHXGYAanGsd2Log92Nu6ik06Tm5BRlCobcmT389dU8YHvjs9dkvP-5rpxyh1FvpMnXQm-f2Hb7CoJd3hf2r22Zy294CxhDjslGvLZL7ZKRmzpGkjD1A6v6GaDeRgcI9l3PH2Yoyb3wWJnUGKMjqFBkS/w400-h300/IMG_8472.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>At The Meatgrinder, the French XO moves right to rally the 75mm gun crew...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxT6KL-DvMzNTVqqIlkJMn76viW19VY-w5O_r2pEE69fOCOMtOTxmqPvejQ-AgjtDqKN0XgZzi-Swdc9BZtqy7S2ZSCUxEz_rBnJELGEdIwn7o00ERp_GrhlhAi_5Rq_7W4iC_hkKRsJcIWerd9oN37hgArPPSFXXRV1DaXAC-_07Q3JDKhSgNKZKL/s4032/IMG_8473.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxT6KL-DvMzNTVqqIlkJMn76viW19VY-w5O_r2pEE69fOCOMtOTxmqPvejQ-AgjtDqKN0XgZzi-Swdc9BZtqy7S2ZSCUxEz_rBnJELGEdIwn7o00ERp_GrhlhAi_5Rq_7W4iC_hkKRsJcIWerd9oN37hgArPPSFXXRV1DaXAC-_07Q3JDKhSgNKZKL/w400-h300/IMG_8473.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>They only manage to rally 'up' to pinned (bottom left), but they immediately resume firing on the US mechanized column (top center/right).</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI1L5KHRD-wBBCJ9YZg6G7zeRXqGKVu40m9naE2gw48yAXYxO2H0PfLdJM2GfwB-lBcuiyh_e8O9_84m9DfYN7YJkfrGU5C-fhXLl68EHb3OQgEO-6FESIKBP0XOvd-4KX9AywmKsq40HZ0sefHATRgXhK0ZmYC5iViRBrkEjhk0e4IdD97JvxHtRJ/s4032/IMG_8474.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI1L5KHRD-wBBCJ9YZg6G7zeRXqGKVu40m9naE2gw48yAXYxO2H0PfLdJM2GfwB-lBcuiyh_e8O9_84m9DfYN7YJkfrGU5C-fhXLl68EHb3OQgEO-6FESIKBP0XOvd-4KX9AywmKsq40HZ0sefHATRgXhK0ZmYC5iViRBrkEjhk0e4IdD97JvxHtRJ/w400-h300/IMG_8474.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Immobilizing Lt Woodson's halftrack and pinning Sgt Bienemy's vehicle squad (yellow bead). Lt Woodson and his command team immediately bail out of the stricken halftrack; "it's okay boys, we'll walk from here!"</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiSBDSLfLp_ivJ9pb9_sqi4oYtWWrLi2eqA3JIMN4LYx9VM_vCIHwCdCXDOdnFmRjA5d6s2B39k3WWMRVoyH9ctvEPCOVZo5wEGcWzhFc5QbHlD4rq3P9BKcvUbJ7SKn3Bq5fjsdDno69VQGP8eGHfRRRDRBl-qI_aS3nIyvnY4f-05_6eyxt85PpIr" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiSBDSLfLp_ivJ9pb9_sqi4oYtWWrLi2eqA3JIMN4LYx9VM_vCIHwCdCXDOdnFmRjA5d6s2B39k3WWMRVoyH9ctvEPCOVZo5wEGcWzhFc5QbHlD4rq3P9BKcvUbJ7SKn3Bq5fjsdDno69VQGP8eGHfRRRDRBl-qI_aS3nIyvnY4f-05_6eyxt85PpIr=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">As Lt Woodson and his command team bail out (far right), Sgt Harrison's MG team (on roof at bottom left, with Sgt Zgnonina's mortar team just below them) spots the French 75mm gun (top center left) and opens fire, pinning the crew and the French XO!</div></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh33bOBZgilGRP1FVxsk6U1yxEi1dAA9Ceo_ga9wT30DpWl5x_GPREOgu_kEHEVGSjtFXoYX1EMdDmtcK8Rk2qcPhZU_n1NLp_pbeyoiIMR_SrrtSVAfCvDSiXvBN5dpgmeVtFXqSLzhW42ZYNWO9L5074YmhN_eHbse8gyl9qD-avpslwbo4aXxZUW/s4032/IMG_8475.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh33bOBZgilGRP1FVxsk6U1yxEi1dAA9Ceo_ga9wT30DpWl5x_GPREOgu_kEHEVGSjtFXoYX1EMdDmtcK8Rk2qcPhZU_n1NLp_pbeyoiIMR_SrrtSVAfCvDSiXvBN5dpgmeVtFXqSLzhW42ZYNWO9L5074YmhN_eHbse8gyl9qD-avpslwbo4aXxZUW/w400-h300/IMG_8475.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>But Lt Woodson's column (far left) is now drawing fire from the other French 75, too (bottom right, below Hill 34, with The Meatgrinder at bottom left and Murderville at center top).</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVLt86lM7KmrfKjXP7IdHVv7rH5wRftQPslE9uFnTzvbalwUBWVVnCsjKaKyokGVGaxjdHf8TFe9lv4fb53N-wxx7O4sg6xOAoTtEOeDqhErfELh59DhSFtLdcEHmA9na2lKyZH41QJrNKE89yAv0YlSF-tQEK77dJ0VYG0WzJz3QWajHXMvSriuvm/s4032/IMG_8477.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVLt86lM7KmrfKjXP7IdHVv7rH5wRftQPslE9uFnTzvbalwUBWVVnCsjKaKyokGVGaxjdHf8TFe9lv4fb53N-wxx7O4sg6xOAoTtEOeDqhErfELh59DhSFtLdcEHmA9na2lKyZH41QJrNKE89yAv0YlSF-tQEK77dJ0VYG0WzJz3QWajHXMvSriuvm/w400-h300/IMG_8477.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Sgt Gibson's M3 Stuart (immobilized at center bottom) returns fire on the French 75 (to center), as the French HE round impacts atop the bluff at bottom center, pinning Sgt Carrington's 3rd Squad/vehicle.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQWheVsxdSlISQYYnfNnS7dB8gkYPOMSCwl4L9GkJhpKGKfifQkcwi_sRld9bAwi-mKj5OsjMBuKdM7s4vuoKb1RpwLqmnM84eEJjxtzq-utEkJKgvh6Dd3WNmPGfaiMs7G6RsyQL_yDv0yzQB0_xC2GPKYeyF2rDb-KEIi7EhmKbaoorNaleHF0hR/s4032/IMG_8478.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQWheVsxdSlISQYYnfNnS7dB8gkYPOMSCwl4L9GkJhpKGKfifQkcwi_sRld9bAwi-mKj5OsjMBuKdM7s4vuoKb1RpwLqmnM84eEJjxtzq-utEkJKgvh6Dd3WNmPGfaiMs7G6RsyQL_yDv0yzQB0_xC2GPKYeyF2rDb-KEIi7EhmKbaoorNaleHF0hR/w400-h300/IMG_8478.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The French mortar team (bottom right) continues firing on Lt Royals' 2nd Armored Recon Platoon (top left)...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsIy5EbRFyxl9kFgmE5XSidtQFUi1X_-xeUv6XRGK9SYfVBnC1Z3tkanW4Lj8xjhlc9g_TcPHhi5_rsrxZsMekX3svHY7bnCbGOQO59PWWYJi5c5AfmYiKWDawTNICAcPtBqEDIW_8TyG4GiTMKWM2FJhNNrIPyaScW7Iw2PHMzCmsx52FjMMSc5tL/s4032/IMG_8479.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsIy5EbRFyxl9kFgmE5XSidtQFUi1X_-xeUv6XRGK9SYfVBnC1Z3tkanW4Lj8xjhlc9g_TcPHhi5_rsrxZsMekX3svHY7bnCbGOQO59PWWYJi5c5AfmYiKWDawTNICAcPtBqEDIW_8TyG4GiTMKWM2FJhNNrIPyaScW7Iw2PHMzCmsx52FjMMSc5tL/w400-h300/IMG_8479.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>But the shells are off target, actually impacting atop Purple Heart Hill, where Sgt Buckner's MG team is pinned (yellow bead) and Sgt Mims' mortar squad is 'men down,' taking casualties. The grunts of Lt Royals' platoon (bottom right) are just happy the to not be receiving fire...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbckTKdqUQlm4Bn9vZ-bFK_k5elq34ZgXNkfenl6rBvdTgrXZsb-QZbAD_Zo_Nc9Ujpt7nfKqi8iD0u_lznu56IIKA3VdVq8SOusILzVV0xv_G5jRcChwZq3C_maxAJZeU_zAl8a23aS0U7iDgHbv6RYEM-kxoIHW5tpmCiyzsrA9FOziPMURNznKy/s4032/IMG_8480.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbckTKdqUQlm4Bn9vZ-bFK_k5elq34ZgXNkfenl6rBvdTgrXZsb-QZbAD_Zo_Nc9Ujpt7nfKqi8iD0u_lznu56IIKA3VdVq8SOusILzVV0xv_G5jRcChwZq3C_maxAJZeU_zAl8a23aS0U7iDgHbv6RYEM-kxoIHW5tpmCiyzsrA9FOziPMURNznKy/w400-h300/IMG_8480.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>As the French MG atop Hill 34 (bottom right) zeros in on 1st Armored Recon Platoon's heavy weapons (top left), rattling off a long burst, suppressing Sgt Zgnonina's mortar team and pinning Sgt Harrison's MG team.</div><div><br /></div><div>With things largely going the French force's way, they get a bit saucy...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl3-MmFZvCzPgoomLq9HfSkIHHGL4qsddUBWxLYUOCICKRsBNQzOwLN6fJtVGz6KjtG-axOqIkdqusg-yUe9frE2Bbh3BiJnqQCH4YPRorSQJpfRP-_SI9wjqZRfOB9eFvC5g0czTjW8ghv4SlPRd_MTGclNCMfNVEuD7JH0wYTFSSy4sqEXxRP3Xi/s4032/IMG_8481.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl3-MmFZvCzPgoomLq9HfSkIHHGL4qsddUBWxLYUOCICKRsBNQzOwLN6fJtVGz6KjtG-axOqIkdqusg-yUe9frE2Bbh3BiJnqQCH4YPRorSQJpfRP-_SI9wjqZRfOB9eFvC5g0czTjW8ghv4SlPRd_MTGclNCMfNVEuD7JH0wYTFSSy4sqEXxRP3Xi/w400-h300/IMG_8481.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The French R35 light tank sallies forth from The Meatgrinder (far right bottom), moving directly up the road to engage Lt Woodson's mechanized infantry (far left/top left), spewing MG and 37mm HE rounds as he goes...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYW1epB3pKgNiVtzRyzUrqFyF4WOOqNta7im8QXrwkyLWYO33VjcnWEQigeeje0IfAt0b07Jamlr9puqw7jSv4Q-O_L_KroFfieINEsOszo6sjlcHByEMYTZ2YAlmm27aMJMVk6yxXWcL04yVQruPaEuB94YRdZLY4swhAWrvzLz4f25mwf8IaQWcZ/s4032/IMG_8482.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYW1epB3pKgNiVtzRyzUrqFyF4WOOqNta7im8QXrwkyLWYO33VjcnWEQigeeje0IfAt0b07Jamlr9puqw7jSv4Q-O_L_KroFfieINEsOszo6sjlcHByEMYTZ2YAlmm27aMJMVk6yxXWcL04yVQruPaEuB94YRdZLY4swhAWrvzLz4f25mwf8IaQWcZ/w400-h300/IMG_8482.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Lt Woodson's halftrack is no longer immobilized, it is now destroyed, and his command team is suppressed (red bead, with Sgt Bienemy's 1st Squad/vehicle pinned behind him)!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9WgGPYEYS_gTSD-mvzStNb4V9wyCOFFUpVUI8tdxBh7ItfNnCz8aQI3Q5dEyV2XyU4N5cM7_vsUayBWBzEm5DYC6HNg0d46c-3yIxsVASM4ZKMsSntuTFGpt8cM6cEBS_dai5yyvXCrzpyLZqcPbRw-6AqA7RO5IBq6D8T9bKXoTYf-ejtZWCqRVb/s320/IMG_8483.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9WgGPYEYS_gTSD-mvzStNb4V9wyCOFFUpVUI8tdxBh7ItfNnCz8aQI3Q5dEyV2XyU4N5cM7_vsUayBWBzEm5DYC6HNg0d46c-3yIxsVASM4ZKMsSntuTFGpt8cM6cEBS_dai5yyvXCrzpyLZqcPbRw-6AqA7RO5IBq6D8T9bKXoTYf-ejtZWCqRVb/w400-h300/IMG_8483.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Captain Henry tries to rally Sgt Carrington's 3rd Squad/vehicle, but they're happy to stay right where they're at...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsG2jg82gBwPm00a7-10AZxLyiVPIxR6YuAhpobk60aO2rGlkTI3c7mS0KbFLDWAABM9D5MbF2NS7CABlY3dK2FFWfjnNSWqHoklRXdYbCLZSEaFPmoiC7iS0iRTYxm_OLfmtSxcyZ_bmjUvIyDdjIVinTtZQQxu1ypFRMUi92PWSU6Rm0dcr96Ms-/s4032/IMG_8484.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsG2jg82gBwPm00a7-10AZxLyiVPIxR6YuAhpobk60aO2rGlkTI3c7mS0KbFLDWAABM9D5MbF2NS7CABlY3dK2FFWfjnNSWqHoklRXdYbCLZSEaFPmoiC7iS0iRTYxm_OLfmtSxcyZ_bmjUvIyDdjIVinTtZQQxu1ypFRMUi92PWSU6Rm0dcr96Ms-/w400-h300/IMG_8484.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>So he falls back to the crossroads and tries to get Sgt Zgnonina's mortar team (red bead at right) and Lt Hasting's M3 Stuart (red bead at left, with Sgt Harrison's pinned MG team -yellow bead- on the roof) back in the fight. The MG team is good, but the mortar team and Lt Hastings' tank only get up to pinned.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF-UK1aa8SckOs6pvzxU6ukPOuINPj5Fw0wxc631e_SIbeU3fZFCqqRCQ9PXkr762KvSJ534gQDyct0PtjaET0VtgImtAwz_PFxJtQ2WC154uQOa_qvaGzU5-cLAgqLBrD2pYyAIft1EgpkMrSFMjqi-zdp_ZfLbNHkpIv6WWOxARxUCF5sCeDZwEF/s4032/IMG_8485.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF-UK1aa8SckOs6pvzxU6ukPOuINPj5Fw0wxc631e_SIbeU3fZFCqqRCQ9PXkr762KvSJ534gQDyct0PtjaET0VtgImtAwz_PFxJtQ2WC154uQOa_qvaGzU5-cLAgqLBrD2pYyAIft1EgpkMrSFMjqi-zdp_ZfLbNHkpIv6WWOxARxUCF5sCeDZwEF/w400-h300/IMG_8485.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Meanwhile, Sgt Gibson (in his immobilized tank, left bottom) continues sending 37mm HE rounds at the French 75 at The Meatgrinder (top right), suppressing the crew and the French XO.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJeYB1HjXNpvg22q4Jewv7BrfIcwW2edbwK8wnAFNbWtRVjWUOwYI_kf-jj49RVwpWdm0h-O5UGl_wHhFqKufvGSkd93iiGfKvZTq7VZmnwA12Gp8lzwLJkqrBl_jvjool1qZnYUGwawTLHl_qJV8P-AbdhWi-MIcBAD0OJw_uu922M5ObGWs_nAVg/s4032/IMG_8486.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJeYB1HjXNpvg22q4Jewv7BrfIcwW2edbwK8wnAFNbWtRVjWUOwYI_kf-jj49RVwpWdm0h-O5UGl_wHhFqKufvGSkd93iiGfKvZTq7VZmnwA12Gp8lzwLJkqrBl_jvjool1qZnYUGwawTLHl_qJV8P-AbdhWi-MIcBAD0OJw_uu922M5ObGWs_nAVg/w400-h300/IMG_8486.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>And 1st Platoon's heavy weapons (bottom left) fire on French forces east of the river (top right)...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWLDEvfV45V62DvI1Y9x77WbbZaQwFH1Tzw-G5R5ukHe9jEfxln4gtdrXV69IvpcarkJ2HdywlWlW42JXpJLgBDecwxccyR60iftjPnwn_cZwa5Y5IQS-Ylv5lEX5Ljbz8BXisJFQquMfZwHhkqdglk0y3XE9MtpIT63jqtvNu09ZKvuoyxepgNlCU/s4032/IMG_8487.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWLDEvfV45V62DvI1Y9x77WbbZaQwFH1Tzw-G5R5ukHe9jEfxln4gtdrXV69IvpcarkJ2HdywlWlW42JXpJLgBDecwxccyR60iftjPnwn_cZwa5Y5IQS-Ylv5lEX5Ljbz8BXisJFQquMfZwHhkqdglk0y3XE9MtpIT63jqtvNu09ZKvuoyxepgNlCU/w400-h300/IMG_8487.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Sending the French 75 below Hill 34 'men down'!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi70lRxEvTCD3BniNntD_6reIVEGXwn_IJBYatTE4snGg-M1M_4MPCPiUamoV-SlOvXUsUKcwLXUG7VJcMUAkCHaA-ZTsEOSWVvmN_l2VL78wUbQysiwJmjN6T0SqNCS7-dXhbc0IWFqzIf2yT3qOEaQwApmweTYI94izV8x8ybtvgxCOb4B2eX9GNu/s4032/IMG_8488.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi70lRxEvTCD3BniNntD_6reIVEGXwn_IJBYatTE4snGg-M1M_4MPCPiUamoV-SlOvXUsUKcwLXUG7VJcMUAkCHaA-ZTsEOSWVvmN_l2VL78wUbQysiwJmjN6T0SqNCS7-dXhbc0IWFqzIf2yT3qOEaQwApmweTYI94izV8x8ybtvgxCOb4B2eX9GNu/w400-h300/IMG_8488.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>While 2nd Platoon's heavy weapons (atop Purple Heart Hill, bottom left), harmlessly exchanges fire with the French MG atop Hill 34 (top right).</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_815jKaI6Xyh8qvXnbEMCvWdrJ6b9Ek4uQe8sgwDjAEvk_8Z9VD6cxmZCifcYEoo2JHtEHU-D18DcBxn8m5h3DjqU3FE3SWDnDdLN_YqcwbJ8wmKrqZ_3cqSpEzJAmAN2vTQuqecAaA6jklybqpY7vzrPfgb3IDdV68n-L75SJYTUq0ZOjS8kUpVn/s4032/IMG_8489.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_815jKaI6Xyh8qvXnbEMCvWdrJ6b9Ek4uQe8sgwDjAEvk_8Z9VD6cxmZCifcYEoo2JHtEHU-D18DcBxn8m5h3DjqU3FE3SWDnDdLN_YqcwbJ8wmKrqZ_3cqSpEzJAmAN2vTQuqecAaA6jklybqpY7vzrPfgb3IDdV68n-L75SJYTUq0ZOjS8kUpVn/w400-h300/IMG_8489.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>But then 1st Platoon's MG team, under Sgt Harrison (bottom left), opens fire on Hill 34 (top right) as they're trading fire with 2nd Platoon's heavy weapons (atop Purple Heart Hill, far left), and suppressed the French MG team!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq341jggITfhxZjjJIEJpc4IbPgbICh-EqMxGjjnIm0gANytpE2NdBZ9SmrsMojguyoJRszBySHGn4HYMtRATtXdwk1QB_yWz_ufxngSwHE4fSiIHag8RUC3d6Fz5UiPE6qpjluqRbk6FCw8AqQkx87HOnIZ-tn9XVMZZRfirywdOIVhHbc7D8_iwP/s4032/IMG_8490.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq341jggITfhxZjjJIEJpc4IbPgbICh-EqMxGjjnIm0gANytpE2NdBZ9SmrsMojguyoJRszBySHGn4HYMtRATtXdwk1QB_yWz_ufxngSwHE4fSiIHag8RUC3d6Fz5UiPE6qpjluqRbk6FCw8AqQkx87HOnIZ-tn9XVMZZRfirywdOIVhHbc7D8_iwP/w400-h300/IMG_8490.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>On the French left, their R35 light tank (bottom center) begins firing on Purple Heart Hill (top center left), keeping Sgt Buckner's MG team pinned down.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiANpgH6vJXXxHyf8aMpAu8ZCm9kXhAZj5ooHSB6qJejQIT-14vswW0LVOrtIIpUGxYco8WX_zi3ehLZSoOSLtB_KZzBD5msDtkczIm9s4M32N1trUofWi5npZsT0EMUeK6wqC1Gtt-idfP67asUSvkgXTMIMYcQAv3gb8zsPFlpFcmo4wvIXYTAHSY/s4032/IMG_8491.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiANpgH6vJXXxHyf8aMpAu8ZCm9kXhAZj5ooHSB6qJejQIT-14vswW0LVOrtIIpUGxYco8WX_zi3ehLZSoOSLtB_KZzBD5msDtkczIm9s4M32N1trUofWi5npZsT0EMUeK6wqC1Gtt-idfP67asUSvkgXTMIMYcQAv3gb8zsPFlpFcmo4wvIXYTAHSY/w400-h300/IMG_8491.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>French infantry dug-in on The Meatgrinder (bottom right) return fire on 1st Platoon's heavy weapons at the crossroads (top left), to no effect. On their right (just visible at far right), the French XO and 75mm gun crew attempt to self rally...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ1yL2th_Xnm53HSaqQBVHsDWm5xvjC1UhbFZ3cOmfKqwEplK6S1JGZHiXuCJT9N1I3l37LFwb3yasZ5Nual5nL_Qczm9bepTqdJv0XpoQ1ifFbQbm-P9Q25zGkpzxUaMAKfjKZ-znNG_1ESKXC7BlNxepkeMnoKCw6UERLJWZ6_MAegk2KWCLxaNm/s4032/IMG_8492.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ1yL2th_Xnm53HSaqQBVHsDWm5xvjC1UhbFZ3cOmfKqwEplK6S1JGZHiXuCJT9N1I3l37LFwb3yasZ5Nual5nL_Qczm9bepTqdJv0XpoQ1ifFbQbm-P9Q25zGkpzxUaMAKfjKZ-znNG_1ESKXC7BlNxepkeMnoKCw6UERLJWZ6_MAegk2KWCLxaNm/w400-h300/IMG_8492.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>But they both fail and fall back (red beads at bottom center, from top right)!!!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2-w98QPTyLLsdB2fK6b3FImEIq1oKCY439Z-4VIeaQsTjVjlK_jjZiidebFgTAywuBvMlurGSpTSjeN4DajHFwlgY5wR7ktGEOA2PJv6IB91c4LkGfO3S-TCgcnF3sOYELJD-u4ZT1MtK7ruZBMlshzPSVnflpeS8m4LbTpqVI6lAU0wCGnv_ar07/s4032/IMG_8493.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2-w98QPTyLLsdB2fK6b3FImEIq1oKCY439Z-4VIeaQsTjVjlK_jjZiidebFgTAywuBvMlurGSpTSjeN4DajHFwlgY5wR7ktGEOA2PJv6IB91c4LkGfO3S-TCgcnF3sOYELJD-u4ZT1MtK7ruZBMlshzPSVnflpeS8m4LbTpqVI6lAU0wCGnv_ar07/w400-h300/IMG_8493.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The left-hand French rifle squad moves over (from off camera to far left) to help... </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0dATH6D_Ot8GVF6wHws1QDjL63-A7XwpZ5_ZqSCV3C-ZmaFwblLjq43Wz5PUJnktmYIXS0skCkxQFh6qQfelr9VlF2t3ivjyOVEai3YbYUmxbKdwpgU3VZkJvydcDIZbKWv0aqJFQD1lBuyAPjX7qa8SMcS2OMztp5gUvSH29ub2343Lr4ZDcCpY7/s4032/IMG_8494.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0dATH6D_Ot8GVF6wHws1QDjL63-A7XwpZ5_ZqSCV3C-ZmaFwblLjq43Wz5PUJnktmYIXS0skCkxQFh6qQfelr9VlF2t3ivjyOVEai3YbYUmxbKdwpgU3VZkJvydcDIZbKWv0aqJFQD1lBuyAPjX7qa8SMcS2OMztp5gUvSH29ub2343Lr4ZDcCpY7/w400-h300/IMG_8494.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The French XO is rallied, but the gun crew is panics and runs!!! The French XO immediately moves to re-man the abandoned 75mm gun.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6H5R6TKtwxMX04NybCNv0ubFhQFU-gjRjCXcz_9wViq4ptsvsgm3LpEfYN8PjAP_ud9P1G--aOZkO6T7Zf4fiJxBBSDwQSWBIE1CjkVmigBJ-TCZQM4e6BXcFFdOWunqNOQBuhiUVMrU2NYDwU74B1wXgsFsL40CqssR6hLz2kSwhGNG_2Zpauzxp/s320/IMG_8495.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6H5R6TKtwxMX04NybCNv0ubFhQFU-gjRjCXcz_9wViq4ptsvsgm3LpEfYN8PjAP_ud9P1G--aOZkO6T7Zf4fiJxBBSDwQSWBIE1CjkVmigBJ-TCZQM4e6BXcFFdOWunqNOQBuhiUVMrU2NYDwU74B1wXgsFsL40CqssR6hLz2kSwhGNG_2Zpauzxp/w400-h300/IMG_8495.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>In the northeast, the French Weapons Platoon leader falls back to help rally the 75mm gun crew below Hill 34 (far right, from far left) as the two MG team (far left and top center) attempt to self rally.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDGSbwyWJfe_HqaI79wnCc8YwzGIZDBRKUsr-WhY-ugFJN1rmY4E24jogPNdUbCBROHP2a9yu26Lt_gH90lZppy7z59xnFrT6hZ6j6uitGSRnI_SEmoRAB-qmvKaf-vgGJ90pNTzaCHf4Mm2BUhsTH7R1StK36rqxRkveACT_CjJrY6V6abIs1MaBx/s4032/IMG_8496.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDGSbwyWJfe_HqaI79wnCc8YwzGIZDBRKUsr-WhY-ugFJN1rmY4E24jogPNdUbCBROHP2a9yu26Lt_gH90lZppy7z59xnFrT6hZ6j6uitGSRnI_SEmoRAB-qmvKaf-vgGJ90pNTzaCHf4Mm2BUhsTH7R1StK36rqxRkveACT_CjJrY6V6abIs1MaBx/w400-h300/IMG_8496.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The MG team in the trench (top center) and the 75mm gun crew ar ready, but the MG team atop Hill 34 panics and falls back (far right, from top center right).</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbCXABA2rETtpO_z8qW5oLt9Gpq0jbWhnVQ5VrolKevcQ5aHQkI1JJumJo6yY3SkQS7QEHFJPm1O8FQvOAAvwmKAPbjQOQ4mlz3lVT0JYN5uj7npYFDC1w_w2DsFf20m5xvDEwNTZYNHC_8nY2fIIC2O2lOEJ8bYdg4_SIkgU7xDRiVTpzE7XiN16o/s4032/IMG_8497.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbCXABA2rETtpO_z8qW5oLt9Gpq0jbWhnVQ5VrolKevcQ5aHQkI1JJumJo6yY3SkQS7QEHFJPm1O8FQvOAAvwmKAPbjQOQ4mlz3lVT0JYN5uj7npYFDC1w_w2DsFf20m5xvDEwNTZYNHC_8nY2fIIC2O2lOEJ8bYdg4_SIkgU7xDRiVTpzE7XiN16o/w400-h300/IMG_8497.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Back at the crossroads, Captain Henry keeps working to rally the troops: Sgt Zgnonina's mortar team (yellow bead at center right), but Lt Hastings' tank (yellow bead at left) panics!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCN6aSbyvAwiMitdqOse7_z49mYXom6jE3HoI6SgtU_lFnr8Bis8vSSGax-L0Ff2YeJKPLgUBoEfKQcc8k3Fd9pY472rCZWDgCxIX8EFX-qlLldPWWpvrkm-FIznAJQatGTgyfw2m8Vkar_q5RmO-SARc2invQlZUF24epiKd6q7Gk4cws9J1Z6V-g/s4032/IMG_8498.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCN6aSbyvAwiMitdqOse7_z49mYXom6jE3HoI6SgtU_lFnr8Bis8vSSGax-L0Ff2YeJKPLgUBoEfKQcc8k3Fd9pY472rCZWDgCxIX8EFX-qlLldPWWpvrkm-FIznAJQatGTgyfw2m8Vkar_q5RmO-SARc2invQlZUF24epiKd6q7Gk4cws9J1Z6V-g/w400-h300/IMG_8498.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Captain Henry then pushes forward, up to the head of the column, where he sets about rallying Lt Woodson's beleaguered platoon. Sgt Bienemy's 1st Squad (yellow bead at center) is good, but Lt Woodson's command team (between them and the command stand) begins to panic and fall back!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmAdATaHNs8-1BM0EFUy5JUWn-36rYgnb-A4Ixsyyokayjn1Ci6V7E0anpf4UfzKlBuudrrv2ghoYN3xuCWF97-Chi2wHUbaKc8D6Po8Rfp6Azn7WtCzU5-abVEt3YuPjdZIokaQ7bIgLmeTAvGwv89i0ibPJ-0Ji_yLaAjwu4PODLfgn4iEchlMsE/s4032/IMG_8499.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmAdATaHNs8-1BM0EFUy5JUWn-36rYgnb-A4Ixsyyokayjn1Ci6V7E0anpf4UfzKlBuudrrv2ghoYN3xuCWF97-Chi2wHUbaKc8D6Po8Rfp6Azn7WtCzU5-abVEt3YuPjdZIokaQ7bIgLmeTAvGwv89i0ibPJ-0Ji_yLaAjwu4PODLfgn4iEchlMsE/w400-h300/IMG_8499.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>They retreat back to Sgt Gibson's immobilized tank (red bead at left, from far right), before Lt Woodson can get them calmed down and back in the fight! But having seen Lt Woodson's command team bolt, now Sgt Carrington's 3rd Squad/vehicle (yellow bead at bottom left) panics!<br /><br />*The CO tried to rally them and they failed and fell back, but then they were able to self rally.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0_JSALcQ752K0pfZ5BJVDSfGp1IoIYbtzQ141dkPwA6AVlPhi6fve-pnUCyWf2BOVIWgN2dNdE26wI7FqXNC1xIJX7uqPi6BVAYOKFIA2dgP-v-rFTFhsWqfOa0S1tgkNAm7CN9iYDZ9UkYYcssXJdXYXyFHqbWAun7Ym9Cc-HWi0JqOSiQF0kvV2/s4032/IMG_8500.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0_JSALcQ752K0pfZ5BJVDSfGp1IoIYbtzQ141dkPwA6AVlPhi6fve-pnUCyWf2BOVIWgN2dNdE26wI7FqXNC1xIJX7uqPi6BVAYOKFIA2dgP-v-rFTFhsWqfOa0S1tgkNAm7CN9iYDZ9UkYYcssXJdXYXyFHqbWAun7Ym9Cc-HWi0JqOSiQF0kvV2/w400-h300/IMG_8500.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Meanwhile, Sgt Bienemy is getting aggravated and decides to take things into his own hands: he orders his vehicle forward, where he and his squad dismount (center bottom).</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtSDKg1lE1_bB1gHVzn2iDnjXlJK-y4WwtooUnI7Ox3SnPe9Tx5sfwwuXuKQT4FnSXLVzHS8fdHYNpJtpy_rbBQbi97jSvZ8qnhgx_rFomKYYV0rea3x7KvPhCGqWhZghNYyrUDHZWQ_Q_dfwr1YXhnBtHONDJdg8RVkfz0wE_WINdM1nc0M1ofTJZ/s4032/IMG_8501.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtSDKg1lE1_bB1gHVzn2iDnjXlJK-y4WwtooUnI7Ox3SnPe9Tx5sfwwuXuKQT4FnSXLVzHS8fdHYNpJtpy_rbBQbi97jSvZ8qnhgx_rFomKYYV0rea3x7KvPhCGqWhZghNYyrUDHZWQ_Q_dfwr1YXhnBtHONDJdg8RVkfz0wE_WINdM1nc0M1ofTJZ/w400-h300/IMG_8501.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>On the left, Sgt Foster moves over to help 2nd Platoon's heavy weapons and Sgt Kidd's tank destroyer rally back into the fight (center, on Purple Heart Hill); the heavy weapons teams are good to go, but Sgt Kidd's tank destroyer crew has had enough and leaves the battlefield (far left)...</div><div><br /></div><div>Finally, Lt Royals' is able to get his 2nd Platoon (minus 2nd Squad and with Sgt Humphries' Engineer Squad attached) moving towards Murderville, with his lead elements reaching the Engineer Platoon's abandoned trucks (far right).</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhopE5ad1m5CotABbK2HyHdcl8KAO2KKB65UXLyCh-WWwlByYVilAKjdcbIiRwASAsHZvKZFjHYnMpHALnbWefRP6xb6X9KQM9pSEuMxWInlkDkD1YVwEOkxsiVOUF8TLk0_BxCSG4Qr7Veg6tun6mCfMMbAduGOUaAHxFQdqqPtZ9j14qijUCwrOiA/s4032/IMG_8502.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhopE5ad1m5CotABbK2HyHdcl8KAO2KKB65UXLyCh-WWwlByYVilAKjdcbIiRwASAsHZvKZFjHYnMpHALnbWefRP6xb6X9KQM9pSEuMxWInlkDkD1YVwEOkxsiVOUF8TLk0_BxCSG4Qr7Veg6tun6mCfMMbAduGOUaAHxFQdqqPtZ9j14qijUCwrOiA/w400-h300/IMG_8502.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>1st Platoon's heavy weapons (at the crossroads, center bottom) open fire on The Meatgrinder (top center right), suppressing a French rifle squad.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgp0VNWrRpxkYSvR0eUZs5f8-1knL1nBp7wnbwAMA1UdFtHtS7zWFkjgeyKbStf-neY1MgCiREzN7jofznqwqI7otHRFi0ggezh4W6b3o69MQ2MYrJspL2zlsWfg7E6-UynDewdBghuZa9KTympnrcrhL6ikw8nZQvh-tticAj90NqK3l66PKTWzNB/s4032/IMG_8503.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgp0VNWrRpxkYSvR0eUZs5f8-1knL1nBp7wnbwAMA1UdFtHtS7zWFkjgeyKbStf-neY1MgCiREzN7jofznqwqI7otHRFi0ggezh4W6b3o69MQ2MYrJspL2zlsWfg7E6-UynDewdBghuZa9KTympnrcrhL6ikw8nZQvh-tticAj90NqK3l66PKTWzNB/w400-h300/IMG_8503.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>As 2nd Platoon's heavy weapons (atop Purple Heart Hill, bottom left) engage Hill 34 (top right)...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZh7SSaujY7WxQMWU79i4Gow0QqtNnBtF7QNu8m3vhWCwTEFM3lMXM-cAFyGj6FqcUO22_8q96yq03eB4J_eu59pE5hBEGb2ZkVmTICsYJ8UibNnfwh2x13nGnUP_mJQW-CfWPeDPlZk1VSpbTHmtUy7YJEG8fHQ8QWs-o3FNSGUZssClWX0oCfGG5/s4032/IMG_8504.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZh7SSaujY7WxQMWU79i4Gow0QqtNnBtF7QNu8m3vhWCwTEFM3lMXM-cAFyGj6FqcUO22_8q96yq03eB4J_eu59pE5hBEGb2ZkVmTICsYJ8UibNnfwh2x13nGnUP_mJQW-CfWPeDPlZk1VSpbTHmtUy7YJEG8fHQ8QWs-o3FNSGUZssClWX0oCfGG5/w400-h300/IMG_8504.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The French 75mm gun crew goes 'men down' again, while the French Wpns Plt leader and MG team are suppressed!!!</div><div><br /></div><div>But the big development is over on the US right...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbKMoW-fEHKLU9QwDwmjpF-lmVuTKOZD4LYA17bkDHvoQaUTWu9uycaPLMFmofdGWZ-Ip8ALBHNP1Ej-icivrWLMUwjxCJZrLDYcyhtwZsfYOE-af31Rui8hh5NV3i9SN2nfcK1AmSkD_-TiFa1WerM_3HlJp0GJ1lF9eDvngr1WVvEnarjM7Dt4ZD/s4032/IMG_8505.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbKMoW-fEHKLU9QwDwmjpF-lmVuTKOZD4LYA17bkDHvoQaUTWu9uycaPLMFmofdGWZ-Ip8ALBHNP1Ej-icivrWLMUwjxCJZrLDYcyhtwZsfYOE-af31Rui8hh5NV3i9SN2nfcK1AmSkD_-TiFa1WerM_3HlJp0GJ1lF9eDvngr1WVvEnarjM7Dt4ZD/w400-h300/IMG_8505.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>As Sgt Bienemy's 1st Squad, 1st Armored Recon Platoon, moved up, they brought Cpl Greene and his bazooka with him!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnfZ-3j0YtZXdP8sgwtW6LwxagsA0Fc0NROH_SA28UolCtB4NdF_zvbEaTOc1uopC1SXwI2XiYFZ_FSsH5WAWlzB5ip7ZTk3yFLWGFy8gnW52YtAJ2ybmaTUf72tgiAdf-vomUxGrJtshmlrU5ha081An-h6-i1D05BLcMGYhe2Y56XCesUQsjaxDP/s4032/IMG_8506.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnfZ-3j0YtZXdP8sgwtW6LwxagsA0Fc0NROH_SA28UolCtB4NdF_zvbEaTOc1uopC1SXwI2XiYFZ_FSsH5WAWlzB5ip7ZTk3yFLWGFy8gnW52YtAJ2ybmaTUf72tgiAdf-vomUxGrJtshmlrU5ha081An-h6-i1D05BLcMGYhe2Y56XCesUQsjaxDP/w400-h300/IMG_8506.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Cpl Greene and his assistant gunner creep past Sgt Bienemy's squad, up behind a nearby palm, where they calmly set about lining up a shot on the French light tank, then loosed a rocket...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrPxD311C0e0dtf9wXZkUlCWUmyVNLsvCqIR3bxpSM3KkJPkkzXN-57HBuWUPjQ8Sqh6s9N1-wKdYGLT7GQ1Kea9qmATHBfQTEURcU_GnFt0pheDgEIoXv3JG5GB3e771eLGC31zBIfHGvE4xAIWeymt7FHdA546_NKo3qmdW_-VFGfpwYR931kpd0/s4032/IMG_8507.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrPxD311C0e0dtf9wXZkUlCWUmyVNLsvCqIR3bxpSM3KkJPkkzXN-57HBuWUPjQ8Sqh6s9N1-wKdYGLT7GQ1Kea9qmATHBfQTEURcU_GnFt0pheDgEIoXv3JG5GB3e771eLGC31zBIfHGvE4xAIWeymt7FHdA546_NKo3qmdW_-VFGfpwYR931kpd0/w400-h300/IMG_8507.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>WHAM!!! The French tank goes up in flames!!!</div><div><br /></div><div>A cheer goes up on the US right...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqUm02VzihvIOGWXekP9VRzN5oYUgmtmA2bPLy0hZXk4E_srTPR0Fte0hKOxbdE_KX09hHinHT1jZ8COyGjmmIP-wYJlFp63G78FZIpc9xVm8vLxy7OD9mw3RSvrPixsNO6dSYwSNMSWJVt0xOIGLi1CQaqP6WnemT0hQJFcwfF8awRgQxo5iOwPz2/s320/IMG_8508.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqUm02VzihvIOGWXekP9VRzN5oYUgmtmA2bPLy0hZXk4E_srTPR0Fte0hKOxbdE_KX09hHinHT1jZ8COyGjmmIP-wYJlFp63G78FZIpc9xVm8vLxy7OD9mw3RSvrPixsNO6dSYwSNMSWJVt0xOIGLi1CQaqP6WnemT0hQJFcwfF8awRgQxo5iOwPz2/w400-h300/IMG_8508.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>And then Sgt Bienemy leads his squad and Cpl Greene's bazooka team up to the knocked out French tank!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXNbuk8dJbRkKOdNiEZhuiOwxB_fKnpRC4nIlBEZG2BjKQpvhHJA8M2kC43GcaChWIKekNdHvTnQUNUxjSExVCh0ULJpPh19q6ytuBM69OhP_Xrwp9OGevhnOxxscenF3VBX6TfR_1ueeevr3pgsYTlHoReaSPHgtggXwG_IWty9gn7v_bQ2sfE1F0/s4032/IMG_8509.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXNbuk8dJbRkKOdNiEZhuiOwxB_fKnpRC4nIlBEZG2BjKQpvhHJA8M2kC43GcaChWIKekNdHvTnQUNUxjSExVCh0ULJpPh19q6ytuBM69OhP_Xrwp9OGevhnOxxscenF3VBX6TfR_1ueeevr3pgsYTlHoReaSPHgtggXwG_IWty9gn7v_bQ2sfE1F0/w400-h300/IMG_8509.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Further back, Captain Henry rallies Sgt Carrington's 3rd Squad/vehicle, then Lt Woodson and his command team hop in with them...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkSglFSlOlsriBVD8yG5oleiAZlOmBRLHU_ITLR33pL9rkxK45lpU_SKch2aRggPuApF_h8K_f8yDQ57OtUwO2nof7GoheZuI3vVRlGOwSVs4HCnHuE6nNm-Ngvv4MMH1psnvecVJmK7AyQgjpWA5vIoqO3XdqVZB2xQizmqQwFmT36pLqlQ_mzvLF/s4032/IMG_8510.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkSglFSlOlsriBVD8yG5oleiAZlOmBRLHU_ITLR33pL9rkxK45lpU_SKch2aRggPuApF_h8K_f8yDQ57OtUwO2nof7GoheZuI3vVRlGOwSVs4HCnHuE6nNm-Ngvv4MMH1psnvecVJmK7AyQgjpWA5vIoqO3XdqVZB2xQizmqQwFmT36pLqlQ_mzvLF/w400-h300/IMG_8510.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Lt Woodson orders the 2nd and 3rd Squad halftracks forward, up to Sgt Bienemy's position (bottom right).</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYtjmrRrWO3oqLsFTYJTlb6hYfxEq6u3ddfNQhXWdoExAUJKOK4BwXfuWW85uvqd1x3wiOjGED8OokGUzyMMPPRqcalGXFYwLdp-dI8QiaJIfCQLN2d5NnKF52PpcLbkEAzwPBAhVWcFHXt2sbJvjGBZDxFu4-rv0Oon67OrEBLmorklCTPgIek0ni/s4032/IMG_8511.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYtjmrRrWO3oqLsFTYJTlb6hYfxEq6u3ddfNQhXWdoExAUJKOK4BwXfuWW85uvqd1x3wiOjGED8OokGUzyMMPPRqcalGXFYwLdp-dI8QiaJIfCQLN2d5NnKF52PpcLbkEAzwPBAhVWcFHXt2sbJvjGBZDxFu4-rv0Oon67OrEBLmorklCTPgIek0ni/w400-h300/IMG_8511.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The French 81mm mortar team (bottom right) opens fire on Lt Woodson's platoon (top left, with The Meatgrinder at far left)...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYDG0KRXDwxM3QU6KA1-W2PCszOZkwfsyMj7WnRNbEm2tghMTJtF1wxFeheJmdt0nRyYdAiRHdJToTIPVi077ay3uSnyKfhkfJR31v13vtu0bAhzr0zR0PJzJIWsXdWQAbQovI-Cpaceo0FAxdO8_I-IbMoQBRddkeyETuF0jT8_o7Dqj8e-TKCHwW/s4032/IMG_8512.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYDG0KRXDwxM3QU6KA1-W2PCszOZkwfsyMj7WnRNbEm2tghMTJtF1wxFeheJmdt0nRyYdAiRHdJToTIPVi077ay3uSnyKfhkfJR31v13vtu0bAhzr0zR0PJzJIWsXdWQAbQovI-Cpaceo0FAxdO8_I-IbMoQBRddkeyETuF0jT8_o7Dqj8e-TKCHwW/w400-h300/IMG_8512.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>But the 81mm HE rounds fall harmlessly in the desert, short of their intended target!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-D1pgLsM-HOH18yZ92cO6MfodJX7LYTj0BloriuYX6kVsg5O5e1pYq3Zde3AiZWhOeXsM90F3UW8nHt6CLJK8qwfaFVZbg7do2p06DEKdW_6dp5PDPBwUKqJzEtsMFaB4FgQbMDBrZY2Lxu4igoE1PpZxiyfoQlgKs9vw8_tvHqS56PYR6__WVLt9/s4032/IMG_8513.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-D1pgLsM-HOH18yZ92cO6MfodJX7LYTj0BloriuYX6kVsg5O5e1pYq3Zde3AiZWhOeXsM90F3UW8nHt6CLJK8qwfaFVZbg7do2p06DEKdW_6dp5PDPBwUKqJzEtsMFaB4FgQbMDBrZY2Lxu4igoE1PpZxiyfoQlgKs9vw8_tvHqS56PYR6__WVLt9/w400-h300/IMG_8513.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Sgt Gibson, despite his tank being immobilized (bottom left), just keeps hammering away at the French, this time engaging the French mortar team (top center right), suppressing them!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ5U2pVMZERzXcrXk8jtevEMLjLkDXoWexp_khYNIaMvyouyhGGD8qtR3ZCi_rPUHJO3gfZ_8DVhBr4uCVe_sWu6MmxD5n9IyskR4vSnIBGfVVZ2WUpQdGnqr3TxJCAzKpt-rmHSYcWDoA9T1WukQ6Gp_puKNDsT6JZwmb3sUBZwFcUnW3VmG8eOQ6/s4032/IMG_8514.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ5U2pVMZERzXcrXk8jtevEMLjLkDXoWexp_khYNIaMvyouyhGGD8qtR3ZCi_rPUHJO3gfZ_8DVhBr4uCVe_sWu6MmxD5n9IyskR4vSnIBGfVVZ2WUpQdGnqr3TxJCAzKpt-rmHSYcWDoA9T1WukQ6Gp_puKNDsT6JZwmb3sUBZwFcUnW3VmG8eOQ6/w400-h300/IMG_8514.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Back at The Meatgrinder, the French XO and his command team manhandle the 75mm gun back into its firing position (top right)...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8L281PbLF3PvTMYtP2SY4WRuPj5_dV6x3ShRMZoKf8VdN1Z-7cqUBJiwADPh5_3HufKGuSL-kwPr3DwRlwW8W2osvVuppIBqiXK-je6AdqzcPcwUylaYXlF9iJTNVYLUbaQXXz1dsQW61RB2R_U-d898cPhTU95hxlBHtJ9csrt5Cdljp-kvTfsWP/s4032/IMG_8515.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8L281PbLF3PvTMYtP2SY4WRuPj5_dV6x3ShRMZoKf8VdN1Z-7cqUBJiwADPh5_3HufKGuSL-kwPr3DwRlwW8W2osvVuppIBqiXK-je6AdqzcPcwUylaYXlF9iJTNVYLUbaQXXz1dsQW61RB2R_U-d898cPhTU95hxlBHtJ9csrt5Cdljp-kvTfsWP/w400-h300/IMG_8515.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>But Sgt Buckner's MG team, atop Purple Heart Hill (bottom left), spots the movement (top right) and opens fire, suppressing them!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjExso5Wxmi_B5c8pvFjjKhIjd4hRmb9MbDlKQbpj1zcFd6QPjb9vuTfLYo9PePZ78tPFVKBL-Vj3JGxZILqFACi0bdTsWMlEQCDx92ImLBloZSWYkXVRLh9U-erxsgIrzk9O2kI-Nie_3WU8CiYvFQ6sFdVH4uraxKm4AA5OmkHTHvwQsIMPZbEOYO/s4032/IMG_8516.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjExso5Wxmi_B5c8pvFjjKhIjd4hRmb9MbDlKQbpj1zcFd6QPjb9vuTfLYo9PePZ78tPFVKBL-Vj3JGxZILqFACi0bdTsWMlEQCDx92ImLBloZSWYkXVRLh9U-erxsgIrzk9O2kI-Nie_3WU8CiYvFQ6sFdVH4uraxKm4AA5OmkHTHvwQsIMPZbEOYO/w400-h300/IMG_8516.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The French rifle squad that rallied their XO now moves up to try and rally a suppressed French squad on The Meatgrinder (far left)...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeIMipmCnIXAtvZYAJFRqRZUD9PAQNcPCgryUq5FBsKEMwF5bUpISn8SvD4qp_yM719GXT-kxc_LRgYurqWveTTrALPiAvPLV2ov89bWCDij5z6cIqYJ_7hMZ1rZBPw56pLAWkFyHrNXxQntbkm5Qiy32lAiNRD17DSxoIez9sJra_98C4kHFwisZs/s4032/IMG_8517.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeIMipmCnIXAtvZYAJFRqRZUD9PAQNcPCgryUq5FBsKEMwF5bUpISn8SvD4qp_yM719GXT-kxc_LRgYurqWveTTrALPiAvPLV2ov89bWCDij5z6cIqYJ_7hMZ1rZBPw56pLAWkFyHrNXxQntbkm5Qiy32lAiNRD17DSxoIez9sJra_98C4kHFwisZs/w400-h300/IMG_8517.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>But Sgt Harrison's MG team (bottom left) spots them (top right) and opens fire...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtSbZuAYwrdRN14b79b3u7xDVqMqsOG1nM8AUlTMklmqxhmgqIA2U1oTSdTVl--ErTKo8omfR-Oxc-BLbG4M908Ct06xuJBIIwUkFol8uZhgQREUQ7dOd-XeONxtmYtnzWCEBFx8jTnHHxsqwzgpBhnoY-QB_cHunRrst74I4xJwbFnsx5fbhh0lDk/s4032/IMG_8518.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtSbZuAYwrdRN14b79b3u7xDVqMqsOG1nM8AUlTMklmqxhmgqIA2U1oTSdTVl--ErTKo8omfR-Oxc-BLbG4M908Ct06xuJBIIwUkFol8uZhgQREUQ7dOd-XeONxtmYtnzWCEBFx8jTnHHxsqwzgpBhnoY-QB_cHunRrst74I4xJwbFnsx5fbhh0lDk/w400-h300/IMG_8518.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Causing the previously suppressed rifle squad to panic and fall back (red bead at far right, from far left)!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTFuO4oRv-NY3PYW7jPdiQ6U6gZZZjYkDEpGGyi7yxhSuERK8gI3pntSJGfTUq97d2veM331vkB1em7jTIkxaO4vHMr29rYPv0SG-B-UrSpq_sormOfg6utivVYF98bd_OaoE6Tq_NVAZ7WblW8dZ9LTBRZYD4kn5Wse7tYzuP8nvewNWUvWe-Kr07/s4032/IMG_8519.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTFuO4oRv-NY3PYW7jPdiQ6U6gZZZjYkDEpGGyi7yxhSuERK8gI3pntSJGfTUq97d2veM331vkB1em7jTIkxaO4vHMr29rYPv0SG-B-UrSpq_sormOfg6utivVYF98bd_OaoE6Tq_NVAZ7WblW8dZ9LTBRZYD4kn5Wse7tYzuP8nvewNWUvWe-Kr07/w400-h300/IMG_8519.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>While over at Hill 34, the French are in a real jam, and it's going to take a while for them to get out of it. The French Weapons Platoon leader (red bead at center bottom) successfully rallies, and now at least is in position to assist the MG team (right of him) and the 75mm gun crew (bottom center) in rallying, but then he'll still need to get back up to the trench (red bead at center left) to rally the 81mm mortar team.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAnZBGVUo5LCapNuYiQHIAmT6ul5zja0BvwhYVIGAJwyEdLtCqxNSepIb4DWtTEigKaqaRv5QBArym6BVYwkxFLN_VPRWyuRrkiCMi2ONgy1VV6w5tCrp4Anz7zOr9tOpehPCwuEFawj_AEWbGVeUV-UtqnDj3AUdrGYLJmQxaDbzrPV4n4bBDfiUb/s4032/IMG_8520.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAnZBGVUo5LCapNuYiQHIAmT6ul5zja0BvwhYVIGAJwyEdLtCqxNSepIb4DWtTEigKaqaRv5QBArym6BVYwkxFLN_VPRWyuRrkiCMi2ONgy1VV6w5tCrp4Anz7zOr9tOpehPCwuEFawj_AEWbGVeUV-UtqnDj3AUdrGYLJmQxaDbzrPV4n4bBDfiUb/w400-h300/IMG_8520.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>On the other side, back at the crossroads, Captain Henry again tries to rally Lt Hastings' M3 Stuart...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKKciY0ETDkBWspwSzmYdyv80eZySlfA5PWq_c7GtvYbx5LuK1FhQT9A3-FUyuSJiieqBjTe-vyv0_Hnr22Gt8gQG43HBQ5qLZU9URRKtQ2v4IrTTpYtgJDVjVW4crichswK9jaXo8HpxFXirUsZSa7lgbpaWXJu2A2bpEf-H8QktaJQsPPpkseaT3/s320/IMG_8521.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKKciY0ETDkBWspwSzmYdyv80eZySlfA5PWq_c7GtvYbx5LuK1FhQT9A3-FUyuSJiieqBjTe-vyv0_Hnr22Gt8gQG43HBQ5qLZU9URRKtQ2v4IrTTpYtgJDVjVW4crichswK9jaXo8HpxFXirUsZSa7lgbpaWXJu2A2bpEf-H8QktaJQsPPpkseaT3/w400-h300/IMG_8521.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>"Sir, we're having problems with our engine and transmission, we need to get back to Maintenance." "Lieutenant, we need that tank up there, in the fight," replied Captain Henry.<br />"I'm sorry, Sir, my tank needs maintenance, right now, we're combat ineffective," and with that, Lt Hastings and his crew pivoted their tank and departed the battlefield, leaving Captain Henry looking on in disbelief...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjopLQXHly7hAzzynAE0DUHBa7vhD0SdR-m11Y-OOthmpc1rM5Bt8d5XfcjAYVQFE4N1UXq1OWkm1EKLkMnpiBzhnGD-33V2MArMqLamBPBFuzl5AdZMgyOYILWASFFahDNSN-TIbJ93_trt4OQR2nBbFd_1yQyoQAoQEH361EOXpygRdLttZhMQiWt/s4032/IMG_8522.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjopLQXHly7hAzzynAE0DUHBa7vhD0SdR-m11Y-OOthmpc1rM5Bt8d5XfcjAYVQFE4N1UXq1OWkm1EKLkMnpiBzhnGD-33V2MArMqLamBPBFuzl5AdZMgyOYILWASFFahDNSN-TIbJ93_trt4OQR2nBbFd_1yQyoQAoQEH361EOXpygRdLttZhMQiWt/w400-h300/IMG_8522.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Atop Purple Heart Hill (bottom left), 2nd Platoon's heavy weapons engage the French Weapons Platoon in their trench (top right)...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ9UVYiuyDPd3o-mKZi97Zm0ZkzTA2VdhMF2ndAM2kmRLf2zUmk8-UClQ3RfF8Dx94XqRWxu4nW0smnJojI7UyS-n1DJj6H0U7_XRk6Jde2b2WCL31gZhv_BaSOJcG_bTX-KI6qFG02XjilrsBcDGJjHk6uro48HrqBeIEPh81i529cCbMDcOcxpFO/s4032/IMG_8523.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ9UVYiuyDPd3o-mKZi97Zm0ZkzTA2VdhMF2ndAM2kmRLf2zUmk8-UClQ3RfF8Dx94XqRWxu4nW0smnJojI7UyS-n1DJj6H0U7_XRk6Jde2b2WCL31gZhv_BaSOJcG_bTX-KI6qFG02XjilrsBcDGJjHk6uro48HrqBeIEPh81i529cCbMDcOcxpFO/w400-h300/IMG_8523.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The French MG team there (far right) goes 'men down,' while the 81mm mortar team, already suppressed, panics and falls back (red bead at bottom left)!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD5BS-IrjnFzPoHnnpT9oeyeFn-mQCPghT7d6gxUAWGC8IZbOQo73cf6N1Uk8ePTdhUHZvlpVou7aUuevy6w55FPic0CWksOyfumKAr_I0YgYHoRaLgYfzH4OvHr8kmuBzlB5fn8oJH31AuQCxuunpm38i4wd3ahK7qPFBAPpHb3fXdr_21-9eWtu0/s4032/IMG_8524.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD5BS-IrjnFzPoHnnpT9oeyeFn-mQCPghT7d6gxUAWGC8IZbOQo73cf6N1Uk8ePTdhUHZvlpVou7aUuevy6w55FPic0CWksOyfumKAr_I0YgYHoRaLgYfzH4OvHr8kmuBzlB5fn8oJH31AuQCxuunpm38i4wd3ahK7qPFBAPpHb3fXdr_21-9eWtu0/w400-h300/IMG_8524.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>As 1st Platoon's heavy weapons (bottom left) fire on Murderville (top right), in support of Lt Royals' 2nd Platoon (center), pinning a rifle squad.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7qjV0MP3-DMdYWHfiaIKJDzTKRqGqndHgsyUXG8CIZsctID_jLc8rv90U6GPdWEtQPh_wczX4nOr8yOj-Q6rqxfGzWF0R9azftpedUJ4wYiCwmIDxXlXnssksZ9eMlM7AIbL5Gud5UCBVonH7dtWkHFqYuVMXv7ZSmGK-RbLi9KOzvrZVi3ShsQQh/s4032/IMG_8525.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7qjV0MP3-DMdYWHfiaIKJDzTKRqGqndHgsyUXG8CIZsctID_jLc8rv90U6GPdWEtQPh_wczX4nOr8yOj-Q6rqxfGzWF0R9azftpedUJ4wYiCwmIDxXlXnssksZ9eMlM7AIbL5Gud5UCBVonH7dtWkHFqYuVMXv7ZSmGK-RbLi9KOzvrZVi3ShsQQh/w400-h300/IMG_8525.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Despite only getting one rifle squad pinned, Lt Royals leads his platoon (and attached engineers) forward, into Murderville, though not yet near enough to move into close combat.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN8oCqH0hQVLKiEvAQgAuyC2tav0o4KV034kHg0Z31k3mPjoA-pC-0Xk3GiDNCl6w0bgDnyX4vztQFAqgha8wYJRZAogShNhEgFU7PqFrWgj-BvPmf330oLqOxyFggHI6zTo0DD-m7buFLSWu6Y8mSZ9CtCdTFMEpVvQ9viErN9aR77xv-Xqkt-2Ek/s4032/IMG_8526.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN8oCqH0hQVLKiEvAQgAuyC2tav0o4KV034kHg0Z31k3mPjoA-pC-0Xk3GiDNCl6w0bgDnyX4vztQFAqgha8wYJRZAogShNhEgFU7PqFrWgj-BvPmf330oLqOxyFggHI6zTo0DD-m7buFLSWu6Y8mSZ9CtCdTFMEpVvQ9viErN9aR77xv-Xqkt-2Ek/w400-h300/IMG_8526.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>French infantry atop The Meatgrinder (bottom right) spot Lt Royals' platoon (top center left) and open fire...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH7v1ViMsdNpRTAfeDteOYwyKL0-GOgZ3n1DgJq09VEbMoq7KAWDQFwgF4-sRobtR4ZMMM2s_rbuG4uwfaTZ91gphXsC3Glyuvxa8mSyMVwI5UYwb0mmUbCcDNsuudhrUcjqP1TKXSjJLvfQD1XWxiEkj499N8xhJedkOb9P40JFZ1gOgjglixAURd/s4032/IMG_8527.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH7v1ViMsdNpRTAfeDteOYwyKL0-GOgZ3n1DgJq09VEbMoq7KAWDQFwgF4-sRobtR4ZMMM2s_rbuG4uwfaTZ91gphXsC3Glyuvxa8mSyMVwI5UYwb0mmUbCcDNsuudhrUcjqP1TKXSjJLvfQD1XWxiEkj499N8xhJedkOb9P40JFZ1gOgjglixAURd/w400-h300/IMG_8527.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>While on the far right, for the second time in two days, Lt Woodson pushes his halftracks up and behind The Meatgrinder (far right, from bottom left), as Sgt Bienemy pushes his squad forward, crossing the open ground on foot (left).</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw3MdqNO18g1ce9oEbh8Xu7Yi5f_4MvYBCdiy8aWtJnGmLkopQdMKlMzHcL4hAksBJeHAgv4U8rdKCJ5sgDxktYvqiHw02I4pfokGrThoUAniEfkJNZ1W1e28usBDPxRWXIgxRaSN21c3Rp_rSgDefLocbmMrmfxG20CI_s2NaiZSWrD2ZiLcP9p63/s4032/IMG_8528.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw3MdqNO18g1ce9oEbh8Xu7Yi5f_4MvYBCdiy8aWtJnGmLkopQdMKlMzHcL4hAksBJeHAgv4U8rdKCJ5sgDxktYvqiHw02I4pfokGrThoUAniEfkJNZ1W1e28usBDPxRWXIgxRaSN21c3Rp_rSgDefLocbmMrmfxG20CI_s2NaiZSWrD2ZiLcP9p63/w400-h300/IMG_8528.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Lt Woodson and his 2nd and 3rd Squads immediately dismount!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoII04_HHO0iMj7kn_8w5L5vfcC4v2IqRnjABwb1lLCUKNpZq5UQFCo6JYtNfq2JOu41Iw4KilPK4g4_vOBm3rMWxYFwR2nbhsnBCS2d6ZpvCZ-Fk0T1NDSDeKMsKEG3RBHR7OfbI9gb4TK1QEFcgIbGKWkqYmxSiSM7RlwxFQcbFF5auCo-rEMUAm/s4032/IMG_8529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoII04_HHO0iMj7kn_8w5L5vfcC4v2IqRnjABwb1lLCUKNpZq5UQFCo6JYtNfq2JOu41Iw4KilPK4g4_vOBm3rMWxYFwR2nbhsnBCS2d6ZpvCZ-Fk0T1NDSDeKMsKEG3RBHR7OfbI9gb4TK1QEFcgIbGKWkqYmxSiSM7RlwxFQcbFF5auCo-rEMUAm/w400-h300/IMG_8529.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>A nearby French squad (bottom left), up on The Meatgrinder, fires down on Lt Woodson's 1st Platoon...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh2u7JShg9PjgKKsHl5kP7tXKmcS7Z2ykGz5SlbAaWWKtVU62_XyK6ncoBNzzb7K6OpxRWQ_pVG-XtHFzreH3ajG47R5j1WGOSA9pXENWKkTl41q-ffsbP14drofxClPpmFpDOjvzhToRi-5R1YYHCiI1gLe3lZUzKjuHsSevbCaQmHRlKYlYmXfRQ/s4032/IMG_8530.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh2u7JShg9PjgKKsHl5kP7tXKmcS7Z2ykGz5SlbAaWWKtVU62_XyK6ncoBNzzb7K6OpxRWQ_pVG-XtHFzreH3ajG47R5j1WGOSA9pXENWKkTl41q-ffsbP14drofxClPpmFpDOjvzhToRi-5R1YYHCiI1gLe3lZUzKjuHsSevbCaQmHRlKYlYmXfRQ/w400-h300/IMG_8530.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Suppressing Sgt Anderson's 2nd Squad (red bead at bottom center), as Lt Woodson and Sgt Carrington's 3rd Squad (far left) return fire...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilu1d_tGKyBcAnUZLBLWVQhf7o_fNJIZjVs82l2upk5tg2ohmAjqFubigbqusMyRy05L_OHrI7F2ep1iRQ0VD-ynSvjafLQdE7UJXBJ-2LomNkr0UCqSR2ObaDDyTzEbJTJI4tktTY8C2GAqCIUId4eH8p2pCPJ9lsel4Jp54bYUN36xadvvpSOLCT/s4032/IMG_8531.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilu1d_tGKyBcAnUZLBLWVQhf7o_fNJIZjVs82l2upk5tg2ohmAjqFubigbqusMyRy05L_OHrI7F2ep1iRQ0VD-ynSvjafLQdE7UJXBJ-2LomNkr0UCqSR2ObaDDyTzEbJTJI4tktTY8C2GAqCIUId4eH8p2pCPJ9lsel4Jp54bYUN36xadvvpSOLCT/w400-h300/IMG_8531.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Knocking out the French squad, and suppressing the rifle squad further down slope (right top)!</div><div><br /></div><div>*I actually messed up and did this out of sequence, so you'll actually get to see the rifle squad on the right get to fire in a couple pictures, which is actually before this happened. That is, I let the Americans return fire before I should have, because it made sense as I was doing it, though technically incorrect in the rules (and I agree, the French squad is suppressed, but should gets its opportunity to fire, first, because the French rolled up a 'Firefight,' which means all their units that are able get to fire, then all the US units that are able get to fire).</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgby12QldE0yiGvF_UHxstxRqDwHMf3e7sJ3aETuWea-mFIlxu-lVT3Ywax7vZrWcPNm-HatAeteDLHyOPW5paudXwlMEM1TERbM8H-UtLAJgKMzFQqM8tgGc3CODIYNn0GgmtwjdEjKDU1n3tToPgmkJn8wHrx3jvZZoJY8FcoswXCdMP2gwYmXHFi/s4032/IMG_8532.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgby12QldE0yiGvF_UHxstxRqDwHMf3e7sJ3aETuWea-mFIlxu-lVT3Ywax7vZrWcPNm-HatAeteDLHyOPW5paudXwlMEM1TERbM8H-UtLAJgKMzFQqM8tgGc3CODIYNn0GgmtwjdEjKDU1n3tToPgmkJn8wHrx3jvZZoJY8FcoswXCdMP2gwYmXHFi/w400-h300/IMG_8532.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>On the French right, the infantry in Murderville open fire on Lt Royals' 2nd Platoon, pinning Lt Royals' command team and Sgt Ravotti's 3rd Squad.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfYXrxgTCFcCdvy0_BvtojfDfMtHPIvRrOSmrv0na0u8JMWs2kk6CRDQZbqiyORbmFwI82kqZCExH2tSFzSDSx08sLr_HeypOsvpOwlAkK0iXw9TnE55HaLLINTdyk3J0RIOz60cYSJXiWhFVoVMW6Mi1Eo8XYfHo7p7xj_flVP-nfUenWlpZ9AEhM/s4032/IMG_8533.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfYXrxgTCFcCdvy0_BvtojfDfMtHPIvRrOSmrv0na0u8JMWs2kk6CRDQZbqiyORbmFwI82kqZCExH2tSFzSDSx08sLr_HeypOsvpOwlAkK0iXw9TnE55HaLLINTdyk3J0RIOz60cYSJXiWhFVoVMW6Mi1Eo8XYfHo7p7xj_flVP-nfUenWlpZ9AEhM/w400-h300/IMG_8533.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Before the French rifle squad atop The Meatgrinder (bottom right, the suppressed one we were just talking about, with red bead) opens fire on 2nd Platoon (top left)...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYHvh3lEjrv31bYDk0AUlwXBsOcyQRmJrx3MgFCGM1miis_TlWU0NAhQYfR2RA2l5fqVYPjOhZeJG9elNbHx33O5MqJ4XU5_C26HRmopTS5oWcs73CTDhN46vA63TusEwWyXlFFQLq04in5RtFrEgF49fh3am2A5NUYY6MWdIgLxQLoWBfNUmsQ9Rv/s4032/IMG_8534.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYHvh3lEjrv31bYDk0AUlwXBsOcyQRmJrx3MgFCGM1miis_TlWU0NAhQYfR2RA2l5fqVYPjOhZeJG9elNbHx33O5MqJ4XU5_C26HRmopTS5oWcs73CTDhN46vA63TusEwWyXlFFQLq04in5RtFrEgF49fh3am2A5NUYY6MWdIgLxQLoWBfNUmsQ9Rv/w400-h300/IMG_8534.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Suppressing Sgt Humphries' Engineer Squad (red bead at far left) and knocking out Sgt Castle's 1st Squad (center)!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiclxY7SzsRr8s7pTdjElM4dmWvAEuQ8NhvKINZtez0IyzDtuZ26-kC9GF6eXAPyFjGhq9ovK8rMdjmMQQUxVHfXa8d9el8ij9Gm0HW6JLuUM6Hw0v7gcMkR_0Q6B2McNhyIL2kj7Eb2fDNhxSukl_HGT8Bf8OsHfOq6UaEzTGBLPJuJdksMh9efZR_/s4032/IMG_8535.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiclxY7SzsRr8s7pTdjElM4dmWvAEuQ8NhvKINZtez0IyzDtuZ26-kC9GF6eXAPyFjGhq9ovK8rMdjmMQQUxVHfXa8d9el8ij9Gm0HW6JLuUM6Hw0v7gcMkR_0Q6B2McNhyIL2kj7Eb2fDNhxSukl_HGT8Bf8OsHfOq6UaEzTGBLPJuJdksMh9efZR_/w400-h300/IMG_8535.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>And then a French rifle squad in Murderville (bottom right) does the same thing, firing across the battlefield, this time at Sgt Bienemy's 1st Squad, 1st Platoon (top left), nearly on The Meatgrinder...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbjKgJtl7k2hfHOLt7qzKJ12nvjKFTMD_zVGdY6qDd6L2JjNI_6iYF7xEGyrbK8Ye4jj91q-P0smwijG0fotiw5KGzL9CWU_tSqG8_C6-HtUCTINjbFpTuANCVxP03f1LCWLXMeXu_z1lw6_SWaluVwB1wKn9ROa6f-K12udqaCm10-IxoYE7vzl37/s4032/IMG_8536.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbjKgJtl7k2hfHOLt7qzKJ12nvjKFTMD_zVGdY6qDd6L2JjNI_6iYF7xEGyrbK8Ye4jj91q-P0smwijG0fotiw5KGzL9CWU_tSqG8_C6-HtUCTINjbFpTuANCVxP03f1LCWLXMeXu_z1lw6_SWaluVwB1wKn9ROa6f-K12udqaCm10-IxoYE7vzl37/w400-h300/IMG_8536.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>And Sgt Bienemy's squad is knocked out!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2_7UXpg56OsAGiyAWcZSbTE-qLGT71Xhvo_Aw4eBhMHjtO_Gstk3CbwQoCGUGsMxbsPvatX4E2rEHeSE_E1fq_-Vc_AkRa_UEZU17QGgChePOQtcVtRaRzDa2QD8pNwHgKr6pxdTr-oaeV5OnOnxYluz2ZX3bXYCqXtj9qk3IimjYBCmmxT_vU_5n/s4032/IMG_8537.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2_7UXpg56OsAGiyAWcZSbTE-qLGT71Xhvo_Aw4eBhMHjtO_Gstk3CbwQoCGUGsMxbsPvatX4E2rEHeSE_E1fq_-Vc_AkRa_UEZU17QGgChePOQtcVtRaRzDa2QD8pNwHgKr6pxdTr-oaeV5OnOnxYluz2ZX3bXYCqXtj9qk3IimjYBCmmxT_vU_5n/w400-h300/IMG_8537.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Sgt Gibson, still fighting from his immobilized Stuart (bottom left), spots the French rifle squad (top center) that just knocked out Sgt Bienemy's squad (off camera to far right) and opens fire, suppressing them!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBSK5Ca4q7X0wq3yZaZD9jF4qucXYDFAG8fUU87Rgh5Fe14Db6bjff4sxsU0gyo2VNsvG2sJsdIA9cAwGbGgCxi2brNqe13RrGPO5mzMlkLmsYwJkg3cC_f7iQqq6LDKsE14ploKeSlfgdAQHXvT4MJkMGnFhw4fYQAI5LbQ__ZuH7V9X4EgRWfUu8/s4032/IMG_8538.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBSK5Ca4q7X0wq3yZaZD9jF4qucXYDFAG8fUU87Rgh5Fe14Db6bjff4sxsU0gyo2VNsvG2sJsdIA9cAwGbGgCxi2brNqe13RrGPO5mzMlkLmsYwJkg3cC_f7iQqq6LDKsE14ploKeSlfgdAQHXvT4MJkMGnFhw4fYQAI5LbQ__ZuH7V9X4EgRWfUu8/w400-h300/IMG_8538.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>As 1st Platoon's heavy weapons (at the crossroads, bottom left) fire on The Meatgrinder (top right), keeping the French riflemen and 75 pinned down.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhXLtnAiuMFRwL_H5X6HroLpzuGjyOE22BgUP2m41ZhVis48SyqX3NdfBwCOsYpNaKZAtYVKW9UJbjoCmpQXobtcaMrW12H8f0mlscfzTs95w2kGJgUMUJKktOuZmRKytqA7e_0FfaihDU5PsZXdHWyN3oYlRGzM0WEY9HkTIObVAF5wTxQ2GTtwEXy" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhXLtnAiuMFRwL_H5X6HroLpzuGjyOE22BgUP2m41ZhVis48SyqX3NdfBwCOsYpNaKZAtYVKW9UJbjoCmpQXobtcaMrW12H8f0mlscfzTs95w2kGJgUMUJKktOuZmRKytqA7e_0FfaihDU5PsZXdHWyN3oYlRGzM0WEY9HkTIObVAF5wTxQ2GTtwEXy=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div></div><div>And 2nd Platoon's heavy weapons (bottom left, atop Purple Heart Hill) fire on Murderville (right)...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmB9pUwdTNJCH3QAlNJMcYjwuhjwCfI6G8whvWY-O4uUwSMB7bEICmces9JDlrxf0cPIeMnye0lfgkuNKlYzN4gV_b2_g33jI1EfQqSy7-_cixQHz8HGrXe_RQXAsHiX2jVvFRjLmkDUQsrpLX7yrQL1_zkwq2l30vpnfOKFzem8svYl5nJ-AWAi00/s4032/IMG_8540.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmB9pUwdTNJCH3QAlNJMcYjwuhjwCfI6G8whvWY-O4uUwSMB7bEICmces9JDlrxf0cPIeMnye0lfgkuNKlYzN4gV_b2_g33jI1EfQqSy7-_cixQHz8HGrXe_RQXAsHiX2jVvFRjLmkDUQsrpLX7yrQL1_zkwq2l30vpnfOKFzem8svYl5nJ-AWAi00/w400-h300/IMG_8540.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Forcing a French rifle squad to panic and fall back, across the bridge!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiUDL07lsDPFx57JepAehb25glprs3VMFJx5dMgrNR2WhlubO9rz3oQTo5D-iEaAd40fg5J0ApBeuCtdTZIUBRJ8r_gTxdxroc8NlBFwwMzedePUePvCf2UDE8mpS9sGXkS2_KDpRWn4FMOE-VRpTHDUFHDnhs0PzGHiV3WjTnD34t21b_ce9N4-t_/s4032/IMG_8542.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiUDL07lsDPFx57JepAehb25glprs3VMFJx5dMgrNR2WhlubO9rz3oQTo5D-iEaAd40fg5J0ApBeuCtdTZIUBRJ8r_gTxdxroc8NlBFwwMzedePUePvCf2UDE8mpS9sGXkS2_KDpRWn4FMOE-VRpTHDUFHDnhs0PzGHiV3WjTnD34t21b_ce9N4-t_/w400-h300/IMG_8542.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>And pinning the French CO (yellow bead at center).<br /><br />**Unlike the last fight in Murderville, where the French CO was key to the defense, he really hasn't had any impact on this fight, hasn't really had an opportunity.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsSwV1aiiFASrGEj99WYvdiCtiW36A3G_jI9fVjwDptR-VAV8k367T8zRomMrlWSit-VILnfXLPRug6z9iQ3B70Y8lbdA6Q5mPpNcru3KxJDUUO_YldcQpDYUfRWwHxFSXUzwJ0EK58mk95SVwFB-SDBAsuL0mddh-cY1cBIhfS9X97JQmIGc5oO-C/s4032/IMG_8543.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsSwV1aiiFASrGEj99WYvdiCtiW36A3G_jI9fVjwDptR-VAV8k367T8zRomMrlWSit-VILnfXLPRug6z9iQ3B70Y8lbdA6Q5mPpNcru3KxJDUUO_YldcQpDYUfRWwHxFSXUzwJ0EK58mk95SVwFB-SDBAsuL0mddh-cY1cBIhfS9X97JQmIGc5oO-C/w400-h300/IMG_8543.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Captain Henry moves up (center, from off camera to bottom left) to support Lt Royals' push on Murderville (top right), but doesn't make it.</div><div><br /></div><div>**Shades of Lt Richards' failed attempt from the last fight, which ended in his untimely death...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivUjVRc5J9pq0yJYXHPj5v8A8HuZ8r4nmr9RdPg_pMjUKwwk7RA8PKi6Hvot2vC_LnrFBEBiOsMZqusfPVfSCjAN14kcFga_e3HW64CXUslxoADzLreeTQEXVubBN1rsC5MtYd9bKsthYjpPdCG7Rmn1bQkcD9qCdOtR-S7X1nAny42lG4BIza-sFZ/s4032/IMG_8544.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivUjVRc5J9pq0yJYXHPj5v8A8HuZ8r4nmr9RdPg_pMjUKwwk7RA8PKi6Hvot2vC_LnrFBEBiOsMZqusfPVfSCjAN14kcFga_e3HW64CXUslxoADzLreeTQEXVubBN1rsC5MtYd9bKsthYjpPdCG7Rmn1bQkcD9qCdOtR-S7X1nAny42lG4BIza-sFZ/w400-h300/IMG_8544.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>While back on the far right, Lt Woodson rallies Sgt Anderson's 2nd Squad (red bead)...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXn5eM3FQYzES5YHtXmLDQtJycAE-_4zSs1Z_y_z1zuMFjKAFFnN9yMqlBfoMpOIDyD0S9VpVyKnd2oEMod3C7u3Amg79tVcDunxyQYtBe11zn-FMGEJGhw4K09GRmBRXMiO8sCQqxEaE5q0NwRLeeI2O05zA-RHlC2PWPEVzLyOpL3qZ1klUrH7BR/s4032/IMG_8545.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXn5eM3FQYzES5YHtXmLDQtJycAE-_4zSs1Z_y_z1zuMFjKAFFnN9yMqlBfoMpOIDyD0S9VpVyKnd2oEMod3C7u3Amg79tVcDunxyQYtBe11zn-FMGEJGhw4K09GRmBRXMiO8sCQqxEaE5q0NwRLeeI2O05zA-RHlC2PWPEVzLyOpL3qZ1klUrH7BR/w400-h300/IMG_8545.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>And then leads Sgt Carrington's 3rd Squad into close combat!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2bWaddY8_416xmO83PYizzyZEKjFL2h_d_vRVozfKutJ4aZVTV5gZSqGPsk-2dfjMcV7Kpd04CByI4V5SZr5iYgL7wHCftQYIElq7dA66BtuSD4-qCQVQnPI50pO55ASu_wiB-UIxg2X0puatL5DbDfbSQzEhVJXldMBhDv-T0BBd-csYJvZIEiM1/s4032/IMG_8546.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2bWaddY8_416xmO83PYizzyZEKjFL2h_d_vRVozfKutJ4aZVTV5gZSqGPsk-2dfjMcV7Kpd04CByI4V5SZr5iYgL7wHCftQYIElq7dA66BtuSD4-qCQVQnPI50pO55ASu_wiB-UIxg2X0puatL5DbDfbSQzEhVJXldMBhDv-T0BBd-csYJvZIEiM1/w400-h300/IMG_8546.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>They quickly put the French squad out of action!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9AlMClCLnBBmrsxqRiQjPF3LYqxzp1uU16hDrvfqm9o5p_IAj9ItW5ApFqWAAMi8FDJNGPyVOrmao18sZ6radXBMixipTyZFhPzVtbeUSuojUEBu4DGRsQiiBeWqevKpsZZGOxBD6qDMJVGHfZTmPNyrONmyUPibSySbiubiyYSkofsPBF14GzwBM/s4032/IMG_8547.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9AlMClCLnBBmrsxqRiQjPF3LYqxzp1uU16hDrvfqm9o5p_IAj9ItW5ApFqWAAMi8FDJNGPyVOrmao18sZ6radXBMixipTyZFhPzVtbeUSuojUEBu4DGRsQiiBeWqevKpsZZGOxBD6qDMJVGHfZTmPNyrONmyUPibSySbiubiyYSkofsPBF14GzwBM/w400-h300/IMG_8547.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Then charge up the back side of The Meatgrinder, again into close combat!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu3LPtWHDwaAqIHKCypRxmC78x58FYcaySzmKa4C8bCrQAxdqHywpbMR2GSdvLwSPAmhUgtyoT4bB9iMLP4FP1y5swgTlSnoEaeZSl5Qv0D1z5VpPB1qZDnqKdyg00j9w6wqyj1cHD8kYqsN6GY1BHJSctPLeaTge7WSwGUSquhfbaICTbRXhwqXMD/s4032/IMG_8548.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu3LPtWHDwaAqIHKCypRxmC78x58FYcaySzmKa4C8bCrQAxdqHywpbMR2GSdvLwSPAmhUgtyoT4bB9iMLP4FP1y5swgTlSnoEaeZSl5Qv0D1z5VpPB1qZDnqKdyg00j9w6wqyj1cHD8kYqsN6GY1BHJSctPLeaTge7WSwGUSquhfbaICTbRXhwqXMD/w400-h300/IMG_8548.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Another enemy squad goes down!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy-Roj7OoGV7EpR4YYUH2EMh4M33VK4A1-_OUA2GmeHreN1JaSZxkkE48-7ye4w3E6bvdZzm4gxVu85SvBIgVbdpfUZXvlPN5bzu-1jiuEZyKdxBHMbVyqB_UnF8JRVHXgSZrpVmyPPMCT1w18gVw5VVTEN8SvXD2fgQva43FWW8WlRaDm7WwIQjTe/s4032/IMG_8549.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy-Roj7OoGV7EpR4YYUH2EMh4M33VK4A1-_OUA2GmeHreN1JaSZxkkE48-7ye4w3E6bvdZzm4gxVu85SvBIgVbdpfUZXvlPN5bzu-1jiuEZyKdxBHMbVyqB_UnF8JRVHXgSZrpVmyPPMCT1w18gVw5VVTEN8SvXD2fgQva43FWW8WlRaDm7WwIQjTe/w400-h300/IMG_8549.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>And then the marauding Americans descend on the French XO, manning the 75mm gun...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDYJBWRJz5Mm93bwjlUhQ-jbMoLuhr5-TGCFJAngtC4fOmC0tuSC4QrosiACSHRtMskpTB58h5A75mk26OzBAHioE90qpCLRIRmenznLAcGTZskBxQQ13Ry_gYXOXfMksyg6bEe5cmDB2hJu6D5z9oOIy0oT_YjGPZOaVj_Gm2bWKccXnX1PQnN9pc/s4032/IMG_8550.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDYJBWRJz5Mm93bwjlUhQ-jbMoLuhr5-TGCFJAngtC4fOmC0tuSC4QrosiACSHRtMskpTB58h5A75mk26OzBAHioE90qpCLRIRmenznLAcGTZskBxQQ13Ry_gYXOXfMksyg6bEe5cmDB2hJu6D5z9oOIy0oT_YjGPZOaVj_Gm2bWKccXnX1PQnN9pc/w400-h300/IMG_8550.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Knocking them out, as well.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3CagEBAJmJrwYqZJ_HhnOCyzaezjFW9j9-O8rcMm0QGcBcgFWx7hlyPrVEDNErlGfd7v6saqyCxLrItKrGmZBCskaiQUQfJyX5E0sfEGMhSv1ZyKQb0_hxf5f8S3Kua9GDe2j2__Yiis4-WAFxcJg6q_ZVJEY_wgR2WblfGUCIna88_a5gHqJ26n5/s4032/IMG_8551.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3CagEBAJmJrwYqZJ_HhnOCyzaezjFW9j9-O8rcMm0QGcBcgFWx7hlyPrVEDNErlGfd7v6saqyCxLrItKrGmZBCskaiQUQfJyX5E0sfEGMhSv1ZyKQb0_hxf5f8S3Kua9GDe2j2__Yiis4-WAFxcJg6q_ZVJEY_wgR2WblfGUCIna88_a5gHqJ26n5/w400-h300/IMG_8551.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Blood in their eyes, Lt Woodson leads 3rd Squad forward, up to the bridge (center, from bottom left, with Murderville at top center and Hill 34 off camera to far right)!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMO8Hz9PLFZxnfsA7gIY_Wni9lOVy97d9muSX7tcXL92fKTAFWmjAsuQsGBe6JpivrdAOPMaVyvsUYX9ujEqOGnOk2Cw18FViIKkr1FPeaelkjtoDNBQJrmXXK8UgY27NtG_wst0VYrY7IakTmmrXuCYxCAFkazPa188l55js-BZhIuPMnKceK_6PX/s4032/IMG_8552.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMO8Hz9PLFZxnfsA7gIY_Wni9lOVy97d9muSX7tcXL92fKTAFWmjAsuQsGBe6JpivrdAOPMaVyvsUYX9ujEqOGnOk2Cw18FViIKkr1FPeaelkjtoDNBQJrmXXK8UgY27NtG_wst0VYrY7IakTmmrXuCYxCAFkazPa188l55js-BZhIuPMnKceK_6PX/w400-h300/IMG_8552.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Lt Woodson's path of destruction across The Meatgrinder. Three French rifle squads and their Executive Officer knocked out, and a 75mm gun captured.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn8Cssy8PGgrNg0utFdgSENeqH71uPUfjoEHx6rhmjAY6VrTDkpR5EHdijrgF7i_SFRE-dRwaVAKBrBSPzbji2LaSu_PSbD9anitVTxr9mm4r1Q9D40seVsjNEo3-YdVHkkRdPyDeR8XjJAPb1dqy04mLlskDyYaoOF6Q_lYFGXuSk1KqsaYnRyhnf/s4032/IMG_8553.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn8Cssy8PGgrNg0utFdgSENeqH71uPUfjoEHx6rhmjAY6VrTDkpR5EHdijrgF7i_SFRE-dRwaVAKBrBSPzbji2LaSu_PSbD9anitVTxr9mm4r1Q9D40seVsjNEo3-YdVHkkRdPyDeR8XjJAPb1dqy04mLlskDyYaoOF6Q_lYFGXuSk1KqsaYnRyhnf/w400-h300/IMG_8553.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>With American infantry closing in from the direction of Purple Heart Hill (off camera to top left) and now behind him (Lt Woodson, off camera to bottom left), short on ammunition, having suffered heavy casualties, the French commander surveys the battlefield, and doesn't take but a moment to make up his mind. Completely spent, the French CO rises to his feet and pats himself off, oblivious to the bullets impacting all around him, the shrapnel whizzing past him, and begins signaling his men to lay down their arms and surrender.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzpbAfnuaZs85R7F26hsyvs9l1F_vdVS0ASGEIxBN_GQsSV9Htfrbu9cK191N5nJjlpxf5S1XBNnskA00cSC_BXGr5s7b8BUufX701JqTOW0wOQZQiy0bcQZR0wCc57dCsEvRLfx4VvFm9OG1uQV_5BMIUJc5n9bnlVLy34p-SXaw2HxGBcB9GV3BD/s4032/IMG_8554.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzpbAfnuaZs85R7F26hsyvs9l1F_vdVS0ASGEIxBN_GQsSV9Htfrbu9cK191N5nJjlpxf5S1XBNnskA00cSC_BXGr5s7b8BUufX701JqTOW0wOQZQiy0bcQZR0wCc57dCsEvRLfx4VvFm9OG1uQV_5BMIUJc5n9bnlVLy34p-SXaw2HxGBcB9GV3BD/w400-h300/IMG_8554.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The French-Moroccan soldiers, dejected, begin lining themselves up for surrender, as Lt Woodson (bottom center) signals the other American units to cease fire.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4q5P8MsYa0jfXohoVlqpglJ_mJZWCUHZ1RFZRW70urk39qEJ6LKI4WaQVudjm6m5k53Y80MIOhMdhgqqit1qHfHXpFKpYJZ8qqxbJZCc8bj6wHcmnCCvticwXb7eNHQM6vE87GcLql2AW_ytrIxd6RsptMdPbQirX4aq9kfPy0bZg0rhFQYP7bMXQ/s4032/IMG_8555.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4q5P8MsYa0jfXohoVlqpglJ_mJZWCUHZ1RFZRW70urk39qEJ6LKI4WaQVudjm6m5k53Y80MIOhMdhgqqit1qHfHXpFKpYJZ8qqxbJZCc8bj6wHcmnCCvticwXb7eNHQM6vE87GcLql2AW_ytrIxd6RsptMdPbQirX4aq9kfPy0bZg0rhFQYP7bMXQ/w400-h300/IMG_8555.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Except the French troops in the northeast; the French Weapons Platoon leader orders his men to spike the gun, and then they, the gun crew, and the MG team from Hill 34 withdraw.<br /><p>Yes, righteous victory for the Yanks, and sweet revenge! Okay, not sweet revenge as it's the French, but they sure did rough old Task Force Reisman up in that first fight. Hell, they roughed TF Reisman up in this fight, too, but at least the US troops own the battlefield. But man, what a great couple of fights! It was a lot of fun, if maybe a bit too... harsh, or aggressive, for the fighting between the US and French during Operation Torch? That certainly wasn't my intent, but once I put the toys on the tabletop I can't help but get stuck in! Didn't intend on doing this many fights for Operation Torch, either (it's looking like it's going to be seven), but again, once I get started it's hard to stop...</p><div>Let's get to some stats:<br /><br /></div><div>-the US had 15 men killed, wounded, or missing</div></div></div><div><br /></div><div>-the US lost a single M2 Halftrack</div><div><br /></div><div>-the French had 20 men killed, wounded, or missing, 70 men captured</div><div><br /></div><div>-The French had a light tank destroyed, a 75mm gun destroyed, and a 75mm gun captured</div><div><br /></div><div>Characters:</div><div><br /></div><div>-2nd Lt Woodson, 1st Armored Infantry Platoon Leader, Armored Reconnaissance Company, was awarded the Silver Star for valor in leading a second series of close assaults that knocked out three enemy rifle squads and a 75mm field piece, securing the enemy strongpoint known as "The Meatgrinder."</div><div><br /></div><div>-Sgt Carrington, 3rd Squad Leader, 1st Armored Infantry Platoon, Armored Reconnaissance Company, was awarded the Bronze Star w/V for valor in participating in a series of close assaults that knocked out three enemy rifle squads and a 75mm field piece, securing the enemy strongpoint known as "The Meatgrinder."</div><div><br /></div><div>-Cpl Greene, Anti-Armor Team, 1st Armored Infantry Platoon, Armored Reconnaissance Company, was awarded the Bronze Star w/V. When faced with an enemy tank blocking his platoon's attack on the enemy strongpoint known as "The Meatgrinder," Cpl Greene braved enemy fire to advance to point-blank range and destroy the enemy tank with a hand-held rocket launcher, clearing the path for his platoon's advance.</div><div><br /></div><div>-Sgt Castle, 1st Squad Leader, 2nd Armored Infantry Platoon, Armored Reconnaissance Company, was awarded the Purple Heart. He was lightly wounded and immediately returned to duty.</div><div><br /></div><div>-Sgt Hendrickson, 2nd Squad Leader, 2nd Armored Infantry Platoon, Armored Reconnaissance Company, was awarded the Purple Heart. He was lightly wounded and immediately returned to duty.</div><div><br /></div><div>-Sgt Bienemy, 1st Squad Leader, 1st Armored Infantry Platoon, Armored Reconnaissance Company, was awarded the Purple Heart. He was killed in action in the assault on The Meatgrinder. He is replaced by his assistant squad leader, Cpl Haggans.</div><div><br /></div><div>-2nd Lt Hastings, 2nd Platoon Leader, Tank Company, was reprimanded for leaving the field of battle.</div><div><br /></div><div>-Sgt Kidd, Vehicle 3, Tank Destroyer Platoon, was summarily court-martialed for cowardice in the face of the enemy, having fled the field of battle. Sgt Kidd was relieved of duty, reduced in rank to E1, sentenced to 30 days in the brig (stockade?), and reassigned to a non-combat position.</div><div><br /></div><div>-Sgt Gibson, 1st Platoon, Tank Company, saw that his immobilized M3 Stuart was successfully recovered and repaired, ready for action.</div><div><br /></div><div>The eagle-eyed amongst you should be picking up a notable difference in how the enlisted men are treated and how the officers are treated, both in terms of awards, and consequences for less than stellar performance on the battlefield.</div><div><br /></div><div>Major Reisman was growing concerned with the status of his Armored Reconnaissance Company, specifically its leadership. Seeing its first combat, he knew the Task Force would experience growing pains, but the pace of operations was turning out to be faster than even he had expected, even as his own men hadn't been moving as fast as he was expecting, and he could see fissures opening from the stressors of combat, which worried him even more knowing that Captain Henry was about to lead this morning's attack, as he was proving rather unpopular with his men due to his decision to send his XO in for the first assault, rather than lead the attack himself, and now Lt Richards was dead. But hopefully this victory could help turn that around.</div><div><br /></div><div>Next up, the US 9th Infantry Division has been butting its head up against the wall in a series of head-on attacks on the Kasbah Mahdiya, AKA "The Kasbah." Now it's Task Force Reisman's turn; the Major instinctively turned to his infantry.</div><div><br /></div><div>V/R,<br />Jack</div><div><br /></div>Just Jackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03552962741823929433noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8660216775038377627.post-15246874381973095462023-01-24T12:07:00.000-08:002023-01-24T12:07:28.679-08:00Hell on Wheels, Operation Torch Fight #4<div><p>All,</p><p>0230 Local Time<br />9 November 1942<br />Near Port Lyautey, French Morocco</p><p>The French forces, feeling their oats after stonewalling Task Force Reisman at 'Murderville'/'The Meatgrinder' and defeating several attacks by the 60th Infantry Regiment of the US 9th Infantry Division on 'The Kasbah,' and have decided to sally forth with armored forces to counterattack the US invasion beaches!</p><p>Chaos reigns on the US beachhead, in equal parts due to the inherent confusion in conducting an amphibious assault, horrible weather at sea, and seeing their first actual combat. Dazed and confused young men are wandering to and fro while as other sit, listless, with units intermixed and scattered, with ammunition, supplies, and casualties haphazardly strewn about. Major Reisman and his XO, Captain Thigpen, work tirelessly to untangle the mass of men, machines, and gear, sorting it out and directing traffic, looking to get his force organized for optimal combat efficiency. The TF Reisman defensive line, such as it is, is not dug in, and consists of a smattering of inter-mixed infantry squads and weapons simply flung out in a line running roughly north-south on the eastern end of the town of Mehdia.</p></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzbxtkW90UB44aXVLdRu44os5AGtGva-Xc6M45BsPaZ42OW9Koa5vq2HalhqEfYnoLQbEcO2MKpgWsBGbM04sjh7lKcyYxsw3BhIV8fCl8h1Zc0DECp-X1_c9pXvQ7x7Ww1gnfE1R9IPM08uAbr0ygTvJjh2uI33egQLRcCjt2n6X9IPq9L9GffXnd/s4032/IMG_8560.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzbxtkW90UB44aXVLdRu44os5AGtGva-Xc6M45BsPaZ42OW9Koa5vq2HalhqEfYnoLQbEcO2MKpgWsBGbM04sjh7lKcyYxsw3BhIV8fCl8h1Zc0DECp-X1_c9pXvQ7x7Ww1gnfE1R9IPM08uAbr0ygTvJjh2uI33egQLRcCjt2n6X9IPq9L9GffXnd/w400-h300/IMG_8560.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Overview, north is up. The edge of Mehdia is just visible at bottom left, while the village of Jalaat is at top right and the village of Bilal is at bottom right. Hill 41 is at left center, Hill 33 is at top center (with an unnamed hill just right of it), Hill 25 is at far right bottom, and here is a citrus orchard at center top. A bend in the river, known as the 'Wadi Sebou,' is visible at top left.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsm_CXddk-5FXHE_o2IrXOOlKceMjSSKZ7UIRfdyTM4PVVQLds5hN-E73C2GVT4iQEP3aBTXBezDWzd_eJns5xBvB8JOvgJxARYpcvhEWknPSru8AIL7pV_snWMYY7HcpT7gMEYT16TIibPoixv6jWh0x8wjjY5cJiSD82M1af6KLqJA5xKvqcEUeY/s4032/IMG_8561.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsm_CXddk-5FXHE_o2IrXOOlKceMjSSKZ7UIRfdyTM4PVVQLds5hN-E73C2GVT4iQEP3aBTXBezDWzd_eJns5xBvB8JOvgJxARYpcvhEWknPSru8AIL7pV_snWMYY7HcpT7gMEYT16TIibPoixv6jWh0x8wjjY5cJiSD82M1af6KLqJA5xKvqcEUeY/w400-h300/IMG_8561.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The opposing forces, with US at left and French at right.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyuLgYgnCTaeWU1n2sEA3KXjyD6Lks8PmgSPEzdqAVSg69sTyrPVu9U5L-d2039a1QPPyeW4e1wA95H9P266G83Qm9SAXfIXvjsMmPN6_sQi9094qDgQHqsMFsAIGoR-Qjihi079qFoQj4tFlE5ocTpvD00pxxVy3x5NUIf5vtxCCcg1ZF179V8_y5/s4032/IMG_8562.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyuLgYgnCTaeWU1n2sEA3KXjyD6Lks8PmgSPEzdqAVSg69sTyrPVu9U5L-d2039a1QPPyeW4e1wA95H9P266G83Qm9SAXfIXvjsMmPN6_sQi9094qDgQHqsMFsAIGoR-Qjihi079qFoQj4tFlE5ocTpvD00pxxVy3x5NUIf5vtxCCcg1ZF179V8_y5/w400-h300/IMG_8562.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The US will start with the forces at top right (two platoons' worth of infantry, a .30-cal MG, 1 60mm mortar, and a 37mm anti-tank gun -ATG-, commanded by 2nd Lt Olsavsky of 3rd Platoon, Easy Company) on the table.</div><div><br /></div><div>Then the US will receive two waves of reinforcements: first, Major Reisman will lead another .30-cal MG, another 37mm ATG, and an M7 Priest into the fight. These will be followed by three M3 Grants under 2nd Lt Searcy.<br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLDlo6GOBkvntfmchxx69ffm3w8bjJa9hEMBkEukY-NfjUu7MLyGMF4ujdJPvAwQKXJFt_AJMZYKARQvMPulJ5hiI0_vx9CHFEzINCcIxsykREr5GP4mQ4G0aMw5S5V-rrIJHC4aP7-E-aHIDkm2mPKcxS1skA5AMDoJoHeXN0f2aZ1woZAz0y7_ai/s4032/IMG_8563.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLDlo6GOBkvntfmchxx69ffm3w8bjJa9hEMBkEukY-NfjUu7MLyGMF4ujdJPvAwQKXJFt_AJMZYKARQvMPulJ5hiI0_vx9CHFEzINCcIxsykREr5GP4mQ4G0aMw5S5V-rrIJHC4aP7-E-aHIDkm2mPKcxS1skA5AMDoJoHeXN0f2aZ1woZAz0y7_ai/w400-h300/IMG_8563.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The French have two rifle platoons, two MG teams, an 81mm mortar team, three Laffly armored cars, and three R35 light tanks, led by a Commanding Officer (CO), Executive Officer (XO), and a Weapons Platoon Leader, split in two columns.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh0lf7i1qEYfJeVBJ4CEY2vrBnRoDGyf9rX5A36W9kukqFT9CCDqI28vIpGHTkAhrvIJTfvCSG3ByjvKMm8MvP8KxcfRbu_W-AVNuA64wybi0AUmM8eQk6pClBacEDq4Hp2ZpCqAZenkgNAQAflbGqWu5vQW0VRR7FnCt75VFF43CWz4Jg2B_tWUlu/s4032/IMG_8564.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh0lf7i1qEYfJeVBJ4CEY2vrBnRoDGyf9rX5A36W9kukqFT9CCDqI28vIpGHTkAhrvIJTfvCSG3ByjvKMm8MvP8KxcfRbu_W-AVNuA64wybi0AUmM8eQk6pClBacEDq4Hp2ZpCqAZenkgNAQAflbGqWu5vQW0VRR7FnCt75VFF43CWz4Jg2B_tWUlu/w400-h300/IMG_8564.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The table, now with troops. The US forces are spread from top center to bottom center, while the French have a column in the northeast (top right) and southeast (bottom right). Here we go for the US forces, starting at top center:</div><div>-Sgt Griggs' 1st Squad, 1st Platoon, Dog Company, is atop Hill 33 (top center)</div><div>-Sgt Bush's 2nd Squad, 3rd Platoon, Easy Company, is behind the orchard (left of it, at center top)</div><div>-Sgt Jackson's ATG is at the bend in the bend in the road (left top, right next to the river)</div><div>-Sgt Norton's machine gun team and Sgt Harmon's 3rd Squad, 2nd Platoon, Easy Company, are atop Hill 41 at left center, with Lt Olsavsky on the road behind (left) them.</div><div>-Sgt Martin's 60mm mortar team is on the road just below the Lieutenant.</div><div>-Sgt Culver's 1st Squad, 2nd Platoon, Dog Company, is atop the building at left bottom.</div><div>-Sgt Hayes' 3rd Squad, 1st Platoon, Easy Company, is at the top end of the sheer bluffs at center bottom.</div><div>-Sgt Brown's 2nd Squad, 3rd Platoon, Dog Company, is at the bottom of the end of the sheer bluffs at bottom center.</div><div><br /></div><div>Major Reisman, the Task Force CO, will bring in the first wave of reinforcements, consisting of:<br />-Sgt Bledsoe's MG team<br />-Sgt Brock's ATG</div><div>-Sgt Clark's M7 Priest</div><div><br /></div><div>The second wave of reinforcements will consist of:<br />-Lt Searcy's M3 Grant</div><div>-Sgt Gilbert's M3 Grant</div><div>-Sgt Gordon's M3 Grant</div><div><br /></div><div>Here's how the reinforcements will work: I will roll 1D6 at the end of each US turn, and if I equal or beat a target score the reinforcements will arrive. If I don't, the reinforcements will not come on an I will try again at the end of the following US turn, with a -1 to the target number each turn (so the first turn needs a 6, the second turn needs a 5+, the third turns needs a 4+, etc...). Once I succeed in bringing the first wave of reinforcements onto the table, the target number will return to '6' and I'll carry out the same process to bring on the second wave.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFYcvZlEHf77-Sc0kScC6Yvjq9lkEyQjV4Ngfv5Rin1x0N-S5E4lPORHbRpkfj-ftzWAzJSAtHLkUPsSjEJxwrl-PwHI92Klw_Nm0QWV7TI8NT4jZ20ennjdhFCoejhacX6DcuegBuTKRiOevL5U3kXlYG0fJNbk4e3SsXQGJisktrpVqZV62oxl5s/s4032/IMG_8565.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFYcvZlEHf77-Sc0kScC6Yvjq9lkEyQjV4Ngfv5Rin1x0N-S5E4lPORHbRpkfj-ftzWAzJSAtHLkUPsSjEJxwrl-PwHI92Klw_Nm0QWV7TI8NT4jZ20ennjdhFCoejhacX6DcuegBuTKRiOevL5U3kXlYG0fJNbk4e3SsXQGJisktrpVqZV62oxl5s/w400-h300/IMG_8565.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>A look at the US defenses, with Sgt Griggs atop Hill 33 (top left), Sgt Bush behind the Orchard (left top), Sgt Norton's MG and Sgt Harmon's squad atop Hill 41 (left), Sgt Hayes at center, Sgt Brown at far right, Sgt Culver at bottom right, Sgt Martin's mortar team on road at bottom center, Lt Olsavsky's command team on road at left, and Sgt Jackson's ATG on road at far left.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG56CKt4Dgsemz5bZsssQeDzVbk9p1LjrBDzRBv0rYtByblKqPNjMCOCEtVOtXS0LINgealioPRchDxsgGhs-auMkKuCcZC_cMiQZo_G5e2JVYEhBGR3dFztLmq_DpB5BomuoaRKWpRuCdOoJWgs2QpT17nz_o9ktEP5sT5w5WhhBlhG7lbPN4kSjl/s4032/IMG_8566.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG56CKt4Dgsemz5bZsssQeDzVbk9p1LjrBDzRBv0rYtByblKqPNjMCOCEtVOtXS0LINgealioPRchDxsgGhs-auMkKuCcZC_cMiQZo_G5e2JVYEhBGR3dFztLmq_DpB5BomuoaRKWpRuCdOoJWgs2QpT17nz_o9ktEP5sT5w5WhhBlhG7lbPN4kSjl/w400-h300/IMG_8566.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Looking from behind the US left, with Hill 33 at top left, the Orchard at top center, and Sgt Jackson's ATG at bottom right.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzJ9jiJ7mJmlQ47ZrITuErUr4cQzdb_8RfF0RD4iavkD34k6ivEqreYm8Ljawz0E_zBWaVffQQEUN13HYWKA5Wq9SGQ8fIgqgUB09x8CLFd1tsAWOxTQ6Q2RgTf_A_sbIthk1Fn7NOAw6X8LJI2RN_WY6TbbR7VSCcocCOVz5tQit3CIW808N7tzM8/s4032/IMG_8567.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzJ9jiJ7mJmlQ47ZrITuErUr4cQzdb_8RfF0RD4iavkD34k6ivEqreYm8Ljawz0E_zBWaVffQQEUN13HYWKA5Wq9SGQ8fIgqgUB09x8CLFd1tsAWOxTQ6Q2RgTf_A_sbIthk1Fn7NOAw6X8LJI2RN_WY6TbbR7VSCcocCOVz5tQit3CIW808N7tzM8/w400-h300/IMG_8567.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>From behind the US right, with Hill 41 at left, Mehdia at bottom right, and the bluffs at top right.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdpiXe9cMnYb66JmEJPI7cbSh_GSq2XHtpYUn0ByqxQdsLYMUKeMYez6V2Fodq24IIKqt35I44OD_-JJ6UapCNR3UBUW4Vjvk4iOXdOy11xGCU3UAWJFzFFChhbDKTFJSwt-nH13uAE9EvGOLqsjCUSPkK9gBBUd-GNKKeVt5ZTVKPvoiNiQa9PQzA/s4032/IMG_8568.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdpiXe9cMnYb66JmEJPI7cbSh_GSq2XHtpYUn0ByqxQdsLYMUKeMYez6V2Fodq24IIKqt35I44OD_-JJ6UapCNR3UBUW4Vjvk4iOXdOy11xGCU3UAWJFzFFChhbDKTFJSwt-nH13uAE9EvGOLqsjCUSPkK9gBBUd-GNKKeVt5ZTVKPvoiNiQa9PQzA/w400-h300/IMG_8568.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The French baseline, with one column in the northeast (top left) and one column in the southeast (far right).</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-unZQUffDGIChVg3wm9AJupQSshFcE61b-K1_KnA4eoSzKbgqoIYsF4tazONOpYS0LvLclg0Op_4aBL97p1uqBJC6lWvDs9sAQeM9d1f0FYAXM4TZ0Ub6J7Dhx8z0Ef52U2RZgYYIuWipgiLW93fP62uKs38IDZ1Ah61bSFOgmS8qPhhSmKOIYTUZ/s4032/IMG_8569.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-unZQUffDGIChVg3wm9AJupQSshFcE61b-K1_KnA4eoSzKbgqoIYsF4tazONOpYS0LvLclg0Op_4aBL97p1uqBJC6lWvDs9sAQeM9d1f0FYAXM4TZ0Ub6J7Dhx8z0Ef52U2RZgYYIuWipgiLW93fP62uKs38IDZ1Ah61bSFOgmS8qPhhSmKOIYTUZ/w400-h300/IMG_8569.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The French column in the northeast consists of:<br />-Their Commander (CO)</div><div>-81mm mortar team</div><div>-Hotchkiss MG team</div><div>-2 x Laffly armored car</div><div>-1 x R35 light tank</div><div>-3 x rifle squad</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCutHi4ZgWkOx0kWlTxSlGYE0MBHX9y0nIK7Zy4PrNxycYWce7HLDjD4YDZ4sQ_QyKrGlLTKT314J7DatLSpdyIXdb3cgMbNd_0s8U9EuVd3T87dwPUtefHn_Aib9N-EJEyURjODJVYdxrdhLN4ly9JX_kLLa9yWK5xXhfQt_siyrfiyXQeXvpRHHm/s4032/IMG_8570.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCutHi4ZgWkOx0kWlTxSlGYE0MBHX9y0nIK7Zy4PrNxycYWce7HLDjD4YDZ4sQ_QyKrGlLTKT314J7DatLSpdyIXdb3cgMbNd_0s8U9EuVd3T87dwPUtefHn_Aib9N-EJEyURjODJVYdxrdhLN4ly9JX_kLLa9yWK5xXhfQt_siyrfiyXQeXvpRHHm/w400-h300/IMG_8570.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The French column in the southeast consists of:<br />-their Executive Officer (X)</div><div>-1 x Laffly armored car</div><div>-2 x R35 light tanks</div><div>-3 x Rifle squads</div><div>-Weapons Platoon Leader and Hotchkiss MG team back at Hill 25 (top right)</div><div><br /></div><div>Time to fight!!!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXO4EE_HOsd4sEA2GxZEjJ_HlmEpcmlXziL_Ug95qML2JT6pzJxA70CEBvOvdXnzPUatp8gD1Hti1BpccD6w9BBjjIRHjGTsej4KPTuNUvoMDHEZxr6Z1LZUjyWl6lrgiEIOfnZise0qlk-ZCzNHR0EfAwN08YlZ5SDXt0fGVm__tGc9GMUAk5I6rT/s4032/IMG_8571.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXO4EE_HOsd4sEA2GxZEjJ_HlmEpcmlXziL_Ug95qML2JT6pzJxA70CEBvOvdXnzPUatp8gD1Hti1BpccD6w9BBjjIRHjGTsej4KPTuNUvoMDHEZxr6Z1LZUjyWl6lrgiEIOfnZise0qlk-ZCzNHR0EfAwN08YlZ5SDXt0fGVm__tGc9GMUAk5I6rT/w400-h300/IMG_8571.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The fight begins in the northeast, where the French being pounding Hill 41 (top left) with their 81mm mortar (bottom right).</div><div><br /></div><div>**The French have thrown together a hasty counterattack, with no reconnaissance having been conducted, so they have don't know where the US defenders are actually located, but Hill 41 is a great guess.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFjOKR66C9IMMhCv7Eko8oZ4f1uILcM007V7ZJXHiupYQCpV3-Y6gR2b0KCdRSTlsxItd9JRJGmnmMJEF4Xlapfx4VEBQacKaoAa9THd-Xo7RojLhQEpGfZ1EnBpqenaGcke1t20VDD29IGmh3TZ_TovydNoMW7cAPLUekSt8sFinqtl5GVGzwj3gL/s4032/IMG_8572.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFjOKR66C9IMMhCv7Eko8oZ4f1uILcM007V7ZJXHiupYQCpV3-Y6gR2b0KCdRSTlsxItd9JRJGmnmMJEF4Xlapfx4VEBQacKaoAa9THd-Xo7RojLhQEpGfZ1EnBpqenaGcke1t20VDD29IGmh3TZ_TovydNoMW7cAPLUekSt8sFinqtl5GVGzwj3gL/w400-h300/IMG_8572.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Sgt Norton (MG team, left) and Sgt Harmon (rifle squad at bottom center) look on as the rounds fall harmlessly on the east slope. Sgt Bush's squad is just visible behind the orchard (top left), and the French northeastern column at top right.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibyv5eGLFUsK44ptu0o8CkJ6Vf3GM2q_3eOi13CF2yNKTalBHY0NzrlA4k2c4Xe_vcDTl6-GVwQR0GB7kfV_01d23ek52Mna5ANTPbjy54IkDv3YTBkpUCTF59TeE4OzccI5B_NHIIBCNRXv1vHYH7W18FM2SU6Q34H_F-3c3LDlj2l_EejZzZSLYT/s4032/IMG_8573.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibyv5eGLFUsK44ptu0o8CkJ6Vf3GM2q_3eOi13CF2yNKTalBHY0NzrlA4k2c4Xe_vcDTl6-GVwQR0GB7kfV_01d23ek52Mna5ANTPbjy54IkDv3YTBkpUCTF59TeE4OzccI5B_NHIIBCNRXv1vHYH7W18FM2SU6Q34H_F-3c3LDlj2l_EejZzZSLYT/w400-h300/IMG_8573.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The French MG team atop Hill 25 (bottom right) also begins indiscriminately spraying fire at Hill 41 (top left), to no effect.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT8UMOvSyTIAO1z-x9CD8yj4ix0MfPBgWbsvUlYGlXhwYgi5AQ0YqisxxJ-qEzTepBBcKXHZ_p7SzUIDfPCxqsaMdT5FHq4AsVZ-aVIzZ293gLCCjq1n3MXSS5zR0BdtmZBHyqkCOwHTmMGCtbGs6ZjeskOzXbWfIgNZVA07QjYzzx_aQuQfKKSs49/s4032/IMG_8574.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT8UMOvSyTIAO1z-x9CD8yj4ix0MfPBgWbsvUlYGlXhwYgi5AQ0YqisxxJ-qEzTepBBcKXHZ_p7SzUIDfPCxqsaMdT5FHq4AsVZ-aVIzZ293gLCCjq1n3MXSS5zR0BdtmZBHyqkCOwHTmMGCtbGs6ZjeskOzXbWfIgNZVA07QjYzzx_aQuQfKKSs49/w400-h300/IMG_8574.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The smart thing to do would be to hold their fire so as not to give away their positions, but the green GIs of Sgt Harmon's squad (bottom left, atop Hill 41) return fire on Hill 25 (top right), hitting nothing but confirming Americans are Hill 41...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHPUHTt-mHx96554ZrCcq_hE4F1NFE_2X36LPIN9NsPsiBE9_Lons-ZyvvJMgPLTzu1QG-hzh08WkuglDROnAetci_jsN5wKpKUvVck5izAJ8DhEtHAoi_05g9OS2cFrdIBh5OGzonhiswcqR54L6XPFNrYIwREUdlMnMzkIr7Y5rGiXpe20iCBMNJ/s4032/IMG_8575.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHPUHTt-mHx96554ZrCcq_hE4F1NFE_2X36LPIN9NsPsiBE9_Lons-ZyvvJMgPLTzu1QG-hzh08WkuglDROnAetci_jsN5wKpKUvVck5izAJ8DhEtHAoi_05g9OS2cFrdIBh5OGzonhiswcqR54L6XPFNrYIwREUdlMnMzkIr7Y5rGiXpe20iCBMNJ/w400-h300/IMG_8575.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>While this harmless exchange of fire is occurring, the French southeastern column moves out, heading west (far/bottom left, from bottom right).<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw82xvsgizoYfmhGqvvGctRgA9_1dbG5ltjaf5JezTqQ5Y7YIfiZK4cNq5GTLGGCKV_ZCbY33F8egZ5sA8nv5iZYWYfP8ak1s2xzNpisiwGnij-pzdV2Nrci5IWUbD0MPSdazhyM6o45fCKE1EqqHcNqismYuj89skkZszjiZYg_bGN3mDM2sO_EmU/s4032/IMG_8576.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw82xvsgizoYfmhGqvvGctRgA9_1dbG5ltjaf5JezTqQ5Y7YIfiZK4cNq5GTLGGCKV_ZCbY33F8egZ5sA8nv5iZYWYfP8ak1s2xzNpisiwGnij-pzdV2Nrci5IWUbD0MPSdazhyM6o45fCKE1EqqHcNqismYuj89skkZszjiZYg_bGN3mDM2sO_EmU/w400-h300/IMG_8576.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Atop a building in Mehdia, Sgt Culver's squad (bottom left) opens fire on the encroaching French (center/top right)...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirz2vbxkgSlxX_VNy9Tahu40GEPWDn98bpdMqg-yKp3rIhfkWGol6hvVE9gmeZo2CC0pOwF9K6YwBeDFLrxmqFqUtGonqUMVzllLTGVhKlydojUZk0tu72UJtuGxjjrcVV9badcz99_eO3kRly9FS693CV1j4aKn_w35_dYeEAXA3X5ingJwCG_M-O/s4032/IMG_8577.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirz2vbxkgSlxX_VNy9Tahu40GEPWDn98bpdMqg-yKp3rIhfkWGol6hvVE9gmeZo2CC0pOwF9K6YwBeDFLrxmqFqUtGonqUMVzllLTGVhKlydojUZk0tu72UJtuGxjjrcVV9badcz99_eO3kRly9FS693CV1j4aKn_w35_dYeEAXA3X5ingJwCG_M-O/w400-h300/IMG_8577.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>And the US small arms fire catches a French squad exposed in the road and knocks them out of the fight! The nearby Laffly armored car (far right) halts...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIUyG2zyEam3mA1viXxUxMBOqFkbrVlFhASsXAzQP2UoAr93syhq40VH7jCoa8iBaPBh_m1DScnmrdUh2TIBObsJrDHDlejE8XXwS-pbEAMWPg06JYDcM3r95gZIqU60rwFi0UuHneekBXmdreNLQfsg3hG-fHe0-FMQ7Nk-1YNoPo7XJzGwkgD2nd/s4032/IMG_8578.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIUyG2zyEam3mA1viXxUxMBOqFkbrVlFhASsXAzQP2UoAr93syhq40VH7jCoa8iBaPBh_m1DScnmrdUh2TIBObsJrDHDlejE8XXwS-pbEAMWPg06JYDcM3r95gZIqU60rwFi0UuHneekBXmdreNLQfsg3hG-fHe0-FMQ7Nk-1YNoPo7XJzGwkgD2nd/w400-h300/IMG_8578.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The vehicle commander (bottom right) directs his gunner onto the target and they begin pounding the buildings of Mehdia (top left) with their 25mm gun...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirSf2ffG6E_xKaTkeUF38O4hUdOAP32Rid1O5hDIj60QDuhqJuombpELumNDL95oVUX5Yp83jbd39ELOnnhI6MnF90qvTUDDgwtef-S5pXsXQECktfwRLOGbuXrJG1EaCTyHCoN-jFlT1M0k4kGSNDvT1HsqCkaYe5e9qyABswtgOYeIJxfFqtsYq4/s4032/IMG_8579.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirSf2ffG6E_xKaTkeUF38O4hUdOAP32Rid1O5hDIj60QDuhqJuombpELumNDL95oVUX5Yp83jbd39ELOnnhI6MnF90qvTUDDgwtef-S5pXsXQECktfwRLOGbuXrJG1EaCTyHCoN-jFlT1M0k4kGSNDvT1HsqCkaYe5e9qyABswtgOYeIJxfFqtsYq4/w400-h300/IMG_8579.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Suppressing Sgt Culver's rifle squad (far right) and Sgt Martin's mortar team (left)!!!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi90eLuedrI8vlLjM61x5DYZBDZSUKbhqc0XnWyvW-ins2NtnxQEH10wFRFjeEQk7PS6pGhNOwNwRkD4GgmDskQPdg1ulgDgi1HfDWGQmAq6yDKsruiM6rPS8zkYd22fROuLUHe1qu9SpSE9PSlNlpY3DvgoYRnfrp5pfzi-dJ50e3hHErWlo-LE7Gj/s4032/IMG_8580.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi90eLuedrI8vlLjM61x5DYZBDZSUKbhqc0XnWyvW-ins2NtnxQEH10wFRFjeEQk7PS6pGhNOwNwRkD4GgmDskQPdg1ulgDgi1HfDWGQmAq6yDKsruiM6rPS8zkYd22fROuLUHe1qu9SpSE9PSlNlpY3DvgoYRnfrp5pfzi-dJ50e3hHErWlo-LE7Gj/w400-h300/IMG_8580.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>As the French commander gets the northeastern column moving forward.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1xg8RNcqI3965jQuKWtyjdZYeYo8EvpzJ-7WQ3Er6NCMk2QrERHs8521SnqC3xNJFQ2yxsmJQnKqoGraUbTTk61l_zh-yCfOH2_ZgifZ5vj4Y3zzMzyZ5bOIkzQKrPxeszBWwDdmxOA9dqgARD-FEmLCAJgitOxo-Muii1nIzjO_aP36PLxYyegHf/s4032/IMG_8581.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1xg8RNcqI3965jQuKWtyjdZYeYo8EvpzJ-7WQ3Er6NCMk2QrERHs8521SnqC3xNJFQ2yxsmJQnKqoGraUbTTk61l_zh-yCfOH2_ZgifZ5vj4Y3zzMzyZ5bOIkzQKrPxeszBWwDdmxOA9dqgARD-FEmLCAJgitOxo-Muii1nIzjO_aP36PLxYyegHf/w400-h300/IMG_8581.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Sgt Griggs rifle squad, atop Hill 33 (bottom left, with Sgt Bush's squad at the Orchard visible at bottom right) opens fire on the advancing Frenchmen...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh76pcEXbho-sXRb5D18Yf97S-g77XJNiyWRyDFpNCbkDLMcRIrDLAy73cqFH9sStcAWwSQWeIQw4uJIzbXJK3FwfS_9X34odErzeLXnq5Yy4c6arbjocENTqP5Em9Na0HZtfq1dZLW9_mDBGWUc9mHYX_OO40qeiEtvg6WrgELw5PwQXUHCnS5rdBX/s4032/IMG_8582.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh76pcEXbho-sXRb5D18Yf97S-g77XJNiyWRyDFpNCbkDLMcRIrDLAy73cqFH9sStcAWwSQWeIQw4uJIzbXJK3FwfS_9X34odErzeLXnq5Yy4c6arbjocENTqP5Em9Na0HZtfq1dZLW9_mDBGWUc9mHYX_OO40qeiEtvg6WrgELw5PwQXUHCnS5rdBX/w400-h300/IMG_8582.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Sgt Griggs' squad (top left) pins a French rifle squad (yellow bead at center bottom), but a nearby armored car (bottom center right) returns fire...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgESkK52pB5GzcFFDH0JRzc113uS7Bvg7r9c63O_OXuzLAqtXuCNIH-qSNAY3We5tNBdytqeEd-bM8Y5rn0pazoanSBPfDIAIUp7DBdqeicD8aySDFREp-yGE48IjtAB86dF8wHco7ziTTjNmYuGRuIw4nC0A8YjBEP9nukSjW3slhTxRyV8N58JzwT/s4032/IMG_8583.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgESkK52pB5GzcFFDH0JRzc113uS7Bvg7r9c63O_OXuzLAqtXuCNIH-qSNAY3We5tNBdytqeEd-bM8Y5rn0pazoanSBPfDIAIUp7DBdqeicD8aySDFREp-yGE48IjtAB86dF8wHco7ziTTjNmYuGRuIw4nC0A8YjBEP9nukSjW3slhTxRyV8N58JzwT/w400-h300/IMG_8583.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>And the 25mm cannon fire knocks the Yank squad out!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2xWSCL5S9Pk-xia2faBahUv5MComxbZUXtGlcW3yHzKgxi29Iv6_tfqJ9AMzYGrJWRQZhYerrHve3AjjIbjBzR5XY_TDQjMmSudixjp1UPcYRyvVsnYSE_rTyUzyvSV4Wmn0n21MU_qX5Y5cqTrF1LBDrXzA-aZdllB30kvtM9Vw2gLtJ7A35qLbw/s4032/IMG_8584.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2xWSCL5S9Pk-xia2faBahUv5MComxbZUXtGlcW3yHzKgxi29Iv6_tfqJ9AMzYGrJWRQZhYerrHve3AjjIbjBzR5XY_TDQjMmSudixjp1UPcYRyvVsnYSE_rTyUzyvSV4Wmn0n21MU_qX5Y5cqTrF1LBDrXzA-aZdllB30kvtM9Vw2gLtJ7A35qLbw/w400-h300/IMG_8584.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>And as Sgt Grigg's squad is knocked out (far left), Sgt Jackson's 37mm ATG (bottom right) replies, sending a solid shot towards the French (top left)...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibW5-kRZfhZcbKmyDMYA4YqXSCsKcZh9tgZczaVsLm5ipX1k7IJTJPWfA3ciKidBMiyZ4P6Buj4NyUAPw1fAL8lsgE3BGjdfYhiut2LGU5iGP6JnZ1328MZzlbWE0Eyw2T9zs4xiUaLiPurA1TlOJY_E-T0QDz4UqrePcgvdlprNB66J7IX-LAqFd5/s4032/IMG_8585.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibW5-kRZfhZcbKmyDMYA4YqXSCsKcZh9tgZczaVsLm5ipX1k7IJTJPWfA3ciKidBMiyZ4P6Buj4NyUAPw1fAL8lsgE3BGjdfYhiut2LGU5iGP6JnZ1328MZzlbWE0Eyw2T9zs4xiUaLiPurA1TlOJY_E-T0QDz4UqrePcgvdlprNB66J7IX-LAqFd5/w400-h300/IMG_8585.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The round is short and suppresses the French commander, but fails to find any French armor.</div><div><br /></div><div>There is a lull in the firing as the shocked, inexperienced GIs manning the perimeter defenses catch a breath, trying to calm down, trying to make sense of the sights and sounds of battle, made even more confusing in the dark. Some GIs were actually scared this was a friendly fire incident; 'hold your fire, that's gotta be troops from our Armored Recon company coming back in!'</div><div><br /></div><div>The US rolled a 'Scurry,' which kinda sucks as they can't shoot and they don't really need to move, though it will give them a chance rally some of their suppressed troops, but they need to do it without moving anyone, because if they move any troops it will allow the French troops that see it to move, also. Additionally, the Americans rolled up a random event: turns out one US vehicle is immobilized for the game. Since the Yanks don't have any vehicles on the board I roll to see about the vehicles off the board; turns out Sgt Gordon's M3 Grant, in the second wave of reinforcements, had his tank break down on the way to the fight and won't partake in this evening's festivities...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4xBzZ22q2YN4p5lmDhkyYT4xeOUZcuyne5K7_HHYyykm4ReZOb4xzjz-farVPNwkwpJ3f8znqxu_-NDxYiYKUVgjK7HAnJhoPseeFTsTCXEgSguS5-Nybty65rn8iN1U7-dYzorz0MER608TJ4cY-1s7ETaNH7c1eTO3DERscZpYH2vO6hsedu767/s4032/IMG_8586.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4xBzZ22q2YN4p5lmDhkyYT4xeOUZcuyne5K7_HHYyykm4ReZOb4xzjz-farVPNwkwpJ3f8znqxu_-NDxYiYKUVgjK7HAnJhoPseeFTsTCXEgSguS5-Nybty65rn8iN1U7-dYzorz0MER608TJ4cY-1s7ETaNH7c1eTO3DERscZpYH2vO6hsedu767/w400-h300/IMG_8586.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Sgt Martin's mortar team (left) and Sgt Culver's rifle squad (right) both attempt to self rally: the mortar team is good, but Sgt Culver's boys panic...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT_xWs2bdSZYaBk3twFL1L35ZlGBlW7W5u7kJKvevMlAMgPJMQrpFx2e2TDkWeNBD26tqn7LclR3wSG-gkiCUHxFe4IvAaggk69kt5VoV8UNlZjlgIMKsvtOw6i6hVrNVX5pwMwgwtYZHCHsMR6athdggplQh_C2GcS_6Bm3kx_1rRea7bkeGlAfX9/s4032/IMG_8587.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT_xWs2bdSZYaBk3twFL1L35ZlGBlW7W5u7kJKvevMlAMgPJMQrpFx2e2TDkWeNBD26tqn7LclR3wSG-gkiCUHxFe4IvAaggk69kt5VoV8UNlZjlgIMKsvtOw6i6hVrNVX5pwMwgwtYZHCHsMR6athdggplQh_C2GcS_6Bm3kx_1rRea7bkeGlAfX9/w400-h300/IMG_8587.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>And fall back!!! It's not bad enough they didn't rally, but two more things: 1) the French saw the Americans pull back, so they get to move now, and 2) with all these troops being green, I roll to see if this incites a panic...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS-ni4byXhXwETf_x3pXV6Sb0jFE8CUI8hIDy2kMtXlpjqkkJ9Jd0PPu89KzNPYYcRA7Y4wfL1oN0OeCI_D7zt0ipUDjYqjBkiDLQbLxnFPtSdmFuwvKd0M1AJ4c3iCfrdCaV-NA2c-Zcs46qZjEQq536WXTDKoSjhyd9DvByENwQZkG9uIReArAPD/s4032/IMG_8588.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS-ni4byXhXwETf_x3pXV6Sb0jFE8CUI8hIDy2kMtXlpjqkkJ9Jd0PPu89KzNPYYcRA7Y4wfL1oN0OeCI_D7zt0ipUDjYqjBkiDLQbLxnFPtSdmFuwvKd0M1AJ4c3iCfrdCaV-NA2c-Zcs46qZjEQq536WXTDKoSjhyd9DvByENwQZkG9uIReArAPD/w400-h300/IMG_8588.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>That's not good (1s and 6s are bad in 5Core)...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEv8xP2uR0HBBMdVITpnI0tgIbx5vmRr--LZmh_YdMVEDPl8VclrPPJE-I42uDT85Y_cpkrL7oPH3LLwQUtLVVMhtZoJILNAcj_fFOea6-K3eCmedv3nSSB3Z9e4RS0RAY3qw1ry73Op6FqGneTlnus5CvYyOiF0R1GMDh6R5qkaswqIOLd8wFDxRd/s4032/IMG_8589.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEv8xP2uR0HBBMdVITpnI0tgIbx5vmRr--LZmh_YdMVEDPl8VclrPPJE-I42uDT85Y_cpkrL7oPH3LLwQUtLVVMhtZoJILNAcj_fFOea6-K3eCmedv3nSSB3Z9e4RS0RAY3qw1ry73Op6FqGneTlnus5CvYyOiF0R1GMDh6R5qkaswqIOLd8wFDxRd/w400-h300/IMG_8589.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Sgt Hayes' and Sgt Brown's squads at the bluffs (bottom and far right) panic and fall back (red beads at center, with Hill 41 at top center and Mehdia at top left)!!!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV1jVKOo7Xs2qR0b67os02PiyXl7Y-2gU92dG2YlGYf7W7dWA6LnKUTPuSOD84Zz5QmtWoCeHaoL_sj0BWXNy_lDjwQXwcxuJgJqlScaKxKe5tdNkTt30jAAoO3V3XElWNL-ZtWD1rhNHiGpFYPyeAhteYEh9CkQSd2dQw6ajxSLvvqEZNYvBoXg-2/s4032/IMG_8590.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV1jVKOo7Xs2qR0b67os02PiyXl7Y-2gU92dG2YlGYf7W7dWA6LnKUTPuSOD84Zz5QmtWoCeHaoL_sj0BWXNy_lDjwQXwcxuJgJqlScaKxKe5tdNkTt30jAAoO3V3XElWNL-ZtWD1rhNHiGpFYPyeAhteYEh9CkQSd2dQw6ajxSLvvqEZNYvBoXg-2/w400-h300/IMG_8590.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Lt Olsavsky, in overall command here at the (this section of) perimeter, is wracked with indecision; having already been reprimanded for weak leadership (in the first fight he never even got his platoon off the beach), he girds his loins and pushes right (center, from far left), moving up to try and halt the squads (right) retreating from the bluffs (top right).</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKrgOIGnADQp3S13dw8GnwHZvDcuym-Rx0IdwByd7pEBBR7IQpLF7TjP3V4l13t9ksAR356cT5GspocwlUbwJ-a8gmaReN_7v_x4uzLsWwFE_cYRFBHzuP0ziT-o-_DGgRxJPb1LbdDsBmZZfLc8ExPLJXuVvJYAZy-jo-FLn-5NrGz46tijvpCQyV/s4032/IMG_8591.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKrgOIGnADQp3S13dw8GnwHZvDcuym-Rx0IdwByd7pEBBR7IQpLF7TjP3V4l13t9ksAR356cT5GspocwlUbwJ-a8gmaReN_7v_x4uzLsWwFE_cYRFBHzuP0ziT-o-_DGgRxJPb1LbdDsBmZZfLc8ExPLJXuVvJYAZy-jo-FLn-5NrGz46tijvpCQyV/w400-h300/IMG_8591.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Back in the northeast, the French commander (red bead at bottom left) successfully rallies as his mortar team (top right) continues pumping out 81mm HE rounds...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWHQIXeI6KRB0_Ovb5EUBbcE0F9-WzKadN_GuRyqwZEHxPUoEHE-SOIiIXZmO7_L5OQmf7Zf52-ndPjZhcITRpGSfBgm1D8KSUZQQFSyKkt75B7YpQIn5AInIsz6i_Z6TfQNgemIy9bOzFy2OE5vbxqtrt2p8SEA49rdNdyLDRot6cXPdQZb6OAK1Y/s4032/IMG_8592.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWHQIXeI6KRB0_Ovb5EUBbcE0F9-WzKadN_GuRyqwZEHxPUoEHE-SOIiIXZmO7_L5OQmf7Zf52-ndPjZhcITRpGSfBgm1D8KSUZQQFSyKkt75B7YpQIn5AInIsz6i_Z6TfQNgemIy9bOzFy2OE5vbxqtrt2p8SEA49rdNdyLDRot6cXPdQZb6OAK1Y/w400-h300/IMG_8592.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>And they're on target this time, causing casualties amongst Sgt Jackson's anti-tank gun crew!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiFCuKZ1C5pfCq8CwRrKDyh9pLZGyHaaJ7TtINXxBWbvEo4AlpSkjkbEW7WXvvdALtvGGqbNa5sZx5AmmQBUJxhwSsV-m5qhW6Jl85AYCoMTtAbgk_pDzF2fG9f01QrAquiKomtDj-e76S9DP53WbnF8dOq_rzesCPhjgYv1pnekG23yKsDBwMHcQ7/s4032/IMG_8593.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiFCuKZ1C5pfCq8CwRrKDyh9pLZGyHaaJ7TtINXxBWbvEo4AlpSkjkbEW7WXvvdALtvGGqbNa5sZx5AmmQBUJxhwSsV-m5qhW6Jl85AYCoMTtAbgk_pDzF2fG9f01QrAquiKomtDj-e76S9DP53WbnF8dOq_rzesCPhjgYv1pnekG23yKsDBwMHcQ7/w400-h300/IMG_8593.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The French northeast column (minus their CO, who just rallied, and a pinned rifle squad, center) push forward (left) as their Hotchkiss MG team (right top, behind the wall) lays down fire.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsyL9n6IgVN9q_FeuQqiE2S9MUhkQuHJyQyYKIyO_wjJePVWdGmljDtGqmLTXEfQ7UVg-2_yh35oW5MdBK0wexKp2CnKaemGAmRT_BoyISuFZ4Ct-zprstFOxL6k0QJIxs2evUazGEioaZzvNjZPo5kWXujLZY8mH5H2ftsSIUqzc0M_otbnUkWlGg/s4032/IMG_8594.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsyL9n6IgVN9q_FeuQqiE2S9MUhkQuHJyQyYKIyO_wjJePVWdGmljDtGqmLTXEfQ7UVg-2_yh35oW5MdBK0wexKp2CnKaemGAmRT_BoyISuFZ4Ct-zprstFOxL6k0QJIxs2evUazGEioaZzvNjZPo5kWXujLZY8mH5H2ftsSIUqzc0M_otbnUkWlGg/w400-h300/IMG_8594.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Atop Hill 41 (bottom left) Sgt Norton's .30-cal MG opens fire, spitting lead at the French northeast column (top right)...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpGxDGBUcnXt3XIxgoRgxqIvhR3DBHSEMJFb9ofPtZ-WUYIIq8Q88OgIFekricfa3AtJMZP3_6b4k3ncKX3wPmT4GO5yZ4RH7QLZAJmyjgG2Fxf1JVaEyP5nrLIrocSRI-RhyIZvvZgk5zWvEAPWKMoy1-ZoyuAUlEQjVuevlq9fXDqlS1tzNvEsay/s4032/IMG_8595.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpGxDGBUcnXt3XIxgoRgxqIvhR3DBHSEMJFb9ofPtZ-WUYIIq8Q88OgIFekricfa3AtJMZP3_6b4k3ncKX3wPmT4GO5yZ4RH7QLZAJmyjgG2Fxf1JVaEyP5nrLIrocSRI-RhyIZvvZgk5zWvEAPWKMoy1-ZoyuAUlEQjVuevlq9fXDqlS1tzNvEsay/w400-h300/IMG_8595.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Sending another out of the fight!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwS6XcftT5uL7liHMXnKuaOcgoSU8Aem28-1y__AyU9I_sMqpe3UBn6pbvZjWCe9PUm0gLmLQ1IMsKU5jk2JZfrIypnFlYoM413mI1teuBxjkm8Bri_YeOyNTUEvYnjtlHB4_apPhXD7DqR_lgMusNPQl9jntvlM5_iuAJ0Cel1j6T0cw8G-jyO6fh/s4032/IMG_8596.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwS6XcftT5uL7liHMXnKuaOcgoSU8Aem28-1y__AyU9I_sMqpe3UBn6pbvZjWCe9PUm0gLmLQ1IMsKU5jk2JZfrIypnFlYoM413mI1teuBxjkm8Bri_YeOyNTUEvYnjtlHB4_apPhXD7DqR_lgMusNPQl9jntvlM5_iuAJ0Cel1j6T0cw8G-jyO6fh/w400-h300/IMG_8596.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The armored cars (bottom right) return fire on Hill 41 (top left), suppressing Sgt Harmon's squad.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyBkJ3y2PbdMaUdy_bZlZk4ZGT5uap5rAdO9PomrRjef_JqcM8-WMmdbieiqWscAHoD-MHHKAtqqzJwQ2Jaubp6hY6O_69APF6suc92VI1nJYJltvzVL73lnFyG0OnZtpTimk1gI8H9Qxj6ExZgy8pdYAjQJg5HNpRbsjYIlB47zSWPozPrMOXLSt0/s4032/IMG_8597.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyBkJ3y2PbdMaUdy_bZlZk4ZGT5uap5rAdO9PomrRjef_JqcM8-WMmdbieiqWscAHoD-MHHKAtqqzJwQ2Jaubp6hY6O_69APF6suc92VI1nJYJltvzVL73lnFyG0OnZtpTimk1gI8H9Qxj6ExZgy8pdYAjQJg5HNpRbsjYIlB47zSWPozPrMOXLSt0/w400-h300/IMG_8597.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>As the French southeastern column pushes up to the bluffs. As the advance, Sgt Brown's squad (top left) comes into view and the French open fire, keeping them suppressed.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhorjUXTCSp3ozG1YolsILYm_A6xSrbeVZK-0WuwgDSRPb47hKL1VUoZAByhvZDK2TDBmHAlTbAMQwDCXVvGji9CGNnbMq7QvcSwr44IoGPTv2aqnQ1N_VotAQ4gd45Jc11m5d_8uoT5-7CFar1LGdL0IBFoHeWqBYw-ZEcOUOdaL6fkiM-f1iYSwFw/s4032/IMG_8598.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhorjUXTCSp3ozG1YolsILYm_A6xSrbeVZK-0WuwgDSRPb47hKL1VUoZAByhvZDK2TDBmHAlTbAMQwDCXVvGji9CGNnbMq7QvcSwr44IoGPTv2aqnQ1N_VotAQ4gd45Jc11m5d_8uoT5-7CFar1LGdL0IBFoHeWqBYw-ZEcOUOdaL6fkiM-f1iYSwFw/w400-h300/IMG_8598.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>With fire coming in on Hill 41 (top) and on his right (French southeastern column is just off camera at bottom right), Lt Olsavsky (center) has a decision to make: be brave (move up and rally Sgt Hayes' and Sgt Brown's squad, right), or be chicken (move up, into cover atop Hill 41, to rally Sgt Culver's squad, top)...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGxvGOhuSkB8RkrFcXvAb319Ml3f1yIZwhAoLM_9NLeXSpdYUU_Gj8iGgVIyU9k5cLnK4wpyD-86EzeYgaEJhmOS8PtmCGsXtrkBrCCUg-CY7xVxCQzBeGKhW_wMKMS-09_QvxK4lShB2PydCfPR6mOLabyEzdQTNs16Ow4ysQcsg5kvTq7v1KjdTV/s4032/IMG_8599.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGxvGOhuSkB8RkrFcXvAb319Ml3f1yIZwhAoLM_9NLeXSpdYUU_Gj8iGgVIyU9k5cLnK4wpyD-86EzeYgaEJhmOS8PtmCGsXtrkBrCCUg-CY7xVxCQzBeGKhW_wMKMS-09_QvxK4lShB2PydCfPR6mOLabyEzdQTNs16Ow4ysQcsg5kvTq7v1KjdTV/w400-h300/IMG_8599.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>He goes the chicken route, moving up Hill 41, up to Sgt Culver's squad, where he successfully rallies them.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXDpBe3Dgw6Ir09C9P1iWWW7gv1kCyHnuyyDQ0BoH1G9f2n9OErNkNdvUptNYGE7noj6pM9UXITo2uvSaStfU_tUM4VeW99hpTcY692VwVj3Wo_s4kfPZrzX4BAkBxe8x-BDPcTFvNcEcgppANf7Z7dUSFuPljqL7Oqgn8uUrPv1KmcHKoLwfI30DC/s4032/IMG_8600.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXDpBe3Dgw6Ir09C9P1iWWW7gv1kCyHnuyyDQ0BoH1G9f2n9OErNkNdvUptNYGE7noj6pM9UXITo2uvSaStfU_tUM4VeW99hpTcY692VwVj3Wo_s4kfPZrzX4BAkBxe8x-BDPcTFvNcEcgppANf7Z7dUSFuPljqL7Oqgn8uUrPv1KmcHKoLwfI30DC/w400-h300/IMG_8600.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>As Sgt Norton's MG team (bottom left) continues spewing lead at the French northeastern column (top right)...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnnhbqwPvj6cVRuVKxGdOujwEEUYhubbgEzrP8KoxXrCO0zdJE8VZOAdZKBNkopsIp3W-nYtcl48MHSfopv-iK017oxoQuGqZwtj96Lsecf5HjiVWoigSHOG40_18GO0_SmU3SgTMhQDRE3jDHCUXdODfZjLm1GH1red-jg1CUQzztuLI0N1WGa79K/s4032/IMG_8601.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnnhbqwPvj6cVRuVKxGdOujwEEUYhubbgEzrP8KoxXrCO0zdJE8VZOAdZKBNkopsIp3W-nYtcl48MHSfopv-iK017oxoQuGqZwtj96Lsecf5HjiVWoigSHOG40_18GO0_SmU3SgTMhQDRE3jDHCUXdODfZjLm1GH1red-jg1CUQzztuLI0N1WGa79K/w400-h300/IMG_8601.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The Yankee machine gun (top left) fire has no effect, but neither does the return fire of one of the Laffly armored cars (bottom center).</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6qlA7H51FAyJxqpgnEpWsbFTQSC_-cmNAPs5n8cbCdTUoyFP7y2Fr1tex7Zje4TeN2z8XCuCX0Rl8lNWraL1jb5szCnRU21jmdH2gc2-kb9abZY4qHlpkVsf-s8R6v-rYEuOvvJvccrcHpWeRHR7GRV7-cd8njPM89InfMYukmBAlxzYUJTNg5V69/s4032/IMG_8602.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6qlA7H51FAyJxqpgnEpWsbFTQSC_-cmNAPs5n8cbCdTUoyFP7y2Fr1tex7Zje4TeN2z8XCuCX0Rl8lNWraL1jb5szCnRU21jmdH2gc2-kb9abZY4qHlpkVsf-s8R6v-rYEuOvvJvccrcHpWeRHR7GRV7-cd8njPM89InfMYukmBAlxzYUJTNg5V69/w400-h300/IMG_8602.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>While atop Hill 41 (bottom left), Sgt Harmon goes heroic: "Dammit, Lootenat, I had it under control, you shoulda gone down there (right top) to help those guys! You know what, let's go, fellas!" And with Sgt Harmon led his squad downslope to help halt Sgt Sgt Hayes' and Sgt Brown's panicking squads.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHjceg2mbzE9VQnyDi47lczm657iFIN-8H_qC2jW8t10ZcJ1H-RBPgDXLRO0Pu7lkrzqBiraZy-X2TzijQT191ZtRmftbsoxzQ4dWVxCUIR3gmSLvfCzWeeWuT7QCuBvvbkWSUWiatAxCGJkhZ4Dr1dS3g3NdZDBSVNOi2qMxEnWPeRNhQ2MV6jFVS/s320/IMG_8603.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHjceg2mbzE9VQnyDi47lczm657iFIN-8H_qC2jW8t10ZcJ1H-RBPgDXLRO0Pu7lkrzqBiraZy-X2TzijQT191ZtRmftbsoxzQ4dWVxCUIR3gmSLvfCzWeeWuT7QCuBvvbkWSUWiatAxCGJkhZ4Dr1dS3g3NdZDBSVNOi2qMxEnWPeRNhQ2MV6jFVS/w400-h300/IMG_8603.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>But the French (bottom right) see Sgt Harmon and his men come running downhill, and the three American rifle squads, all bunched up, make quite a delicious-looking target. The French open fire, but somehow they miss!!!</div><div><br /></div><div>Sgt Harmon tries to help the other two squads rally...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZZvGS8FLrCZOHM5e44JfYom9feYjRqV4dEtRhScb395QB1BFCAze2tlSvZrrN8MhM7IV9VSdcoA9rglsP3t2fhTI11pr1QN2YcewnlH74bkWmoD4Zm90m2Hd8rbeIQxicfoV2ok1R3yVRIHLoRATs7i7Lz-gL__2o7srI6wloiU-_poNhkyXEErtd/s4032/IMG_8604.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZZvGS8FLrCZOHM5e44JfYom9feYjRqV4dEtRhScb395QB1BFCAze2tlSvZrrN8MhM7IV9VSdcoA9rglsP3t2fhTI11pr1QN2YcewnlH74bkWmoD4Zm90m2Hd8rbeIQxicfoV2ok1R3yVRIHLoRATs7i7Lz-gL__2o7srI6wloiU-_poNhkyXEErtd/w400-h300/IMG_8604.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Good grief...</div><div><br /></div><div>**I used a red and a black dice just so I could tell the two squads apart while rolling them up at the same time.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW2UaQz38fZnWLp30DzAjKzlQDKLgjKptgWqBCOe5vW24nCTC1evR_OBvd3hEMYHu-lSrVoS3doV0qem0iB4hFZXCfYIb0n4wQr_cfQv3XPOZ4ejRACaDv6SzwfILEUU03GMX46HEPoptDdXQo5cCgmRIjmaKZCFZ0K3WG60Bo__VX5gU0DIvxLOq1/s4032/IMG_8605.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW2UaQz38fZnWLp30DzAjKzlQDKLgjKptgWqBCOe5vW24nCTC1evR_OBvd3hEMYHu-lSrVoS3doV0qem0iB4hFZXCfYIb0n4wQr_cfQv3XPOZ4ejRACaDv6SzwfILEUU03GMX46HEPoptDdXQo5cCgmRIjmaKZCFZ0K3WG60Bo__VX5gU0DIvxLOq1/w400-h300/IMG_8605.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Sgt Harmon and his men (far right bottom) are left in the dust as Sgt Hayes' and Sgt Brown's squads continue their panicked flight west (red beads at center from right)!!!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2gMo1aa4hM2P4zzcP_PjiRHK6sjXbsvrWj4Ltu018PY_fWD8J0-ZA25f3YztMbDZk0oIqDOygtFoBIBHDoS0FhEElljb-aT3jA82AXKIklZMiKweFnCJifKOzoGQQZ1YA85ZBLYDCA0VIhccJNr0-0YJDs09DZgD7TmuyEZsnHLqt_x-TaTuZ4pXG/s4032/IMG_8606.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2gMo1aa4hM2P4zzcP_PjiRHK6sjXbsvrWj4Ltu018PY_fWD8J0-ZA25f3YztMbDZk0oIqDOygtFoBIBHDoS0FhEElljb-aT3jA82AXKIklZMiKweFnCJifKOzoGQQZ1YA85ZBLYDCA0VIhccJNr0-0YJDs09DZgD7TmuyEZsnHLqt_x-TaTuZ4pXG/w400-h300/IMG_8606.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Sgt Martin's mortar team (bottom left) pumps out rounds at the French southeastern column (top right) as Sgt Culver rallies his squad.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9D_hffa2SFV_3C09VQbO6RB4jQJhfkmevkbblrxFQNPXxADufHElElt9p0RHkKVTl6XXCc2w6UPNMA2pdCQl5w0tnhydV2p3CWfbb_Tqlmya3dLl6Wb2s2EFSFt1NoNF5UysD6gehFIkShYMh-Fy_x0tFpdGjJO0eL3eQH2FqypofnZllCGNHrIhY/s4032/IMG_8607.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9D_hffa2SFV_3C09VQbO6RB4jQJhfkmevkbblrxFQNPXxADufHElElt9p0RHkKVTl6XXCc2w6UPNMA2pdCQl5w0tnhydV2p3CWfbb_Tqlmya3dLl6Wb2s2EFSFt1NoNF5UysD6gehFIkShYMh-Fy_x0tFpdGjJO0eL3eQH2FqypofnZllCGNHrIhY/w400-h300/IMG_8607.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The rounds are a little long and only manage to pin an armored car.</div><div><br /></div><div>The US side gets a little luck: the French need to keep moving, but they roll up a 'Firefight!' Sure, it's going to suck weathering their fire, but it's great luck they don't get to continue closing, gotta have some room left for the US reinforcements to arrive!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL7ChBUefuW_yPyJloDySHOcWp2y1U9Tlh0RcasbtpIeIAopXJD2o-XyUYixpTT61GjYpz-mprV0bAvCTaCDHEm9VZT0fyvFwa4LEZp7r0oY_4kr-MNmEYT4cF7FIFp9k6UV1H9bC2iEZnFr_WqJ4mObXCQO9M_Czo4EeWvaCtHUmG0fzlYT5GshV_/s4032/IMG_8608.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL7ChBUefuW_yPyJloDySHOcWp2y1U9Tlh0RcasbtpIeIAopXJD2o-XyUYixpTT61GjYpz-mprV0bAvCTaCDHEm9VZT0fyvFwa4LEZp7r0oY_4kr-MNmEYT4cF7FIFp9k6UV1H9bC2iEZnFr_WqJ4mObXCQO9M_Czo4EeWvaCtHUmG0fzlYT5GshV_/w400-h300/IMG_8608.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The French attack begins to bog down: both columns (northeast at top right, southeast at bottom left) go firm and look to overwhelm the Americans with their superior firepower: both MGs (bottom right, atop Hill 25, and right top, behind the wall) and their 81mm mortar (top right) pound Hill 41 (far left).</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4irHMAG3_qxPI_9huEUlHqtXRGyB_Syvfd9ORWihf1VQCUIUMtlDC0KtHQQmf4INsWJKn4LizymjFChlzxJcCM4UC4J5fUPfIAAJdTVMJ8a6svk9wnXkZHVNCZwZlOemMN8_XUTsSulJb7fj3VpeYTZsWoc92OvRCDCQZOMz13kqZY2H7vLmVrOz-/s4032/IMG_8609.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4irHMAG3_qxPI_9huEUlHqtXRGyB_Syvfd9ORWihf1VQCUIUMtlDC0KtHQQmf4INsWJKn4LizymjFChlzxJcCM4UC4J5fUPfIAAJdTVMJ8a6svk9wnXkZHVNCZwZlOemMN8_XUTsSulJb7fj3VpeYTZsWoc92OvRCDCQZOMz13kqZY2H7vLmVrOz-/w400-h300/IMG_8609.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Lt Olsavsky panics (red bead) as Sgt Norton's machine gun squad is knocked out!!!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9VKm87I3_W-spao9-QxdpcRKn2nX3YgQ1t2nUS-po2CGSNnsAVukw0aNjLrBn9k_BtfUXNgE5UH1O3_KSNyaQftXiUD7GZgLUHN3yL5TA5NdXf42LojwBY06C4YDOULFwt79aZaf_OGH6h9TNanGav4mlYq03r4L-O-cGMuw7qUROvPFYthRA8kE_/s4032/IMG_8610.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9VKm87I3_W-spao9-QxdpcRKn2nX3YgQ1t2nUS-po2CGSNnsAVukw0aNjLrBn9k_BtfUXNgE5UH1O3_KSNyaQftXiUD7GZgLUHN3yL5TA5NdXf42LojwBY06C4YDOULFwt79aZaf_OGH6h9TNanGav4mlYq03r4L-O-cGMuw7qUROvPFYthRA8kE_/w400-h300/IMG_8610.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Sgt Jackson's ATG (top center right) was hit and panicked earlier and still has yet to rally back into the fight, as the French Laffly in the northeast (bottom left) opens fire...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXM60i0TCKaj_gRJaZhi6-XDOfAgK9j2ERf9ZEw7825LyH25SkJ7aB9PF6AKPL2xzUo6Rvh-eB4LDPHGV15DwDOS2q25J7Ilyq6vAOi8_PwefW_L7HdDQYABR61AtijoNCBDCykQe__bAk3TCjqzMAZlmG5tai7K2_yeNQBa_RzaZ-W7bdFMoWvd1j/s4032/IMG_8611.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXM60i0TCKaj_gRJaZhi6-XDOfAgK9j2ERf9ZEw7825LyH25SkJ7aB9PF6AKPL2xzUo6Rvh-eB4LDPHGV15DwDOS2q25J7Ilyq6vAOi8_PwefW_L7HdDQYABR61AtijoNCBDCykQe__bAk3TCjqzMAZlmG5tai7K2_yeNQBa_RzaZ-W7bdFMoWvd1j/w400-h300/IMG_8611.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>And finishes them off!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioQJmA5zZM3lndm7BfLX_h62pGNjQgV8vw1oCg9NSiXNoeIUAWNqzqSsNFIxqP1Oe--bOJn2kvwmcgk8Tvekw3kOtIq49cMEyW5D-sMdekqs6JRf_bwbhH_xfASwHpT4VGILVNVhzbrtx0nu6DXfLk7beXyr4Zbo3c47Ga8zlp2gDcRaouoPGkFJ4U/s4032/IMG_8612.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioQJmA5zZM3lndm7BfLX_h62pGNjQgV8vw1oCg9NSiXNoeIUAWNqzqSsNFIxqP1Oe--bOJn2kvwmcgk8Tvekw3kOtIq49cMEyW5D-sMdekqs6JRf_bwbhH_xfASwHpT4VGILVNVhzbrtx0nu6DXfLk7beXyr4Zbo3c47Ga8zlp2gDcRaouoPGkFJ4U/w400-h300/IMG_8612.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>As French troops in the southeast (bottom right) continue firing at the US infantry opposite them, inflicting casualties on Sgt Harmon's squad (left top, with Sgt Hayes' and Sgt Brown's squads panicking behind them) and sending them 'men down!'</div><div><br /></div><div>So much for going heroic, both squads he tried to rally kept running and now his men are hurt, panicked, and ripe to plucked...</div><div><br /></div><div>Then the US side rolls up a 'Firefight,' which normally is great for defenders, but is the absolute worse thing that could have happened to the US side right now as it allows them to fire but not move or rally, and they don't have hardly anyone that's still able to fire and have a bunch of troops that need to be rallied...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6mJIZVzyjS01Kfng5nn-HBtI7sYQ0989mQnfSXKyWqBhktpYbKxC5wmaedrBD2RO9M1UtyazocLYym7Sd4Ihagp1EEAWILU8IIu5CGFRHvhlIhzR6kIj8l15kUSnVxtjX8pea6UoRlQ0j4qOX9dSSha2eCoIle2BbtOFbWyUqRM5XUlx2fzaRpSf9/s4032/IMG_8613.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6mJIZVzyjS01Kfng5nn-HBtI7sYQ0989mQnfSXKyWqBhktpYbKxC5wmaedrBD2RO9M1UtyazocLYym7Sd4Ihagp1EEAWILU8IIu5CGFRHvhlIhzR6kIj8l15kUSnVxtjX8pea6UoRlQ0j4qOX9dSSha2eCoIle2BbtOFbWyUqRM5XUlx2fzaRpSf9/w400-h300/IMG_8613.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Atop Hill 41, Lt Olsavsky and his command team self rally (I allow the acting CO to self rally on the Firefight, but no one else) as Sgt Martin's mortar team (bottom center left) continues pumping out 60mm HE rounds at the southeastern column (top right)...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9SObuqWGdtJfzXhlCKbGg5A7UaXXZ9Ikn2QYIrOhvGtipgk65JCdKQTyC0u0-AsoJVCqRkfJOQsieDQXGxD1CtdTa5KqTXGs1le13xL9ZX2aY38VpnKKDbake8QDO_szE8FfZ0p6fsF0x31H1wNfCPyZW_61hI3Aoaj_K4DEK75ODfHTKa0Oa0bWE/s320/IMG_8614.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9SObuqWGdtJfzXhlCKbGg5A7UaXXZ9Ikn2QYIrOhvGtipgk65JCdKQTyC0u0-AsoJVCqRkfJOQsieDQXGxD1CtdTa5KqTXGs1le13xL9ZX2aY38VpnKKDbake8QDO_szE8FfZ0p6fsF0x31H1wNfCPyZW_61hI3Aoaj_K4DEK75ODfHTKa0Oa0bWE/w400-h300/IMG_8614.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Pinning one of the R35 light tanks.</div><div><br /></div><div>Now the French roll up a 'Scurry,' which allows everyone to move or rally, but not shoot. They'd have preferred a 'normal' activation (so they can move and shoot), but they'll take a Scurry.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQPIH_nmyNAPmvQBBD9VYIB2qF2hMyEo2SxlVjof9K1_r-9Bxul6v8k3zuSMHJ92q7rKhRLzG6EkJW1Yl3HWpC9LGC0dLBYgCSyzHb8VpDJcAf087MWphifoZTLf4MTE7SvmRWtYVc3w7hmf3aGq8upSTlgRVmfjb8BD6uo7XaIX4jJrhnpADYZVer/s4032/IMG_8615.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQPIH_nmyNAPmvQBBD9VYIB2qF2hMyEo2SxlVjof9K1_r-9Bxul6v8k3zuSMHJ92q7rKhRLzG6EkJW1Yl3HWpC9LGC0dLBYgCSyzHb8VpDJcAf087MWphifoZTLf4MTE7SvmRWtYVc3w7hmf3aGq8upSTlgRVmfjb8BD6uo7XaIX4jJrhnpADYZVer/w400-h300/IMG_8615.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The French southeastern column rallies itself and moves up (bottom left), getting very close to the panicking US infantry (center/left).</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhykml0JTujPhVEsUPdPExpMIBQPLYallFvmtTGnGXb4DrEWQg69RYDNdbzKZKJMeOdI1xtgzWDWCogUGULwE3GureuUFnUZ74s3YbLqcBFRiNHwy2xuhXBsfmwGiEVovjrswwcKfiu-zdZNIWQ2_4GE9JywLe7H_MYyw24ISpwazYAeSVPFZE8Ftqh/s320/IMG_8616.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhykml0JTujPhVEsUPdPExpMIBQPLYallFvmtTGnGXb4DrEWQg69RYDNdbzKZKJMeOdI1xtgzWDWCogUGULwE3GureuUFnUZ74s3YbLqcBFRiNHwy2xuhXBsfmwGiEVovjrswwcKfiu-zdZNIWQ2_4GE9JywLe7H_MYyw24ISpwazYAeSVPFZE8Ftqh/w400-h300/IMG_8616.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>And then does the same thing on with its northeastern column (the slacking squad at right took two attempts to rally, which is why it's so far behind the rest of the column, at center/left).</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXrtv-I1Rs_O9i1cmQ-NLFBZFSFqrLnu2rHnru-S3J1UU2zNJdjmrCiLaLV1SDyupImUCvByf_ZA95estdhPP7PgfFpXcsScdqt_Wrclm8ihlJbolqxEOvY28jAmQVMGgoIKd2u2G_w1C-MJNnD3cTyO3ZPyFG8H7MfvA1UJfyGpDtWNl8lkg94p2I/s4032/IMG_8617.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXrtv-I1Rs_O9i1cmQ-NLFBZFSFqrLnu2rHnru-S3J1UU2zNJdjmrCiLaLV1SDyupImUCvByf_ZA95estdhPP7PgfFpXcsScdqt_Wrclm8ihlJbolqxEOvY28jAmQVMGgoIKd2u2G_w1C-MJNnD3cTyO3ZPyFG8H7MfvA1UJfyGpDtWNl8lkg94p2I/w400-h300/IMG_8617.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>While on the US right, Lt Olsavsky (far left) again has a choice to make: go brave, down to rally Sgt Hayes' and Sgt Brown's squads (bottom center), or go really brave, over to rally Sgt Harmon's squad (right)...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3uxdfv7lDLzD5re-YBqVT9eDwJFbvF2ZmaektN-6XKG9Il5l6VdsBz62HPnZL96K9Scb5X9D6d1JfVBlobix643pEHCI6t2Mo-M5bB_DtURq3wYUzEOe-aTRutwV__HN4svfA4hHrIwIaSanMbXr53u-KzQeKtw5D8g544F_wVxbQjaNi4TleA6F4/s4032/IMG_8618.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3uxdfv7lDLzD5re-YBqVT9eDwJFbvF2ZmaektN-6XKG9Il5l6VdsBz62HPnZL96K9Scb5X9D6d1JfVBlobix643pEHCI6t2Mo-M5bB_DtURq3wYUzEOe-aTRutwV__HN4svfA4hHrIwIaSanMbXr53u-KzQeKtw5D8g544F_wVxbQjaNi4TleA6F4/w400-h300/IMG_8618.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>He panics and freezes!!!</div><div><br /></div><div>*Yeah, I'm adding a lot of stuff into the rules, morale-wise, to reflect the low confidence of the green US troops in North Africa. And them just sucking due to being members of the Army...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglKHT3ch-XO4cgZU_wtmmwafZk5jPOMYmVvVoVU-9Mwn8iz_yK6qZhDB5rKNuzJgVNFRA4Yp__qN1td34nNrRW6AJ_LIcvc9aoyh3Jj_0eZwcRk3-GpbJvlCT7LKbDsM3tQORkso5GhBs5R6hLHyMLXHOj3TaHcWmJAYF4DiSCCWNe1G8nrYKnjt8b/s4032/IMG_8619.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglKHT3ch-XO4cgZU_wtmmwafZk5jPOMYmVvVoVU-9Mwn8iz_yK6qZhDB5rKNuzJgVNFRA4Yp__qN1td34nNrRW6AJ_LIcvc9aoyh3Jj_0eZwcRk3-GpbJvlCT7LKbDsM3tQORkso5GhBs5R6hLHyMLXHOj3TaHcWmJAYF4DiSCCWNe1G8nrYKnjt8b/w400-h300/IMG_8619.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Sgt Culver has finally managed to calm his boys down and get them back into position (atop building at bottom center, from bottom left) as Sgt Hayes' and Sgt Brown's squads (center, with Lt Olsavsky at top center, Sgt Martin's mortar team at far left, and Sgt Harmon's squad 'men down' behind the trees at right, French just off camera to bottom right)...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNXjRlLFNeTljlEE5dcTOOhEWBh9ZN03YAz3KzJSuOwEwF3F2BSxCML5y-o5vmwpREC0dUafFFEpW4izFM3pyWfrxTJcXbRnJtXS6YtgoHr-b7AueDpH8dYQMfO6wFnZUO49N4WivyNf2TW5PYD7qpwHWaI_YjHQeV9e6zpXJdqv1XEcDjjLCyMVqt/s4032/IMG_8620.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNXjRlLFNeTljlEE5dcTOOhEWBh9ZN03YAz3KzJSuOwEwF3F2BSxCML5y-o5vmwpREC0dUafFFEpW4izFM3pyWfrxTJcXbRnJtXS6YtgoHr-b7AueDpH8dYQMfO6wFnZUO49N4WivyNf2TW5PYD7qpwHWaI_YjHQeV9e6zpXJdqv1XEcDjjLCyMVqt/w400-h300/IMG_8620.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Sgt Hayes' squad rallies 'up' to pinned (yellow bead at bottom right), but Sgt Brown's squad continues running (red bead at far left top)!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV8bHHlm_NPV_x006rWDVQCSIiys3f8Ng1m6eo2zqchQIL5rnuYicU1KubCC6hXKi0wO_2aP3wF7y1SAKZxadTukqDParyDEA87va-qU7OQa2qSbsMay7OGgPyN7b7gIz4v1BRa4mX6qGdtNITP-CxAD95cbmwhP3s8RHCskOaVabbir0FcNd_gYzK/s4032/IMG_8621.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV8bHHlm_NPV_x006rWDVQCSIiys3f8Ng1m6eo2zqchQIL5rnuYicU1KubCC6hXKi0wO_2aP3wF7y1SAKZxadTukqDParyDEA87va-qU7OQa2qSbsMay7OGgPyN7b7gIz4v1BRa4mX6qGdtNITP-CxAD95cbmwhP3s8RHCskOaVabbir0FcNd_gYzK/w400-h300/IMG_8621.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Sgt Bush's squad is holding down the US far left flank (bottom left, behind the Orchard) has a decision to make: having watched Sgt Griggs' squad get gunned down at Hill 33 (off camera to left) and Sgt Jackson's ATG crew annihilated (off camera to bottom center right), with French armor and infantry (center/top center) bearing down on them. So far they've been content to hide, quiet as a church mouse, behind the Orchard, but that's not really an option now, so Sgt Bush has a decision to make: should they stay or should they go?</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo_QH3gDHFUJlwVei0UlW-KCrhoZK3Ob5vlbYkHU41Tg1qlw7qcGVRspNP2FIgInsdpl9yIC6hKCPD3upE6hABNeQRxcL8xGa9WxZkmasU-HiO3Yk2Kv4xooxbHjOJkY5KRyeWkt6tC4NgqvOcZukFj8q1EHlyA64j2QVaEcJTuwAVVPt2QifyIAWL/s4032/IMG_8622.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo_QH3gDHFUJlwVei0UlW-KCrhoZK3Ob5vlbYkHU41Tg1qlw7qcGVRspNP2FIgInsdpl9yIC6hKCPD3upE6hABNeQRxcL8xGa9WxZkmasU-HiO3Yk2Kv4xooxbHjOJkY5KRyeWkt6tC4NgqvOcZukFj8q1EHlyA64j2QVaEcJTuwAVVPt2QifyIAWL/w400-h300/IMG_8622.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Not only will Sgt Bush's squad stay, but they also managed to scrounge up Cpl Miller, 3rd Platoon, Easy Company's anti-tank team leader!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhglBm1N-9UpZwzQIFP24jwrzaRbzpLUAFJdxyZQaop51YTpcQJ5O_PF4mx4fmyG4j8mSBfL-aB6UQ5mbSkWvLmlE9TqfNtosr6y5JKOiv9M5UvFqXK8tQFFd_ZRY8UnW_Xs4ANYZpzW8xVBbSSCIZyoos_t_0luD600BneMi17eoxknCtYzOusd0DZ/s4032/IMG_8623.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhglBm1N-9UpZwzQIFP24jwrzaRbzpLUAFJdxyZQaop51YTpcQJ5O_PF4mx4fmyG4j8mSBfL-aB6UQ5mbSkWvLmlE9TqfNtosr6y5JKOiv9M5UvFqXK8tQFFd_ZRY8UnW_Xs4ANYZpzW8xVBbSSCIZyoos_t_0luD600BneMi17eoxknCtYzOusd0DZ/w400-h300/IMG_8623.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Cpl Miller slinks right (bottom left, next to Sgt Bush's squad), unseen by the French (top right), rises, and prepares to fire a rocket at the nearest enemy armored vehicle... But as he does, Sgt Bush's men open fire with their rifles and BARs!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBaIWdC8hnDireVmkUOU_gerJFbwcwmRsr5IVP3FjlaGSj2KTYrrVOqTvJC-VbeolAiorb3wRwe4IPOKgBN4vrHjW_7hy8edPAd5VbelxFn-c98lLpEZ57Irsra1Po9aPFCi3yW9lD2h7BeuQW8DFxHA9fSvUjeRN02oaxEjaUBpwLNla5xafiUio5/s4032/IMG_8624.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBaIWdC8hnDireVmkUOU_gerJFbwcwmRsr5IVP3FjlaGSj2KTYrrVOqTvJC-VbeolAiorb3wRwe4IPOKgBN4vrHjW_7hy8edPAd5VbelxFn-c98lLpEZ57Irsra1Po9aPFCi3yW9lD2h7BeuQW8DFxHA9fSvUjeRN02oaxEjaUBpwLNla5xafiUio5/w400-h300/IMG_8624.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Pinning the nearest French rifle squad (yellow bead at far right)...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimZhqbxUqtWSHC53M3HSNwWm-a2DCaHWQWpTBRcHbtLBork91gIL9LODK3N84eC2rmlFS5NkQ_8wTRPzG6TQ9jXy5pqQ_GMNruULI9IOti-vomLzPXmOp_PIhwyM1triV7_Zx_n0mxcLqltEzBJXQHEaYCJMyr1UEhvuyO-Idd34emxf7P72ha-AX7/s4032/IMG_8625.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimZhqbxUqtWSHC53M3HSNwWm-a2DCaHWQWpTBRcHbtLBork91gIL9LODK3N84eC2rmlFS5NkQ_8wTRPzG6TQ9jXy5pqQ_GMNruULI9IOti-vomLzPXmOp_PIhwyM1triV7_Zx_n0mxcLqltEzBJXQHEaYCJMyr1UEhvuyO-Idd34emxf7P72ha-AX7/w400-h300/IMG_8625.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>But drawing fire from the Laffly armored car (bottom left) just as Cpl Miller (top right) is steadying the bazooka to fire...</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgblRRBdiBMNeGbHuXghWhTpEFvZgA5gK-9p7O8gZeLj1sVqG5XyUvVmzDvvWq5C9vibmGQbqgCXz-erjXPX5sKB268NkXQGKcInrkLyhNvI0rrv995JecvACtGCOTJMYQRDoznGybh9Vc341KLQgTxkhjGCMDPgnbBm6v3RsonM10Imu8xQP43Dcfw/s4032/IMG_8626.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgblRRBdiBMNeGbHuXghWhTpEFvZgA5gK-9p7O8gZeLj1sVqG5XyUvVmzDvvWq5C9vibmGQbqgCXz-erjXPX5sKB268NkXQGKcInrkLyhNvI0rrv995JecvACtGCOTJMYQRDoznGybh9Vc341KLQgTxkhjGCMDPgnbBm6v3RsonM10Imu8xQP43Dcfw/w400-h300/IMG_8626.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The rounds somehow zip by harmlessly as Cpl Miller fires...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixSgus-r02aWWBKULEUKpzg5FKUvFZAbWGXLiVQGf7zTuR9u1Jajk6feyoyWhIsPcH37B3s7pSmEzlOmJ26YraeB8zGOgCu0fVagIR2jXqRfUfsS1MNkky_DwpbE1K-YmQ8vhPPu_poSN8-yZk7eekv7fVwd6oEGJCAUOVzGYre1Ia_2aVk4LK0RID/s4032/IMG_8627.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixSgus-r02aWWBKULEUKpzg5FKUvFZAbWGXLiVQGf7zTuR9u1Jajk6feyoyWhIsPcH37B3s7pSmEzlOmJ26YraeB8zGOgCu0fVagIR2jXqRfUfsS1MNkky_DwpbE1K-YmQ8vhPPu_poSN8-yZk7eekv7fVwd6oEGJCAUOVzGYre1Ia_2aVk4LK0RID/w400-h300/IMG_8627.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The rocket careens off the front armor of the French armored car, suppressing its crew (red bead at far right), as Cpl Miller curses under his breath and falls back to cover to reload (bottom left, from gunfire marker in the street at left)...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1EIezea2oxWC1dLNK8yTcIBkdHd2w4pVP8MTrOp9K8JuP7Ajw8ugFF9MRpAzcNGrCZrM3FVyqS7dSjQV8X6BIV0JCYH97FnK7u7X0RrH0CBlhpzbG8l3Oh4GXXkQ-bcExcByjebkFX4tbMtjgnyX1f_j1UZgimkluDNUaeU1OwjRZrbTUPkpPPMOR/s4032/IMG_8628.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1EIezea2oxWC1dLNK8yTcIBkdHd2w4pVP8MTrOp9K8JuP7Ajw8ugFF9MRpAzcNGrCZrM3FVyqS7dSjQV8X6BIV0JCYH97FnK7u7X0RrH0CBlhpzbG8l3Oh4GXXkQ-bcExcByjebkFX4tbMtjgnyX1f_j1UZgimkluDNUaeU1OwjRZrbTUPkpPPMOR/w400-h300/IMG_8628.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>But then Sgt Martin's mortar team (bottom center), firing on the French southeastern column (top right), finally finds the range...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqZpLwHnd-j0BHhGGXKhVIWP85jwooAO5kezer9qz9m_DE9JlxAMUOh_yp1iAhxqNze5cggjqNCmYzy7aSS8KJZ9p1LqwiYnae1zYdkpYBiGsVB_RuJXWiYVEbPhT-1iLIftnBgg0QEVadNPbVf2Pp6P8UteeIHtJTcKqJkHj-arLTNAtFRVCu1tgU/s4032/IMG_8629.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqZpLwHnd-j0BHhGGXKhVIWP85jwooAO5kezer9qz9m_DE9JlxAMUOh_yp1iAhxqNze5cggjqNCmYzy7aSS8KJZ9p1LqwiYnae1zYdkpYBiGsVB_RuJXWiYVEbPhT-1iLIftnBgg0QEVadNPbVf2Pp6P8UteeIHtJTcKqJkHj-arLTNAtFRVCu1tgU/w400-h300/IMG_8629.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>One French rifle squad is knocked out, one is suppressed (red bead), and their XO is 'men down' (white bead)!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7qKxFxss70UmixBVTSD1Vc1Z7UkiOgeWA2Noakkz2duXSs-37byV9b1AWv0lT_3g5cR1gIXKIzhaA56j6z0IHPiK47J8iMzrxncP80ciGoCQAiQI0jv0l7KM1UdeGmyk8Ojg22V4xcBiwt4SpdgqPwBXiXtt4OvrgYerQSU-H3JsnqwxX3k2ZbeDG/s4032/IMG_8630.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7qKxFxss70UmixBVTSD1Vc1Z7UkiOgeWA2Noakkz2duXSs-37byV9b1AWv0lT_3g5cR1gIXKIzhaA56j6z0IHPiK47J8iMzrxncP80ciGoCQAiQI0jv0l7KM1UdeGmyk8Ojg22V4xcBiwt4SpdgqPwBXiXtt4OvrgYerQSU-H3JsnqwxX3k2ZbeDG/w400-h300/IMG_8630.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The French are ripe to be plucked in close combat (right top), and Sgt Harmon's squad (white bead at left) really needs help, but Sgt Culver's men (atop building at bottom left) are too scared to advance, so they just open fire with their M-1 Garands and BARs...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl4_2xE0_K6waXiiiv2-Iq9XSUrotXi7cvZ-0WXW0WB_7UEJRI2Qt8GCJUTsQwcznbYSi5I_B1f2vuNWXwuwL-ugOgKIgrweQAE59SBG7GiWDz5F-gRl1uNDMY9_Ou039ft88qA_vV3N6sXIrr4_WTrfti9XvK-e74l0pO1uss-mEiF3relQwEVYd0/s4032/IMG_8631.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl4_2xE0_K6waXiiiv2-Iq9XSUrotXi7cvZ-0WXW0WB_7UEJRI2Qt8GCJUTsQwcznbYSi5I_B1f2vuNWXwuwL-ugOgKIgrweQAE59SBG7GiWDz5F-gRl1uNDMY9_Ou039ft88qA_vV3N6sXIrr4_WTrfti9XvK-e74l0pO1uss-mEiF3relQwEVYd0/w400-h300/IMG_8631.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>And they manage to knock out another French rifle squad (casualty figures at top center)!!!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmpboNFAyIpPdjEoXNFRBgdnxuu7a-gk5-NxAezmVQ7LIZ_zF61GsLw9Ek3bJdForhxb7zscbg-voptyhxal-x2N6WMWoPmogLbdFVy2a5Q3urupmQYLdRJAL1hN4E0p1Mp6S3y32G_EwsVdgx8j0Y2LVouQA0p_DQRovg83b1c34srcMI4hXzWg2i/s4032/IMG_8632.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmpboNFAyIpPdjEoXNFRBgdnxuu7a-gk5-NxAezmVQ7LIZ_zF61GsLw9Ek3bJdForhxb7zscbg-voptyhxal-x2N6WMWoPmogLbdFVy2a5Q3urupmQYLdRJAL1hN4E0p1Mp6S3y32G_EwsVdgx8j0Y2LVouQA0p_DQRovg83b1c34srcMI4hXzWg2i/w400-h300/IMG_8632.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>With things turning against the French on the right, Lt Olsavsky finally gets up the gumption to come down off of Hill 41 (far left) to help Sgt Harmon's 'men down' squad (center right)!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD6rCxNSRMgaUwm4NIFtji0JrDo-cwDDp6FuS6Q446z7Vl-GB78G_vvcRMvLiXlboeTFQDgV28oxXgs83U42LoMi7jMixwMvVqZBht9Kchl3PK3ATiaADYdb2chlAolGUH6j9dhv_E5eT5HU66ONBmfGCEFJX9lMzT8hwHXz5O1unKBaRAzEFfL-3t/s4032/IMG_8633.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD6rCxNSRMgaUwm4NIFtji0JrDo-cwDDp6FuS6Q446z7Vl-GB78G_vvcRMvLiXlboeTFQDgV28oxXgs83U42LoMi7jMixwMvVqZBht9Kchl3PK3ATiaADYdb2chlAolGUH6j9dhv_E5eT5HU66ONBmfGCEFJX9lMzT8hwHXz5O1unKBaRAzEFfL-3t/w400-h300/IMG_8633.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Just s Major Reisman arrives with Sgt Clark's SPG, Sgt Bledsoe's MG team, and Sgt Brock's ATG!</div><div><br /></div><div>The Major immediately breaks his foot off in Sgt Brown's ass (red bead at top left), rallying him and his squad.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3LaDiNp13tEw3MtAjJCFtmNEBG9JEw4zGkVily1si3kxnVe5KE4UccJu3pj4Qy2BKkLLells7S1seqQXow8h4c2ad7-NFI8WNKzN1WjqAm7P4Di9MoQ05hg9OdYvSfVxkzQ-xBTZIJKyKJWFrb-lUZbtgoIU4D_nWDmQWrEjdReZatFXlde8WyuaD/s4032/IMG_8634.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3LaDiNp13tEw3MtAjJCFtmNEBG9JEw4zGkVily1si3kxnVe5KE4UccJu3pj4Qy2BKkLLells7S1seqQXow8h4c2ad7-NFI8WNKzN1WjqAm7P4Di9MoQ05hg9OdYvSfVxkzQ-xBTZIJKyKJWFrb-lUZbtgoIU4D_nWDmQWrEjdReZatFXlde8WyuaD/w400-h300/IMG_8634.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>As Sgt Clark's M7 SPG leads Sgt Bledsoe's MG team (both at top left, the MG team in the 3/4-ton truck) forward as Sgt Brock and his crew unlimber their 37mm anti-tank gun and manhandle it into place (bottom right).</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaFlMw1pBFO3zLYBrdKzyoDw6-3XAzrh42k3PzzQGRXqbEhrm6qCLJTMUPifJsJsHiQm1a9TnTzWoRKpJpV4RbSZq7SkrIGTf2lxTZ9Vn2Blr0noEJitZNNCreFVTj23vtP8fK8WOt7o1CoHZQU2KY4OBbEwl3GdBGDrDDt4xtRu06IvWad0ezGINx/s320/IMG_8635.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaFlMw1pBFO3zLYBrdKzyoDw6-3XAzrh42k3PzzQGRXqbEhrm6qCLJTMUPifJsJsHiQm1a9TnTzWoRKpJpV4RbSZq7SkrIGTf2lxTZ9Vn2Blr0noEJitZNNCreFVTj23vtP8fK8WOt7o1CoHZQU2KY4OBbEwl3GdBGDrDDt4xtRu06IvWad0ezGINx/w400-h300/IMG_8635.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The French are running out of steam and, even worse, infantry. The Laffly crew checks on their 'men down' XO (white bead)...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv-nFZsyyKEYqebyMJ2NVCEUfxkFwGhSffmGDYiFrXavW4JPzIdF6cnYtOAXhdkQHcmL8JE7c09itn8c-UKqzwSKZ4HY9Inxx6SY69y3q7FedXK09wXNNUhlyxhgg5nIVujvCJ6yT5Y1E8ZBgWb_9NdWWmUoFsf5guIHEzsTXRk6z5_p0hn3SVX7T6/s4032/IMG_8636.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv-nFZsyyKEYqebyMJ2NVCEUfxkFwGhSffmGDYiFrXavW4JPzIdF6cnYtOAXhdkQHcmL8JE7c09itn8c-UKqzwSKZ4HY9Inxx6SY69y3q7FedXK09wXNNUhlyxhgg5nIVujvCJ6yT5Y1E8ZBgWb_9NdWWmUoFsf5guIHEzsTXRk6z5_p0hn3SVX7T6/w400-h300/IMG_8636.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>He's good, back in the fight, and they both move up (XO on road at right, Laffly at center left, staring at Sgt Harmon's squad (far left).</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYBZ_lpGWbJC7c11fks1w_Bw_q4xa8E00lcYDgrlHIrVsEE5nQJnY2AGiJSDgT86R2JR6L_wFb3tCnsbqyePddXUUfdQYYR3xTaM_hBiLqAfqROGwPM_hM7LB8UEeUeEiHTTDj7OQjRDUYsvAR_RTUnRiXmNT51zzXX8dWsUk4Kg9CySiTeTSJ7mt0/s4032/IMG_8637.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYBZ_lpGWbJC7c11fks1w_Bw_q4xa8E00lcYDgrlHIrVsEE5nQJnY2AGiJSDgT86R2JR6L_wFb3tCnsbqyePddXUUfdQYYR3xTaM_hBiLqAfqROGwPM_hM7LB8UEeUeEiHTTDj7OQjRDUYsvAR_RTUnRiXmNT51zzXX8dWsUk4Kg9CySiTeTSJ7mt0/w400-h300/IMG_8637.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>But Cpl Tippett, 1st Platoon, Dog Company's anti-tank team leader, rushes to the wall and fires his bazooka at the French armored car!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWBMJIbDb3slYMBTICDE0v0Q6AhFlRy8JioyQQKyTZZ2MjNo_P0d61rmnHZPJSeEgnTC2flu5cDgDpc9JA2dUOB7wRAtu-_UifTA6g2jDf6srjmCpyUZloB1F6LCg_gLQCPTaFRM1f7d5XQh03OvjST2kz9lnNt2rUISq3AQX3LlccJOdlGGLbujJV/s320/IMG_8638.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWBMJIbDb3slYMBTICDE0v0Q6AhFlRy8JioyQQKyTZZ2MjNo_P0d61rmnHZPJSeEgnTC2flu5cDgDpc9JA2dUOB7wRAtu-_UifTA6g2jDf6srjmCpyUZloB1F6LCg_gLQCPTaFRM1f7d5XQh03OvjST2kz9lnNt2rUISq3AQX3LlccJOdlGGLbujJV/w400-h300/IMG_8638.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The armored car is hit and immobilized, and its crew bails out and flees for cover!</div><div><br /></div><div>**I suppose I should admit that my dogfaces shouldn't actually have bazookas until February 1943, but I couldn't help myself...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjTrD8EhrPDTxDHauasn64cgE6XGqikjpRQe7DzjMaSRQO7l5o6ZKSTHPtZRT-fWg5wvLKmwoCXEJgWisuDGXQPqGYU5YYmv9Z8hMi97T1vALFMJBKcOeaO-MMrBH6UFqnAtoqEzLEL3ChHvcD2X712vvx0mxFxa15HY587ICpB-JEdExBCO8u6Uw3/s4032/IMG_8639.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjTrD8EhrPDTxDHauasn64cgE6XGqikjpRQe7DzjMaSRQO7l5o6ZKSTHPtZRT-fWg5wvLKmwoCXEJgWisuDGXQPqGYU5YYmv9Z8hMi97T1vALFMJBKcOeaO-MMrBH6UFqnAtoqEzLEL3ChHvcD2X712vvx0mxFxa15HY587ICpB-JEdExBCO8u6Uw3/w400-h300/IMG_8639.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The Laffly hit and abandoned (center, the two R35 light tanks push past the XO...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNYjB7RuT9cLK1UH9EB2HM8-Swu66wisk_W8ryGFTY19P3YMU5_FjN_Spsr6xOeO4JADKrsVUbrDmz9hrm6-UsRyUN44bdMIosRQ_FG7w57jGj3Or0ORdA8TjeUFMwO_6psgiGawCqaFawYdMFobKM0YNSB1ZsOtXlyIwr0cShh4-aRNmWtlJ-aQmy/s4032/IMG_8640.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNYjB7RuT9cLK1UH9EB2HM8-Swu66wisk_W8ryGFTY19P3YMU5_FjN_Spsr6xOeO4JADKrsVUbrDmz9hrm6-UsRyUN44bdMIosRQ_FG7w57jGj3Or0ORdA8TjeUFMwO_6psgiGawCqaFawYdMFobKM0YNSB1ZsOtXlyIwr0cShh4-aRNmWtlJ-aQmy/w400-h300/IMG_8640.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Only to run smack into Sgt Brock and his 37mm anti-tank gun (bottom left), which opens fire!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEVwywUjki1K0KGUJ9VPSrIJ_QuXiN54OR7pPmHFOT3GVPKexVHgCORrpfoVy1l1TpmHVRO8dOYu8vOBaKUH94TRx-P2rikji0DqrLeGvGJ2Wp0AifJDRxnRaYXrtYihikM2CZXdA9G-tnRNIZxIXiQLOzB5mYEhaW1S65R7dmen3sL1ho_eoY5r8L/s4032/IMG_8641.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEVwywUjki1K0KGUJ9VPSrIJ_QuXiN54OR7pPmHFOT3GVPKexVHgCORrpfoVy1l1TpmHVRO8dOYu8vOBaKUH94TRx-P2rikji0DqrLeGvGJ2Wp0AifJDRxnRaYXrtYihikM2CZXdA9G-tnRNIZxIXiQLOzB5mYEhaW1S65R7dmen3sL1ho_eoY5r8L/w400-h300/IMG_8641.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Knocking out the lead tank and suppressing the one behind it!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCj0RmugjxYE5dUNLKwuuyMtVpmEk5fXuCocmZ_3K1cT69n2cJgexPBmh044NIzzlvCZ8GV2RsciB4Pm0XwXcqVVFyMNCr1vt_TfBcMWokVp3Km-NSp-hdbV62C2bC1XuwrtUl1lkJl43Ktw4h1LMQUGPUycvfFjv1yvwmhJZhQPWUz4TN6z2mNHj3/s4032/IMG_8642.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCj0RmugjxYE5dUNLKwuuyMtVpmEk5fXuCocmZ_3K1cT69n2cJgexPBmh044NIzzlvCZ8GV2RsciB4Pm0XwXcqVVFyMNCr1vt_TfBcMWokVp3Km-NSp-hdbV62C2bC1XuwrtUl1lkJl43Ktw4h1LMQUGPUycvfFjv1yvwmhJZhQPWUz4TN6z2mNHj3/w400-h300/IMG_8642.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>While on the French right, their mortar team (bottom right) fires on Sgt Bush's squad and Cpl Miller's bazooka team (top left)...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl2s5RO32xWMEQJn1kEIEImzZJchVkY8CDyhZ8cmbpKQ9v9RUk4vfiVBM1CXpEFQy27_KQY2btqe3Yk345vH6mdVHNzZTG1Hev4hJjJ04HuExaV0pK9Zd_H0J0cJxaSl_kG0slUnON-pgXupGYIf1LWzMKV6tto8QEiapoTOEv5DmHcZ2m2LqgFsc0/s4032/IMG_8643.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl2s5RO32xWMEQJn1kEIEImzZJchVkY8CDyhZ8cmbpKQ9v9RUk4vfiVBM1CXpEFQy27_KQY2btqe3Yk345vH6mdVHNzZTG1Hev4hJjJ04HuExaV0pK9Zd_H0J0cJxaSl_kG0slUnON-pgXupGYIf1LWzMKV6tto8QEiapoTOEv5DmHcZ2m2LqgFsc0/w400-h300/IMG_8643.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>But the rounds go long...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWL-44et6JgDCuAFyJHCc08lBnQnYr-wrXje6IKkD8VMisvkUEcFt4qvNavocxX2_9ZbJ5xDYF2-A08PF3gj3yY4e916CzPaj_49-FkzJeMYT1eTnTHDWS_Hv5j4NMNFQVDIXlBagPN6fEF3WpbJObHvJn_h8g8jgK33Mt85IU_Bzp-_KoRySLWlVf/s4032/IMG_8644.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWL-44et6JgDCuAFyJHCc08lBnQnYr-wrXje6IKkD8VMisvkUEcFt4qvNavocxX2_9ZbJ5xDYF2-A08PF3gj3yY4e916CzPaj_49-FkzJeMYT1eTnTHDWS_Hv5j4NMNFQVDIXlBagPN6fEF3WpbJObHvJn_h8g8jgK33Mt85IU_Bzp-_KoRySLWlVf/w400-h300/IMG_8644.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>As the French CO dashes up to rally his pinned rifle squad and suppressed armored car. The other Laffly armored car and the R35 move off road to the left, trying to get around them to keep up the impetus of the attack.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhACpMU-EaFva27BlPfEmFxRKeqvcuCvaqYDEeKvQ4u4mhGhrOce1Kxh_NKJTt_I-dSSIu-SShuDOXEq1zzvZrGMCW2cQrnENepKwy0INNYXRM_CewEV7VT0-E2TjOH7md-wYxXWygymHGakMO6eK7Vt2sUvaE7V6fiTYWEeThkDN0qL_WpaPCm2DZA/s4032/IMG_8645.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhACpMU-EaFva27BlPfEmFxRKeqvcuCvaqYDEeKvQ4u4mhGhrOce1Kxh_NKJTt_I-dSSIu-SShuDOXEq1zzvZrGMCW2cQrnENepKwy0INNYXRM_CewEV7VT0-E2TjOH7md-wYxXWygymHGakMO6eK7Vt2sUvaE7V6fiTYWEeThkDN0qL_WpaPCm2DZA/w400-h300/IMG_8645.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Cpl Miller (far left) pops up and fires another rocket, this time at a different armored car...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhKRQtcEtAfyZ0S0005TrgRk9R5YPvqFnehrObSsQYHc1k9A8X1uc1fdkNtutHWd7fm8RtgBeeDc4oQCcKEcMWNlN2X7P_2wVBBaIYsaIKe8Hz4wYUzsYAUXhYA7u0rt526t9KDQQmY8AKFKXfNe_ntZDliueetmUd-BxNQeJecOniWPzIUgHpM-1L/s4032/IMG_8646.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhKRQtcEtAfyZ0S0005TrgRk9R5YPvqFnehrObSsQYHc1k9A8X1uc1fdkNtutHWd7fm8RtgBeeDc4oQCcKEcMWNlN2X7P_2wVBBaIYsaIKe8Hz4wYUzsYAUXhYA7u0rt526t9KDQQmY8AKFKXfNe_ntZDliueetmUd-BxNQeJecOniWPzIUgHpM-1L/w400-h300/IMG_8646.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>But he (far left) misses, and return fire suppresses him and his assistant.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8FWhkJgfsrfmakaPiZzD1ZGdsbUI_CDQWerfDmipT8uv7NT_SCMLPNQePp2ambHqc6ZXQreEmYvmyutn0J8qMseVD-xOXMNyC9KOOkdVwI7f8XGP_CAQtFI0qw5RO5MEDio0O1xqnEG9DSgpiCHHyF8z3zC3CfyQjIgIU3tReevbRTJkS-DUKik5R/s4032/IMG_8647.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8FWhkJgfsrfmakaPiZzD1ZGdsbUI_CDQWerfDmipT8uv7NT_SCMLPNQePp2ambHqc6ZXQreEmYvmyutn0J8qMseVD-xOXMNyC9KOOkdVwI7f8XGP_CAQtFI0qw5RO5MEDio0O1xqnEG9DSgpiCHHyF8z3zC3CfyQjIgIU3tReevbRTJkS-DUKik5R/w400-h300/IMG_8647.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>But then the Sgt Martin's 60mm mortar team (bottom left) shifts fire and begins dropping 60mm HE rounds on the French northeastern column (top right)...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBUjTl4EeKcWMPVzd7-MuKEGqLNSx7BuhQCNviP5cnTM-fWLmi2kaMepUp6-SFhw3SBlg23AzshC6PSC16tqoz4oIk93g-RLk7fLV6KSRa_brV3IVSCc5E55W2LBjkfjRipTb2nPm5sA2JkXsl469_xM6aFAvVM1MAdncPCN9vRrglIq4nyvCar7z1/s4032/IMG_8648.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBUjTl4EeKcWMPVzd7-MuKEGqLNSx7BuhQCNviP5cnTM-fWLmi2kaMepUp6-SFhw3SBlg23AzshC6PSC16tqoz4oIk93g-RLk7fLV6KSRa_brV3IVSCc5E55W2LBjkfjRipTb2nPm5sA2JkXsl469_xM6aFAvVM1MAdncPCN9vRrglIq4nyvCar7z1/w400-h300/IMG_8648.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>And it's right on the money: a rifle squad is knocked out, while an armored car (far left), the light tank, and the French commander (center right) are all suppressed!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiARe9LIFdhmyCjB-MwG41DNknu8jiymgK8IQmXRUxHCGbz0NHMDdHsBuPbZlJwaNq-ZI8f7xJNFyBkN74K3C2B5z4tn7hyNTvW5PXaAgSOAgZ0-RY2-xn7boF9hlfJKWEzMDWecDUxtD5j769td4BAfLID-0yjoxoWVctoT_VdHJlVc6jmuglG2dde/s4032/IMG_8649.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiARe9LIFdhmyCjB-MwG41DNknu8jiymgK8IQmXRUxHCGbz0NHMDdHsBuPbZlJwaNq-ZI8f7xJNFyBkN74K3C2B5z4tn7hyNTvW5PXaAgSOAgZ0-RY2-xn7boF9hlfJKWEzMDWecDUxtD5j769td4BAfLID-0yjoxoWVctoT_VdHJlVc6jmuglG2dde/w400-h300/IMG_8649.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Sgt Bush (bottom left, with Cpl Miller's suppressed bazooka team at bottom right), his morale bolstered after seeing the French get pasted by the mortars, decides to open fire on the nearby French...</div></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkOoUbmn6_h5shsaHdxkZp08POXa3Iz1ktF7xSB95vRjnjucO75CheNT029RwD8g3qU6NbuRBkT_eEEXz83z_v0JVd73GPFLDe6Q1DFH3ycvR8ndoGpQ8loXM227Kjx8_TK0PHRxRV00O3jhQb-7gJAwpDTeGSg6X4zPS611_6W-kr8WX5VfC2fse8/s4032/IMG_8650.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkOoUbmn6_h5shsaHdxkZp08POXa3Iz1ktF7xSB95vRjnjucO75CheNT029RwD8g3qU6NbuRBkT_eEEXz83z_v0JVd73GPFLDe6Q1DFH3ycvR8ndoGpQ8loXM227Kjx8_TK0PHRxRV00O3jhQb-7gJAwpDTeGSg6X4zPS611_6W-kr8WX5VfC2fse8/w400-h300/IMG_8650.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>But it doesn't turn out well as their (top center) fire is ineffectual and the unsuppressed armored car (right bottom) returns fire, suppressing the American squad!</div><div><br /></div><div>But over on the US right, things are looking up...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN_R1-VTTvGG1yL3-MOFz6P8oZXfJxSltKEs-uJ4mj0qSetobRK3NkAGdD-sF8wC_giWyCynZ62PajTC0_oyYLp0y_UCMez1TTg6o3gwDZs8Iwkg6URXNriKEMpTMtQhi_0plf2dmpG0yezDV7O6zBBetgsjPO4zXc7kxFFsTZbTP2JeNOkP1-0e1L/s320/IMG_8651.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN_R1-VTTvGG1yL3-MOFz6P8oZXfJxSltKEs-uJ4mj0qSetobRK3NkAGdD-sF8wC_giWyCynZ62PajTC0_oyYLp0y_UCMez1TTg6o3gwDZs8Iwkg6URXNriKEMpTMtQhi_0plf2dmpG0yezDV7O6zBBetgsjPO4zXc7kxFFsTZbTP2JeNOkP1-0e1L/w400-h300/IMG_8651.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>When Cpl Tippet reloads, then launches another rocket, targeting the sole remaining armored vehicle in the French souteastern column...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOOpNElMiF0vErwtLCtxfTDYrXG3b3AXekSnbWh6MLYh7W079RYcG1Mq2R5cljj1mzke2FgvQ7hz7s193KBRML28MT-fJbl_SIj-mBdxTLmwJEHtYdXeFNUKoLqvuxQxDmnXITu-6-PsS_LAhpzStXcpR0X48qZaHfJ3UPFp0MzEkhhN3_l7nplOtZ/s4032/IMG_8652.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOOpNElMiF0vErwtLCtxfTDYrXG3b3AXekSnbWh6MLYh7W079RYcG1Mq2R5cljj1mzke2FgvQ7hz7s193KBRML28MT-fJbl_SIj-mBdxTLmwJEHtYdXeFNUKoLqvuxQxDmnXITu-6-PsS_LAhpzStXcpR0X48qZaHfJ3UPFp0MzEkhhN3_l7nplOtZ/w400-h300/IMG_8652.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The rocket hits the French tank and brews it up (center bottom with the R35 knocked out by Sgt Brock's ATG at bottom left and the Laffly armored car hit by Cpl Tippett and abandoned at center), and the French XO is suppressed (red bead at bottom right)!!!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-fLAeaQSAJa3YBwkHb4KUiT3j4dUbExHyAyYEnx9Qr4vEwzdvB_2aRavS7l5jYj-jaM-zQfUKifmh9J06lIFug3EiP9qMlc4Hj7hLjPsr-sZP6Y65i7gitWBgUIuKJgvZ2LDwnSMWCQbQBcQW7cm1ouxAEVX74o7yXmXEUUySPS_ROFVxzz2PxrIC/s4032/IMG_8653.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-fLAeaQSAJa3YBwkHb4KUiT3j4dUbExHyAyYEnx9Qr4vEwzdvB_2aRavS7l5jYj-jaM-zQfUKifmh9J06lIFug3EiP9qMlc4Hj7hLjPsr-sZP6Y65i7gitWBgUIuKJgvZ2LDwnSMWCQbQBcQW7cm1ouxAEVX74o7yXmXEUUySPS_ROFVxzz2PxrIC/w400-h300/IMG_8653.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>His armor and infantry decimated, the French XO falls back (red bead at far right, from bottom left), lucky to be alive!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOJ6u-jTP-19GoOybHwySMu95KbJ_wTtN8BPCfDQUqRk_AagyGGZQpkOdsB6ykqmmBXMFeJYUhh3_hVL7FETjfSSOutN8gy0-JSTlcuLAF9YLRL8ph2jVfrNK4E9RkmVit3xSdMtBPYhFHhUJfDXeinq6zYkD1ugkPzybZ04B3F51LxEBkVx2fBP9K/s4032/IMG_8654.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOJ6u-jTP-19GoOybHwySMu95KbJ_wTtN8BPCfDQUqRk_AagyGGZQpkOdsB6ykqmmBXMFeJYUhh3_hVL7FETjfSSOutN8gy0-JSTlcuLAF9YLRL8ph2jVfrNK4E9RkmVit3xSdMtBPYhFHhUJfDXeinq6zYkD1ugkPzybZ04B3F51LxEBkVx2fBP9K/w400-h300/IMG_8654.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The French CO, with the northeastern column, sees this and orders his men to fall back, too. An armored car lays down covering fire (on road at left) as the rest of the column falls back (center/right, from far left), ending the French counterattack on the US invasions beaches (where they had more success against the 9th Infantry Division sector, capturing some 200 GIs). It was interesting that only one unit (Sgt Brock's ATG) from the first wave of reinforcements did anything to influence the fight, and the second wave never even made it!</div><br /><div>Well, that was a fun fight, made even better by the fact the right side won ;) Despite a very uneven defense, the GIs were able to hold out; I didn't mean to play this many fights (seven total) against the French, but I think subconsciously I'm playing this many fights against the French to get as many TF Reisman troops 'blooded' so they're ready when we finally start facing the Germans! Despite the morale failures and falling back, ultimately everyone (that survived) has now 'seen the elephant' and should be a bit more reliable, or at least I'll treat them that way when they see the table again.</div><div><br /></div><div><div>Let's get to some stats:<br /><br /></div><div>-the US had 10 men killed or wounded</div><div><br /></div><div>-the US lost an M1 37mm Anti-Tank Gun destroyed</div><div><br /></div><div>-the French lost 30 men killed or wounded</div><div><br /></div><div>-the French lost a Laffly armored car and two R35 light tanks destroyed</div><div><br /></div><div>Characters:</div><div><br /></div><div>-Cpl Tippett, Anti-Tank Team, 1st Platoon, Dog Company, was awarded the Bronze Star w/V for destroying an enemy armored car and an enemy tank with his rocket launcher.</div><div><br /></div><div>-2nd Lt Olsavsky, 3rd Platoon Leader, Easy Company, received kudos from Major Reisman for dashing into enemy fire to assist Sgt Harmon's suppressed rifle squad (didn't receive a Bronze Star w/V because of his earlier hesitations to expose himself to enemy fire, though it did wipe out the reprimand he'd received after the beach landing battle)</div><div><br /></div><div>-Sgt Harmon, 3rd Squad, 2nd Platoon, Easy Company, received kudos from Major Reisman for dashing into enemy fire to assist two suppressed friendly rifle squads (despite both the friendly rifle squads continuing to fall back and Sgt Harmon's squad being caught in the open and taking casualties, which is why it's only kudos and not a Bronze Star w/V)</div></div><div><br /></div><div>-Sgt Brock, Gun 3, Anti-Tank Gun Platoon, received kudos from Major Reisman for knocking out an enemy tank</div><div><br /></div><div>-Sgt Jackson, Gun 1, Anti-Tank Gun Platoon, received a Purple Heart, able to return to duty immediately</div><div><br /></div><div>-Sgt Norton, Gun 2, Machine Gun Platoon, received a Purple Heart, return to duty 15 Dec 1942</div><div><br /></div><div>-Sgt Griggs, 1st Squad, 1st Platoon, Dog Company, received a Purple Heart, returned to US and medically retired</div><div><br /></div></div><div>-Sgt Brown, 2nd Squad, 3rd Platoon, Dog Company, was reprimanded for a lack of combat leadership</div><div><br /></div><div>-Sgt Hayes, 3rd Squad, 1st Platoon, Easy Company, was reprimanded for a lack of combat leadership</div><div><br /></div><div>**On an admin note, I've been screwing up all the ranks for the crew-served weapons, calling them Sergeants when they're all supposed to be Corporals...</div><div><br /></div><div>So, a pretty good fight. Playing solo, it's common for me to have a problem playing attack/defend scenarios when I'm the defender, seems to work much better when I'm on the move, many more decisions to make, but this worked pretty well, I really liked how I handled the reinforcements.</div><div><br /></div><div>Next up we have Captain Henry leading the second assault on 'Murderville' and 'The Meatgrinder.' Let's hope it goes better than the first...</div><div><br /></div><div>V/R,<br />Jack</div><div><br /></div>Just Jackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03552962741823929433noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8660216775038377627.post-11821289771538530402023-01-16T16:42:00.000-08:002023-01-16T16:42:55.728-08:00Hell on Wheels, Operation Torch Fight #3<p> All,</p><p>1600 Local Time<br />8 November 1942<br />Near Port Lyautey, French Morocco</p><p>Despite the ass-chewing he'd just received from Major Reisman, Captain Henry, commander of the Task Force's Armored Reconnaissance Company, failed to perform the tasks given him, in a manner appropriate to the situation. The French had a fortress ("the Kasbah") between the American forces and Port Lyautey, one that was proving severely problematic, but the Major believed a flanking movement to the south (right) could unhinge the defense, if executed quickly and violently. Yes, the situation on the invasion beaches was chaotic, men and gear were intermixed, but the Task Force had just forced the French garrison out of the town of Mehdia and needed to act before the French had an opportunity to establish another line, particularly in that direction. Major Reisman had picked out a small village with a bridge over a tributary of the Wadi Sebou as the correct target of this rapier-like armored thrust. He just needed someone to get there.</p><p>But the Major had given Captain Henry the order five hours ago, and the Captain had yet to execute it. Yes, Captain Henry had set about organizing the invasion beaches with gusto, directing men and material to the proper units and locations, helping get food, fuel, ammunition, and medical supplies stockpiled and headed to where they were needed, but he was not a Beachmaster, he was the commander of a mechanized element of the Task Force. His Executive Officer (XO), 1st Lt Richards, always eager to stay off the Major's naughty list, continuously chirped at Captain Henry for nearly five hours; "Sir, the it's 1300, the Major is going to be none too happy we haven't set off for the objective." "Sir, it's 1400, the Major is going to be angry we haven't departed yet." "Sir, it's 1500, the Major is going to blow his top that we're still here." "Sir, it's 1600, the Major..."<br /><br />"Dammit, Stanley, I get it," Captain Henry replied to Lt Richards, "but we can't go running off out there, half-cocked." "But Sir, we've got armored cars, a tank destroyer, pretty much a whole platoon of tanks, and the equivalent of one of our Armored Rifle platoons all set, just waiting on the order." "Dammit, Stanley, if you're so hot to run off, chasing after the Major's glory, then YOU lead them!"</p><p>Flush with righteous anger, Lt Richards paused for a moment to regain his composure, then calmly replied to his company commander: "Yes Sir, I believe that's what I'll do. I'll lead this force and will radio back once I'm in possession of the bridge," before pivoting and marching briskly off.</p><p>"But Stanley, wait, I... dammit..." sighed Captain Henry, as he watched Lt Richards climb into his command vehicle and depart the area.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_ZuG-8Y2keW6xFFImPqrQcLSZzVdHjTe94TxY_d7qeFHne5efi_XqhtGtHxZaKDqxAYT6tGYKUbemdhI91-HGW2rsnagX_EPX7J98lrwoVvGP6Yc4EREpui-sjHFHL3LkuWTlXeBC5mm_TiuH_9NGYXQh5y24XF_tVj3x8qJQ5ZBHpdOBSi2ZFrg6/s4032/073A8C82-646E-4785-96EF-7FF70790B15A.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_ZuG-8Y2keW6xFFImPqrQcLSZzVdHjTe94TxY_d7qeFHne5efi_XqhtGtHxZaKDqxAYT6tGYKUbemdhI91-HGW2rsnagX_EPX7J98lrwoVvGP6Yc4EREpui-sjHFHL3LkuWTlXeBC5mm_TiuH_9NGYXQh5y24XF_tVj3x8qJQ5ZBHpdOBSi2ZFrg6/w400-h300/073A8C82-646E-4785-96EF-7FF70790B15A.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div>Overview, north is up. At center left, just east (right) of the crossroads, is a small oasis with a couple hovels. Below and at top left are unnamed bluffs, while at left top is a knoll identified as Hill 23, soon to be known as "Purple Heart Hill," while at far right is Hill 55, soon to be known as "The Meatgrinder." At top center right is Hill 34, while the village of Barhrein, soon to be known as "Murderville," sits on either side of the bridged Wadi Sebou tributary.<span> </span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1I6UklEku7RcVNDur7izTZlgJ2s1jxxh0I7Rbtim6DKGT8sENG0VlyUGh_MVwK7PswOmnBcPqSz5ROSVWMh18in2YK8q_YrH9OOaEtbjrStiJy_0jLv6V7ngOTBU8aMqu67cB8BXFj9Q9-_lFAVRxX7pkJ8jnZm3Be0WAuyi0CDQslZ7sprv394rx/s4032/IMG_8335.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1I6UklEku7RcVNDur7izTZlgJ2s1jxxh0I7Rbtim6DKGT8sENG0VlyUGh_MVwK7PswOmnBcPqSz5ROSVWMh18in2YK8q_YrH9OOaEtbjrStiJy_0jLv6V7ngOTBU8aMqu67cB8BXFj9Q9-_lFAVRxX7pkJ8jnZm3Be0WAuyi0CDQslZ7sprv394rx/w400-h300/IMG_8335.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The opposing forces, with Americans at left and French at right.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4BiozMfuhTYyog7vloGFEljaD8_VeIigQKbFgwP4_p3ZDsVLH8f7hbB0Qe-VjAJR3pUY3g5HVq-ukW8JUi7rbeDdK24ZI05jVAsbmSRrrXeK9wTKjTBjlYTX5aZwvaG569trcriR_SCIHH1WVjQxZU2mpV35NCK3p42Nv3xQYSew32h0P_NwY5b6s/s4032/IMG_8336.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4BiozMfuhTYyog7vloGFEljaD8_VeIigQKbFgwP4_p3ZDsVLH8f7hbB0Qe-VjAJR3pUY3g5HVq-ukW8JUi7rbeDdK24ZI05jVAsbmSRrrXeK9wTKjTBjlYTX5aZwvaG569trcriR_SCIHH1WVjQxZU2mpV35NCK3p42Nv3xQYSew32h0P_NwY5b6s/w400-h300/IMG_8336.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The Americans are as follows:<br /><br /></div><div>Overall Commander: 1st Richards, Armored Reconnaissance Company XO<br /><br /></div><div>Tank Platoon: 2nd Lt Hastings, 2nd Tank Platoon Leader<br />Sgt Gibson, Vehicle 4, 1st Tank Plt<br />Sgt Parker, Vehicle 5, 2nd Tank Plt<br /><br /></div><div>Scout Car Platoon: Sgt Foster, Vehicle 2, Arm Car Plt</div><div>Sgt Rasby, V5, Arm Car Plt</div><div><br /></div><div>Tank Destroyer: Sgt Kidd, Tank Destroyer Plt</div><div><br /></div><div>Armored Infantry Plt: 2nd Lt Woodson, 1st Arm Inf Platoon Leader<br />Sgt Castle, 1st Squad, 2nd Arm Inf Plt</div><div>Sgt Anderson, 2nd Squad, 1st Arm Inf Plt<br />Sgt Carrington, 3rd Squad, 1st Arm Inf Plt</div><div>Sgt Buckner, Machine Gun Squad, 2nd Arm Inf Plt</div><div>Sgt Zgnonina, Mortar Squad, 1st Arm Inf Plt</div><div><br /></div><div>Engineer Platoon: 2nd Lt Jefferson, Engineer Platoon Leader</div><div>Sgt Gammon, 2nd Squad, Engineer Plt</div><div>Sgt Means, 3rd Squad, Engineer Plt</div><div><br /></div><div>All are seeing combat for the first time.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTQV_FIHgPM8n3TbRar7aXq4p2y7JQd_-ZruTaMsHLGXU8KTaoB213wYdxaRJKeq8l6ZnMH9EuEJZrGwHKJniQEskyUXBIFoLQRQ8_-q3FwP96MTmya_fN9txt42mUSLbOK66MEVOjnXZABGm7wyFcE7W5V4FWCQZCUgkOX6WNRaUcF5GIjemFSb-l/s4032/IMG_8337.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTQV_FIHgPM8n3TbRar7aXq4p2y7JQd_-ZruTaMsHLGXU8KTaoB213wYdxaRJKeq8l6ZnMH9EuEJZrGwHKJniQEskyUXBIFoLQRQ8_-q3FwP96MTmya_fN9txt42mUSLbOK66MEVOjnXZABGm7wyFcE7W5V4FWCQZCUgkOX6WNRaUcF5GIjemFSb-l/w400-h300/IMG_8337.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The French force. Of note is the fact these men are from a Colonial (Moroccan) Battalion, so they are a actually defending their homeland and thus are a bit more invested than their conventional, European brethren. The French force consists of:<br />-A Commander</div><div>-His Executive Officer (XO)</div><div>-Two rifle platoons, consisting of three rifle squads, each</div><div>-An armored platoon consisting of one Laffly armored car and one R35 Renault tank</div><div>-An artillery platoon consisting of two 75mm howitzers</div><div>-A weapons platoon consisting of a Platoon Leader, a Hotchkiss machine gun squad, and an 81mm mortar squad</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZbmWEIsNJWzmst3Z4cNU5lDOyP57ZtG6k_mSRF-ILiiyOqFdTWRQ5Rqkvs8VnxMS9RlUp-KEGjiQYU2LIweYwFSMqKLogR6Bf5YQBzcT04PLmlnNmARjLV1gpZfoHpFj_UWoRyw39pIX0aOONmCIN02Px43eI_Ike-pKqPvfauGhcpZFfKmyfsdzK/s4032/IMG_8338.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZbmWEIsNJWzmst3Z4cNU5lDOyP57ZtG6k_mSRF-ILiiyOqFdTWRQ5Rqkvs8VnxMS9RlUp-KEGjiQYU2LIweYwFSMqKLogR6Bf5YQBzcT04PLmlnNmARjLV1gpZfoHpFj_UWoRyw39pIX0aOONmCIN02Px43eI_Ike-pKqPvfauGhcpZFfKmyfsdzK/w400-h300/IMG_8338.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Overview, now with troops. The French have their 1st Rifle Platoon dug-into 'Murderville' (center top), accompanied by the overall French commander, with their Weapons Platoon (mortar and MG) dug-in right behind them, just across the Wadi Sebou (right top). The French 2nd Rifle Platoon is dug-in on The Meatgrinder (far right), where it is accompanied by one of the 75mm guns. The other 75mm gun is dug-in just behind Hill 34 (top right), and it is accompanied by the two armored vehicles (Laffly armored car and R35 tank), which are hidden between the buildings east of the Wadi Sebou (top right). It should be noted that, save for the troops on The Meatgrinder, which are dug-in and begin the game concealed, the remainder of the French defenders are occupying what I would refer to as oblique, 'reverse-slope defense' type of positions, i.e., those that limit their lanes of observation and fire, but generally force the enemy into vulnerable and/or exposed positions in order to engage them.</div><div><br /></div><div>For their part, the Americans can be seen coming in on their baseline, with advance elements of the force clustered around the crossroads (left bottom) and approaching Purple Heart Hill (left top), with the Armored Infantry and Engineer Platoons still mounted and off table.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK2s23ZQZgl0J6Iso6T78YINo7p6WIkKcOwVi2NVL78pkK6QaUQ0-Ry1dgxRhIg5y4VcJwrhcMRGoe0TXo2N1GiXZdbeNL-giMyCeHAOD__TYUEdlSp8JAhpHc_IYxcXNw6XkQ3WoTfekZySZFntOYs-o_L8LzIwDy6Qe1ubXLmuw9ZZgEwSwWo-hS/s4032/IMG_8339.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK2s23ZQZgl0J6Iso6T78YINo7p6WIkKcOwVi2NVL78pkK6QaUQ0-Ry1dgxRhIg5y4VcJwrhcMRGoe0TXo2N1GiXZdbeNL-giMyCeHAOD__TYUEdlSp8JAhpHc_IYxcXNw6XkQ3WoTfekZySZFntOYs-o_L8LzIwDy6Qe1ubXLmuw9ZZgEwSwWo-hS/w400-h300/IMG_8339.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The American baseline, with the commander, Lt Richards, directing traffic at the crossroads, flanked by the attached Scout and Tank platoons and the Armored Infantry and Engineer platoons stacked off table.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaKpnhV_XxBxAtHNwWGUpS9rr4G154TZ7BcMwJZw1OK07dE5Z-ztOPzxLOIhxcqzgd7kCS0hNqeo1T4WlxdkOH4tPeM9UmlzwJ8oQjYoeYqmOWVObAUly3OfKeEmlziAS9ia7RJldB10aClUU4G4J1GOslqPGaZVKHYbA0PXgy54fIjYu4p75TQBXk/s4032/IMG_8340.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaKpnhV_XxBxAtHNwWGUpS9rr4G154TZ7BcMwJZw1OK07dE5Z-ztOPzxLOIhxcqzgd7kCS0hNqeo1T4WlxdkOH4tPeM9UmlzwJ8oQjYoeYqmOWVObAUly3OfKeEmlziAS9ia7RJldB10aClUU4G4J1GOslqPGaZVKHYbA0PXgy54fIjYu4p75TQBXk/w400-h300/IMG_8340.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Lt Richards (bottom center) staring into Murderville (top center).</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCI-Ocwcf7PwXCuOqMUwSwTQ5azQm1dT4qmjkI52wGbOOcbSquHtAWH2TB-2HxMHUDwkUTs3eY9tdGkr41FVUVU4s4WmoQTZBzgJWZOzR4mAIImxk2y1ffbJVqMWyMtp8nstM85r6EcTULgQnV79LFSmAfYiQ-gYZaZZD17jOV_40kZ-J7jnVtTzj0/s4032/IMG_8342.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCI-Ocwcf7PwXCuOqMUwSwTQ5azQm1dT4qmjkI52wGbOOcbSquHtAWH2TB-2HxMHUDwkUTs3eY9tdGkr41FVUVU4s4WmoQTZBzgJWZOzR4mAIImxk2y1ffbJVqMWyMtp8nstM85r6EcTULgQnV79LFSmAfYiQ-gYZaZZD17jOV_40kZ-J7jnVtTzj0/w400-h300/IMG_8342.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>"Well, I don't see anything out there, and the Major said we need to move quickly, so..."</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj45Gzq0s66jZhwf_seD8UabcVr9wThyRpFrez_po5Ert19PJkmGz7x0q8RTIolRu6-G9iBVKeut4d_6l0tfWg0xfb-U7TGxfaWIO4bPwA2wZqywoU1-0Z7uNi2jpbLLrwlbOENkqo8ZKm8JuI9wseFdYSICMT2uMY4UhpSU4ETQsPxuQhgHelt4_wS/s4032/IMG_8343.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj45Gzq0s66jZhwf_seD8UabcVr9wThyRpFrez_po5Ert19PJkmGz7x0q8RTIolRu6-G9iBVKeut4d_6l0tfWg0xfb-U7TGxfaWIO4bPwA2wZqywoU1-0Z7uNi2jpbLLrwlbOENkqo8ZKm8JuI9wseFdYSICMT2uMY4UhpSU4ETQsPxuQhgHelt4_wS/w400-h300/IMG_8343.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The US mechanized force bravely (rashly?) dashes ahead! The Armored Infantry Platoon, led by a Scout Car and two M3 Stuarts, pushes right, towards The Meatgrinder (just visible at far right), while the Engineer Platoon, led by a Scout Car, pushes left, towards Murderville, as the last M3 Stuart and the Tank Destroyer move up on Purple Heart Hill (left top).</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBWEih08stQV3tgmZn-CHjutxaCNSJESkCYk30zsDA30-Fjv3Cdb49_yAv0a_9for6J8cKmXqTrix6wa92yq29PT8b06VSXn7IquAEsGBn1yNxLUy8gtejlWkyrhylf8jnHnBz7CCN5M6LUt7mpum7ia53GtgU5fvyNpDTG0xeYxi1KZC0s_Mw68Cx/s4032/IMG_8344.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBWEih08stQV3tgmZn-CHjutxaCNSJESkCYk30zsDA30-Fjv3Cdb49_yAv0a_9for6J8cKmXqTrix6wa92yq29PT8b06VSXn7IquAEsGBn1yNxLUy8gtejlWkyrhylf8jnHnBz7CCN5M6LUt7mpum7ia53GtgU5fvyNpDTG0xeYxi1KZC0s_Mw68Cx/w400-h300/IMG_8344.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The French 1st Rifle Platoon, dug-into Murderville, accompanied by the French commander (their mortar team is visible at top right, across the river).</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYiL-693NGfPfE-b2cl8_YQ45vXNA_61BPMa0UIQ8_QjnrVUwKtapBJ46Epnaeg20bP0T3O0HThT2AP8H7qau2GeNFSUOeIjxSArURdO2KhOK0w60oq0YsLbTjk8wUZbuRkRkHAtDmfqZzDIGHGMhsZK5k24UUe7oBXVX3V-zBMSIbKkKytOF_Korv/s4032/IMG_8345.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYiL-693NGfPfE-b2cl8_YQ45vXNA_61BPMa0UIQ8_QjnrVUwKtapBJ46Epnaeg20bP0T3O0HThT2AP8H7qau2GeNFSUOeIjxSArURdO2KhOK0w60oq0YsLbTjk8wUZbuRkRkHAtDmfqZzDIGHGMhsZK5k24UUe7oBXVX3V-zBMSIbKkKytOF_Korv/w400-h300/IMG_8345.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Looking northeast to southwest (Murderville is just off camera to top right and The Meatgrinder is just off camera to left top), you see the French Weapons Platoon dug-in behind the river (right), a 75mm gun dug-in below Hill 34 (bottom center), and the French armored platoon amongst the buildings east of the river (left).</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPJQ88JBz1-BDtGfDbaMC6YvmfI6a395sqAb8wRIzfS85S64kw_j3STmQNjhr5lqEJGLMAt9eCpUmm-obU9vLYkLrE5L-nwcUj3W7Vy-UzgsN8QXp29wuh4AfdKXcS3BibPzBA6lQXRLfGgCT0Ub0tOzLILXVZ8plLKmp84Z7jYU6S6myA0KFPQrBL/s4032/IMG_8346.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPJQ88JBz1-BDtGfDbaMC6YvmfI6a395sqAb8wRIzfS85S64kw_j3STmQNjhr5lqEJGLMAt9eCpUmm-obU9vLYkLrE5L-nwcUj3W7Vy-UzgsN8QXp29wuh4AfdKXcS3BibPzBA6lQXRLfGgCT0Ub0tOzLILXVZ8plLKmp84Z7jYU6S6myA0KFPQrBL/w400-h300/IMG_8346.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>A look from behind The Meatgrinder, where you can see the three rifle squads of the French 2nd Platoon dug in, as well as the French XO (left) and their other 75mm gun (bottom center right).</div><div><br /></div><div>The French are dug-in to strong defensive positions and determined; it would appear the young Americans are in for quite a fight...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGy_gZi75v_rPi6rrdh0sOusE8-YEs-Rn1IsAECdVq4zmf0xaawK-tOiJH2LuBV03NsHNGAxgpCDdr-z60_rCm_xvrK51btuQ-ta-ToKygLY8KJB1v2rvHWoa5n7NDXySiL_CuSgYCvqDCcp1nOt8jEiuWGOjB7pguKjsh7auzBD1hYkRpZ2hz5nZW/s4032/IMG_8347.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGy_gZi75v_rPi6rrdh0sOusE8-YEs-Rn1IsAECdVq4zmf0xaawK-tOiJH2LuBV03NsHNGAxgpCDdr-z60_rCm_xvrK51btuQ-ta-ToKygLY8KJB1v2rvHWoa5n7NDXySiL_CuSgYCvqDCcp1nOt8jEiuWGOjB7pguKjsh7auzBD1hYkRpZ2hz5nZW/w400-h300/IMG_8347.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>As you might expect, the French own the terrain, are well concealed, and thus fire the first shot. Hidden away, deep in the shadows of the village, the French tank commander (bottom left) peered through his field glasses, eyes drawn to movement on the right (top right). He focused in and immediately picked up Sgt Parker's M3 Stuart; "gunner, enemy tank, 300 meters, load armor piercing shell, fire!" The little R35 bucked as it sent a 37mm AP round low over the heads of their comrades, at the American tank...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuzwAP50tdlXynQwGTe9oEI6jbcy1RjSRcGwzhP9hh4G5ypdpzNrirbMQoAunnL_MFDbhmiDvW0AAKPj4bv7TaW9hwyxf3sXq1gxkCFSoQgQdoKyB8SclJVwQq5YsHyeFn84nrEC9-gmKAvHC0bRxsQhw50s0-WtWbfysnbKfpaqUOENd8M6CTpdvq/s4032/IMG_8348.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuzwAP50tdlXynQwGTe9oEI6jbcy1RjSRcGwzhP9hh4G5ypdpzNrirbMQoAunnL_MFDbhmiDvW0AAKPj4bv7TaW9hwyxf3sXq1gxkCFSoQgQdoKyB8SclJVwQq5YsHyeFn84nrEC9-gmKAvHC0bRxsQhw50s0-WtWbfysnbKfpaqUOENd8M6CTpdvq/w400-h300/IMG_8348.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The thin, flank armor of the Stuart is pierced, and the tank bursts into flames! Sgt Kidd, in his M3 GMC atop Purple Heart Hill, gasps in shock...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc4XfpjkQSq6AJJtf_szalfsOMuJHM6AZlUsx5KgkSM9xB08VrfvJaY5Nx8a497x8LeYTiq6rATEFILo3cSVlDUY3HVOC61lGBrODgLEvZLZRr_tY3OSc274xgSKl7Xqp9AtpdFhGbwRrRpIRZ0kzimPED1BGmsdDL5JPhORkpMdd83OP9WaK0Eg_v/s4032/IMG_8349.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc4XfpjkQSq6AJJtf_szalfsOMuJHM6AZlUsx5KgkSM9xB08VrfvJaY5Nx8a497x8LeYTiq6rATEFILo3cSVlDUY3HVOC61lGBrODgLEvZLZRr_tY3OSc274xgSKl7Xqp9AtpdFhGbwRrRpIRZ0kzimPED1BGmsdDL5JPhORkpMdd83OP9WaK0Eg_v/w400-h300/IMG_8349.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>But there's no time for shock, as a heavy report echoes across the desert floor! The French 75 at The Meatgrinder (bottom left) has spotted Sgt Kidd's tank destroyer atop Purple Heart Hill and immediately opened fire...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgESgWU3LxxoNo3Hz339en9zciNSJrwsUI7azXw3pBUK9kFy349r3wQ9qBL3-f_bOhgJ2uJ3X9VDPSuW9sOX-KOx0l69_IenwDx1rQxmSUH1jCiQkxVjCLie2dw8lcMlEkcAG6ONyrlNeO1BUt6_Y-iwZG-IE7Kd8vvbaGs-PwwYShiH9Uq9lBDA03i/s4032/IMG_8350.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgESgWU3LxxoNo3Hz339en9zciNSJrwsUI7azXw3pBUK9kFy349r3wQ9qBL3-f_bOhgJ2uJ3X9VDPSuW9sOX-KOx0l69_IenwDx1rQxmSUH1jCiQkxVjCLie2dw8lcMlEkcAG6ONyrlNeO1BUt6_Y-iwZG-IE7Kd8vvbaGs-PwwYShiH9Uq9lBDA03i/w400-h300/IMG_8350.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The shot is a near miss, suppressing Sgt Kidd's crew (red bead at center) and close enough to jiggle the insides of Sgt Rasby and Lt Jefferson (the Scout Car and truck holding the Engineer Platoon Leader at bottom right)!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTY4QW5H2szGC4XL5O_fpfGhwdszC6JaGQ5eFSEI0myWpsDKmyL9KaKlGoJllttP8zd8YWD3mJxOgDWM5XOyJGcyEo-UCagknGXzl39l38YZuwoJLJ2NoLrhfvDG-D-NVqigcxDBxWUTMxSmiHb7j0CrUUeZ7lvR2wMqNBI4Fqk0jp0iKxKcKdz-Uw/s4032/IMG_8351.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTY4QW5H2szGC4XL5O_fpfGhwdszC6JaGQ5eFSEI0myWpsDKmyL9KaKlGoJllttP8zd8YWD3mJxOgDWM5XOyJGcyEo-UCagknGXzl39l38YZuwoJLJ2NoLrhfvDG-D-NVqigcxDBxWUTMxSmiHb7j0CrUUeZ7lvR2wMqNBI4Fqk0jp0iKxKcKdz-Uw/w400-h300/IMG_8351.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Back on the east end of the village, the Laffly armored car (bottom right) spots Sgt Foster's M3 Scout Car (top left) and opens fire with its 25mm gun...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxQtw9o7m5LN433d7gEPw65x8ImX8NfmfXD34m0nJFwwMAKA7BoEwo7uQLcccnf5QRdM_HrcfkumsfzOuZyRRVetBmbfggOn-i1vchWSXGy1FiZClSTqYMKmzRK0DMAmSPLw8O1l2D-HGR8UpyDMChqics_daj4QdJKK58dlGtKHGivpcru9fBRGWk/s4032/IMG_8352.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxQtw9o7m5LN433d7gEPw65x8ImX8NfmfXD34m0nJFwwMAKA7BoEwo7uQLcccnf5QRdM_HrcfkumsfzOuZyRRVetBmbfggOn-i1vchWSXGy1FiZClSTqYMKmzRK0DMAmSPLw8O1l2D-HGR8UpyDMChqics_daj4QdJKK58dlGtKHGivpcru9fBRGWk/w400-h300/IMG_8352.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>As the French 75 at Hill 34 (bottom right, with the R35 at bottom center, Laffly armored car at bottom left, and Weapons Plt and Murderville at center/top) opens fire on the right-hand American column (top left)...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuvoad_p1AEtigDaLg_SgGJdvQvQjcNZA5Di38Lem-Vu2m19s6Wf6cQsdRSNilJzf03gqISdBY1QEosRh4znUG0uLVXUUDdAuEnz7xuF_gLzMglmUUdEwvCFnEAZCU12y20De3mzC3cE5zIReCJHCyRLFUu9Z8qVR4B6JA0cAsy4M-ZI5lJTJd0-nU/s4032/IMG_8353.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuvoad_p1AEtigDaLg_SgGJdvQvQjcNZA5Di38Lem-Vu2m19s6Wf6cQsdRSNilJzf03gqISdBY1QEosRh4znUG0uLVXUUDdAuEnz7xuF_gLzMglmUUdEwvCFnEAZCU12y20De3mzC3cE5zIReCJHCyRLFUu9Z8qVR4B6JA0cAsy4M-ZI5lJTJd0-nU/w400-h300/IMG_8353.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The Laffly immobilizes Sgt Foster's Scout Car (right), while the 75 misses but suppresses Lt Hastings' M3 Stuart!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBHbahpEz976ZRNGz5kyRGx9FciMiUuM6Miskn0EhJLNYs2c1W8FLJyyVWtPZ1lyiL8RtoRN4WrOqj-qj54FjXGNp6XgittL7z36SSL2kGo6F2WlBcesLWzKqbZ-RxqS6Kn4oITlnAWNRZtB5lerrxjqiWxJWWymV6MdsNY0SMtvS9PNBiKh1XqByc/s4032/IMG_8354.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBHbahpEz976ZRNGz5kyRGx9FciMiUuM6Miskn0EhJLNYs2c1W8FLJyyVWtPZ1lyiL8RtoRN4WrOqj-qj54FjXGNp6XgittL7z36SSL2kGo6F2WlBcesLWzKqbZ-RxqS6Kn4oITlnAWNRZtB5lerrxjqiWxJWWymV6MdsNY0SMtvS9PNBiKh1XqByc/w400-h300/IMG_8354.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The French mortar team (bottom right) fires a spotting round over Murderville, engaging the left-hand US column, comprised of the US Engineer Platoon and being escorted by Sgt Rasby's M3 Scout Car (top left)...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1pJf8rbj_RHl94lnKdvKf-ASYsFSh3TzQb0GWkBFO1bR7Wv0zHsAPB32hdxQf2kssPUdnZ-_OaJuEUPTn6pH14CtXk-QlY5ry-rDZ9XO4LMA2LtL9gtctVKRALr7z2kD6i5Nz-2X-m2-Axb66nLqNR9lm2TPrICxSe99rT_eho31gVBVfPM_r-F5z/s4032/IMG_8355.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1pJf8rbj_RHl94lnKdvKf-ASYsFSh3TzQb0GWkBFO1bR7Wv0zHsAPB32hdxQf2kssPUdnZ-_OaJuEUPTn6pH14CtXk-QlY5ry-rDZ9XO4LMA2LtL9gtctVKRALr7z2kD6i5Nz-2X-m2-Axb66nLqNR9lm2TPrICxSe99rT_eho31gVBVfPM_r-F5z/w400-h300/IMG_8355.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The round lands a bit wide of the mark, but close enough for adjust and it still manages to pin the Engineers' 3rd Squad.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8OxjH7-MzqJbszAmjevfr0OtiBlHjYk6jNIFIFQWnvpWAAICkGk0fyLMQ0y_LI2HXTW7mdIEkN8cfhHKQ678cos4UCUIXSP3dR6SPPu5b70LA455D1NQ26hdflsKhyMVoqIbe0y5riep3-wMrZfL0awLd8z6IXEie7UVriB7HN2l1QM9KJbzXHokW/s4032/IMG_8356.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8OxjH7-MzqJbszAmjevfr0OtiBlHjYk6jNIFIFQWnvpWAAICkGk0fyLMQ0y_LI2HXTW7mdIEkN8cfhHKQ678cos4UCUIXSP3dR6SPPu5b70LA455D1NQ26hdflsKhyMVoqIbe0y5riep3-wMrZfL0awLd8z6IXEie7UVriB7HN2l1QM9KJbzXHokW/w400-h300/IMG_8356.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>With mortar rounds falling near the crossroads, Lt Richards dashes over and rallies 3rd Engineer Squad...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxOMOOyhcG9EyLW8jHd8eycP8x9tt9f214PGbKRKDEebOdj47Ju-0jY-VQNMyokLHxQtTZcvrQt7mTnQtKC48s9fXzvknKvoTlr5xXZlMrpr-Cw6tT6KxM5o5NUrhLaE5INyP0QB-Hr5fdsilVBy2CGqejy7yiRLvbsrtGfgBOH-oB4n_pkkCfL94v/s4032/IMG_8357.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxOMOOyhcG9EyLW8jHd8eycP8x9tt9f214PGbKRKDEebOdj47Ju-0jY-VQNMyokLHxQtTZcvrQt7mTnQtKC48s9fXzvknKvoTlr5xXZlMrpr-Cw6tT6KxM5o5NUrhLaE5INyP0QB-Hr5fdsilVBy2CGqejy7yiRLvbsrtGfgBOH-oB4n_pkkCfL94v/w400-h300/IMG_8357.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Then dashes up to the head of the right-hand column, under French armored car and artillery fire, and rallies Lt Hastings' Stuart and Sgt Foster's Scout Car (the crew is not suppressed, but their vehicle is still immobilized)!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGZFo8VDClEXf_BJXTztuk4YSSU2NpLS5M3jHZUq9m46HBjO61AFmnCeZH7fAmnGXh9M8AZ0Sc6UbvQAlbH8dkXoYjOar_PyLhyVF9jctPWt7OmNMNn4NOrtNVgmvahANKJUQa-Z7V5Ag6VtMILOkukDbCKA5FfHjE5heZhWKZ1Ysa8dEz7uiUhTrU/s4032/IMG_8358.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGZFo8VDClEXf_BJXTztuk4YSSU2NpLS5M3jHZUq9m46HBjO61AFmnCeZH7fAmnGXh9M8AZ0Sc6UbvQAlbH8dkXoYjOar_PyLhyVF9jctPWt7OmNMNn4NOrtNVgmvahANKJUQa-Z7V5Ag6VtMILOkukDbCKA5FfHjE5heZhWKZ1Ysa8dEz7uiUhTrU/w400-h300/IMG_8358.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Lt Hastings immediately pushes his Stuart forward (top, from bottom), looking to engage the French...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiReTZNShIkZcgiLN_quysyQwuoJz53IIy3-UpFTC6uytUd1ceXPRpucCPrFUP1bkHd8ioD4Y0WoBCgcPcWfygwSOIASrnUQNEGbSGikrABB5KsEotlC3AE_iLl3pRuSDPnAB_sgNcNVm2Bsxla-sdMAzkgEiq4jX9DF-9wHychu6-niBobBJg1PQFU/s4032/IMG_8359.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiReTZNShIkZcgiLN_quysyQwuoJz53IIy3-UpFTC6uytUd1ceXPRpucCPrFUP1bkHd8ioD4Y0WoBCgcPcWfygwSOIASrnUQNEGbSGikrABB5KsEotlC3AE_iLl3pRuSDPnAB_sgNcNVm2Bsxla-sdMAzkgEiq4jX9DF-9wHychu6-niBobBJg1PQFU/w400-h300/IMG_8359.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>When as-yet unseen French-Moroccan riflemen atop The Meatgrinder (right) open fire on the lone American tank (top left)...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjru2ECmgmmWvvNhXdKxbfCliygunMCdg2tWk_FOV4ddEorNRnPMDPSyzMw3wkCIg7ygzHWodgnIZmp3ABUDGxExE7ue6EZIBCP7xeR0eESzYycxUibklKLgaBLZYyJOqLRoQRbcAwsOUvdWQQE94gLC3Wbkbqr9b-loCLQcaK2_c-4WeIMPgQIQMzf/s4032/IMG_8360.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjru2ECmgmmWvvNhXdKxbfCliygunMCdg2tWk_FOV4ddEorNRnPMDPSyzMw3wkCIg7ygzHWodgnIZmp3ABUDGxExE7ue6EZIBCP7xeR0eESzYycxUibklKLgaBLZYyJOqLRoQRbcAwsOUvdWQQE94gLC3Wbkbqr9b-loCLQcaK2_c-4WeIMPgQIQMzf/w400-h300/IMG_8360.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>But Lt Hastings and his crew (bottom right) shrug off the small arms fire and engage the French 75 at Hill 34 (top left)...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhteQ1-E0w2PbKhpDnGxaUr0qpXAai2AI-dYPD1eqt6q26owNJcP9Gw0Z8OcW9SMoOaxz7z1miX3jkxmy2VYSyzJEE_vJApNoa4GoamkGMqQG2XVsynYbZZn8gDDUUKQoilo_rY6JtkQXTzQXC3_5KPIt5LX1lP7pqUSaXcpYh9uBGxAX9e1YGYPPlR/s4032/IMG_8361.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhteQ1-E0w2PbKhpDnGxaUr0qpXAai2AI-dYPD1eqt6q26owNJcP9Gw0Z8OcW9SMoOaxz7z1miX3jkxmy2VYSyzJEE_vJApNoa4GoamkGMqQG2XVsynYbZZn8gDDUUKQoilo_rY6JtkQXTzQXC3_5KPIt5LX1lP7pqUSaXcpYh9uBGxAX9e1YGYPPlR/w400-h300/IMG_8361.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Delivering accurate fire to suppress the French artillery crew!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiozzIt-mCyGdjDYe1iFautCcFRisHWrXPxolb-9CmLr6XD47_tmrNeN3iDFeMV73sgeUq0GMC1LZ4guXDI8SyI3mRv8rg9VR0rh8B5cJZbdTsqef-tuw-ZcSWkvlmA7k90F6ikrvjcyTOu7XhgymdNhdTl7a_Fu3qGKHwCTyIuHfT1GmGvW3BBZb9a/s4032/IMG_8362.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiozzIt-mCyGdjDYe1iFautCcFRisHWrXPxolb-9CmLr6XD47_tmrNeN3iDFeMV73sgeUq0GMC1LZ4guXDI8SyI3mRv8rg9VR0rh8B5cJZbdTsqef-tuw-ZcSWkvlmA7k90F6ikrvjcyTOu7XhgymdNhdTl7a_Fu3qGKHwCTyIuHfT1GmGvW3BBZb9a/w400-h300/IMG_8362.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Sgt Gibson pushes his Stuart (bottom left) up to join his Lieutenant (bottom center left), coming to a halt before a patch of rocky ground, where he spots the French Laffly armored car amongst the buildings east of the river (top right) and fires...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUGNxN0CqbPqEHzCz0SQxui4gVcMbS2FcUMYDYp6ulQGz5m8hlBVk5zrXhumiY9IGWKGc4NelqTW2KIrvSTyaMq72xkXldj9ZIANVQs-PeSClNAoXv3w-PNGMJ5EjJHp8ZLtIOLcth79rX2QwVCjUeF7qV5bsrJjxnDxbVQ7_2TXBU4lZRmNzEYaAS/s4032/IMG_8363.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUGNxN0CqbPqEHzCz0SQxui4gVcMbS2FcUMYDYp6ulQGz5m8hlBVk5zrXhumiY9IGWKGc4NelqTW2KIrvSTyaMq72xkXldj9ZIANVQs-PeSClNAoXv3w-PNGMJ5EjJHp8ZLtIOLcth79rX2QwVCjUeF7qV5bsrJjxnDxbVQ7_2TXBU4lZRmNzEYaAS/w400-h300/IMG_8363.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The 37mm armor-piercing round slices into the French armored car, setting it alight!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhTdO7iM0_E_dmDqsBVOkJLlsMkxZlevrIKPHY521igLtXA8na6onf9SVSfmDrTVw84uHXkhhCD0844K_2JEk5kFutjPBls-tEqvKRvGZCHrl5ULI0grr9nzbP5F2PJV_YWP5IzciTM60UN3VfQMBbtZUYayh6ArGx2JfyGzvjlfBPrSJi8CLR0gbG/s4032/IMG_8364.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhTdO7iM0_E_dmDqsBVOkJLlsMkxZlevrIKPHY521igLtXA8na6onf9SVSfmDrTVw84uHXkhhCD0844K_2JEk5kFutjPBls-tEqvKRvGZCHrl5ULI0grr9nzbP5F2PJV_YWP5IzciTM60UN3VfQMBbtZUYayh6ArGx2JfyGzvjlfBPrSJi8CLR0gbG/w400-h300/IMG_8364.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Back on the US left, Sgt Rasby pushes his Scout Car up Purple Heart Hill (left, from center), attempting to get a better view of the enemy defensive positions and assist Sgt Kidd's suppressed tank destroyer.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhHzF1LNMPcyFFxnDn3X59b1s60HkcWek7VEA83yXJb2HHu2oozNSKyTN_5gg7iWvF5z7Vuibs2ZHZFn1GToRupLnpjH6rgBb2I3c0jmyV2V4Z5XyeWhdP5KNUPIXzk7_8pnIOA1duGKq5k5jMzJTqLR1yDyNPdp29zsIoSsyJ58U_EaDuwg6xAvZQ/s4032/IMG_8365.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhHzF1LNMPcyFFxnDn3X59b1s60HkcWek7VEA83yXJb2HHu2oozNSKyTN_5gg7iWvF5z7Vuibs2ZHZFn1GToRupLnpjH6rgBb2I3c0jmyV2V4Z5XyeWhdP5KNUPIXzk7_8pnIOA1duGKq5k5jMzJTqLR1yDyNPdp29zsIoSsyJ58U_EaDuwg6xAvZQ/w400-h300/IMG_8365.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>More French infantry on the The Meatgrinder (bottom right) open fire, targeting Sgt Rasby's vehicle on Purple Heart Hill (top left, with Murderville at top center).</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsO9SsrYjOqDsKpTqAvISSZ0MXboHrgZBw0VV7praG-x9RO7q6tc_7iOQOminIw3ts7OANMqoGJcahQe6huYhchklKQ6D0c1HJKHC6AAK5Br88XIZIS5ZhytG8Fcwu1eO3yXLAHY_GLw3xQkI4nCUbT6atuXUlZbKpeHgVBzsHanPU87_9Gy9IfOS4/s4032/IMG_8366.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsO9SsrYjOqDsKpTqAvISSZ0MXboHrgZBw0VV7praG-x9RO7q6tc_7iOQOminIw3ts7OANMqoGJcahQe6huYhchklKQ6D0c1HJKHC6AAK5Br88XIZIS5ZhytG8Fcwu1eO3yXLAHY_GLw3xQkI4nCUbT6atuXUlZbKpeHgVBzsHanPU87_9Gy9IfOS4/w400-h300/IMG_8366.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>But the fire is ineffective, so Sgt Rasby is able to rally the suppressed tank destroyer (bottom right) and then open fire with his .50-cal on the French Weapons Platoon (dug-in across the river, at top left).</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBMsBZUmQYgxJ8zFsz9PSYRlfP_LjIdAEhivNSeJRwmn0zu-_J4uQQeq2KPtuQVtldem80vev2hfg9HfgN0usevY7m5me67TVwBUWeZwwFJb45MFLHPvKRX4LAE1Q8VjKPNccqI8hXAVOb0mdWpGDnXuPa_XKA3iqtCUvX1nmzrapySRoY5btW1Ez0/s4032/IMG_8367.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBMsBZUmQYgxJ8zFsz9PSYRlfP_LjIdAEhivNSeJRwmn0zu-_J4uQQeq2KPtuQVtldem80vev2hfg9HfgN0usevY7m5me67TVwBUWeZwwFJb45MFLHPvKRX4LAE1Q8VjKPNccqI8hXAVOb0mdWpGDnXuPa_XKA3iqtCUvX1nmzrapySRoY5btW1Ez0/w400-h300/IMG_8367.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>As Sgt Kidd (bottom left, atop Purple Heart Hill) order his gunner to engage the French 75 on The Meatgrinder (top right)...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7PVK8yBwpoDDoEb4HcZXcLNo4b1DcK4_KZZjjQcPTq-rxj7CuuKbPrhegveKJs_AAuwf8JQ0h0vzdGvVdPLsZX763wYJF_rxWr1CF7TfAPSj4ngiq86JnmjtqfxPSK22hFkil6oujE2cjXleay725HGpPTsFQOO3sye5ffnT62saFRL50n5TLjC-w/s4032/IMG_8368.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7PVK8yBwpoDDoEb4HcZXcLNo4b1DcK4_KZZjjQcPTq-rxj7CuuKbPrhegveKJs_AAuwf8JQ0h0vzdGvVdPLsZX763wYJF_rxWr1CF7TfAPSj4ngiq86JnmjtqfxPSK22hFkil6oujE2cjXleay725HGpPTsFQOO3sye5ffnT62saFRL50n5TLjC-w/w400-h300/IMG_8368.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The 75mm HE round misses and Sgt Kidd pushes his halftrack down the hill (right, from bottom left), towards The Meatgrinder (just visible at top right), unaware he's walking right into the middle of the crossfire...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2kZCghE84uxk8eR-pO_g0KvVhOr24J2Wd6CadEaiHeZ9QVvsi2ECACgnrTn_yoAY-NQuOfkXsxXGYEMIC9hXh1NCL-MNV44PeXs_fG33uUu8pmeEnbMRQUF-0UjY4tcuF1jyYi4knXnF-WrZphkb3vsVWnx4R61jzs12MHxUaJHTJcLKhYSPGfDDF/s4032/IMG_8369.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2kZCghE84uxk8eR-pO_g0KvVhOr24J2Wd6CadEaiHeZ9QVvsi2ECACgnrTn_yoAY-NQuOfkXsxXGYEMIC9hXh1NCL-MNV44PeXs_fG33uUu8pmeEnbMRQUF-0UjY4tcuF1jyYi4knXnF-WrZphkb3vsVWnx4R61jzs12MHxUaJHTJcLKhYSPGfDDF/w400-h300/IMG_8369.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>French infantry in Murderville (bottom right) spot Sgt Kidd's tank destroyer and open fire...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPesegxlFtTssQEB8MPNzhxa1z1xJeFqqgadID-ch6OEXbivqVR0sVbjKpEkaZ9uZzLed-qNS--w-xtMFTU-AGs2YmhMKxYXOvyO_raZjiTZWZBAYIe-XwEJ6UVgL59fzlfXQX-fsj_SeISc469Y9ygEPk4p2oO1u43g4KwBARlDSO3Y05OThDAFsr/s320/IMG_8370.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPesegxlFtTssQEB8MPNzhxa1z1xJeFqqgadID-ch6OEXbivqVR0sVbjKpEkaZ9uZzLed-qNS--w-xtMFTU-AGs2YmhMKxYXOvyO_raZjiTZWZBAYIe-XwEJ6UVgL59fzlfXQX-fsj_SeISc469Y9ygEPk4p2oO1u43g4KwBARlDSO3Y05OThDAFsr/w400-h300/IMG_8370.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>But it has no effect and Sgt Kidd pushes the halftrack behind the cover of some nearby rocks.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifxEUbOJuELQLAllstPr6R0UWQOl3CrVuxhKid1qv8jjtMDDPh5RsRmRSc6S-U4FuPNK2KXxuaaTnpG8iMch9tamtjHotguZbnNq4IcPYCF3ph69OyfCNhLyQCt515yJft5RHxOhFUJAiDW7ImNyHslrOK7Jx1Okqpo9s9nrEBaEgsNOn7CWkgBnzB/s320/IMG_8371.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifxEUbOJuELQLAllstPr6R0UWQOl3CrVuxhKid1qv8jjtMDDPh5RsRmRSc6S-U4FuPNK2KXxuaaTnpG8iMch9tamtjHotguZbnNq4IcPYCF3ph69OyfCNhLyQCt515yJft5RHxOhFUJAiDW7ImNyHslrOK7Jx1Okqpo9s9nrEBaEgsNOn7CWkgBnzB/w400-h300/IMG_8371.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Lt Jefferson is feeling particularly froggy, so he pushes his trucks laden with combat engineers forward, up to the edge of Murderville, and next to Sgt Kidd's tank destroyer.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijhvCn3E3xSGN6R32xrs6gvEVYtleFgyZCkh9ElbAs-4oqZxQtdxlGKviLR7QZkdTS4GtnIkIKs_OGvbeaUWZwdi8vFhNrXTtfAlhSiCJFK0L4HmTVVpysZbF2XX-mI9GLf0i33BR_p55yd8NP_98HtkI2XAC8Q2lMHPw3vsSk_5TVkIL29BnNS8ja/s4032/IMG_8372.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijhvCn3E3xSGN6R32xrs6gvEVYtleFgyZCkh9ElbAs-4oqZxQtdxlGKviLR7QZkdTS4GtnIkIKs_OGvbeaUWZwdi8vFhNrXTtfAlhSiCJFK0L4HmTVVpysZbF2XX-mI9GLf0i33BR_p55yd8NP_98HtkI2XAC8Q2lMHPw3vsSk_5TVkIL29BnNS8ja/w400-h300/IMG_8372.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Where he and his men immediately dismount into the sparse cover provided by some nearby scrub.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOP8Zc75ltZd4z8WIw7celFdd7vE0WsZCueqhQ_jiiZcE_IY1yxk-m7IkcuLhp8_xL-LxE-DVlAkgVkm69LIK8b0lNS_xKqSaNnyp6i2SC47Kh28zeqUco0KXNNZ3-rqlIK2CuRwLPrwy7WzXalXkXpwqGJafGKBio8-3CXx05f5k6eYyZaCayXSOS/s4032/IMG_8373.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOP8Zc75ltZd4z8WIw7celFdd7vE0WsZCueqhQ_jiiZcE_IY1yxk-m7IkcuLhp8_xL-LxE-DVlAkgVkm69LIK8b0lNS_xKqSaNnyp6i2SC47Kh28zeqUco0KXNNZ3-rqlIK2CuRwLPrwy7WzXalXkXpwqGJafGKBio8-3CXx05f5k6eYyZaCayXSOS/w400-h300/IMG_8373.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>No sooner had the Engineers dismounted (far left, on the south side of the road, opposite Murderville) then the French 75 at The Meatgrinder (bottom right) sighted in on Sgt Rasby's M3 Scout Car (top left, atop Purple Heart Hill) and fired upon it...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu8eotmWd4CdiOTyEgY89W8WroNsuZRA5_G-Uba04leVMzIgF35LSowYt3NFBjHBwbV0763DJlVtEQiQ2T1Zw_0p8FMJYaV-3qG5Yg4sz6gJ0OUdPSlRJClY1QJUm9tjUMhLIEzbnykKVtImIzpXvZ4e-Nqnl_vaqJzW5Qe_twlPBE3qFIQat4wB9I/s320/IMG_8374.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu8eotmWd4CdiOTyEgY89W8WroNsuZRA5_G-Uba04leVMzIgF35LSowYt3NFBjHBwbV0763DJlVtEQiQ2T1Zw_0p8FMJYaV-3qG5Yg4sz6gJ0OUdPSlRJClY1QJUm9tjUMhLIEzbnykKVtImIzpXvZ4e-Nqnl_vaqJzW5Qe_twlPBE3qFIQat4wB9I/w400-h300/IMG_8374.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>And now, quite oddly, both M3 Scout Cars are immobilized on the battlefield, with Sgt Rasby's crew panicking (Sgt Parker's burning Stuart in the background)!<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-khSBAgFo-z8EVZyG-WzDvlBkBf5kYB4xzP0XEQCTzVuFNnoRMk7tpqX0jsW6EieOc4lYS6AfrPA1CJHl8hF_yNhd0HL4K6goXW1WB2YOjEA41TXMWOoofDkBeye6aj1tJAfOMn0K8V--tXI339Sb_cagDdwaikVJe_xjA8kDLXKv3J8GMTGl93uC/s4032/IMG_8375.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-khSBAgFo-z8EVZyG-WzDvlBkBf5kYB4xzP0XEQCTzVuFNnoRMk7tpqX0jsW6EieOc4lYS6AfrPA1CJHl8hF_yNhd0HL4K6goXW1WB2YOjEA41TXMWOoofDkBeye6aj1tJAfOMn0K8V--tXI339Sb_cagDdwaikVJe_xjA8kDLXKv3J8GMTGl93uC/w400-h300/IMG_8375.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>While atop The Meatgrinder (bottom right), two French rifle squads open fire on the Engineers' exposed flanks/rear (top left)...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHXJaGnQFIiD3XDPz2l-jtidro6gddBnWc7QUsmnUiQCEZvGOiE7x7td0NLMde4s0N1etUjyAi7OnFyLc0eEHGoxhY2_6F-ttn9leWoQ7qkStRa7EENzD4fOrbbbbgMKXqCJsjDLPLGMYwSO6BAi456Xj6yeEjXcIN_whca5aY8HQ5DOzskCbpaVCd/s4032/IMG_8376.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHXJaGnQFIiD3XDPz2l-jtidro6gddBnWc7QUsmnUiQCEZvGOiE7x7td0NLMde4s0N1etUjyAi7OnFyLc0eEHGoxhY2_6F-ttn9leWoQ7qkStRa7EENzD4fOrbbbbgMKXqCJsjDLPLGMYwSO6BAi456Xj6yeEjXcIN_whca5aY8HQ5DOzskCbpaVCd/w400-h300/IMG_8376.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Both Engineer Squads (behind scrub at left, with their platoon leader, Lt Jefferson, between them) are taking casualties and panicking, and Sgt Kidd's tank destroyer (top left) is pinned down. Just as Lt Jefferson finds the resolve to get up and start barking orders, a French rifle squad in Murderville (bottom right) opens fire on them at point-blank range, pinning he and his command team down!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6CCs9bkmPGJ5Ep4sxKKi4XqM4yqrBpJlDDVTVZH4_ni78QHBlrfWXbcGXnKM4OfPtaitPC0fvePTIaBKFJe1mzJEAEDk_NPN2V2t4fa5ns7NmrFmJy5dqreyy7Kol2H5uAl5LATyCnuTxduUbyDrf4mt7XK_mqGpisZxL-A-n3YE4OiwNug8w9M38/s320/IMG_8377.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6CCs9bkmPGJ5Ep4sxKKi4XqM4yqrBpJlDDVTVZH4_ni78QHBlrfWXbcGXnKM4OfPtaitPC0fvePTIaBKFJe1mzJEAEDk_NPN2V2t4fa5ns7NmrFmJy5dqreyy7Kol2H5uAl5LATyCnuTxduUbyDrf4mt7XK_mqGpisZxL-A-n3YE4OiwNug8w9M38/w400-h300/IMG_8377.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>At which point the French mortar team (bottom right) begins pumping out smoke rounds, creating a screen to cut the two American columns off from each other (right-hand column visible at top center left and left-hand column visible at right top, with The Meatgrinder at top left and Murderville at right), and force the American Stuarts (just on the other side of the smokescreen) to have to blindly charge through and expose themselves in order to engage the French tank and 75mm guns.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKS0IZPGL9HWUzFuxE7e6rac6k2-D-FgPv6Co7cV_2khoM-kXRPKwO6YEdBNWz_R2UVI-0pUMq0_nTw_XlIyoyOvSPrKUhjpZmS29yvZL1BkezLbDI_l3rfwRxGFUZWyZelHiUWUTAxIFyWURRvICyFVpzobX-XFJlh1_hcP_eRQeoOEOQQOvg-gdJ/s320/IMG_8378.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKS0IZPGL9HWUzFuxE7e6rac6k2-D-FgPv6Co7cV_2khoM-kXRPKwO6YEdBNWz_R2UVI-0pUMq0_nTw_XlIyoyOvSPrKUhjpZmS29yvZL1BkezLbDI_l3rfwRxGFUZWyZelHiUWUTAxIFyWURRvICyFVpzobX-XFJlh1_hcP_eRQeoOEOQQOvg-gdJ/w400-h300/IMG_8378.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Frustrated by the smokescreen, the two Stuarts (center and left) and Sgt Foster's M3 Scout Car (bottom left, next to the CO, Lt Richards) turn their guns on The Meatgrinder (top right) and pound away, to no effect. </div><div><br /></div><div>It's going to be pretty doggone tough digging the French infantry out of these positions, Lt Richards thought wryly to himself. He had the fleeting idea to pull back and allow air and naval gunfire to pound the area, but he remembered the Major's directive to use all speed (though the Lieutenant should have realized that directive was now overcome by events, given presence of French forces in strength and the tenacity of their efforts...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv3cvGr06IOlK3hUj1RXK_5OoAY8K3xgjwUWdKDEqCOddY3Njyt6EvL6yYadeAgyBMwRa3wIO407_G10MZ0ModzXo3nrbKHEHTfRdr8u07YNXEKdjRiu5wkk5ZyxElIFbXEa1BR4igUuL6LpN5Do3m2uHGpg9LJN4jWUI3ccBJZUVzRiFkdChkPGiC/s320/IMG_8379.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv3cvGr06IOlK3hUj1RXK_5OoAY8K3xgjwUWdKDEqCOddY3Njyt6EvL6yYadeAgyBMwRa3wIO407_G10MZ0ModzXo3nrbKHEHTfRdr8u07YNXEKdjRiu5wkk5ZyxElIFbXEa1BR4igUuL6LpN5Do3m2uHGpg9LJN4jWUI3ccBJZUVzRiFkdChkPGiC/w400-h300/IMG_8379.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>And lo and behold, some good news for the Yanks! Just then, two P-40 Warhawks roared over, returned, dropped four small bombs (which completely overshot the French defenses), roared over again, and waggled their wings before departing to the west. The men collectively let out a cheer, morale was sky-high!</div><div><br /></div><div>**The American rolled a random event that stated there was a lull in the fighting that allowed all pinned/suppressed/panicked units to recover; I felt like the air support was a good tool reflect the reasoning behind it, without having any undue impact on the game. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwQcOWEdtkQwVM0RfHTAeuD4aN0gr3EZeMlUUoPvvNj80INZZEkkBnjzTXmYNY-Qf9TLj-s5byX-_atnRd6trOm7akDNDVJlA_jrgphw0ycgeLEhGY5XksU-_xdCh4zJU9Qup0nY8nGQAs6M3nXKk2wEsKxSiKJV5vIgu9JsxqnINx1HHHvN9DGeoc/s4032/IMG_8380.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwQcOWEdtkQwVM0RfHTAeuD4aN0gr3EZeMlUUoPvvNj80INZZEkkBnjzTXmYNY-Qf9TLj-s5byX-_atnRd6trOm7akDNDVJlA_jrgphw0ycgeLEhGY5XksU-_xdCh4zJU9Qup0nY8nGQAs6M3nXKk2wEsKxSiKJV5vIgu9JsxqnINx1HHHvN9DGeoc/w400-h300/IMG_8380.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Their spirits lifted and sure of their ability to defeat the French, Sgt Rasby (in his M3 Scout Car, atop Purple Heart Hill at bottom left) reloaded his .50-cal and began engaging targets in Murderville...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW8qzq6ZrbUmxgfHUj36GVxibznvKAtgxL_n0epNTC3exImDGl5AKNLeoyF20cY3cUrnXGTaILLKW6I_0TPMi7EMimP_y8fm_mfymUfJVnbG9824KrGU9FeVKyAXJHe5n2QiNn0mXRK9yjKpYSfO_TfQYgfDBh5IokFd2TXpigIo9ZdRXU14E9FQyy/s4032/IMG_8381.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW8qzq6ZrbUmxgfHUj36GVxibznvKAtgxL_n0epNTC3exImDGl5AKNLeoyF20cY3cUrnXGTaILLKW6I_0TPMi7EMimP_y8fm_mfymUfJVnbG9824KrGU9FeVKyAXJHe5n2QiNn0mXRK9yjKpYSfO_TfQYgfDBh5IokFd2TXpigIo9ZdRXU14E9FQyy/w400-h300/IMG_8381.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>And his fire was joined by Sgt Kidd's halftrack (bottom left) pumping 75mm HE rounds into the village, but the Colonial troops were making excellent use of cover and were thus far unaffected by the American firepower!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiogK5M-XX8Rr5nElxdzYy0A7Eo2hw-4g63r9pSoL0zVZmdYhYsVApko9S2eGFu_XWHQTA74HmkfwlzG20riC1jgb77uhaa4W0JEgboK6l8Dho8j9kRxb6YlyTT800m9MdfqRCYSbDrevGVN85LX-E82nNtdwuMRuwQkQ2pm8BKe8MZE_gEQtdeEzdh/s4032/IMG_8382.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiogK5M-XX8Rr5nElxdzYy0A7Eo2hw-4g63r9pSoL0zVZmdYhYsVApko9S2eGFu_XWHQTA74HmkfwlzG20riC1jgb77uhaa4W0JEgboK6l8Dho8j9kRxb6YlyTT800m9MdfqRCYSbDrevGVN85LX-E82nNtdwuMRuwQkQ2pm8BKe8MZE_gEQtdeEzdh/w400-h300/IMG_8382.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The French 75 at The Meatgrinder (bottom left) immediately sighted in on Sgt Rasby's Scout Car (top center right, atop Purple Heart Hill) and fired...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwuHbw--rIVsQ1UUczK7TA9y6sHmLuBaocqIcsOwmtguFpUfLwCVcXE67WIJo5ThdRsT3Xtw47Wq1TbVygHh8BpmAjKlrlpmeOK4vqefMefwnAyJ2xH_ANXjAAMPpLUzisomaIuM1pGBcKb013lmWWf-ZwEm4t6ZRmPCIuE9swIvvOeqemVJ1p1gCf/s4032/IMG_8383.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwuHbw--rIVsQ1UUczK7TA9y6sHmLuBaocqIcsOwmtguFpUfLwCVcXE67WIJo5ThdRsT3Xtw47Wq1TbVygHh8BpmAjKlrlpmeOK4vqefMefwnAyJ2xH_ANXjAAMPpLUzisomaIuM1pGBcKb013lmWWf-ZwEm4t6ZRmPCIuE9swIvvOeqemVJ1p1gCf/w400-h300/IMG_8383.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Another near miss pins Sgt Rasby and his crew!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiahJ_GsX0INTk2X61ZdPXGmlXAM8dAx64pQIiqXd2ulU_zQojccLX8O86t0h3GMBiPImAUnZ2KVE6-N_7n7E9w522QosYlKO4dInDo6Rrn5CwhbZDW_yBzBdvSYgUgdrE_XYHBW-cEMff_M-3O2leQIDqR2O451uJKAzxu4AYavs4nX0JadMcnd40g/s4032/IMG_8384.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiahJ_GsX0INTk2X61ZdPXGmlXAM8dAx64pQIiqXd2ulU_zQojccLX8O86t0h3GMBiPImAUnZ2KVE6-N_7n7E9w522QosYlKO4dInDo6Rrn5CwhbZDW_yBzBdvSYgUgdrE_XYHBW-cEMff_M-3O2leQIDqR2O451uJKAzxu4AYavs4nX0JadMcnd40g/w400-h300/IMG_8384.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>With that, Lt Jefferson commands his men, "Follow Me!" and rushes forward, into the street, looking to close with the French-Moroccans dug-in in Murderville!!! The Frenchmen calmly open fire at the onrushing Yanks...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIOmNmAnpw60K77I1KgG3mUHVPGmYZ2wG1msL9PNF8dK6vkuilvTlbo9h7ZQnlk10ohEJnrOZ08MY6kPje97Izglkq79mB6Q2IQYzLuNjFoUlpt4JWbruGpY7cGm694DcVxo2TEB76edPtz72ZkFvDJkav4QjAebVS8nkRwC51i5fs57woX2F0qEbe/s320/IMG_8385.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIOmNmAnpw60K77I1KgG3mUHVPGmYZ2wG1msL9PNF8dK6vkuilvTlbo9h7ZQnlk10ohEJnrOZ08MY6kPje97Izglkq79mB6Q2IQYzLuNjFoUlpt4JWbruGpY7cGm694DcVxo2TEB76edPtz72ZkFvDJkav4QjAebVS8nkRwC51i5fs57woX2F0qEbe/w400-h300/IMG_8385.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>But Lt Jefferson (center) gets his men into position, where Sergeants Gammon (left) and Means (right) have their flamethrowers engage the dug-in French troops!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_YFagKBQVq-1fo1XgEJy6PomkTpW0uKKw77fy4_kg3iqEsJJYEn-pMpc3KzWlLoxl6AntnIi3cxfreGe5yVti8jDOmnQ4kD4487H1Zklc_c7VwwOwH9HU76bEpHQWZDjR8_Rgw7OQ34hSpJMLBVH1xVmsIPESa6px0CDzSzTSzEqN4zfqHouSMhEF/s4032/IMG_8386.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_YFagKBQVq-1fo1XgEJy6PomkTpW0uKKw77fy4_kg3iqEsJJYEn-pMpc3KzWlLoxl6AntnIi3cxfreGe5yVti8jDOmnQ4kD4487H1Zklc_c7VwwOwH9HU76bEpHQWZDjR8_Rgw7OQ34hSpJMLBVH1xVmsIPESa6px0CDzSzTSzEqN4zfqHouSMhEF/w400-h300/IMG_8386.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Putting them out of the fight!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi99-O0kCXwx2c5zvV_EzCwzh39boB9MyldXo3lRbEZ6R_sh5FGL3juZ2Lp4UQwED04e9jsyK-RRWaCz9rGjWIWBrcbTvEGy5m1YazDJSoVXZa1ggDelDsScg6aPktf6xnmIRduASbzhtyf7Dgl1vs5Ir27GjFjGPjveAK2VO02HVIzIq2wyYX1CEz3/s4032/IMG_8387.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi99-O0kCXwx2c5zvV_EzCwzh39boB9MyldXo3lRbEZ6R_sh5FGL3juZ2Lp4UQwED04e9jsyK-RRWaCz9rGjWIWBrcbTvEGy5m1YazDJSoVXZa1ggDelDsScg6aPktf6xnmIRduASbzhtyf7Dgl1vs5Ir27GjFjGPjveAK2VO02HVIzIq2wyYX1CEz3/w400-h300/IMG_8387.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Lt Jefferson immediately leads his engineers forward, drawing fire from another French rifle squad and their commander (top right)...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-kFL7aYAgFWD_zEM8ZQDj_nwKgvb8W_jM_Vs5K7CeSYSXkcwcuIpqGcKmZyuOXbQv4_zpvMXLilXRy7HKMxsFRBqkG-5nwDn2lBn_UfUdTC_dzv4fkxNcevtTllQ_cxPUUhVKUYhCUxtjOYrxcnn7DFUZkhLqds9fcORKo9UuzvhJ323mSKtKkROb/s320/IMG_8388.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-kFL7aYAgFWD_zEM8ZQDj_nwKgvb8W_jM_Vs5K7CeSYSXkcwcuIpqGcKmZyuOXbQv4_zpvMXLilXRy7HKMxsFRBqkG-5nwDn2lBn_UfUdTC_dzv4fkxNcevtTllQ_cxPUUhVKUYhCUxtjOYrxcnn7DFUZkhLqds9fcORKo9UuzvhJ323mSKtKkROb/w400-h300/IMG_8388.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>But the American Engineers are dogged in their determination to close with and destroy the enemy! Once again the flamethrowers cut loose...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLv5eEghLQb5_-p0-uq9SvKX0SnNE-1mzDif0B3OJDi8EhMQzZcZzvVFmlLP8d9U6bzsVcyd6mRknYPuUEFe8v-Z0DCCKiDJ22UJvCFRYb7_BFR7cBC7B6UagJ6PxOyegKxPYCLDB2C7tSTX0yG3-wfBXQpuQ067aPRRr2m-RTqM_rGbQ6pLqZY8Cv/s4032/IMG_8389.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLv5eEghLQb5_-p0-uq9SvKX0SnNE-1mzDif0B3OJDi8EhMQzZcZzvVFmlLP8d9U6bzsVcyd6mRknYPuUEFe8v-Z0DCCKiDJ22UJvCFRYb7_BFR7cBC7B6UagJ6PxOyegKxPYCLDB2C7tSTX0yG3-wfBXQpuQ067aPRRr2m-RTqM_rGbQ6pLqZY8Cv/w400-h300/IMG_8389.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The French rifle squad (bottom right) is eliminated in close combat, and the French commanders is forced to fall back, suppressed (red bead at top right), atop another French rifle squad, but Lt Jefferson and Sgt Gammon's squad are also forced to fall back, suppressed (red beads at far left), leaving Sgt Means' 3rd Squad alone inside Murderville (center)!!!</div><div><br /></div><div>The American CO, Lt Richards, is with the lead element of the right-hand column, watching the scene unfold through his field glasses. He sees Lt Jefferson and Sgt Gammon's squad fall back, suppressed, and realizes that victory in Murderville is balanced on a knife edge; "I've got to get over there, now!"</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPEBZPgvUUTZ54n47jcbZdXlvIM57ASovlScm2TQyb1J6cdDOXCuvx0eGW_SE9MNue1Eq8KDuzQuxPIkmqHPTvAG5FViTZrV3ntomVZ8PaBmp85YUsa8SV6emBsE8SUZJlY8aYT0CJLP-QmpJ9DdrXrPB0LcN_noMQNzvD8rmfJSi1Gs_giA9U4oey/s4032/IMG_8390.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPEBZPgvUUTZ54n47jcbZdXlvIM57ASovlScm2TQyb1J6cdDOXCuvx0eGW_SE9MNue1Eq8KDuzQuxPIkmqHPTvAG5FViTZrV3ntomVZ8PaBmp85YUsa8SV6emBsE8SUZJlY8aYT0CJLP-QmpJ9DdrXrPB0LcN_noMQNzvD8rmfJSi1Gs_giA9U4oey/w400-h300/IMG_8390.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>In a desperate attempt to reach Murderville (top left) and influence the battle, Lt Richards orders his driver to get him there, pronto! The driver pushes ahead (left top center, from center bottom), but the rocky ground, enemy fire, and smokescreen conspire to slow Lt Richards' attempts to aid his men fighting for their lives in Murderville...</div><div><br /></div><div>Meanwhile, Lt Hastings has pushed his M3 Stuart dangerously close to The Meatgrinder (right), where he is pouring machine gun and 37mm HE rounds into French positions nearby, as Lt Woodson's Armored Infantry Platoon moves up (bottom, moving towards The Meatgrinder).</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7U9NzdV1uPAKqecJDo9L3HITnoq9LgKi1zCVd2pW3Zd7A_M34qBHwCw4mAQKsIZNqjBChRMoeWKwav2SusZN45yUFTo8q_54fjkRaFy0GPjEBBA9fhkWJwMpaH2SSFoE0qlMVNmX0tBK5-qxo0FEBHuftKacjc_KabytibdNQG0l0vY3qUpPJQl2n/s4032/IMG_8391.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7U9NzdV1uPAKqecJDo9L3HITnoq9LgKi1zCVd2pW3Zd7A_M34qBHwCw4mAQKsIZNqjBChRMoeWKwav2SusZN45yUFTo8q_54fjkRaFy0GPjEBBA9fhkWJwMpaH2SSFoE0qlMVNmX0tBK5-qxo0FEBHuftKacjc_KabytibdNQG0l0vY3qUpPJQl2n/w400-h300/IMG_8391.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>A French rifle squad dug-in behind The Meatgrinder (botom center) spots the encroaching US Armored Rifle Platoon (top left) and opens fire, pinning down Lt Woodson's vehicle.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWn13Js47UrnIoWt041K2Cr6kaPMD6vZSsabNxFh__q3BsDEraot6pEbNRmPRLff81xJ8EiFoEf8_glcmFeWmb0yNImfjpS6ToyJc0S-V120xAI6aujjMII5Ycw2xIZV3liXq6WM7sVhvohyXm-lhDpsgxyePK4Hb3iLJTT524rB53gAF-daR9BIdW/s4032/IMG_8392.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWn13Js47UrnIoWt041K2Cr6kaPMD6vZSsabNxFh__q3BsDEraot6pEbNRmPRLff81xJ8EiFoEf8_glcmFeWmb0yNImfjpS6ToyJc0S-V120xAI6aujjMII5Ycw2xIZV3liXq6WM7sVhvohyXm-lhDpsgxyePK4Hb3iLJTT524rB53gAF-daR9BIdW/w400-h300/IMG_8392.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>While on the French right, the Hotchkiss machine gun (entrenched on the east side of the river, with the 81mm mortar team, bottom right) opens fire on Sgt Means' 3rd Engineer Squad (top left) in Murderville, assisting their commander and comrades in a nearby rifle squad (top center).</div><div><br /></div><div>Sgt Means' men are suppressed in the center of the village...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitjuxN3RP-27RG0EOvaLDoBDQyPIg6rjOst4V4QXAUzlzJOj8vSQ0g-vBKBsJ0iWgiq6Ec6ndkyuvxL5uI1r3nPnJJtQgwQeA0lolBr-xnBM6in77R8r8gSJ_Gr-Y-ItNYcQbBP9NDvmpbcc7oaORwn0TmahAPCp15yDyMDHRmzqesM8GWP1PwsTB-/s4032/IMG_8393.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitjuxN3RP-27RG0EOvaLDoBDQyPIg6rjOst4V4QXAUzlzJOj8vSQ0g-vBKBsJ0iWgiq6Ec6ndkyuvxL5uI1r3nPnJJtQgwQeA0lolBr-xnBM6in77R8r8gSJ_Gr-Y-ItNYcQbBP9NDvmpbcc7oaORwn0TmahAPCp15yDyMDHRmzqesM8GWP1PwsTB-/w400-h300/IMG_8393.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Followed by the French 75 at The Meatgrinder (bottom left) firing a third shell at Sgt Rasby's Scout Car, atop Purple Heart Hill (top right)...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtvPNPW2qOydnEJZnkxxggaww27WKiqkm4nPek2qpqGt-RmT1LNBjRQ61lHIud-0gLd0k5ZElWmnSt_HqQapN7-dXVbxc1K5VrC5rg_ZX-K3E-2As_Mg3HlFaNpRIu9PN3qoWs43YKn1XdKqhNgCYs1vXFQaxN2tYodvMC7VU_CZ_JjqdT93SZcpmB/s4032/IMG_8394.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtvPNPW2qOydnEJZnkxxggaww27WKiqkm4nPek2qpqGt-RmT1LNBjRQ61lHIud-0gLd0k5ZElWmnSt_HqQapN7-dXVbxc1K5VrC5rg_ZX-K3E-2As_Mg3HlFaNpRIu9PN3qoWs43YKn1XdKqhNgCYs1vXFQaxN2tYodvMC7VU_CZ_JjqdT93SZcpmB/w400-h300/IMG_8394.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Sending it up in flames, annihilating Sgt Rasby and his entire crew. </div><div><br /></div><div>Seizing the shift in momentum...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIa_t2NhZ46OLstn_6-pvyq0RB9JZTsAt2aIMmB9iVBPwRfkxzfcPMk8ZuysRSAv60wwykFQPRDpONSqCcXReFnpKs2vP14aqXwBhOF2tl5bGEIfJMHP69B530f7o8mAWMzjIENBgAjAdcHCSiEflORvs1zJxql2m2NptvtmR6UU80e-BWZ6-jRZV1/s320/IMG_8395.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIa_t2NhZ46OLstn_6-pvyq0RB9JZTsAt2aIMmB9iVBPwRfkxzfcPMk8ZuysRSAv60wwykFQPRDpONSqCcXReFnpKs2vP14aqXwBhOF2tl5bGEIfJMHP69B530f7o8mAWMzjIENBgAjAdcHCSiEflORvs1zJxql2m2NptvtmR6UU80e-BWZ6-jRZV1/w400-h300/IMG_8395.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The French commander immediately grabs the nearby rifle squad and charges back into the heart of Murderville, crashing into Sgt Means' suppressed 3rd Squad!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjHRKkBLmsiYhq7Ij2lbiSp4qF-f2GpcQN2Sdj__JCkNgfEBXHnxa_f7CYt2DBKIZsju5s6dR9e0jAoA3BWR1MVwtv7PkNM3t6SMp00VMwx1RV0uz6gPPx727TNIgftpW1Pzy4l2w0e_WJH0_gg_Qm0Za5Ej8LNT5VIWowkfhIZHziGl2NMIwG5Ld_/s4032/IMG_8396.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjHRKkBLmsiYhq7Ij2lbiSp4qF-f2GpcQN2Sdj__JCkNgfEBXHnxa_f7CYt2DBKIZsju5s6dR9e0jAoA3BWR1MVwtv7PkNM3t6SMp00VMwx1RV0uz6gPPx727TNIgftpW1Pzy4l2w0e_WJH0_gg_Qm0Za5Ej8LNT5VIWowkfhIZHziGl2NMIwG5Ld_/w400-h300/IMG_8396.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The cowering GIs are no match for the French-Moroccans in close combat...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJFY1Fz-DjOQmKBM9NU5EZhlqHFJ6zsHrpYNZpOihy5fpqxzdN31iHOomg7XUVHYbq9EZCO-Ow9i5Ig5QodZooKOP-_d5ywSpci2Gg2Yy017w3tiBdOd4fs8Gbgchyo1yJ23YK33WTxOQMldg5pSqnZ8rLgYCzSgajZ5Hc1QpWZDIWWqgijM4dhaZ3/s4032/IMG_8397.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJFY1Fz-DjOQmKBM9NU5EZhlqHFJ6zsHrpYNZpOihy5fpqxzdN31iHOomg7XUVHYbq9EZCO-Ow9i5Ig5QodZooKOP-_d5ywSpci2Gg2Yy017w3tiBdOd4fs8Gbgchyo1yJ23YK33WTxOQMldg5pSqnZ8rLgYCzSgajZ5Hc1QpWZDIWWqgijM4dhaZ3/w400-h300/IMG_8397.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Sgt Kidd (bottom left) sees the French overrun Sgt Means' squad (top right) and resumes pumping 75mm HE into the village...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcAEUZBU1-JSpBAeLBrgak6ws6oYxbno6Wn9nktMmXrRHUE9xYq49diqAeYHSJURouicWqgKXqZGAQ2DUmOm9WwVYt6LA7EeEpR9m42y7FcUigwpJCG9g6llVZFEksXPDbEify-55hdR1zkouwVB4bUY-fp-qR5hS7VLJtz0tNA9Hc1OVULq_z-3go/s4032/IMG_8398.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcAEUZBU1-JSpBAeLBrgak6ws6oYxbno6Wn9nktMmXrRHUE9xYq49diqAeYHSJURouicWqgKXqZGAQ2DUmOm9WwVYt6LA7EeEpR9m42y7FcUigwpJCG9g6llVZFEksXPDbEify-55hdR1zkouwVB4bUY-fp-qR5hS7VLJtz0tNA9Hc1OVULq_z-3go/w400-h300/IMG_8398.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The accurate fire from Sgt Kidd's tank destroyer halts the French counterattack!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqxc3eIPPyCp-6aSbr-fiD5WrJOF6oGlZqa20B0nwoE7Qtubf-51H1_DizpIrbfbGtPzuelxoGk85sWFiSYzs2JvJmnE6uklbE8FWdIp6lF0SgugRDWbrUA39fYVJp-AZpl66BgYEZJ3HuPwFIVykNr25NeyK8WwbOlQg_IScCqer6GsKhkk_lzVCc/s4032/IMG_8399.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqxc3eIPPyCp-6aSbr-fiD5WrJOF6oGlZqa20B0nwoE7Qtubf-51H1_DizpIrbfbGtPzuelxoGk85sWFiSYzs2JvJmnE6uklbE8FWdIp6lF0SgugRDWbrUA39fYVJp-AZpl66BgYEZJ3HuPwFIVykNr25NeyK8WwbOlQg_IScCqer6GsKhkk_lzVCc/w400-h300/IMG_8399.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>And the French promptly fall back to their previously prepared defensive positions, with their CO still a bit shaken up (red bead at right).</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm6TkV0PGHjA0f8aXCAc1le0G7YO05PqxK_xxkpQLkIC-GVESLhDuEWW955490GDrBiEQotfRfTmcmqnpbqbbv1xOTtTgyUY_KfoIi1LXhWLi-tb7nXK6QI6a-N4OYIfBHIyW7FkUlOMJGKM3Hfjvjs38jVtXb2vU-G3JXNuRZfhF8-urqlH6JiJw1/s4032/IMG_8400.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm6TkV0PGHjA0f8aXCAc1le0G7YO05PqxK_xxkpQLkIC-GVESLhDuEWW955490GDrBiEQotfRfTmcmqnpbqbbv1xOTtTgyUY_KfoIi1LXhWLi-tb7nXK6QI6a-N4OYIfBHIyW7FkUlOMJGKM3Hfjvjs38jVtXb2vU-G3JXNuRZfhF8-urqlH6JiJw1/w400-h300/IMG_8400.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Unsure of the situation in Murderville (right), the French 81mm mortar team (bottom right) goes to work trying to interdict the advance of the American armored infantry platoon (top left)...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbvmQ91RGdC0npKCuwjUBQDyMLWbzIAcm1Q35nxuMsvKslkwgzsqtngGVztQ_YW5azFD-bSuQqVtKBIQJq1DxwYL_2HKmht7rKdJ4C6EUM62s2LPjC9439z7SvD4g-oiv4gqeCD0z2L9_785LnE2wh_gFw5DFHzMc2y0p270mVZLqW5JXo1DemGMb3/s4032/IMG_8401.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbvmQ91RGdC0npKCuwjUBQDyMLWbzIAcm1Q35nxuMsvKslkwgzsqtngGVztQ_YW5azFD-bSuQqVtKBIQJq1DxwYL_2HKmht7rKdJ4C6EUM62s2LPjC9439z7SvD4g-oiv4gqeCD0z2L9_785LnE2wh_gFw5DFHzMc2y0p270mVZLqW5JXo1DemGMb3/w400-h300/IMG_8401.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>But their view is obscured by their own smokescreen and thus the 81mm HE rounds fall harmlessly into the desert. Well, a little too close to his Stuart, for Sgt Gibson's sake (center left, with the CO further left)!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCbyqsUdQsvypAvB0RlnkVfYx2dh7MHjqVn5NL8a29I9sgHYHLx2M534TyJIRD3-IUJfxFbHU-5Rf03aI5MJcBsM-9ZtBrt7WBlDQJhUYDo2lsgnpQrMb-2Zj3U2TYHpwRTL6kieJtKhG4Rt3V0p1XZ4QlTv5eNTqqz2Y4j3K0tuBhOVlWOHQl8ZSx/s4032/IMG_8402.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCbyqsUdQsvypAvB0RlnkVfYx2dh7MHjqVn5NL8a29I9sgHYHLx2M534TyJIRD3-IUJfxFbHU-5Rf03aI5MJcBsM-9ZtBrt7WBlDQJhUYDo2lsgnpQrMb-2Zj3U2TYHpwRTL6kieJtKhG4Rt3V0p1XZ4QlTv5eNTqqz2Y4j3K0tuBhOVlWOHQl8ZSx/w400-h300/IMG_8402.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>On the east side of the river, the French R35 tank moves out of cover, seeking targets and to assist the French 75 at Hill 34 (bottom right) to rally.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCLAdMlhXRtHdng02_3VrSHJctLrQBX81AX2qJJa3J0ZLP7w6jE5VAXM_1b4BClB_q9kt9ApUjSfqL_cUIRtYqGk6lJKcsmwsIkPjHIgcWktQMY39Ckt2ZYHYC2XhfYQD8GZ2ty5HgLKeeFXQPg-hnNYXSuZM_n8KrC7Wm9JCDrRrLtjWBPEGL2L2N/s4032/IMG_8403.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCLAdMlhXRtHdng02_3VrSHJctLrQBX81AX2qJJa3J0ZLP7w6jE5VAXM_1b4BClB_q9kt9ApUjSfqL_cUIRtYqGk6lJKcsmwsIkPjHIgcWktQMY39Ckt2ZYHYC2XhfYQD8GZ2ty5HgLKeeFXQPg-hnNYXSuZM_n8KrC7Wm9JCDrRrLtjWBPEGL2L2N/w400-h300/IMG_8403.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The French tankers then sight in on Sgt Kidd's tank destroyer (top left)...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6YOjJhfomMcl8Zz42_rH5cj84Vi9IJxRH_PpGVXC7MZYO65WlQa-nO8WhTBBuulCMsme21ypUToBEEvAcKn2faVma4E_XEB5zkl_k4ITEsAVfu2DOjPOYHFTx3z9sKfoL8FXZWd9COeLzi7XKMmUNT4jbQIUWU4GlgBfWfFA00yHf17iSYM_7XrhM/s4032/IMG_8404.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6YOjJhfomMcl8Zz42_rH5cj84Vi9IJxRH_PpGVXC7MZYO65WlQa-nO8WhTBBuulCMsme21ypUToBEEvAcKn2faVma4E_XEB5zkl_k4ITEsAVfu2DOjPOYHFTx3z9sKfoL8FXZWd9COeLzi7XKMmUNT4jbQIUWU4GlgBfWfFA00yHf17iSYM_7XrhM/w400-h300/IMG_8404.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>And the two (bottom left and top right) harmlessly exchange fire.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjREVTAekF-ClfHW9KcOEaR4gEWclrr775puCSpF7Jk9k-FdfpbLzSvmHnhPdzcrMRedp3TmuAIH_fW54TezHcVlVJB3_tEMKAOAIL1DYWm2OjCCt7IPCars6qGb9QPf7ctrmHuKGtfLVVGFtjg90I-skP4ub1JA-so84sCWjOBjIzANGqox-C47fBA/s320/IMG_8405.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjREVTAekF-ClfHW9KcOEaR4gEWclrr775puCSpF7Jk9k-FdfpbLzSvmHnhPdzcrMRedp3TmuAIH_fW54TezHcVlVJB3_tEMKAOAIL1DYWm2OjCCt7IPCars6qGb9QPf7ctrmHuKGtfLVVGFtjg90I-skP4ub1JA-so84sCWjOBjIzANGqox-C47fBA/w400-h300/IMG_8405.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Sgt Gibson orders his crew (Stuart at bottom left, Stuart at center is Lt Hastings') to engage targets atop The Meatgrinder (top right), suppressing a rifle squad there...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju3cWxoNXL4kab3U26JdS3IEEjrnlvM0Fx4FcX5d5ahiyEaXySC99SZ4Pye2y2TXrldNtsOnWg1GTreWVnDlJQQmEE69yjTws9Ua_AUhoMAkis3YX-In5q6RRiA_Lqj0Q5ey1O4kJ14OkUnQ0kzVGKSzeULJcrMvUCHRZH_kjX_Tub4OEYRKJMiuDC/s320/IMG_8406.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju3cWxoNXL4kab3U26JdS3IEEjrnlvM0Fx4FcX5d5ahiyEaXySC99SZ4Pye2y2TXrldNtsOnWg1GTreWVnDlJQQmEE69yjTws9Ua_AUhoMAkis3YX-In5q6RRiA_Lqj0Q5ey1O4kJ14OkUnQ0kzVGKSzeULJcrMvUCHRZH_kjX_Tub4OEYRKJMiuDC/w400-h300/IMG_8406.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Before pushing his tank over to the head of the Armored Infantry column (bottom center), where he assists Lt Woodson in rallying.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKcsFnSOrWcM4L9KvXxsfj0THWt9k7lU6KTWOOsTph1NudBm-lp3PVMISoIsqVGuP-iKbFANjWYii2sHTL-_LhsLIDSttBBhCBr_VsQA7eVWan_P0SSw3cl9kd5MAkq4sfdu6XkQW8AKywvh48g9GvCi5iLaEcsdAvIyowoEih02dClb1l6oH4tF-h/s4032/IMG_8407.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKcsFnSOrWcM4L9KvXxsfj0THWt9k7lU6KTWOOsTph1NudBm-lp3PVMISoIsqVGuP-iKbFANjWYii2sHTL-_LhsLIDSttBBhCBr_VsQA7eVWan_P0SSw3cl9kd5MAkq4sfdu6XkQW8AKywvh48g9GvCi5iLaEcsdAvIyowoEih02dClb1l6oH4tF-h/w400-h300/IMG_8407.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>As Lt Hastings pushes his Stuart up past the southern end of The Meatgrinder (bottom left), engaging dug-in enemy infantry at point blank range and pinning them down (right bottom)!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCvmf9Kx0PlYg2ulqrmpd4JhGF1HC3j8Xp7tQGfXJ5JFRwWk0HioSdVmprEoiEN8pHofYDtZM2V7wJmZgHBZadjGsOwpSOL2Qp5nnxGxSL4Oal2Y0c7hRIg6QgckiuigBd_lJ8wlsBIEe49jONj0VdV1WuNfOTJP5S84XzdRoX6YefohhsFPl9x9r_/s4032/IMG_8408.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCvmf9Kx0PlYg2ulqrmpd4JhGF1HC3j8Xp7tQGfXJ5JFRwWk0HioSdVmprEoiEN8pHofYDtZM2V7wJmZgHBZadjGsOwpSOL2Qp5nnxGxSL4Oal2Y0c7hRIg6QgckiuigBd_lJ8wlsBIEe49jONj0VdV1WuNfOTJP5S84XzdRoX6YefohhsFPl9x9r_/w400-h300/IMG_8408.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Which is just the break they were looking for! Lt Woodson orders his platoon to advance at the double!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq78ZvSTKqXTTZlr6Q5hHwnIVqH0kfDQ5W6ARLyPNSz04SFpNJMO7W6ww75l9104Qr4aWeUSxjBQm1P91KFt1s5LPOxv_FdvbC57nVlcn3P13PKiFX3u4p32oc43yQeYRVzq31lNt_0afVHpIadu8GW-xqcKcvmd-kOReBf_UcqXkJx_k_SbwzsoZa/s4032/IMG_8409.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq78ZvSTKqXTTZlr6Q5hHwnIVqH0kfDQ5W6ARLyPNSz04SFpNJMO7W6ww75l9104Qr4aWeUSxjBQm1P91KFt1s5LPOxv_FdvbC57nVlcn3P13PKiFX3u4p32oc43yQeYRVzq31lNt_0afVHpIadu8GW-xqcKcvmd-kOReBf_UcqXkJx_k_SbwzsoZa/w400-h300/IMG_8409.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Where he and his riflemen immediately dismount!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTFMeGemoi4fjMVQsbun3XhFsaX7fovieqDE3FnZWdh6fUYawTWYx6_0Hs7jLoWsjZeXdHWErGRcCg9slFxeBLsAcuN2gy6caouzkJ29frz-iYRjyGWGaK5qrUgIRFHGlJqPg3HplqTXRegkCd2M0Pue2p7lJr4pDoykzuDnIgT6_OGcdURF74gSC8/s320/IMG_8410.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTFMeGemoi4fjMVQsbun3XhFsaX7fovieqDE3FnZWdh6fUYawTWYx6_0Hs7jLoWsjZeXdHWErGRcCg9slFxeBLsAcuN2gy6caouzkJ29frz-iYRjyGWGaK5qrUgIRFHGlJqPg3HplqTXRegkCd2M0Pue2p7lJr4pDoykzuDnIgT6_OGcdURF74gSC8/w400-h300/IMG_8410.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Lt Woodson and his command team immediately charge directly into the pinned French rifle squad!!!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV2e1uYqA1FFEIkGIuy1NmSRyUD2UUoEsGop0AAowPhysTDek42eZpI-IZhZCPG0EK5EtS2R5ezAttdKdee6gcTJ5wQBMogHlkdsRKaTUdtxJwqNkLjE3qi-waTIF4GHcMDGRw7ldxhrodfagqCJ87y8m-r4zkm3mp8WRrJmFrjNAO_EnojiqFr7AU/s320/IMG_8411.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV2e1uYqA1FFEIkGIuy1NmSRyUD2UUoEsGop0AAowPhysTDek42eZpI-IZhZCPG0EK5EtS2R5ezAttdKdee6gcTJ5wQBMogHlkdsRKaTUdtxJwqNkLjE3qi-waTIF4GHcMDGRw7ldxhrodfagqCJ87y8m-r4zkm3mp8WRrJmFrjNAO_EnojiqFr7AU/w400-h300/IMG_8411.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>But the Colonial troops are just too tough, defeating the brash Yanks in close combat!!!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFHdEijaQXJR95F9QXjjMlipsIZ612h2olGH7kH78vsY3VfHI-hSmLFs9lqePP4_hDsN_sfXBPx1FrGomjfu0XrzJvpIsOH75r8GlYvq2G2fbrmCO3w3HvDtjKpgap025Y27g1pp8Egu5JateTLor2djRMsCnEgXLJj-wDt_nAHauqjlyujhlUzYTi/s4032/IMG_8412.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFHdEijaQXJR95F9QXjjMlipsIZ612h2olGH7kH78vsY3VfHI-hSmLFs9lqePP4_hDsN_sfXBPx1FrGomjfu0XrzJvpIsOH75r8GlYvq2G2fbrmCO3w3HvDtjKpgap025Y27g1pp8Egu5JateTLor2djRMsCnEgXLJj-wDt_nAHauqjlyujhlUzYTi/w400-h300/IMG_8412.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The French-Moroccan rifle squad that just defeated Lt Woodson's command team attempts to fall back, up The Meatgrinder (center top, from far right), where there other friendly forces are dug-in, as the US infantry take them under fire.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij7jTiJ_34rBDrbGWYazx04wPC4mW6HyA9w26sPP5aRv4sKNeyCi5rHXv9j__egpoF6EYCK3NyG2-Y0LYs9QQOjxb59C2-4OIbtmtkSl_VBXyrCq1UI9qNKtqjllj9TQv-yQrphVKpr5KMvKGumW4kSIxzaNih1rOSh12RkyfjwUuXrz-L7fQnJJxo/s4032/IMG_8413.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij7jTiJ_34rBDrbGWYazx04wPC4mW6HyA9w26sPP5aRv4sKNeyCi5rHXv9j__egpoF6EYCK3NyG2-Y0LYs9QQOjxb59C2-4OIbtmtkSl_VBXyrCq1UI9qNKtqjllj9TQv-yQrphVKpr5KMvKGumW4kSIxzaNih1rOSh12RkyfjwUuXrz-L7fQnJJxo/w400-h300/IMG_8413.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The French squad successfully make it through the US small arms fire, reaching their suppressed brothers (red bead at bottom right), and they immediately set about rallying their comrades...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUK_1aEZddOaiyHTCg_xgSXKgrEuZLQk9l0bu5zH8QW0eCBluzJ6hfPndvBIKUPc_RGbqIBlZMmUgc6GbkgAtNZJH3v3lq9LlGXCCqfKd0K7y9GV4_lfHn_ls3O5vylNFcW51e9O_o0Ply9hLgqWZG12bOxdFSVG9raFCgJ0j5wAquhqquB4tHP1t4/s4032/IMG_8414.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUK_1aEZddOaiyHTCg_xgSXKgrEuZLQk9l0bu5zH8QW0eCBluzJ6hfPndvBIKUPc_RGbqIBlZMmUgc6GbkgAtNZJH3v3lq9LlGXCCqfKd0K7y9GV4_lfHn_ls3O5vylNFcW51e9O_o0Ply9hLgqWZG12bOxdFSVG9raFCgJ0j5wAquhqquB4tHP1t4/w400-h300/IMG_8414.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>But the suppressed rifle squad is not having it and panics, falling back to the north (read bead at far right, from left)!!!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi92oBFq33ZMy9_oE7wHoSjqOzDt6dE-bSgvTOyS_K4ldHM_w8Q60vp4hv12FbTO4GUPwR-3aBxRxbp1OnVJ3_5DO3kavZpwJmEp-M10D0BQJDcG8XZby_duVwXYBUnwA7gCnxChg_8P3n9nI-PLZ0aS00IRZ8MyH66VylxzhNrPYAHPxt_IPmgLjr_/s4032/IMG_8415.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi92oBFq33ZMy9_oE7wHoSjqOzDt6dE-bSgvTOyS_K4ldHM_w8Q60vp4hv12FbTO4GUPwR-3aBxRxbp1OnVJ3_5DO3kavZpwJmEp-M10D0BQJDcG8XZby_duVwXYBUnwA7gCnxChg_8P3n9nI-PLZ0aS00IRZ8MyH66VylxzhNrPYAHPxt_IPmgLjr_/w400-h300/IMG_8415.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>With Lt Woodson's three rifle squads up and dismounted at The Meatgrinder (top right), his MG and mortar squads push left (the two halftracks at center left, with the US CO at far left, Sgt Gibson's Stuart at right, and Sgt Foster's immobilized Scout Car at bottom right), dismount, and get their weapons set up.</div><div><br /></div><div>The French smoke screen lifts as Lt Richards (far left)...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitJBcvgpk8vMdPm9YKk02n-RaHAo1FNQbAyvKnYFXul9IIBXx9X4dBYE_rmzjWiM_Opy2PDvGfgGWEJ2L-uKXSOp5MHStHlI7SwpzcoawE_6nzq08CRmfjA-aHVfKZGPlVzDbjFgsN7edmuasIjxfYmU8iNuv2hmZOhdslapp53YVfIfVtKzCwB98D/s4032/IMG_8416.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitJBcvgpk8vMdPm9YKk02n-RaHAo1FNQbAyvKnYFXul9IIBXx9X4dBYE_rmzjWiM_Opy2PDvGfgGWEJ2L-uKXSOp5MHStHlI7SwpzcoawE_6nzq08CRmfjA-aHVfKZGPlVzDbjFgsN7edmuasIjxfYmU8iNuv2hmZOhdslapp53YVfIfVtKzCwB98D/w400-h300/IMG_8416.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Dashes to the edge of Murderville and rallies Lt Jefferson's command team and Sgt Gammon's 2nd Squad (red beads).</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZulQdA7m2Ug1gLjBn-rSMeJgv-jElSOTWMY5hSF-QALeO3_cC3oQd6CjFCo4HKaDoZYqOE0p5NiftErc51iQWVurWgC7rqIQdQbJsZ-KWnwFI3Mg02xu85R80Yeq_gZEQsShslerydbOB4SzHrbJzyM_Hfv_Jo_9ZolZNVhCe1vcKbxO9dh7taUqA/s4032/IMG_8417.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZulQdA7m2Ug1gLjBn-rSMeJgv-jElSOTWMY5hSF-QALeO3_cC3oQd6CjFCo4HKaDoZYqOE0p5NiftErc51iQWVurWgC7rqIQdQbJsZ-KWnwFI3Mg02xu85R80Yeq_gZEQsShslerydbOB4SzHrbJzyM_Hfv_Jo_9ZolZNVhCe1vcKbxO9dh7taUqA/w400-h300/IMG_8417.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The French R35 tank (bottom right) takes another shot at Sgt Kidd's tank destroyer (top left)...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj099m5UC_OOu2YcjJulC4chaEtRVBn6oKc6S4Jo60xmJn9iE0vvFBgNwYJcjTAcEDdp30bfdIm4cdCGRh4XsQWyUzqXs7MNjnsb1Qb3EHT2-_edBBtJffcNPvFPX4zV4-JdsuUV_WRnp8KaBQxoJk_qoE_bwl5veSPwap4G-F54K4Ti0AXjRJEwSXp/s4032/IMG_8418.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj099m5UC_OOu2YcjJulC4chaEtRVBn6oKc6S4Jo60xmJn9iE0vvFBgNwYJcjTAcEDdp30bfdIm4cdCGRh4XsQWyUzqXs7MNjnsb1Qb3EHT2-_edBBtJffcNPvFPX4zV4-JdsuUV_WRnp8KaBQxoJk_qoE_bwl5veSPwap4G-F54K4Ti0AXjRJEwSXp/w400-h300/IMG_8418.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The French gunner (top right) misses, so Sgt Kidd's gunner (bottom left) returns the favor...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKIAYNbUFLhPCIkknsOxuDbiNHEGr1s4v65qrBUsI3Y8nAXHxq5tKwPP45eD2XrSg3PkLdLLFaL-nePqdir6RYwNYRaupTHRbt0WMMQNXVTkhRZr35xuQdy0D9vxjDcKIcLBd38VUt1Vksp84D60qKTFeFuX_iEoR6Vs8ICgU0Mlx7rX3gvV4dm7AW/s4032/IMG_8419.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKIAYNbUFLhPCIkknsOxuDbiNHEGr1s4v65qrBUsI3Y8nAXHxq5tKwPP45eD2XrSg3PkLdLLFaL-nePqdir6RYwNYRaupTHRbt0WMMQNXVTkhRZr35xuQdy0D9vxjDcKIcLBd38VUt1Vksp84D60qKTFeFuX_iEoR6Vs8ICgU0Mlx7rX3gvV4dm7AW/w400-h300/IMG_8419.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Sending in a near-miss that suppresses the French tank.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv5-Y1cnQJ1l4bWIldv5vSJqQ_y9_btY7FxJJ3S3YTs_Cj7HRcNkzVX36ddmGT_Vz6CX8yWdoiDPafr6yTgpdFInHmwXRpeCMIfh_UvLpiEWNU7Fz9_VVQQq26WVlCC68LM2jKvOh3Mo7ifxzptkEx1SWmeUsuCAISTaUPK9ZBFoe2ayxyBtX2-Jvc/s4032/IMG_8420.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv5-Y1cnQJ1l4bWIldv5vSJqQ_y9_btY7FxJJ3S3YTs_Cj7HRcNkzVX36ddmGT_Vz6CX8yWdoiDPafr6yTgpdFInHmwXRpeCMIfh_UvLpiEWNU7Fz9_VVQQq26WVlCC68LM2jKvOh3Mo7ifxzptkEx1SWmeUsuCAISTaUPK9ZBFoe2ayxyBtX2-Jvc/w400-h300/IMG_8420.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>But then French 75 at The Meatgrinder (bottom right) sights in on the Americans on the edge of Murderville (left top) and begins raining down 75mm HE rounds...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtix2l3LzH8ul4otO5CdZv7r5JWFX76pk4O9ZA3htt7o-FwSeH5D99EF024kX46QOD_tTMBzlSUpC9_cfFjbNzUw9-3mckHQavcNMNUAAWyhpxJx4KQx1YIcGTS82WnaJJG_91khdLR-TK_HfXrb5MVDrW_wsj4i-ntAdSPXuuKzhCQseTzyZnaGyz/s4032/IMG_8421.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtix2l3LzH8ul4otO5CdZv7r5JWFX76pk4O9ZA3htt7o-FwSeH5D99EF024kX46QOD_tTMBzlSUpC9_cfFjbNzUw9-3mckHQavcNMNUAAWyhpxJx4KQx1YIcGTS82WnaJJG_91khdLR-TK_HfXrb5MVDrW_wsj4i-ntAdSPXuuKzhCQseTzyZnaGyz/w400-h300/IMG_8421.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Lt Jefferson's command team is knocked out, while Sgt Gammon's squad and the American CO are pinned down (yellow beads)! </div><div><br /></div><div>The French Commander (top right) rallies...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRTxwKGWPRT1uyMkWYiuAWygc-WWzzB_CqLxRaVbqasrFlweocCsWYOWjt-EhPA0zqfx1n8B8C4P9ASwOP-IbmMR9aqD39pUWzwPxBHZ1AbaGGO5Nlu6z-ttMRW8wtlOWmYPyAM--APOdC_TfZgf7wbgsD8hzRYFr5RtQfnN76PFx827yazrXrhnqG/s4032/IMG_8422.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRTxwKGWPRT1uyMkWYiuAWygc-WWzzB_CqLxRaVbqasrFlweocCsWYOWjt-EhPA0zqfx1n8B8C4P9ASwOP-IbmMR9aqD39pUWzwPxBHZ1AbaGGO5Nlu6z-ttMRW8wtlOWmYPyAM--APOdC_TfZgf7wbgsD8hzRYFr5RtQfnN76PFx827yazrXrhnqG/w400-h300/IMG_8422.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Then leads the charge back through Murderville (center, from bottom center, with the American CO and Sgt Gammon's squad at top left)!!!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Yszd774VK1X6f8WMRTTkINk7E1AAFqk8i7hL4rgpuUQoIMvvmY9CCM7REuMjHKvklnf2gBTdE9py8zVbfKHJ8WUmDccFamMQei3apUO6rVkyDmKheDmJg3s8LWeLGY7XzG_XXjbBXT3OyFL6qvehPtAUGXfmk5HlZNMfj2AKJI95_fRqbd68GED4/s4032/IMG_8423.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Yszd774VK1X6f8WMRTTkINk7E1AAFqk8i7hL4rgpuUQoIMvvmY9CCM7REuMjHKvklnf2gBTdE9py8zVbfKHJ8WUmDccFamMQei3apUO6rVkyDmKheDmJg3s8LWeLGY7XzG_XXjbBXT3OyFL6qvehPtAUGXfmk5HlZNMfj2AKJI95_fRqbd68GED4/w400-h300/IMG_8423.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Sgt Kidd (bottom left) again attempts to come to the rescue, ordering his gunner to engage the marauding French Moroccans in the village!!!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigJYVrDkrWV2OsJA9r5g7oy9EUcT4Gx5rpzkViVC3AB29jp6LCCIGh-4Xh79MFY71RGW8okIEpO0Kfdp6J2mHC0ZQ_igrpeZh70Sw8refRPDIzcQqqJE93_mpom6NuMOTpMnPGZGmZT2ZNM-aCjugwkCMesCHsdqw-LirFnun_Dp88P9YMF9tPn06M/s4032/IMG_8424.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigJYVrDkrWV2OsJA9r5g7oy9EUcT4Gx5rpzkViVC3AB29jp6LCCIGh-4Xh79MFY71RGW8okIEpO0Kfdp6J2mHC0ZQ_igrpeZh70Sw8refRPDIzcQqqJE93_mpom6NuMOTpMnPGZGmZT2ZNM-aCjugwkCMesCHsdqw-LirFnun_Dp88P9YMF9tPn06M/w400-h300/IMG_8424.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>75mm HE rounds plow into Murderville, killing the French commander!!!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwu4TMuPMRwcEdGBea6O27wPWtH5vqOBcqNVXn7vgTC77H57GrXjEwtd4RxA_wC0pPQqeRIVOfQ3Zg5moGLOJdQ_zWL73eRCRFF-OQYwOE6oBlRCsR1bRWQSrJUL-_N722pHXP8sxGpP3iKZBwiDkQXB64GbzleJEDsnhTWFn5dI-cD01nvnTubGiv/s4032/IMG_8425.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwu4TMuPMRwcEdGBea6O27wPWtH5vqOBcqNVXn7vgTC77H57GrXjEwtd4RxA_wC0pPQqeRIVOfQ3Zg5moGLOJdQ_zWL73eRCRFF-OQYwOE6oBlRCsR1bRWQSrJUL-_N722pHXP8sxGpP3iKZBwiDkQXB64GbzleJEDsnhTWFn5dI-cD01nvnTubGiv/w400-h300/IMG_8425.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>But the remaining French rifle squad is untouched, and decides to press home the attack anyway!!!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn5X8YLo9qOblDI3eyYqYGTNJFZj9iV-0wDSz4UFUhMSBETwwYVwjZqivPoL_Px1H23s_4A2oAQbmMZUKBleSghzALyI-Tbp9tR6ePmLP61Ibolb0QdvbXxxlZ2VCZ9vCIiSh3eF_ZWeTOGqLVA0r5kftggfquQXqjCfMCBPrZ9kUN0EPaTD8V62VJ/s4032/IMG_8426.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn5X8YLo9qOblDI3eyYqYGTNJFZj9iV-0wDSz4UFUhMSBETwwYVwjZqivPoL_Px1H23s_4A2oAQbmMZUKBleSghzALyI-Tbp9tR6ePmLP61Ibolb0QdvbXxxlZ2VCZ9vCIiSh3eF_ZWeTOGqLVA0r5kftggfquQXqjCfMCBPrZ9kUN0EPaTD8V62VJ/w400-h300/IMG_8426.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Where they put Lt Richards and Sgt Gammon's squad out of the fight!!!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibDmXlO1kY4Loz3R5hC2QFZc3GSjOBVVD6VwbJbov6yUDlmIwn1evmUVfoVfb_B-SZbfTlmC9CD2BCUavnKRng7yFpmJi4YJTUOfzYF3FMuNXg6ew1mkyDFx1uyOAJJZoSQ0agGn-cec382HUIAL25G6FNVqei-iMeIJZlaRV70LTQ08bLa-g3FffK/s4032/IMG_8427.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibDmXlO1kY4Loz3R5hC2QFZc3GSjOBVVD6VwbJbov6yUDlmIwn1evmUVfoVfb_B-SZbfTlmC9CD2BCUavnKRng7yFpmJi4YJTUOfzYF3FMuNXg6ew1mkyDFx1uyOAJJZoSQ0agGn-cec382HUIAL25G6FNVqei-iMeIJZlaRV70LTQ08bLa-g3FffK/w400-h300/IMG_8427.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Having eliminated all hostile infantry in the area, and finding themselves unnervingly alone, the French rifle squad falls back into a more sheltered position (top right, from bottom left).</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7X3VzTPcsWOqhC9tQbAegUOhgILk_zs4eRBtPbajb6MuEAbq1TdJ-LHEm3bON54Ogevq_PXQ6A7GWG61g1OB46wOG2_7glUIKzWa0H3XioQRx9jJBRAecQEAOF_6FUV82IrzPiHpvr-bwj_-SkPyRBR7jfaHinHQ5uS3UGXZJZqn-srVvBQZJ4ivI/s4032/IMG_8428.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7X3VzTPcsWOqhC9tQbAegUOhgILk_zs4eRBtPbajb6MuEAbq1TdJ-LHEm3bON54Ogevq_PXQ6A7GWG61g1OB46wOG2_7glUIKzWa0H3XioQRx9jJBRAecQEAOF_6FUV82IrzPiHpvr-bwj_-SkPyRBR7jfaHinHQ5uS3UGXZJZqn-srVvBQZJ4ivI/w400-h300/IMG_8428.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>With Murderville (just visible at far right) secured, the French mortar team (bottom right) sets about supporting its comrades on The Meatgrinder (top left), pumping out 81mm HE rounds...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPj7PKncI1B9xlC6es6AV-OIdJq6KTiqFnF8HJKYm0KseQ1pzKK12filgv4SAyNwesZ5T6mNG_jAikTNv3uxFTbFiaXlpY5yB3EWhP05rIatvK9GOOXgp41vsST7M51ZV8iI6rzMArZe2WIYrRSsEgNlo7_L2-IZ6qqpm4H2V0KAXKlun5GZJQ2ubE/s4032/IMG_8429.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPj7PKncI1B9xlC6es6AV-OIdJq6KTiqFnF8HJKYm0KseQ1pzKK12filgv4SAyNwesZ5T6mNG_jAikTNv3uxFTbFiaXlpY5yB3EWhP05rIatvK9GOOXgp41vsST7M51ZV8iI6rzMArZe2WIYrRSsEgNlo7_L2-IZ6qqpm4H2V0KAXKlun5GZJQ2ubE/w400-h300/IMG_8429.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Which pin down Lt Hastings' Stuart and Sgt Castle's 1st Squad (yellow beads at bottom left and far right, respectively). The French-Moroccan rifle squad that defeated Lt Woodson's command team in close combat (top left) looks down on the American troops being pummeled by their mortars...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixxmORwGFKk09_Krz4w-es-Yp80u-yWYYXyWWMMXlln9UCHsJQMV1pqRZEA9h_uvpnBQnPDpQ5ZJz_4yTdysl19ULmBgmZ8TDGMeCdPPDE7B_8w4GBOmdpbHzkGyW8ffITuuRYDYv5nDP2BpV-jDIx8jAKAaQIdFxPrlM3jt5zqQ_Hxh1k_YU--jqL/s4032/IMG_8430.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixxmORwGFKk09_Krz4w-es-Yp80u-yWYYXyWWMMXlln9UCHsJQMV1pqRZEA9h_uvpnBQnPDpQ5ZJz_4yTdysl19ULmBgmZ8TDGMeCdPPDE7B_8w4GBOmdpbHzkGyW8ffITuuRYDYv5nDP2BpV-jDIx8jAKAaQIdFxPrlM3jt5zqQ_Hxh1k_YU--jqL/w400-h300/IMG_8430.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>And decides now is the time for a counterattack!!! The Colonial troops descend (center, from top left)...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC4Eu8tb0-qY90ClQJIAmlOw7woEL0AbjYbS1fybI_Euef_D8ya8ZBW4sTmcr1xRReHMSKo1egURPewmLrfCPJbk2h4b9Vk2gbXl9yaF8h5oJL64rLrd5miBzvySmcqRDUU2mnkC9toOOKlgARl5vC9zEcTYazX-b-f0KplREQInt1Y4jQaKQRaE7Q/s4032/IMG_8431.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC4Eu8tb0-qY90ClQJIAmlOw7woEL0AbjYbS1fybI_Euef_D8ya8ZBW4sTmcr1xRReHMSKo1egURPewmLrfCPJbk2h4b9Vk2gbXl9yaF8h5oJL64rLrd5miBzvySmcqRDUU2mnkC9toOOKlgARl5vC9zEcTYazX-b-f0KplREQInt1Y4jQaKQRaE7Q/w400-h300/IMG_8431.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>But Sgt Gibson (bottom left) spots them and opens fire with his .30-cal machine gun, suppressing them and halting them in place!!!</div><div><br /></div><div>Dammit, as close as the Stuarts (especially Lt Hastings' tank) have gotten to The Meatgrinder (due to trying to stay out of the crossfire and only have to deal with one side of the French anti-tank firepower), I've been trying to get the French into position to launch an infantry close assault; finally happened, but luckily Sgt Gibson saved the day!</div><div><br /></div><div>With their CO down, their Engineer Platoon chewed up and spat out, a tank and a scout car knocked out, another scout car immobilized, their Armored Infantry Platoon leader out of the fight, and their left flank being held only by Sgt Kidd's halftrack/tank destroyer, the Americans continue to fight on. Maybe only because they no longer have an overall commander in charge, seeing the overall picture, to order them retreat, or maybe because they're already so far forward committed on their right. Nevertheless...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjJRAn1ZLtG1DPUoca3RN1WKV4MlmpDgQ8YrjXwUaOb06aLtt010mAEI_14tOdot2l8so53LN962D7ezVQ23b7pIFzZb2gf34N7sETfZSTu7UhFH5PbnyCYzS_qxMNfJVlUiSb2LajbWMp2HCZ-sCaVuXOiE9mF0r0cVOPRo9ttjcwHLI4lzB2wrEd/s4032/IMG_8432.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjJRAn1ZLtG1DPUoca3RN1WKV4MlmpDgQ8YrjXwUaOb06aLtt010mAEI_14tOdot2l8so53LN962D7ezVQ23b7pIFzZb2gf34N7sETfZSTu7UhFH5PbnyCYzS_qxMNfJVlUiSb2LajbWMp2HCZ-sCaVuXOiE9mF0r0cVOPRo9ttjcwHLI4lzB2wrEd/w400-h300/IMG_8432.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>In the center, Sgt Zgnonina's 60mm mortar team (bottom left, next to Sgt Buckner's MG team) finally begins pumping out HE rounds at the French 75 below Hill 34 (top right).</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwu2MPl_EKreuURcWUeL8wgdaaxIv4oiuJJ6Qhcy2ucuP8STb4GJ8nLLFVHaSM6rATWMtlrgFg-p7NzsCEoq7izNhPEKhs-SA_TkP-8NRT6VwLMoeuA2ZmA_onGJ5ryt9Ql_nkpPTsccaaemO99bPjT86JwXhrsbQHjco-AgJRMTOXjGhZQ3b9GtlY/s4032/IMG_8433.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwu2MPl_EKreuURcWUeL8wgdaaxIv4oiuJJ6Qhcy2ucuP8STb4GJ8nLLFVHaSM6rATWMtlrgFg-p7NzsCEoq7izNhPEKhs-SA_TkP-8NRT6VwLMoeuA2ZmA_onGJ5ryt9Ql_nkpPTsccaaemO99bPjT86JwXhrsbQHjco-AgJRMTOXjGhZQ3b9GtlY/w400-h300/IMG_8433.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Suppressing the French gun crew!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO1gRwC6egATNG_bnDE-aFvf_mPy9zujV7IK-RsT4d2G-lMI99GJ9mBznzOgwcy1IE_JjxJ9wuGeE39AuqxR1Qn0KbZn4V1r4iz_GqmjVjKv1PJbjuE4pDwu2i5raxP3aBV3wNmf70V9KPUqiVFke0OPFE9B7rdtotFPO-73MOTXfZRyu3D56w4fBI/s4032/IMG_8434.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO1gRwC6egATNG_bnDE-aFvf_mPy9zujV7IK-RsT4d2G-lMI99GJ9mBznzOgwcy1IE_JjxJ9wuGeE39AuqxR1Qn0KbZn4V1r4iz_GqmjVjKv1PJbjuE4pDwu2i5raxP3aBV3wNmf70V9KPUqiVFke0OPFE9B7rdtotFPO-73MOTXfZRyu3D56w4fBI/w400-h300/IMG_8434.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Sgt Kidd's tank destroyer, feeling uncomfortably close to Murderville (just visible at far left) with no infantry support, pulls back (bottom center left) and begins firing on French positions atop The Meatgrinder (top center/right)...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Onizz-CfTcU7BsvlQCnHSGGSNjUvmdqnEXXk_p6ZvqPI_S8eXsG-NHzHqgmvwitnARsMnA4lHOPKGXcz6jVHPoLyNPgx1WV9lDz1RyePRQC8eTxOTvUi3I5JkewRG0S5bqpJVu8qN7Sm6n4tT09XKwfogIcaWXbmY1ZN0gkkaDx-38u1cLotaiXo/s4032/IMG_8435.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Onizz-CfTcU7BsvlQCnHSGGSNjUvmdqnEXXk_p6ZvqPI_S8eXsG-NHzHqgmvwitnARsMnA4lHOPKGXcz6jVHPoLyNPgx1WV9lDz1RyePRQC8eTxOTvUi3I5JkewRG0S5bqpJVu8qN7Sm6n4tT09XKwfogIcaWXbmY1ZN0gkkaDx-38u1cLotaiXo/w400-h300/IMG_8435.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Suppressing a French rifle squad (red bead at left, with another suppressed squad at center, a 75mm gun at top right, and the French XO at bottom right). </div><div><br /></div><div>Off screen to bottom we have the US Armored Infantry, as well as the French rifle squad that beat Lt Woodson's command team in close combat and charged Lt Hastings' tank, only to be stopped by gunfire from Sgt Gibson's tank.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-40oupYh6nLA0AtO2BSPh--vE9X3vM7wxpzqfyHN6yXfv1OW6IJxkHVeUqzUprxl1bvGXJ0-Hy5lK_eurhIPicRvfVAjQ05H5lTB9Z0GOS7Ydxc_fplyOlAIKotPN5OtTUQK4x2AqCvOYu6IAIVe2U2Q7kleLiPskZ_hQFfP98n8kJVsKkmdKhpOV/s320/IMG_8436.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-40oupYh6nLA0AtO2BSPh--vE9X3vM7wxpzqfyHN6yXfv1OW6IJxkHVeUqzUprxl1bvGXJ0-Hy5lK_eurhIPicRvfVAjQ05H5lTB9Z0GOS7Ydxc_fplyOlAIKotPN5OtTUQK4x2AqCvOYu6IAIVe2U2Q7kleLiPskZ_hQFfP98n8kJVsKkmdKhpOV/w400-h300/IMG_8436.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>"Well, it's now or never, let's go!" And with that, Sergeants Anderson and Carrington pushed their squads up The Meatgrinder, into close combat with the suppressed French rifle squad on the side of the hill!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiYFawbrezXuuJcK4JzDtnyCcL-6GAIsSya0bzl8Q0Tihm34VOmfM5FA6r_I7LArAi0KgMHYG2DbZrK1aROLOgDZpZuZSfcw_jbiEDFiZkP6AjeBLF7pH2tOwkymJsqSkwj6RTawI7grK5aOZGAjIzP5BfypDennwnFVAeYMrhK-79gMNxw1seIBEy/s4032/IMG_8437.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiYFawbrezXuuJcK4JzDtnyCcL-6GAIsSya0bzl8Q0Tihm34VOmfM5FA6r_I7LArAi0KgMHYG2DbZrK1aROLOgDZpZuZSfcw_jbiEDFiZkP6AjeBLF7pH2tOwkymJsqSkwj6RTawI7grK5aOZGAjIzP5BfypDennwnFVAeYMrhK-79gMNxw1seIBEy/w400-h300/IMG_8437.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The French don't win the close combat, but they fight like lions, throwing the two American squads back, suppressed (red beads at far left and bottom left), buying themselves room to fall back into a proper defensive position (far right top, from center)!!!</div><div><br /></div><div>Lt Hastings, the tank platoon leader, hastily looks around. "I guess I'm the senior-ranking officer left here now," he thinks to himself. He looks around, taking in the sights and smells of the battlefield, the broken bodies and detritus of combat. "The boys have had it," he mutters to himself, before ordering the withdrawal.</div><div><br /></div><div>The riflemen of the Armored Infantry Platoon gather up their casualties and gear and load back up in their halftracks...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-cs7iLSVxheThdAnVqQ_IM_7CTsHzBWFjGHC4HS74oEYbNXbqOdD6x9EdzTPBGjkTzEDTwLyHOyrkJ-3akx3UqCpRDz_jG_8LbYGz_J2OiUagkv49t8VkNY5aQnEDq4898x5tDDJnQrsV0zVexxMlVHKGwdx64MORzur32KAYJR66oGv5bsDUdXXn/s4032/IMG_8438.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-cs7iLSVxheThdAnVqQ_IM_7CTsHzBWFjGHC4HS74oEYbNXbqOdD6x9EdzTPBGjkTzEDTwLyHOyrkJ-3akx3UqCpRDz_jG_8LbYGz_J2OiUagkv49t8VkNY5aQnEDq4898x5tDDJnQrsV0zVexxMlVHKGwdx64MORzur32KAYJR66oGv5bsDUdXXn/w400-h300/IMG_8438.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Before beating feet back to the west. Sergeants Buckner and Zgnonina (center), the mortar and MG team leaders, see the retreating halftracks, look at each other, then mount up in their own halftracks.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt7X-h-27CjXSjnNbruk6W09S97Y44kKODprB3cmHfr_0Riox9Ug_e7qOg5SO9qf5iX28wpG8emU5YsF3HMkQxrt5P97R2YsRyc0khFK23f-awHDD2QZpPzikD8Y3cTXFXpt-qi4Z3nleWXKyYvfzkFEUyrc6gRwANVaYby1zvAXTJXn4l6jt11BCl/s4032/IMG_8439.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt7X-h-27CjXSjnNbruk6W09S97Y44kKODprB3cmHfr_0Riox9Ug_e7qOg5SO9qf5iX28wpG8emU5YsF3HMkQxrt5P97R2YsRyc0khFK23f-awHDD2QZpPzikD8Y3cTXFXpt-qi4Z3nleWXKyYvfzkFEUyrc6gRwANVaYby1zvAXTJXn4l6jt11BCl/w400-h300/IMG_8439.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Lt Hastings' and Sgt Gibson's Stuarts hold the line as the MG and mortar team halftracks fall back onto the road, and Sgt Foster destroys his M3 Scout Car to prevent it from falling into enemy hands (far right).</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMm1roVtW1MttKYkaKRG35HbMp0TQ0YvZQTgiSZ3bO1flwW_Lrpqi87BV8vslk3ddtz71yeudMRmG2rndFEKb1hC1tDuPUk3pO2pmEtxwnsafk2lXP2s45KwzRJDzfwyEAzDh2-j0eVkiVNMq6fh638HCxSgrd2RirqGqhSjU68FAP2IbxDafZfYY5/s4032/IMG_8440.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMm1roVtW1MttKYkaKRG35HbMp0TQ0YvZQTgiSZ3bO1flwW_Lrpqi87BV8vslk3ddtz71yeudMRmG2rndFEKb1hC1tDuPUk3pO2pmEtxwnsafk2lXP2s45KwzRJDzfwyEAzDh2-j0eVkiVNMq6fh638HCxSgrd2RirqGqhSjU68FAP2IbxDafZfYY5/w400-h300/IMG_8440.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>With all forces from the US right-hand column on the road, the battle is almost complete.</div><div><br /></div><div>The only issue is Sgt Kidd's tank destroyer (just visible at top right, below the rocks, right of the engineers' trucks and palm trees); he and his gunner had been vigilantly scanning for enemy to their left and front, launching the occasional 75mm round downrange, hadn't really been paying too much attention to their right. It was Sgt Kidd's driver that raised the issue; "hey Sarge, it sure calmed down quite a bit over on the right, did our guys take the Meatgrinder?" </div><div><br /></div><div>Sgt Kidd glassed the hill; "negative, those are all them French Colonial troops up there still, but I don't see nobody shootin' over there anymore... Hey, there go the halftracks and tanks!" </div><div><br /></div><div>Yes, that is how Sergeant Kidd and his crew became aware of the US withdrawal. In the confusion of the withdrawal under fire, it's hard to blame Lieutenant Hastings for this, but it was to have horrible consequences for the young Sergeant.</div><div><br />"Hey, we gotta get outta here, let's move, lest we get left behind!"</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrbRsPEk9SE1PfypTSHNa4k8DQMnZnYdYzoGr4ZcjYo1VKTZgpqLiF5qNq2sviRAXnoRdIN02T5U8f6Ncecq1xNNdrQCrz39PPKGcrBchE3M-cHD6yVhlYGg7WVB0rrMKa3cSiEzlcOYdkFUHtFQ_J1WTucWp1XboFwNhgcKiy47P4btMh8aoP_99c/s4032/IMG_8441.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrbRsPEk9SE1PfypTSHNa4k8DQMnZnYdYzoGr4ZcjYo1VKTZgpqLiF5qNq2sviRAXnoRdIN02T5U8f6Ncecq1xNNdrQCrz39PPKGcrBchE3M-cHD6yVhlYGg7WVB0rrMKa3cSiEzlcOYdkFUHtFQ_J1WTucWp1XboFwNhgcKiy47P4btMh8aoP_99c/w400-h300/IMG_8441.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>So Sgt Kidd ordered his driver out; he promptly reversed the vehicle, wheeled around, got them back on the hardball, and sped southwest (bottom left, from bottom right), as fast as possible.</div><div><br /></div><div>In his haste to not be left behind, Sgt Kidd left the three engineer trucks for the enemy (center bottom). Even worse, he left American casualties from Sgt Means' squad, Sgt Gammon's squad, Lt Jefferson's command team, and Lt Richards' command team, in Murderville (right), and from Sgt Parker's tank crew and Sgt Rasby's scout car crew on Purple Heart Hill (far left)...</div><div><br /></div><div>On the way back to the invasion beaches, Lt Hastings' column ran into Captain Henry, with the rest of the Armored Reconnaissance Company, narrowly avoiding a 'friendly fire' incident in the dark. The two forces pulled over, established security, and set about the grim business of treating casualties, feeding the troops, redistributing ammo, servicing weapons, vehicles, and equipment, and figuring out what the hell went wrong.<br /><br />Captain Henry's first question to Lt Hastings was "where the hell is Lt Richards?" <br />"He's dead, Sir." <br />"What!!??? Where?" <br />"Back in Murderville, Sir." <br />"Murderville???" <br />"Yes, Sir, that's what we call the village. The French, they just slaughtered'em, Lt Richards and the whole damn engineer platoon."<br />"And you left him???" Lt Hastings just stared blankly back at the Captain. "Get out of my sight! As a matter of fact, you grab your men and you get your asses back up there, and you hold until morning, and I'll be up there and we're going back in there and taking that damn village!"</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwDrc6JvW5f1y-v8K7cMILZk5atcqbNovuOrcfh0vCfxGzYD0wY0IYFyYNFqGv4WfoSe3WbLc90V6qJz-mvLPRs2hoJ7C7V3SL_d_jCr8jq6UZ5X9I9uVezccHbKFKrJJMDjsAj5mt91doSrE6v9_AGyQNkmbGVgltP_8HdOSD5UNXLxHPz7-EpB8J/s4032/IMG_8442.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwDrc6JvW5f1y-v8K7cMILZk5atcqbNovuOrcfh0vCfxGzYD0wY0IYFyYNFqGv4WfoSe3WbLc90V6qJz-mvLPRs2hoJ7C7V3SL_d_jCr8jq6UZ5X9I9uVezccHbKFKrJJMDjsAj5mt91doSrE6v9_AGyQNkmbGVgltP_8HdOSD5UNXLxHPz7-EpB8J/w400-h300/IMG_8442.JPG" width="400" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: left;">So Lt Hastings led the force back to the edge of the battle area, back to the crossroads, where they posted watch and dug in for the night. Not satisfied with Lt Hasting's description of events, Captain Henry made his way up to the line and spent all night talking to survivors of the previous day's fight. As fate would have it, Sergeant Kidd was last in line to be talked to by Captain Henry; the young NCO was visibly shaken by his experiences, and decisions, from the previous day, and the Captain was seething with rage. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">"You know, a lot of the men say you ought to be decorated for valor for your actions yesterday, Sergeant," hissed Captain Henry, "that you were fearless, constantly sticking your nose into trouble to help your comrades out, and that you saved the entire unit, holding down the left flank all by yourselves once the engineers were wiped out. And I suppose that's true. I suppose that's true. But here's something I know is true: you pulled out, to save your own damn skin, like a yellow-bellied coward, and you left all those GIs out there, your own commander out there, to die, at the hands of those savages!* Tomorrow we're going back in there, and you will fight, and when it's over I'm going to see to it that pay for what you did! The smartest thing you could do now, Sergeant, is die bravely on the battlefield! Now get out of my sight!"</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">*Rumors were running rampant about the horrible things the French Colonial troops were doing to American prisoners, which couldn't have been further from the truth. The French policed up the battlefield and did their best to treat and care for the American wounded left in Murderville and on Purple Heart Hill.)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Sergeant Kidd meekly skulked back to his halftrack and crew; as soon as he arrived his gunner asked, "so what was that all about, Sarge?" "Nothing, the Captain just said we did a good job yesterday. Now get some sleep, I'll take watch." Captain Henry's self-centeredness had already cost Lt Richards his life; it was now poised to wreck another...</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Alright, alright, sorry about all the melodrama, it's just that it's actually kind of fun playing out these storylines, and hard to stop once I've started. Regarding the tabletop game itself, man, that was a barnburner!!! That fight was absolutely incredible, and after three fights, it seems like ol' Task Force Reisman is a bit of a hard-luck case. They really have a talent for having the absolute worst possible thing to happen at the absolute worst possible time, snatching defeat from the jaws of victory over and over again. I mean, I can't remember how many times I've seen one of my squads go on a close combat tear, knocking out three or four enemy units in a row, even in straight up head-to head matchups, but TF Reisman guys go in with an advantage, like two rifle squads vs one suppressed rifle squad in the open, and still manage to lose! And it's happened several times already. But don't worry about me, it's not bringing my spirits down, it's really adding a ton of flavor to the games, taking them in all kinds of different directions than what I expected. And tons of fun. And, honestly, I could never see myself having this sort of intra-unit drama with a Marine unit, my pride simply wouldn't allow it (I mean, there's no way some crap like that could ever happen in the Marine Corps!), but with this Army unit, man, it's practically turned into a damned soap opera, which is turning out to be tons of fun. I can't believe I've never really played with this sort of interaction between characters before; eat your heart out, Joe! ;)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Let's get to some stats:<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">-the US had 25 men killed, wounded, or captured (yes, captured, as wounded were left on the battlefield and survived to be captured by the French, repatriated after French capitulation on 11 Nov 1942)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">-the US lost an M3 Stuart and two M3 Scout Cars, and abandoned a 1/4-ton truck and two 2 1/2-ton trucks, which the French then destroyed</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">-the French lost 15 men killed or wounded</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">-the French lost a Laffly armored car destroyed</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Characters:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">-1st Lt Richards, Armored Reconnaissance Company Executive Officer, was wounded, captured, and died of his wounds in captivity, posthumously awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for his leadership under fire and the Purple Heart.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">-2nd Lt Jefferson, Engineer Platoon Leader, was killed in action, posthumously awarded the Bronze Star w/V leading his platoon into close combat, and the Purple Heart. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">-2nd Lt Woodson, 1st Armored Infantry Platoon Leader, Armored Reconnaissance Company, was slightly wounded, awarded the Purple Heart, and immediately returned to duty.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">-Sgt Gammons, 2nd Squad, Engineer Platoon, was severely wounded, captured, and repatriated on 11 Nov 1942. He was awarded the Purple Heart and medical screening determined he must be invalided back to the United States.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">-Sgt Means, 3rd Squad, Engineer Platoon, was severely wounded, captured, and repatriated on 11 Nov 1942. He was awarded the Purple Heart and medical screening determined he must be invalided back to the United States.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">-Sgt Parker, Vehicle 5, 2nd Platoon, Tank Company, was lightly wounded, captured, and repatriated on 11 Nov 1942. He was awarded the Purple Heart and medical screening determined he was fit to return to duty on 1 Jan 1943.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">-Sgt Rasby, Vehicle 5, Armored Car Platoon, Armored Reconnaissance Company, was killed in action. Posthumously awarded the Silver Star for his leadership on "Purple Heart Hill" and continuing to man his machine gun in support of the Task Force Reisman attacks while subjected to relentless fire from enemy artillery.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">-Sgt Kidd, Vehicle 3, Tank Destroyer Platoon, was reprimanded for abandoning casualties on the field of battle (despite copious amounts of heroism displayed prior to the withdrawal, the chaotic nature of the withdrawal owing to heavy casualties, to include the force commander, and the fact the company commander was overly critical on account of guilt over his own decisions, which led to the death of the force commander).</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">So, that was the first fight for 'Murderville,' 'Purple Heart Hill,' and 'The Meatgrinder,' and the men are resting up and preparing for the second, which will actually be led by the Armored Reconnaissance Company commander, as Major Reisman had ordered yesterday, and which is probably a mistake now that it has been established that the French have strong forces/positions in the area (if an attack must be made, then it should be made by armor and infantry, not recon, but why not just use recon to bypass the position?). However, we've got something else we need to get to, first: the French, feeling saucy, have launched a counterattack on the invasion beaches, and Major Reisman himself is being forced to fend off!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">V/R,<br />Jack</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div></div>Just Jackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03552962741823929433noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8660216775038377627.post-2623146499805218072023-01-09T19:20:00.000-08:002023-01-09T19:20:20.113-08:00Hell on Wheels, Operation Torch Fight #2<p>All,</p><p>0930 Local Time<br />8 November 1942<br />Near Port Lyautey, French Morocco</p><p>"@#$%," exclaimed Major Reisman, frustrated with the slow pace of operations being carried out by his combined arms task force. They'd landed nearly five hours ago; sure, confusion about what posture the French defenders would adopt caused apprehension, dismal weather caused delays and units to become intermixed, and then there was the natural hesitation and fear of the unknown caused by green troops seeing their first combat, but the Major was severely nonplussed, nonetheless. On the Task Force's left, Dog Company had run into very stiff resistance, but dogged determination by its commander (Captain May, who was awarded a Bronze Star w/V for his combat leadership in the battle) led to the Yanks carrying the day, while on the right, Easy Company had the good fortune to land opposite a French unit that was only too happy to cast aside its weapons and surrender (despite the threats of retribution from their Commandant).</p><p>But that was exactly the point: following Dog Company's victory, Major Reisman had ordered Easy Company to rush forward and seize the back end (east) of the town of Mehdi, thus bottling up the French garrison there. But that was over two hours ago, and here was Captain Kirkland, Easy's commander, still standing on the landing beach! "What the hell are you doing, Captain! And why aren't you behind Mehdi by now!!!???" "Sir! We're still attempting to untangle the units and..." "Look here, Kirkland! If you want to keep those Captain's bars you will drop whatever nonsense you're up to, grab the nearest men with guns you can find, and go, secure the @#$%ing east end of that @#$%ing town! Do you understand me?" "Yessir!" And off Captain Kirkland went...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV4xBdKyLA0xh_3SYwHSywZeGSTnDdsP5d3raV3Fucr6r1EZY8QkCtz0u16MMKtaQVdhGTZbUOikl3G_yZJODzVUPvZNtD1iozUTB2wXVLneGIW0FBqL_LhrJyMYwXZylPEOodU7EsktPMpJev0Zut4ChYZPxuyfqYK3sAgY3gqJi7VJnvV1iPjuom/s4032/3ED47148-BFDB-4432-ACC1-6D8082B2B920.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV4xBdKyLA0xh_3SYwHSywZeGSTnDdsP5d3raV3Fucr6r1EZY8QkCtz0u16MMKtaQVdhGTZbUOikl3G_yZJODzVUPvZNtD1iozUTB2wXVLneGIW0FBqL_LhrJyMYwXZylPEOodU7EsktPMpJev0Zut4ChYZPxuyfqYK3sAgY3gqJi7VJnvV1iPjuom/w400-h300/3ED47148-BFDB-4432-ACC1-6D8082B2B920.jpeg" width="400" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: left;">The table, north is up. The town of Mehdi stretches across the top of the table, with Hill 27 at bottom left, Hill 32 at bottom right, and sheer bluffs present at top right. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYbNVW_iZAosjHh440el_NiDQGp6Mei9eIFGOacX8QgBvlkZ4xr4p03dhyMzXCHVrH2_ooi0NjVnaxfbzT6XDEuuu9TEP8dvJBbgAWhMAbkNRDAYNJvgdwYR92q2rySwUqXoiu2--uWgFxBHnL_DesHWHLROO2guqxjgI4ugcg6Mhr8_D0HxA2Oh5E/s4032/IMG_8247.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYbNVW_iZAosjHh440el_NiDQGp6Mei9eIFGOacX8QgBvlkZ4xr4p03dhyMzXCHVrH2_ooi0NjVnaxfbzT6XDEuuu9TEP8dvJBbgAWhMAbkNRDAYNJvgdwYR92q2rySwUqXoiu2--uWgFxBHnL_DesHWHLROO2guqxjgI4ugcg6Mhr8_D0HxA2Oh5E/w400-h300/IMG_8247.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The opposing forces, with Americans on the left and French on the right.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw3KJXuvLmEKdvFGrUvz1kLvo3pLzaMIzEfK7t1JA8rnJIX5yMerXRfsxTpGzPPgIrlqcs43LcYD42-e1HO_c59uvVI9Fxbxkdtx7b8fWY8nm1eTAksA3qlgWjpjJmmec4Wf5D1uB_adEefGkXG993GLGWiyVpYeqtyyTaHopVGy_xDDfeY3N3Ct0X/s4032/IMG_8248.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw3KJXuvLmEKdvFGrUvz1kLvo3pLzaMIzEfK7t1JA8rnJIX5yMerXRfsxTpGzPPgIrlqcs43LcYD42-e1HO_c59uvVI9Fxbxkdtx7b8fWY8nm1eTAksA3qlgWjpjJmmec4Wf5D1uB_adEefGkXG993GLGWiyVpYeqtyyTaHopVGy_xDDfeY3N3Ct0X/w400-h300/IMG_8248.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The US force:<br />-Command stand: Captain Kirkland, Easy Company commander<br /></div><div>-Two M3 Stuarts: 1st Lt Seay, the tank company's Executive Officer (XO), and Sergeant Keith's vehicle from 2nd Tank Platoon</div><div>-Two M3 Grants: Sgt Gildon and Sgt O'Neale's vehicles from 4th Tank Platoon</div><div>-M3 Scout Car: Sgt Perry's vehicle from the Armored Car Platoon</div><div>-M7 Priest: Sgt Johnson's vehicle from the Self-Propelled Gun Platoon</div><div>-1st Rifle Platoon: 2nd Lt Steed leading Sgt Bruschi and Sgt Marion's squads from 1st Platoon, Dog Company</div><div>-2nd Rifle Platoon: 2nd Lt Davenport leading Sgt Kalis and Sgt Williams' squads from 2nd Platoon, Easy Company</div><div>-3rd Rifle Platoon: 2nd Lt Crittenden leading Sgt O'Donnell and Sgt Wilfork's squads from 3rd Platoon, Dog Company</div><div><br /></div><div>*The platoons are mixed from the different companies and missing squads/vehicles to reflect the confusion and intermingling on the beach, and the Major pushing Captain Kirkland to attack before it was all sorted out.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjShnAv4Vu7WB7JyE8qLh30c1w1RC_bmHMbi6aIKbIaqbNyONu0mnQJZiQM52U6TFCM0mfhyFQLG_b_Ecq-S34P-qQut669sRscZAtSxGJcefqN6feNKLF3Og9OuFcpHv6xMyldhUaBJQZxuoI0JnfRzknR6rhXn08vsmFty07Mv8bZbdOb1KrhKbGp/s4032/IMG_8249.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjShnAv4Vu7WB7JyE8qLh30c1w1RC_bmHMbi6aIKbIaqbNyONu0mnQJZiQM52U6TFCM0mfhyFQLG_b_Ecq-S34P-qQut669sRscZAtSxGJcefqN6feNKLF3Og9OuFcpHv6xMyldhUaBJQZxuoI0JnfRzknR6rhXn08vsmFty07Mv8bZbdOb1KrhKbGp/w400-h300/IMG_8249.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The French:<br />-Commanding Officer</div><div>-2 x Rifle Platoons of three squads each</div><div>-1 x Weapons Platoon of a 25mm anti-tank gun (ATG), Hotchkiss machine gun, and an 81mm mortar</div><div>-1 x Laffly armored car</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAma-Ra8L3ld0Yi1VpV6X-AQhY9guwIR5aVpROXmdfKU4TL-vE87wssgZLICnxruzKu5fy1B1E5drrt3-bDv-Fl8MyWYCbDL23PhwmvugSsgjMmJRg_YNjs7SLRL88Imb7e0DOF9NmNfKGNiYzT4VvUYUvWblI4EIqsQRG7AQGT5spnRYOZFO1eVS2/s4032/IMG_8250.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAma-Ra8L3ld0Yi1VpV6X-AQhY9guwIR5aVpROXmdfKU4TL-vE87wssgZLICnxruzKu5fy1B1E5drrt3-bDv-Fl8MyWYCbDL23PhwmvugSsgjMmJRg_YNjs7SLRL88Imb7e0DOF9NmNfKGNiYzT4VvUYUvWblI4EIqsQRG7AQGT5spnRYOZFO1eVS2/w400-h300/IMG_8250.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Overview of table, now with troops. The Americans are bunched into the southwestern (bottom left) corner. The French garrison of two rifle platoons, their CO, and the ATG are in the town, right up against the northwestern table edge (top left), with the MG and Mortar holding Hill 32 in the southeast (bottom right) and the Laffly armored car sitting astride the hardball road in the northeast (top right, between the bluffs).</div><div><br /></div><div>The concept here is this: the French garrison in the town is caught completely off guard, expecting a head-on attack from Easy Company (which is just off camera to the west-northwest, or top left), with heavy weapons support in the southeast (bottom right) and a (very small) armored reserve in the northeast (top right). But the threat is not coming from ahead of them, it's coming from their left flank, and they are caught with their pants down!</div><div><br /></div><div>But all is not great for the Americans: Major Reisman's intent was for Captain Kirkland's force to drive east and then north to seal off the back (east) end of Mehdi, pocketing the garrison, but the good Major didn't allow Captain Kirkland to properly organize his forces, so he's got a mixture of troops from different companies and, more importantly, his infantry platoons are understrength and lacking transport. So Captain Kirkland intends on pushing his mechanized forces east and north to encircle Mehdi, but his infantry are going to have to take a more direct route, lest they arrive well after the battle is over...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVgEUaEmtZIBMSrjAtn6a039Xx_gH7ecoW3yJOBdVzTHz6MOvmslm2lId2pHgIrgbv9Qh0Wx3VLTr6p8v9EpP-90-rtET0BOVCXDEm_mN3nT-sqb-6JI3J-bgh699vuu7Pumj-_59DDa31fFVM0-FdYkiu822op-OegvuWQdHS_fN9ovzYyyk2JVM3/s4032/IMG_8251.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVgEUaEmtZIBMSrjAtn6a039Xx_gH7ecoW3yJOBdVzTHz6MOvmslm2lId2pHgIrgbv9Qh0Wx3VLTr6p8v9EpP-90-rtET0BOVCXDEm_mN3nT-sqb-6JI3J-bgh699vuu7Pumj-_59DDa31fFVM0-FdYkiu822op-OegvuWQdHS_fN9ovzYyyk2JVM3/w400-h300/IMG_8251.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The US baseline, looking south to north, with 1st Platoon at top left, 3rd Platoon atop Hill 27 (right), 2nd Platoon at far left, the CO in the middle, the Scout Car and Stuarts at bottom right, and the Grants and M7 Priest at bottom left.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO783AdqaaEVUtXzFs6KWP2JyDNOaH_FLfA8VB2Zuf2LZZMS1G0FMrvQF3OVq-hj44E95l5Z1DflcKsrY8UxvltEuWBDSFOHuzBZY-PkhWMPo4q5lXn83FrOcGowNjsdV8GGl8_cJyihjOvMEyv7hkt6k0S3DaJEICXpxt1tO7l-HjaTPPutZFVvic/s4032/IMG_8252.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO783AdqaaEVUtXzFs6KWP2JyDNOaH_FLfA8VB2Zuf2LZZMS1G0FMrvQF3OVq-hj44E95l5Z1DflcKsrY8UxvltEuWBDSFOHuzBZY-PkhWMPo4q5lXn83FrOcGowNjsdV8GGl8_cJyihjOvMEyv7hkt6k0S3DaJEICXpxt1tO7l-HjaTPPutZFVvic/w400-h300/IMG_8252.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Looking again, from west to east: 1st Platoon at bottom left, 2nd Platoon at bottom center, 3rd Platoon at top center, Scout and Stuarts at top right, Grants and M7 Priest at bottom right, and the CO in the center.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNTuxmoxobQhbdcHKlK-dFqL_BvslSu7mvE9WTm7LzrfFv7idMhE_enY9Dkc0-AbgMsPp7y3-eUWs5XdHcYfz7Zx5ko_932U956eHI0u8VUc4H4093vxnWs8UtZCvaeTdYidLESXZTKKd9xYi5nqytwRAQ-ZnfWk5gDpbPK6w2rI4iWboh09MaZ6vC/s4032/IMG_8253.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNTuxmoxobQhbdcHKlK-dFqL_BvslSu7mvE9WTm7LzrfFv7idMhE_enY9Dkc0-AbgMsPp7y3-eUWs5XdHcYfz7Zx5ko_932U956eHI0u8VUc4H4093vxnWs8UtZCvaeTdYidLESXZTKKd9xYi5nqytwRAQ-ZnfWk5gDpbPK6w2rI4iWboh09MaZ6vC/w400-h300/IMG_8253.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The west end of Mehdi, where the French were expecting to be attacked head on: 1st Platoon at top, 2nd Platoon at bottom, CO at center left top, in the square (next to the fountain), and the ATG a little further right. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9CsHq8LKKMMM4A3j-2p-9WHtljUdElROsgxhBQc7zTbLx4KQ-fnyCWEzzNxwZrlb_c6J4E6xU0LXtqz-ZisYtN-AlDT93Vk2tU0wC7XHgbuz7WWFmrRGMyK9ilHeom6gC2vFMVJ7qiaBEdK78T6V9dJ_D_89cV9uGCMObHJnDWwSWMFa8JUhDgPNo/s320/IMG_8254.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9CsHq8LKKMMM4A3j-2p-9WHtljUdElROsgxhBQc7zTbLx4KQ-fnyCWEzzNxwZrlb_c6J4E6xU0LXtqz-ZisYtN-AlDT93Vk2tU0wC7XHgbuz7WWFmrRGMyK9ilHeom6gC2vFMVJ7qiaBEdK78T6V9dJ_D_89cV9uGCMObHJnDWwSWMFa8JUhDgPNo/w400-h300/IMG_8254.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The French Hotchkiss MG atop Hill 32, their 81mm mortar team down behind.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7inSCRPfem-bu-t1sxulHsFk5aGTbsg9qI4u0w5KjZa-5LX-cbY5C0GRXHeedRujAR4mAzjRTXRg1irV-sZsk-rCb1Emj7SSuXOtaolA9fR9U5HQNtre5T3WBBRngI4kkUPhWJS_-RnOfajXHvdLlCqo_sZMVQMMoDHek8AsWMF7eaDYB1Kmiv4Tm/s4032/IMG_8255.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7inSCRPfem-bu-t1sxulHsFk5aGTbsg9qI4u0w5KjZa-5LX-cbY5C0GRXHeedRujAR4mAzjRTXRg1irV-sZsk-rCb1Emj7SSuXOtaolA9fR9U5HQNtre5T3WBBRngI4kkUPhWJS_-RnOfajXHvdLlCqo_sZMVQMMoDHek8AsWMF7eaDYB1Kmiv4Tm/w400-h300/IMG_8255.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>And the Laffly armored car (far right), waiting for trouble.</div><div><br /></div><div>I roll for initiative and the US wins, so they'll go first.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMtRcBKWA0OLXR5QwyEHe0XuqQ4jIScIs4K_h0rluC0sYAbTla8kYcqrPxqG-qvddkjoOWeicKkm-XfLqSU3-GmYgMJIMNUkwpM90QSm7MrFjMT3oNlScQcukSE_wX0SDmoQU7yYQVoYeTDxnXpi4vL9Xa1vV-R0gFfhbZQzuSA8T4aqu25w35Nyqf/s4032/IMG_8256.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMtRcBKWA0OLXR5QwyEHe0XuqQ4jIScIs4K_h0rluC0sYAbTla8kYcqrPxqG-qvddkjoOWeicKkm-XfLqSU3-GmYgMJIMNUkwpM90QSm7MrFjMT3oNlScQcukSE_wX0SDmoQU7yYQVoYeTDxnXpi4vL9Xa1vV-R0gFfhbZQzuSA8T4aqu25w35Nyqf/w400-h300/IMG_8256.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The M3 Scout Car and M3 Stuarts go dashing off the east (far right, from bottom left).</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmq5oScmAVgTPGqEUOkswTgOM0WoEcgOBq-3DZoyu8i_mZ4uCOMFGO2Do1zpwDcxUwcNlNYDkRlDeR2GPxAWgkKxwdnFs1h9DASkAsVsYRjWzZ5-nUxevGVYT4QDH6CsrT2GeBAgGkLi8EgM18Ok1dwwx0fdsQfdsFO72rTKY-KzFj8IZd2ksb7Rf9/s4032/IMG_8257.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmq5oScmAVgTPGqEUOkswTgOM0WoEcgOBq-3DZoyu8i_mZ4uCOMFGO2Do1zpwDcxUwcNlNYDkRlDeR2GPxAWgkKxwdnFs1h9DASkAsVsYRjWzZ5-nUxevGVYT4QDH6CsrT2GeBAgGkLi8EgM18Ok1dwwx0fdsQfdsFO72rTKY-KzFj8IZd2ksb7Rf9/w400-h300/IMG_8257.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Followed by Lt Crittenden leading 3rd Platoon down the forward slope of Hill 27 (with Lt Steed's 1st Platoon at top left).</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA-iWrzB2C0ir38TMz6tommGIQMtntK9tB97ElkMPvBgfaP6vBAuMb3FIHKo_PTkKHL5QRwIX1b8qtJaznGBV0gq5aomK9UImEyYWpqhuEZAUGUSLncrcIF9yRFzyZ4I-oj16W1ykkRJ-nmBQoVDxOFpu3K5YSxfrr0x4jKLq4jjgSWj4vo4q9bg5R/s4032/IMG_8258.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA-iWrzB2C0ir38TMz6tommGIQMtntK9tB97ElkMPvBgfaP6vBAuMb3FIHKo_PTkKHL5QRwIX1b8qtJaznGBV0gq5aomK9UImEyYWpqhuEZAUGUSLncrcIF9yRFzyZ4I-oj16W1ykkRJ-nmBQoVDxOFpu3K5YSxfrr0x4jKLq4jjgSWj4vo4q9bg5R/w400-h300/IMG_8258.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>And drawing fire from a French rifle squad in Mehdi (bottom left), though it is ineffectual.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Sy-mj8-RCBMvVxTz-lOfnueOu13WVs9n_2bgU0yvrFlQYwO3cIKMWI1pHHLM_ZuozQ7poa8RZ7i_9KEfNI0bYrWNnJcJXPmtg8th3OPnnScPQFGs2ANIZkPqOgHqOVRqhrtVwTT9VN_DNmu-EgUkwiT2trkvDnq6-GOt2rD6fyw2vGaEDK9pOUej/s4032/IMG_8259.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Sy-mj8-RCBMvVxTz-lOfnueOu13WVs9n_2bgU0yvrFlQYwO3cIKMWI1pHHLM_ZuozQ7poa8RZ7i_9KEfNI0bYrWNnJcJXPmtg8th3OPnnScPQFGs2ANIZkPqOgHqOVRqhrtVwTT9VN_DNmu-EgUkwiT2trkvDnq6-GOt2rD6fyw2vGaEDK9pOUej/w400-h300/IMG_8259.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Sgt Johnson's M7 Priest leads the dogfaces of 1st Platoon forward, providing a bit of mobile cover for the infantry (or a bullet magnet).</div><div><br /></div><div>*As an aside, what you'll notice with these early fights, I'm looking at a trained, professional force (while of course there are conscripts in the unit as the draft began in 1940, overall this is a unit of long-service regulars that have been together awhile and have been well trained), albeit one that has yet to 'see the elephant.' What that means to me is, these guys are confident in their training and believe in themselves (as opposed to, perhaps, the draftees that come later in the war), there are just some jitters and a lot of confusion owing to the fact they are yet to be blooded. I'm trying to reflect this by having the Americans be overly aggressive, very impatient, willing to push ahead without proper preparation or support, willing to make the mistake of overextending themselves, so they're going to take fairly heavy casualties or get very lucky with some Hollywood-style heroics (maybe both), but hopefully they'll learn some tough lessons and come out a much more competent, professional, and capable force on the other side.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5awEu-VoGaN5-5QossMWfrDPWxZowsAfQG7sw4yPdl65_hOWERZHPFc7ENk1cIABAb2Y7P49V0ZZm31a9JYTrtHfxKiSdrUMsZh55logLxxafP8ZXIQjs8xocGFaJVIN1QLBVzX9iKy-koreiLRKDHvJK6NOLRKpye-KJs0S90wIHw3LncDWGmzqk/s4032/IMG_8260.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5awEu-VoGaN5-5QossMWfrDPWxZowsAfQG7sw4yPdl65_hOWERZHPFc7ENk1cIABAb2Y7P49V0ZZm31a9JYTrtHfxKiSdrUMsZh55logLxxafP8ZXIQjs8xocGFaJVIN1QLBVzX9iKy-koreiLRKDHvJK6NOLRKpye-KJs0S90wIHw3LncDWGmzqk/w400-h300/IMG_8260.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>But as they advance, the French anti-tank gunners (bottom right) spot them (top left) and open fire.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-bglfKSka7YWWEcUmqRyGGUVW6OGbGnwP3w26wJUU5V6cp2EHwuJzMxLdyRrzzkWKhZzt2GDIBGby_pch3a73BtMJ0u1bPd71h0S48VoX8-ItofaH5T7JFUNgIH3S3Bxl04Xu1N2UxhHB3PJzU5atGrL2ZyaBYkoQY67FGDU_hZRI2E6z-9XJacH4/s4032/IMG_8261.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-bglfKSka7YWWEcUmqRyGGUVW6OGbGnwP3w26wJUU5V6cp2EHwuJzMxLdyRrzzkWKhZzt2GDIBGby_pch3a73BtMJ0u1bPd71h0S48VoX8-ItofaH5T7JFUNgIH3S3Bxl04Xu1N2UxhHB3PJzU5atGrL2ZyaBYkoQY67FGDU_hZRI2E6z-9XJacH4/w400-h300/IMG_8261.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Lt Steed's command team is taking casualties (white bead), the M7 is suppressed (red bead), and Sgt Bruschi's squad is pinned (yellow bead)!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC0sA1JvOo7xcjdG-UO8a8fHby-kTD0buwACub95Me26lHOSXC-l4gkXiZHEm0E2QZhmyBTjrU12vW113Z3nFV-aBUvf_RC7CxQo3j2fCKIcaO1bcdG8TB4A_TCfZs5uua87KJPrEuDhvRAtj2Yn1RAk1MVx4h6OuzL80Xm1fAuadaTV1Q5jzqrujY/s4032/IMG_8262.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC0sA1JvOo7xcjdG-UO8a8fHby-kTD0buwACub95Me26lHOSXC-l4gkXiZHEm0E2QZhmyBTjrU12vW113Z3nFV-aBUvf_RC7CxQo3j2fCKIcaO1bcdG8TB4A_TCfZs5uua87KJPrEuDhvRAtj2Yn1RAk1MVx4h6OuzL80Xm1fAuadaTV1Q5jzqrujY/w400-h300/IMG_8262.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>French riflemen (bottom left) add their fire to the fight, pinning down Sgt Marion's squad (top right)!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZfanFmBXc09aT0EM9SQeCkEeF45rFyCb1xscaJDNSlVGve0Xbjih9QmoCYRbJ7Uvl0BsdiEWKr0BnP9pdsmEy0mkCsnZ43gOuhBKtz-L-UT5Ev6WQKfEi3z0pkWi4VL6CXTtudI32V1u4mOntbkzaeTotU83hddbeX9e5CjA5HKP9LqfNm9_LfBKH/s4032/IMG_8263.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZfanFmBXc09aT0EM9SQeCkEeF45rFyCb1xscaJDNSlVGve0Xbjih9QmoCYRbJ7Uvl0BsdiEWKr0BnP9pdsmEy0mkCsnZ43gOuhBKtz-L-UT5Ev6WQKfEi3z0pkWi4VL6CXTtudI32V1u4mOntbkzaeTotU83hddbeX9e5CjA5HKP9LqfNm9_LfBKH/w400-h300/IMG_8263.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The M3 Grants push up between 3rd Platoon (top right) and the beleaguered 1st Platoon (bottom left), as Captain Kirkland rushes forward to rally the troops: Lt Steed and the M7's crew are both good to go, but both rifle squads panic (become suppressed)!!!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFrl13NzMHp4Gx5YJm62iRFIpgYcXvDWM6pduxhMT0wcT8Xv3g_qCjYs8uB9AbvsDu53vtm6DmjRF-oq85uEZvf8lbspSMZZIDH2BPyjtyTOaH7T9h0qj1up6ln4ZB4xprlYRXT_9vP1mj2EeZN9jgyTz3XHKjE__vicuZ-4YmMJqv-cd9ipiZo32H/s4032/IMG_8264.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFrl13NzMHp4Gx5YJm62iRFIpgYcXvDWM6pduxhMT0wcT8Xv3g_qCjYs8uB9AbvsDu53vtm6DmjRF-oq85uEZvf8lbspSMZZIDH2BPyjtyTOaH7T9h0qj1up6ln4ZB4xprlYRXT_9vP1mj2EeZN9jgyTz3XHKjE__vicuZ-4YmMJqv-cd9ipiZo32H/w400-h300/IMG_8264.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>"Sacre bleu!" The French commander, over the initial shock of Amis appearing on his undefended left flank, makes a tactical decision: this is no longer an attack-defense battle, it is a fighting withdrawal! The French commander's goal is now to get as many of his men safely to the rear (off table to the east).</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAeimciEhsdSHrWbO0XzyuU0rod66AHlWRdHlgyjVoDnJdLwrYxYFjZMmDNqYcOMHPb1QtXmv2d-779Jp_PoVULarmE3MCdnIBBUfxC8Hcok6Qg33JCwkf3T_8M3dfzPMVTxS_gP2wG2Xwk8cnjtFh6gjTsd1XcIvGbl4XtwT-XktUTeOHTn66lcRb/s4032/IMG_8265.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAeimciEhsdSHrWbO0XzyuU0rod66AHlWRdHlgyjVoDnJdLwrYxYFjZMmDNqYcOMHPb1QtXmv2d-779Jp_PoVULarmE3MCdnIBBUfxC8Hcok6Qg33JCwkf3T_8M3dfzPMVTxS_gP2wG2Xwk8cnjtFh6gjTsd1XcIvGbl4XtwT-XktUTeOHTn66lcRb/w400-h300/IMG_8265.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The French 1st Platoon immediately begins falling back (top center, just right of their CO, from far left), as their 2nd Platoon turns to face the Americans (bottom left/center, with ATG at far right).</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmnac3O3rrfDA7eBfX3bKRGSbprcxF1RtbSjZB4qlRYByDDoYuDGQlUW42wl2PwdcpzECoX6aV1fqIn8OG33nXU462z8hrbfMqJEHLaQ4WH0rhDiYh8vFXFBB98_P6XJijCdMBPUoiozMElydd15v9SzUMsTd-CKFvy6NZfq3QI-Ig-tmo_3VCgB7Z/s4032/IMG_8266.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmnac3O3rrfDA7eBfX3bKRGSbprcxF1RtbSjZB4qlRYByDDoYuDGQlUW42wl2PwdcpzECoX6aV1fqIn8OG33nXU462z8hrbfMqJEHLaQ4WH0rhDiYh8vFXFBB98_P6XJijCdMBPUoiozMElydd15v9SzUMsTd-CKFvy6NZfq3QI-Ig-tmo_3VCgB7Z/w400-h300/IMG_8266.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The French commander joins 2nd Platoon (right).</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjemrkDO1To9QpQqp1E1HQU35QZPTYyfabSkicxxXnYD38pmkYZlVOPYBN-l20NFZRn2axY2NOa2LmDIp403SVicVUeNSWlErc81Yn0nyiqTxupBGrMSH4K_F_6j8sfPJm-c-ym9HWOKO3F4Vx0bxJW-EhsARQW-vzc25oUxL1p4viHNJmYMqW2-9M3/s4032/IMG_8267.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjemrkDO1To9QpQqp1E1HQU35QZPTYyfabSkicxxXnYD38pmkYZlVOPYBN-l20NFZRn2axY2NOa2LmDIp403SVicVUeNSWlErc81Yn0nyiqTxupBGrMSH4K_F_6j8sfPJm-c-ym9HWOKO3F4Vx0bxJW-EhsARQW-vzc25oUxL1p4viHNJmYMqW2-9M3/w400-h300/IMG_8267.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The French mortar (bottom right, with MG above them on Hill 32) fires a spotting round at the US 3rd Platoon (far left top)...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFzP2r1dqrQxaJuMnSauLBOhjCtm3CumF0s8LQ4GmCRysSo-jBBQ1YSeWULbVsBZ_3k8czahNawKBKk_dQmS-xHFpCQ0-S7O0MnQUHSS4wPJwalFWx1xW2LIx4bWn8pZnUe30MxcdrSKILRg5lElgVFNB9S9QlXPmJEF4KtV5dmhLcSdbNmn8L2pOt/s4032/IMG_8268.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFzP2r1dqrQxaJuMnSauLBOhjCtm3CumF0s8LQ4GmCRysSo-jBBQ1YSeWULbVsBZ_3k8czahNawKBKk_dQmS-xHFpCQ0-S7O0MnQUHSS4wPJwalFWx1xW2LIx4bWn8pZnUe30MxcdrSKILRg5lElgVFNB9S9QlXPmJEF4KtV5dmhLcSdbNmn8L2pOt/w400-h300/IMG_8268.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>A little short.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSaHbVj0MUWs9oh4XrQcWxj3wrlfS4tpPprng9u8VivfkpwIm-iH65GjG9H0R_g6NXadgngvHgWrXWmlqKXDRI-Buf7fMhgWbGVhe9GlIYLo7oIiLpIYTTRug2DVs-tkyEiZqYtwTyImoxWyXXjztzHy1bK8a7GcM1_Rtuh-UoSMiYiPnl_N0hJhcQ/s4032/IMG_8269.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSaHbVj0MUWs9oh4XrQcWxj3wrlfS4tpPprng9u8VivfkpwIm-iH65GjG9H0R_g6NXadgngvHgWrXWmlqKXDRI-Buf7fMhgWbGVhe9GlIYLo7oIiLpIYTTRug2DVs-tkyEiZqYtwTyImoxWyXXjztzHy1bK8a7GcM1_Rtuh-UoSMiYiPnl_N0hJhcQ/w400-h300/IMG_8269.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>As the French armored car pushes forward into a hull-down position (bottom right) and opens fire on the lead American elements (top left) with its 25mm gun...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH4DzOTHb2TiynT3rCEeR4fEjmzDPHF7Dwj_wx_Wx4zZ6c1WhTVueBP767BFCXgF1Yt9aC2gBgcrbcfnt-48uxKl6O-639YLdil10biwdWG8CFjFYmbsE9235-ulaXB3Ykj7EN5JUu16xEuP08U2yYN16qcp2FqZIJkeTOzwtkGFFmddU-Xzv1Ich6/s4032/IMG_8270.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH4DzOTHb2TiynT3rCEeR4fEjmzDPHF7Dwj_wx_Wx4zZ6c1WhTVueBP767BFCXgF1Yt9aC2gBgcrbcfnt-48uxKl6O-639YLdil10biwdWG8CFjFYmbsE9235-ulaXB3Ykj7EN5JUu16xEuP08U2yYN16qcp2FqZIJkeTOzwtkGFFmddU-Xzv1Ich6/w400-h300/IMG_8270.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Sending several armor-piercing rounds into the flank of Sgt Keith's Stuart, brewing up the tank and killing him instantly, as Lt Seay (bottom left) and Sgt Perry (bottom right) look on in horror!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmFEVwdV0UnKINXl6MqHj_P0T7hNG9_xvPM0L4ZQiNCs56K_LvJljRUyGt9LAHVXajqxvUuHTV5EDkuc2RLNCdwZ-o4aBroDZbKBrOfbUV0QwetwKmY2uI1ny2fGabDYBVimtztr-oKigpwcOSkJdWUJGVLLRtwi6EGQyhWSr38Vd8e-fRt51-1HY3/s4032/IMG_8271.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmFEVwdV0UnKINXl6MqHj_P0T7hNG9_xvPM0L4ZQiNCs56K_LvJljRUyGt9LAHVXajqxvUuHTV5EDkuc2RLNCdwZ-o4aBroDZbKBrOfbUV0QwetwKmY2uI1ny2fGabDYBVimtztr-oKigpwcOSkJdWUJGVLLRtwi6EGQyhWSr38Vd8e-fRt51-1HY3/w400-h300/IMG_8271.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Lt Seay pushes his Stuart forward (far right) preparing to engage the French armored car (behind trees at top left)...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiExWDsCcGSmd1WtsZaB2DAGSwIUdpraUZ4_5D7-16vndbvovZoL6H0TtsBaJa6a_oh0vukPfLLlSRj8voUjg4oktJEpuCzqSkr9axoXS71ER3USKwykYIh5TTXpkJpviPCwtWGvEYY1_9BQWMDEpcTLfUAF442o3rXQaVdF2yXnmLXG4g1qMTKTTEg/s4032/IMG_8272.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiExWDsCcGSmd1WtsZaB2DAGSwIUdpraUZ4_5D7-16vndbvovZoL6H0TtsBaJa6a_oh0vukPfLLlSRj8voUjg4oktJEpuCzqSkr9axoXS71ER3USKwykYIh5TTXpkJpviPCwtWGvEYY1_9BQWMDEpcTLfUAF442o3rXQaVdF2yXnmLXG4g1qMTKTTEg/w400-h300/IMG_8272.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>But the Lieutenant (far left) is caught completely off guard when suddenly a French machine gun (right) opens fire on him, suppressing the American tank!</div><div><br /></div><div>*For anyone that has any issues with a tank being suppressed by a machine gun, first, I think there are plenty of accounts of WWII action that show this happening, and second, especially when the fire is coming from an unexpected quarter, or at close range, or when they are not being closely supported by friendly infantry, and this had all three!</div><div><br /></div><div>And yes, even though all the forces start on the table, I still play it as my guys can be unaware of the location/presence of enemy troops when relevant, and allow them to be surprised, as happened here.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRU_H_FmDqoYebps3YKYanL0A_A7VboEmyMdHdoBgzJzW88Dt3lF_4YeGVtaewNAsOI-fAnFMMy5RCGKMaqn1EiB8BuHnSNUPdcYzfmcZEpo45HQmX9Vpk0OrlfltAon8TS3mnBx4cEyB5W6uPYnOlpHXzQ7VOSvngKE6jd-CrUrmuwkP3PzZ2JQVv/s4032/IMG_8273.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRU_H_FmDqoYebps3YKYanL0A_A7VboEmyMdHdoBgzJzW88Dt3lF_4YeGVtaewNAsOI-fAnFMMy5RCGKMaqn1EiB8BuHnSNUPdcYzfmcZEpo45HQmX9Vpk0OrlfltAon8TS3mnBx4cEyB5W6uPYnOlpHXzQ7VOSvngKE6jd-CrUrmuwkP3PzZ2JQVv/w400-h300/IMG_8273.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Sgt Perry (bottom left) immediately racks his Ma Deuce (M2 .50-cal HMG) and opens fire on the French armored Car (top right), pinning it down.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizxVQEoahoj23brE0EsueNpZa_rrLnnjFsxEiLSUkQx_KAHT4eE85tXMjHhubU7CaHLtUYEXfgW6H8AefWKXU1EoP5LOX3n2AzYEbaXn0JEM4gXOX3Ocv0OiimjtlHNWW8p816UcxNYFU4VWbrzWHTgljM8LtfNHMzA4MSO17NZp_ot6QNtWCPbnLJ/s320/IMG_8274.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizxVQEoahoj23brE0EsueNpZa_rrLnnjFsxEiLSUkQx_KAHT4eE85tXMjHhubU7CaHLtUYEXfgW6H8AefWKXU1EoP5LOX3n2AzYEbaXn0JEM4gXOX3Ocv0OiimjtlHNWW8p816UcxNYFU4VWbrzWHTgljM8LtfNHMzA4MSO17NZp_ot6QNtWCPbnLJ/w400-h300/IMG_8274.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>As Sgt O'Neale pushes his Grant forward (top center, from far left, where Sgt Gildon's Grant is sitting)...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTJPl2q_5wCeFg9dx4FtockAKlrW4FHsxYUrcexCkgV4rGq66V8FXoAuNU2HFGcmdL2p3BVDReY1c9UrkS0-G2C_ScsXlZQ0_pGYPh2l8Opp_9uAE6-8i6ATpuOBMoMyl0T93qUIsJOalQVe7K8SMDb187nuPij44itPvWQ9iulIgcRlagwyw0NEqb/s4032/IMG_8275.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTJPl2q_5wCeFg9dx4FtockAKlrW4FHsxYUrcexCkgV4rGq66V8FXoAuNU2HFGcmdL2p3BVDReY1c9UrkS0-G2C_ScsXlZQ0_pGYPh2l8Opp_9uAE6-8i6ATpuOBMoMyl0T93qUIsJOalQVe7K8SMDb187nuPij44itPvWQ9iulIgcRlagwyw0NEqb/w400-h300/IMG_8275.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>But the French ATG (far right bottom) spots him (top left) between the buildings and fires...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSssA_tU_uW0EuDI9y-K2ZAzcdAMUbQ6g2-Kbdo-hQfMwIx6qgJYFXY_5WZ4QPXqudQvD1U8FoUgpA98fN0zdH31xiFsaET1xwUbVfhgrxt78ZeDOsoIVY_ktsvQ7KhUTyp-zaM6MYxIM7un_la8IqFMyLowgjkeVS5Ga6Xbzvt37LeCIHTjaho2CF/s4032/IMG_8276.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSssA_tU_uW0EuDI9y-K2ZAzcdAMUbQ6g2-Kbdo-hQfMwIx6qgJYFXY_5WZ4QPXqudQvD1U8FoUgpA98fN0zdH31xiFsaET1xwUbVfhgrxt78ZeDOsoIVY_ktsvQ7KhUTyp-zaM6MYxIM7un_la8IqFMyLowgjkeVS5Ga6Xbzvt37LeCIHTjaho2CF/w400-h300/IMG_8276.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The 25mm round clangs harmlessly off O'Neale's vehicle; the tank pivots and returns fire with its 75mm gun, suppressing the French anti-tank gunners (top left).</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyhiav-3GSuXwgElyfzhnYalegTSGcBa1K3Ir6S0e7ztEQbiQIl-cC1kanwtghKYG_T0QxgqfgRXmvLSA9bYHbc_v4rqLTqcVBFF1ej1laRu8y1v29OK4hgV0rmbpe2BhCM1vSORrKh2_gUehGLceqJqGumFV7vkUgqMPo87yEEGEUxvxVJ4rFrpBT/s4032/IMG_8277.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyhiav-3GSuXwgElyfzhnYalegTSGcBa1K3Ir6S0e7ztEQbiQIl-cC1kanwtghKYG_T0QxgqfgRXmvLSA9bYHbc_v4rqLTqcVBFF1ej1laRu8y1v29OK4hgV0rmbpe2BhCM1vSORrKh2_gUehGLceqJqGumFV7vkUgqMPo87yEEGEUxvxVJ4rFrpBT/w400-h300/IMG_8277.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>As Sgt Gildon pushes his M3 Grant forward (center, from far right), leading Lt Crittenden's 3rd Platoon and firing on nearby French infantry (far left), suppressing a French rifle squad and pinning their commander.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3FshEKXTSwTOaLRIti5Xi2iEwh0Sl0Cvvwg4QuIznbAU8MiL0Sk2Bj2YJIlEV5La9BtJukyavQfJMaiX8umXJvgzegVcuPSMFJ8vcQhnXAOY-N31BhJZGwnLgUSsNZ6v-nsWPlVcIU9gCKjxxX6qike--kFl1MO3GMLZlo9aZeIErVNGWwHEYTQ3J/s4032/IMG_8278.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3FshEKXTSwTOaLRIti5Xi2iEwh0Sl0Cvvwg4QuIznbAU8MiL0Sk2Bj2YJIlEV5La9BtJukyavQfJMaiX8umXJvgzegVcuPSMFJ8vcQhnXAOY-N31BhJZGwnLgUSsNZ6v-nsWPlVcIU9gCKjxxX6qike--kFl1MO3GMLZlo9aZeIErVNGWwHEYTQ3J/w400-h300/IMG_8278.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>As the French 1st Platoon continues falling back (this is looking northwest to southeast; the French 2nd Platoon is just visible at far right, the Americans off camera to top right and right, while the French 1st Platoon is spread from far left to center, coming from the square at center bottom right), and they attempt to help their anti-tank gunners to rally (center)...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTBJA1LcE6vyX_Gsore9LaBaRmsgnN3IBJAAun5qTvLVGhmtGvmBYFKP2GntTwqA792ubU56RmNDzDIReSxeXg76HxKkhdDll5TnxcwNteHlhhFEAm9r9ZSUlVNmuiJGqurjC823lVETemmr1Z-cxr2G3enZ3QjNyVNOYSVEOAfhqoCHoxQKgkam9Q/s4032/IMG_8279.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTBJA1LcE6vyX_Gsore9LaBaRmsgnN3IBJAAun5qTvLVGhmtGvmBYFKP2GntTwqA792ubU56RmNDzDIReSxeXg76HxKkhdDll5TnxcwNteHlhhFEAm9r9ZSUlVNmuiJGqurjC823lVETemmr1Z-cxr2G3enZ3QjNyVNOYSVEOAfhqoCHoxQKgkam9Q/w400-h300/IMG_8279.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>But the gunners are panicking, so they spike their gun (bottom left) and haul ass down the street (red bead at top center)!!!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-J_aFvtdRVF0sN23F5Xng7MN70GMpGRMoSgzN-qikBQ-p3DMwdPnaRmn4w8Yf4N5B82ig_wmK90VAjbk4nOmPE6gZCVtPG61QmXtI4dLJcqe8mjJ_8qH3foWcUu7PPCpXw0iTzEMW_TZN1IezAdSYwwUe09a6G9vP8-ChMDMMzYXliGfaxaEbJwhK/s4032/IMG_8280.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-J_aFvtdRVF0sN23F5Xng7MN70GMpGRMoSgzN-qikBQ-p3DMwdPnaRmn4w8Yf4N5B82ig_wmK90VAjbk4nOmPE6gZCVtPG61QmXtI4dLJcqe8mjJ_8qH3foWcUu7PPCpXw0iTzEMW_TZN1IezAdSYwwUe09a6G9vP8-ChMDMMzYXliGfaxaEbJwhK/w400-h300/IMG_8280.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>As the French 2nd Platoon begins a more measured, fighting withdrawal. Two rifle squads move east, each heading for a suppressed unit (the French CO and a rifle squad), helping them to rally back into the fight (French 1st Platoon visible at top center/right)...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6xiCanr9Y6sjhM6lGLTjVKQ7nAjWdCGHs9aQcssu_wmpO0Jpe1nHgO9JG16ZiXCa987jIkUbfpwsYuOgDJ0n2x_1Idbh6Cw5biF5VmjZYSDAvyq28P-hK92EG3z9BdMzmop-cIeS10Sb6WHerAxGUDyPGcuIrgi2L4s3x3urPkGpBeT69mp2JjmAi/s4032/IMG_8281.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6xiCanr9Y6sjhM6lGLTjVKQ7nAjWdCGHs9aQcssu_wmpO0Jpe1nHgO9JG16ZiXCa987jIkUbfpwsYuOgDJ0n2x_1Idbh6Cw5biF5VmjZYSDAvyq28P-hK92EG3z9BdMzmop-cIeS10Sb6WHerAxGUDyPGcuIrgi2L4s3x3urPkGpBeT69mp2JjmAi/w400-h300/IMG_8281.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The just-rallied rifle squad pushes east (far right, from bottom left), as the just-rallied CO moves atop the building at bottom left, joining one of his rifle squads already there.</div><div><br /></div><div>*A little clumsy to write up/show, but hopefully you get the gist of it: the French CO and 2nd Platoon are leapfrogging their way back in order to maintain a better combat posture, while their 1st Platoon, which is out of the line of fire, is able to pin their ears back and go.</div><div><br /></div><div>Also, there is no shooting because the French rolled a 'Scurry,' which works out very well for forces trying to pull off a fighting withdrawal. But it also allows the US troops to advance/rally unmolested.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOozt23B_9RCKNqQYrF-zMVpvOti-Qu_xzN2JP3Jt5ct5OLl4V5IgX2YRhjifiTe_PbpSU5C4VIseufKXV5eqYqV2JY-NsLdbP56AGsqAClinRchnbbaoJNm12vsPEcUx6TRLWtB0AS0WKJH0TEWmaq_YsLgZhmpfiVhXM7lv1_tuH18vgY-KdEfH8/s4032/IMG_8282.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOozt23B_9RCKNqQYrF-zMVpvOti-Qu_xzN2JP3Jt5ct5OLl4V5IgX2YRhjifiTe_PbpSU5C4VIseufKXV5eqYqV2JY-NsLdbP56AGsqAClinRchnbbaoJNm12vsPEcUx6TRLWtB0AS0WKJH0TEWmaq_YsLgZhmpfiVhXM7lv1_tuH18vgY-KdEfH8/w400-h300/IMG_8282.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>In the French rear, the MG team slaps a fresh belt in (atop Hill 32, left), the mortar team (bottom left) prepares more ammo, and the Laffly crew (top right, between scrub and wall) rallies back into the fight.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpJ8SEnINAPB0IEnexBdnfZnNkx3CzZxQs3uIAuOW5wzY7xJ1nifBcQxdVYCVz9eDzciMt9o6w5FC1EyH6vdXkptT3tWBTqoA53UDSBd72eNV45hxcLhXqoQsvcNk0E5shDfG2_toSqFQnHw7Mie59wYTfw1xK7wpT-d-rTd34hV8iHd8TKQvvAu7w/s4032/IMG_8283.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpJ8SEnINAPB0IEnexBdnfZnNkx3CzZxQs3uIAuOW5wzY7xJ1nifBcQxdVYCVz9eDzciMt9o6w5FC1EyH6vdXkptT3tWBTqoA53UDSBd72eNV45hxcLhXqoQsvcNk0E5shDfG2_toSqFQnHw7Mie59wYTfw1xK7wpT-d-rTd34hV8iHd8TKQvvAu7w/w400-h300/IMG_8283.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>While over on the US left, Captain Kirkland sets about getting 1st Platoon back into the fight: it works for Sgt Marion's 3rd Squad, but Sgt Bruschi's 2nd Squad (bottom left) fails again...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv7rmRzrprdNI3QuAVbbrfWrOElIfdQBRaVL-OQjezEA58yqaIjnYvcCcLgwwp_ANvoelW5r6UURIQ580prQgpEr9xnQ7HtUjr0EElPV2_JVvHFvRxlWhZ4nDMXIwdxWGzGOV7n0Xd_b3CzT5-0sga0BSaPl5y9Pf593d-qPAIg60aITy5yAiixtSl/s4032/IMG_8284.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv7rmRzrprdNI3QuAVbbrfWrOElIfdQBRaVL-OQjezEA58yqaIjnYvcCcLgwwp_ANvoelW5r6UURIQ580prQgpEr9xnQ7HtUjr0EElPV2_JVvHFvRxlWhZ4nDMXIwdxWGzGOV7n0Xd_b3CzT5-0sga0BSaPl5y9Pf593d-qPAIg60aITy5yAiixtSl/w400-h300/IMG_8284.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>And falls back (red bead at center, from bottom left, with 2nd Platoon at far right)!!!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyww63aYNT1T-WcF7W9mBtzu8sfmJrou6fJE9p2JQBGRif8gVLWt67-btjPxw5NdOqxFZNgU2BRAw0Mac0SiJzMfoO_jOop8chOH474H6fWaUSN8HefgBpmqwpAEtpnShDrbdi-a6NxUQkmyyoVhqe1C7g3MtHFu8ESGKLOx0ZqdzVMzosMcvbrVHL/s4032/IMG_8285.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyww63aYNT1T-WcF7W9mBtzu8sfmJrou6fJE9p2JQBGRif8gVLWt67-btjPxw5NdOqxFZNgU2BRAw0Mac0SiJzMfoO_jOop8chOH474H6fWaUSN8HefgBpmqwpAEtpnShDrbdi-a6NxUQkmyyoVhqe1C7g3MtHFu8ESGKLOx0ZqdzVMzosMcvbrVHL/w400-h300/IMG_8285.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The US infantry, minus Sgt Bruschi's squad (bottom right), takes advantage of the lull in the firing and advances en masse (1stPlatoon at bottom left, 3rd Platoon at center left, and 2nd Platoon at center right), as Sgt Johnson's M7 Priest holds fast to cover the infantry and Sgt Gildon pushes his M3 Grant right to join Sgt O'Neale's tank (center top).</div><div><br /></div><div>*The US infantry has a nice 'two-up, one back' formation going on ;)</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCPAssBKKP7YsSastsOze9hnvAb338DYkctsFzDYQeumH1lLr9IJMYvenoYwj6NtWRM96Wx3uJf_7VIZZxsyK2fS9Fp59ihQotvH9lnalIcWBsBFjHcdqCLVFudvtCLegPc3qXu2-NxRajG6gzgWxVL7hAXxrJOY8WfSjpwkW8xeUP2yLeJcHWiUf0/s320/IMG_8286.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCPAssBKKP7YsSastsOze9hnvAb338DYkctsFzDYQeumH1lLr9IJMYvenoYwj6NtWRM96Wx3uJf_7VIZZxsyK2fS9Fp59ihQotvH9lnalIcWBsBFjHcdqCLVFudvtCLegPc3qXu2-NxRajG6gzgWxVL7hAXxrJOY8WfSjpwkW8xeUP2yLeJcHWiUf0/w400-h300/IMG_8286.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>While on the US right, Sgt Perry pushes his M3 Scout Car over to check on Lt Seay's M3 Stuart, and the Tank Company XO has got his marbles back.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicCViwH21LwcQueFhUAU3RH63wLfvO5Mjt88scW9iB9wHRaAuAUQnR5e53jmMznHB6WYvVKUJ9HCoAr3s78JHt6nJwP0v_91qPUcXKqcldnuLTVxerNEM06vKpg33L2f1WoqqcQ1vZy1AI5CYIJ0KgyWeWg0wrLTv5ZIEGy7YJQjHPzSteFEAvt3Nw/s4032/IMG_8287.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicCViwH21LwcQueFhUAU3RH63wLfvO5Mjt88scW9iB9wHRaAuAUQnR5e53jmMznHB6WYvVKUJ9HCoAr3s78JHt6nJwP0v_91qPUcXKqcldnuLTVxerNEM06vKpg33L2f1WoqqcQ1vZy1AI5CYIJ0KgyWeWg0wrLTv5ZIEGy7YJQjHPzSteFEAvt3Nw/w400-h300/IMG_8287.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Sgt Perry (in the M3 Scout Car, bottom left) immediately sets about hammering away at the Laffly armored car (top center) with his .50-cal HMG again, pinning its crew again...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj69OW70JNmquuoq-_Cyr7XnDv8RHFM9PxjYQEqiSvAi1Zx5K2d1_LytjeP38OyD9wPp419UwB110AJpmKaSNV-mH6yKlncJTgAYrMhzUy4YpP3AIEi_MsbSwEmfn5HGniTSIc6cs5XPvKrNzfvF0HdgIhhHErFs5ws6ennz-Jq9BzGGFV4S4_2BLlg/s4032/IMG_8288.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj69OW70JNmquuoq-_Cyr7XnDv8RHFM9PxjYQEqiSvAi1Zx5K2d1_LytjeP38OyD9wPp419UwB110AJpmKaSNV-mH6yKlncJTgAYrMhzUy4YpP3AIEi_MsbSwEmfn5HGniTSIc6cs5XPvKrNzfvF0HdgIhhHErFs5ws6ennz-Jq9BzGGFV4S4_2BLlg/w400-h300/IMG_8288.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>But again the French MG atop Hill 32 (bottom right) lets rip, this time into the clustered light American armored vehicles...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJfmClTlrwIaFUSNnnCdGWBWALFInjq0JW9ll17R3O7fV3pW-hNd2K1LNlVXghT82LoNR5PmvePcnofoKERBWquD-LWw6jhklx2a2wqvCRNdOa_cPZEcFxFe35KSfUGAy-Wb1l2AoKbvFyTD6vSPvmt6rFYdSHTPQvaH1Z0O_cf1kprJQwXk4M9SGE/s4032/IMG_8289.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJfmClTlrwIaFUSNnnCdGWBWALFInjq0JW9ll17R3O7fV3pW-hNd2K1LNlVXghT82LoNR5PmvePcnofoKERBWquD-LWw6jhklx2a2wqvCRNdOa_cPZEcFxFe35KSfUGAy-Wb1l2AoKbvFyTD6vSPvmt6rFYdSHTPQvaH1Z0O_cf1kprJQwXk4M9SGE/w400-h300/IMG_8289.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>And it's a disaster: both Lt Seay and Sgt Perry's crews are suppressed, but even worse, the M3 Scout Car is immobilized!!!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT95SNlJL4PP3Rb-6PVQ-QTa2j3umA0m94YyW1yjPECYjBbSXVfIm01MhHxW1ZThMQtTSjckRU-H8YoX5COsBLksYxyb23MXC8a5ZbgzNV4NWTASHYTm_ihox6j_Qo-M7pz3NwYKTd6mLLU5T55qqkCOayRtYRCXz9-KaEzHGIDvSHuDbwgso-HKJt/s4032/IMG_8290.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT95SNlJL4PP3Rb-6PVQ-QTa2j3umA0m94YyW1yjPECYjBbSXVfIm01MhHxW1ZThMQtTSjckRU-H8YoX5COsBLksYxyb23MXC8a5ZbgzNV4NWTASHYTm_ihox6j_Qo-M7pz3NwYKTd6mLLU5T55qqkCOayRtYRCXz9-KaEzHGIDvSHuDbwgso-HKJt/w400-h300/IMG_8290.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Sgt O'Neale pushes his M3 Grant forward, banging away with his 37mm gun at the French armored car, but it's a very tough shot with the Frenchmen being hull down behind the wall and partially obscured by the scrub brush. Nevertheless, Sgt O'Neale's gunnery manages to suppress the Laffly's crew.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOTvc_NhCzcR3Ii9VyDgebyooVIklzZkLhzFgIrbqgDlW8Yg_cWue5JopIK1JZKCb2mnieXLiEkyLCpgflgGpqrAQwDkivOJXBW0w8eqsYkhYUqhkRiL092oK3BJjl9iT7A8AfUo57tkzDYu4yAvLRUsjNRfyJXcjVeyfLDlrCpfgT2Mo3YKAi743e/s4032/IMG_8291.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOTvc_NhCzcR3Ii9VyDgebyooVIklzZkLhzFgIrbqgDlW8Yg_cWue5JopIK1JZKCb2mnieXLiEkyLCpgflgGpqrAQwDkivOJXBW0w8eqsYkhYUqhkRiL092oK3BJjl9iT7A8AfUo57tkzDYu4yAvLRUsjNRfyJXcjVeyfLDlrCpfgT2Mo3YKAi743e/w400-h300/IMG_8291.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>As Sgt Gildon's M3 Grant (bottom right, with the US CO and 3rd Platoon at bottom left) fires on the French infantry (top left), suppressing a squad (from their 2nd Platoon, in the building) and pinning another (from 1st Platoon, in the street at top left)...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihPjQ96wuK5Xb96LF9ks1sDjHSpva3VSqNprgq-Ly2sBt2YzkvaiGdXt90HujF9LNGaLy09UgEvQMq6loMs64xwNyPFAK15i0WFcutkJbUBCO_nVxjEtdUSFUWXRUOs8fnBC5nN2aO02RjE7TRWF3oGE2qnMgYRmrYZYQFp8Sm0ASs2JI9ZdSM8Kld/s4032/IMG_8292.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihPjQ96wuK5Xb96LF9ks1sDjHSpva3VSqNprgq-Ly2sBt2YzkvaiGdXt90HujF9LNGaLy09UgEvQMq6loMs64xwNyPFAK15i0WFcutkJbUBCO_nVxjEtdUSFUWXRUOs8fnBC5nN2aO02RjE7TRWF3oGE2qnMgYRmrYZYQFp8Sm0ASs2JI9ZdSM8Kld/w400-h300/IMG_8292.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Before pushing his tank right (top right, from far right), joining Sgt O'Neale's tank.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Q3cKW6_gl-dGMC_4Kqu5adfCX6MkdRJowhOFENNp0_klC3l79C_GaiR-Cv8YXWo8mXXA1vONi8MOX2w3VRUdbNkXN0jHNR3mgEmuY0S8uftmgc4Q2zpsuF7V5Gs8eeQwvdxeE79AoUgPUdPWgdyBjJ6EhrxKGtIGxQv32BSZ16zYR00BfAF35o-p/s4032/IMG_8293.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Q3cKW6_gl-dGMC_4Kqu5adfCX6MkdRJowhOFENNp0_klC3l79C_GaiR-Cv8YXWo8mXXA1vONi8MOX2w3VRUdbNkXN0jHNR3mgEmuY0S8uftmgc4Q2zpsuF7V5Gs8eeQwvdxeE79AoUgPUdPWgdyBjJ6EhrxKGtIGxQv32BSZ16zYR00BfAF35o-p/w400-h300/IMG_8293.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>As Sgt Johnson's M7 Priest (bottom right) engages the other French 2nd Platoon position (top left), lobbing 105mm HE rounds into it...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5-QJw4BZLhx__HEhxKHlwnQeTVpsUR9WbOdX-xDaF3CWOatsAqabELmOvSfKZ1tBY3fVxJeiOOktsLbyTN3vZ5_T3U4F5FuZctLRyN_rck4ZVLsygJ0DvoKVRMzEiherAhRk80HV4i1P59ZeQce8HVaC6YX5hbM8pQfPvEEpTKcxF4V_sVCSoj43b/s4032/IMG_8294.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5-QJw4BZLhx__HEhxKHlwnQeTVpsUR9WbOdX-xDaF3CWOatsAqabELmOvSfKZ1tBY3fVxJeiOOktsLbyTN3vZ5_T3U4F5FuZctLRyN_rck4ZVLsygJ0DvoKVRMzEiherAhRk80HV4i1P59ZeQce8HVaC6YX5hbM8pQfPvEEpTKcxF4V_sVCSoj43b/w400-h300/IMG_8294.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Which suppresses a rifle squad and pins the French commander (red and yellow beads, respectively, atop the building at bottom left, with the French 2nd Platoon squad that Sgt Gildon's tank suppressed at top left), which encourages Captain Kirkland to charge ahead, bringing Lt Crittenden's 3rd Platoon with him (center, from far right).</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4BW4A8B1L0oA-LceT5Nd2PmZVoTqR4jnslqHg4G3MgG6L_svSAPqXQqS7DQGEnFZFWKBfnRFB808FQe6gMySXlmH-TeScPFCxXv-fEfI73zHzeTpcu0z0btfkBAblQXReRDWFnScyeQVMfVT5rTUQ51kU4mrmBrOqjnFBeWanTrBHtt5CCFK80iaH/s4032/IMG_8295.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4BW4A8B1L0oA-LceT5Nd2PmZVoTqR4jnslqHg4G3MgG6L_svSAPqXQqS7DQGEnFZFWKBfnRFB808FQe6gMySXlmH-TeScPFCxXv-fEfI73zHzeTpcu0z0btfkBAblQXReRDWFnScyeQVMfVT5rTUQ51kU4mrmBrOqjnFBeWanTrBHtt5CCFK80iaH/w400-h300/IMG_8295.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>But there is another lull in the fighting as the inexperienced GIs halt at the very precipice, allowing the French to regroup (ANOTHER damned French 'Scurry')! The French continue their orderly withdrawal, with a rifle squad from the French 2nd Platoon moving up (bottom left) and rallying the suppressed rifle squad and pinned commander that were there, which allows both of them to push east (center/center top), to rally suppressed French troops there.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTPCwxevJ5hWvLNPDZhWQjqLc44W-_oixeQL69C9NxCsAg_3Re_02Z39mRwe1YfMEnOvvmLx21Ul3LKHFs0Q3ydxGtmILCaz3OB2FZOTlk1zO3KBkDLPCdqtaJuMRQK0zFHNhYB-ZSKVYePE2if3MP5SCZfr2bI5PDQU2rW51ff5w6odSXGNaYRErG/s4032/IMG_8296.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTPCwxevJ5hWvLNPDZhWQjqLc44W-_oixeQL69C9NxCsAg_3Re_02Z39mRwe1YfMEnOvvmLx21Ul3LKHFs0Q3ydxGtmILCaz3OB2FZOTlk1zO3KBkDLPCdqtaJuMRQK0zFHNhYB-ZSKVYePE2if3MP5SCZfr2bI5PDQU2rW51ff5w6odSXGNaYRErG/w400-h300/IMG_8296.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>And as the French CO and 2nd Platoon stay firm (far right), the French 1st Platoon continues falling back, reaching the crossroads (center/left), where they again attempt to rally the French anti-tank gun crew...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4sqmaqYHK2RM5P5oinyucgNzLogi3Z2oSy_cLSnz4RL6tKDyqXhYQhRV8vFlTNVqqolvsDOUe62E4i7mtbSmBOQPnqjL10xLtvMkcJnMig8d7PoBFD4QyVxBmrKPcjmx_j0zC-z9nhR7lP-nwFxRL0g_cEqt40hIz--weS79Gmc1M3ZyS-p0h7f73/s4032/IMG_8297.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4sqmaqYHK2RM5P5oinyucgNzLogi3Z2oSy_cLSnz4RL6tKDyqXhYQhRV8vFlTNVqqolvsDOUe62E4i7mtbSmBOQPnqjL10xLtvMkcJnMig8d7PoBFD4QyVxBmrKPcjmx_j0zC-z9nhR7lP-nwFxRL0g_cEqt40hIz--weS79Gmc1M3ZyS-p0h7f73/w400-h300/IMG_8297.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>But they continue to panic and flee (center, from bottom center), though it really is working out for them as it's a retreat, anyway ;) The French Laffly armored car crew (just visible at right top, between the wall and the scrub) rallies once again.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR94p2ou1x3YKGqxZpFOaZYq5V5sSypdvoALW97C2X77tRr9BwdCJaiGE2eGsBYvAFkV14-YdOciDEmW-XbrvXV4XGEx7XLEyDUbhOxcFNKSOXAgmMbGS1uDDY54OQ7T6FfJMNRUESp-R4jZV6RvU8xieEoLHX34LafU-XAXs13r7UP15wbj40zI4y/s4032/IMG_8298.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR94p2ou1x3YKGqxZpFOaZYq5V5sSypdvoALW97C2X77tRr9BwdCJaiGE2eGsBYvAFkV14-YdOciDEmW-XbrvXV4XGEx7XLEyDUbhOxcFNKSOXAgmMbGS1uDDY54OQ7T6FfJMNRUESp-R4jZV6RvU8xieEoLHX34LafU-XAXs13r7UP15wbj40zI4y/w400-h300/IMG_8298.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The US infantry continue to advance (1stPlatoon at far left, CO and 3rd Platoon above them, 2nd Platoon and the M7 Priest behind them, center, and Sgt Bruschi's suppressed 2nd Squad, 1st Platoon, at bottom right). Captain Kirkland, the US overall commander, is filled with a sense of dread, realizing he's allowing the French to slip through his fingers...<br /><br />In the rear, Sgt Bruschi attempts to rally his panicking squad of riflemen...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiKiMezz49LkcMBefx3BZV4XP4WD3qgkeznKDLpp0VejHjY0lotXQyxiVbxHVgSh9AHQQrEw42szfEYKFKU76igpcPa-xVXx2gsJsT6oCae53yXKnCXfCgQU6tHB23M_RyrQkE_ODw08W2aWmgjMD0BhztkSVpLeiBXSYKCLqBtBDjbEWOkHIEthBE/s4032/IMG_8299.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiKiMezz49LkcMBefx3BZV4XP4WD3qgkeznKDLpp0VejHjY0lotXQyxiVbxHVgSh9AHQQrEw42szfEYKFKU76igpcPa-xVXx2gsJsT6oCae53yXKnCXfCgQU6tHB23M_RyrQkE_ODw08W2aWmgjMD0BhztkSVpLeiBXSYKCLqBtBDjbEWOkHIEthBE/w400-h300/IMG_8299.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>But they break and run (far right, from bottom left)!!!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Qcmq56KMm4BQFkUDBGXQgJiB-9ZIFyXxGeLQs53HnCIbSezpwCgUsmy3CtfkjzogYjy54XrQp_ZtGgMOHHXqFSwLsakgT5SR1mwmaMQbAlvLrWHGj2WVdsRMOEdz_t3c0Tp3W6ZhUGYXGPriOc1IWBdblNEDrKt1JcBpslDJxy6HM8Kn6GMv7--c/s4032/IMG_8300.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Qcmq56KMm4BQFkUDBGXQgJiB-9ZIFyXxGeLQs53HnCIbSezpwCgUsmy3CtfkjzogYjy54XrQp_ZtGgMOHHXqFSwLsakgT5SR1mwmaMQbAlvLrWHGj2WVdsRMOEdz_t3c0Tp3W6ZhUGYXGPriOc1IWBdblNEDrKt1JcBpslDJxy6HM8Kn6GMv7--c/w400-h300/IMG_8300.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Sgt Gildon pushes his M3 Grant up (left, from bottom left), where he has an clear, unobstructed line of fire through the crossroads on the east end of town, effectively sealing off the French escape route(?), with Sgt O'Neale (just below him) warily eyeing the French armored car (far right)...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK18yg3FUWH3ju4GcLRL8rNUPKUxPA9jXRCA1LeAp8BODHDOcJq7u8tfQ_8hR6vEwu-VP76I5WaiQnyY6oHM3TH6FrsgoB9yLgCsT5jbUltzTL98L5I9Ht8pDuwXwO_iLsURFBeqnVc_Pi9l2Vyi7EExmcKTWplDBmTwDZTVhwgYfjEslx5B76oWEB/s4032/IMG_8301.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK18yg3FUWH3ju4GcLRL8rNUPKUxPA9jXRCA1LeAp8BODHDOcJq7u8tfQ_8hR6vEwu-VP76I5WaiQnyY6oHM3TH6FrsgoB9yLgCsT5jbUltzTL98L5I9Ht8pDuwXwO_iLsURFBeqnVc_Pi9l2Vyi7EExmcKTWplDBmTwDZTVhwgYfjEslx5B76oWEB/w400-h300/IMG_8301.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>**And I screwed up here; I didn't allow Sgt Perry's (immobilized) M3 Scout Car, and Lt Seay's M3 Stuart, to do anything because they're suppressed, but I should have allowed them to attempt to self rally...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8dQGlttD3v9VxTy-kkqlTsh-o1je0A1x3YfbNrAHXieB3vvHKAeneUpWh2l8qY8T4FjDY2sOzXsV060DASYxjQFDpqrgDShntNI3u5ZgQAMY8luPlPLat-EMFABoMyrtJzPBytguTm98SE_uylwNl-HFce9yV3LPnW54X4spz6A22WNIfeWNBXxtE/s4032/IMG_8302.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8dQGlttD3v9VxTy-kkqlTsh-o1je0A1x3YfbNrAHXieB3vvHKAeneUpWh2l8qY8T4FjDY2sOzXsV060DASYxjQFDpqrgDShntNI3u5ZgQAMY8luPlPLat-EMFABoMyrtJzPBytguTm98SE_uylwNl-HFce9yV3LPnW54X4spz6A22WNIfeWNBXxtE/w400-h300/IMG_8302.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Sgt O'Neale breaks the silence by resuming fire with his 37mm gun on the French Laffly armored car (top right), suppressing its crew!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDLWPgjtI1PmN84T-tM39C3tDYJmkXk3Kou7g_SjrXSDqf0v28dZ-mYC1Lptiz-O8ZFRll3LmJnus5opkUIyU33NnkoAyD_DRCUljUqac8d5bCuVsO6Dts3x6YoN_U_SVDHZ79-kFiRauNdFca-B7codF08OiHlFN3JWfO8waMMONpo9ZbLVOod8f5/s4032/IMG_8303.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDLWPgjtI1PmN84T-tM39C3tDYJmkXk3Kou7g_SjrXSDqf0v28dZ-mYC1Lptiz-O8ZFRll3LmJnus5opkUIyU33NnkoAyD_DRCUljUqac8d5bCuVsO6Dts3x6YoN_U_SVDHZ79-kFiRauNdFca-B7codF08OiHlFN3JWfO8waMMONpo9ZbLVOod8f5/w400-h300/IMG_8303.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>As Sgt Gildon's tank opens fire down the street, engaging the withdrawing French 1st Platoon (left/top center)...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB6IXu4YYLBX5uI3MWsx2LFIRZtzbPj0h8qGEPiVcyOkkwLRKfaleQ2qHLBMzDRSXxKCe9LarMMB82zWa8BkUeITWLc1gR7VYGYnDQL3DuYdiLB4MkE3W3twYrN_qlMb1s6UnjNxnAaCoG63s9Ykjq4HpP2DPmPgp4yVs4HO1vPTGedsAfTsf2dQwa/s4032/IMG_8304.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB6IXu4YYLBX5uI3MWsx2LFIRZtzbPj0h8qGEPiVcyOkkwLRKfaleQ2qHLBMzDRSXxKCe9LarMMB82zWa8BkUeITWLc1gR7VYGYnDQL3DuYdiLB4MkE3W3twYrN_qlMb1s6UnjNxnAaCoG63s9Ykjq4HpP2DPmPgp4yVs4HO1vPTGedsAfTsf2dQwa/w400-h300/IMG_8304.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>A French squad caught in the street (bottom right) is knocked out, as the other two squads are suppressed (red beads at far left and top center, with the French CO visible at top left)!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEyAq9hO8KeeK-TwXj2jC9XPX4-lE8HDadkCok5oFhIN60-r9VDYZDNsvbLaiaanZEnOpBJxk2JXvIIBQaoFQTLXUEqhqyN8Gj_upZeB2cFPED0BrXOyV8Nm6gUIK-jqL-tkuLE7Eyzu1qgzRqziHYfk7c432LvDWPKDd_Jd8xQqu4HePks6dfA7F6/s4032/IMG_8305.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEyAq9hO8KeeK-TwXj2jC9XPX4-lE8HDadkCok5oFhIN60-r9VDYZDNsvbLaiaanZEnOpBJxk2JXvIIBQaoFQTLXUEqhqyN8Gj_upZeB2cFPED0BrXOyV8Nm6gUIK-jqL-tkuLE7Eyzu1qgzRqziHYfk7c432LvDWPKDd_Jd8xQqu4HePks6dfA7F6/w400-h300/IMG_8305.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Sgt Johnson's M7 Priest resumes hammering away at French riflemen in an nearby house, to no effect, as the sturdy stone walls successfully shelter the troops inside. Nevertheless, Lt Crittenden (center) decides it's time to go! He leads his command team and Sgt Wilfork's 3rd Squad, 3rd Platoon, forward...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0BywsgFZfJPXxCEAnc-rsEvbMl1qbl8sT3ZWaa5pgbY8IokALPu6hbkbVkqFfHwn1WZC_m-JKrYBgjb481rbHsxVYKBunB1CBthaITSU9pfd4dKrKy63eAsZ52M08wRApev2DzOC82ffvEI_u4HxxCTYAhKs9ietpU3CMOSDbgUyFblIKNeaHWsWK/s320/IMG_8306.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0BywsgFZfJPXxCEAnc-rsEvbMl1qbl8sT3ZWaa5pgbY8IokALPu6hbkbVkqFfHwn1WZC_m-JKrYBgjb481rbHsxVYKBunB1CBthaITSU9pfd4dKrKy63eAsZ52M08wRApev2DzOC82ffvEI_u4HxxCTYAhKs9ietpU3CMOSDbgUyFblIKNeaHWsWK/w400-h300/IMG_8306.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>French riflemen hastily open fire on the advancing GIs...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-jl3MPo8H6WcKI7I4EsKCxbxbDPp89GDh-DAZesXB8K4FV-Ey3lg6qYw2cxNI_ZCfMyfA7NBmqJ65lDUYt350CQ7aJspEDvlRKDoLov5cV8uaTps4_2ILQOYAv0GVtMOHXuv7yQFN3Q8E3uguZCgqRgb2IzpyTVDleC61h-I1TuGaBgH2jB7jgl8G/s4032/IMG_8307.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-jl3MPo8H6WcKI7I4EsKCxbxbDPp89GDh-DAZesXB8K4FV-Ey3lg6qYw2cxNI_ZCfMyfA7NBmqJ65lDUYt350CQ7aJspEDvlRKDoLov5cV8uaTps4_2ILQOYAv0GVtMOHXuv7yQFN3Q8E3uguZCgqRgb2IzpyTVDleC61h-I1TuGaBgH2jB7jgl8G/w400-h300/IMG_8307.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>And Sgt Wilfork's squad is rendered hors de combat!!! But Lt Crittenden and his command team press home their attack!!!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrJzZBnHTB0nPIqkC3wQDkC9zy7GUTW_O1KP6vLl5YHJtuWSn3PIJabuydUrLmYqS8-q05U2kIGuzsBFNg8Woo9mNT1KJxrNLWNeWA8b1q1h2HTYWQFbq-MqLuahwzabA2XYacccRSAsDK7lNl5pYSHRLDw6fKY0iIePzLFmYSHrnTadYFm7x6-GsP/s320/IMG_8308.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrJzZBnHTB0nPIqkC3wQDkC9zy7GUTW_O1KP6vLl5YHJtuWSn3PIJabuydUrLmYqS8-q05U2kIGuzsBFNg8Woo9mNT1KJxrNLWNeWA8b1q1h2HTYWQFbq-MqLuahwzabA2XYacccRSAsDK7lNl5pYSHRLDw6fKY0iIePzLFmYSHrnTadYFm7x6-GsP/w400-h300/IMG_8308.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>And they fight like tigers, knocking out two French squads in close combat!!!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgctfYdg44JGoDw7Y7atTqz8cRX-EkkiRUlbbvGZ-EUWPgFd1e0LGPYug1N0lt4hbyKYc3O4LXc3GBLHXvOuBS7IKfi3aIG_ZWDXBpigB8B9ABPgpefh1MZKtoqSZquOtr010LPD65AZHnrv1Ch3mIQLT20uJzYpXk3hd8jbGJTLbtsOc83WRbnLaHR/s4032/IMG_8309.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgctfYdg44JGoDw7Y7atTqz8cRX-EkkiRUlbbvGZ-EUWPgFd1e0LGPYug1N0lt4hbyKYc3O4LXc3GBLHXvOuBS7IKfi3aIG_ZWDXBpigB8B9ABPgpefh1MZKtoqSZquOtr010LPD65AZHnrv1Ch3mIQLT20uJzYpXk3hd8jbGJTLbtsOc83WRbnLaHR/w400-h300/IMG_8309.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Inspired by his subordinate (Lt Crittenden is just visible at top left), Captain Kirkland grabs Sgt O'Donnell's 1st Squad, 3rd Platoon, and dashes forward into the fire...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI6a81_SNjsEHFp5ujThvq5r66oe_eqlJabsPYgk7lkfb87LDMqQIXRAofYzTQ0EVSaw4fz_TlLcJS9a0Bo8x_dNMywv1R0UWI9uwpfavtiTdZ4paQ_909RVuUcY4tNx7h7d31SQdXRbjKugIC_ZRj-dwNZCkd1y1VC-jaxR4_KiQgsB_h2iBU8QCx/s320/IMG_8310.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI6a81_SNjsEHFp5ujThvq5r66oe_eqlJabsPYgk7lkfb87LDMqQIXRAofYzTQ0EVSaw4fz_TlLcJS9a0Bo8x_dNMywv1R0UWI9uwpfavtiTdZ4paQ_909RVuUcY4tNx7h7d31SQdXRbjKugIC_ZRj-dwNZCkd1y1VC-jaxR4_KiQgsB_h2iBU8QCx/w400-h300/IMG_8310.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Both American elements make it into close combat (yeah, I wasn't going to put that giant command stand, with its M3 Scout Car on the base, on top of the building), where intense close combat with pistols, grenades, submachine guns, entrenching tools, fists, and teeth breaks out!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGP_gO4zxWbYw5TeoJ1Pq3zwo1br_Q8KDNIOM-0_7gA8V4lTaf8x4JsUrqD77kyDjG0nX4GPOrEalUOBE8TeelwasrESNWt1A_b0nN0Jes2xU8tP2NWMr2tfyJSfgNhtDAN5igbXSbv2PsRrq9738cUCF8Djawg8L8V7iARC4qDZd47mAiAi8_xi-S/s4032/IMG_8311.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGP_gO4zxWbYw5TeoJ1Pq3zwo1br_Q8KDNIOM-0_7gA8V4lTaf8x4JsUrqD77kyDjG0nX4GPOrEalUOBE8TeelwasrESNWt1A_b0nN0Jes2xU8tP2NWMr2tfyJSfgNhtDAN5igbXSbv2PsRrq9738cUCF8Djawg8L8V7iARC4qDZd47mAiAi8_xi-S/w400-h300/IMG_8311.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>But the French squad emerges victorious, knocking out Captain Kirkland's command element and Sgt O'Donnell's rifle squad!!!</div><div><br /></div><div>**I am now in the very awkward situation of having two 2nd Lieutenants running around the battlefield by themselves, their rifle squads having either been knocked out or fled. And another thing, owing to the confusion on the invasion beaches, Captain Kirkland of Easy Company was actually leading two platoons, 1st and 3rd, from Dog Company, with only 2nd Platoon actually from his own company. Captain May, the Dog Company commander, made note of the fact Captain Kirkland had decided to lead the assault on Mehdi with the two Dog Company platoons, leaving his own platoon from Easy Company in reserve. </div><div><br /></div><div>Captain May was looking forward to raising the issue with Captain Kirkland but, given Kirkland's current status, it would have to wait until after his convalescence... </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJkMemG9keZgefAbiOyAKhnFm0WwUTN9bl66BQ93ml9o1P2UH527u03Wef5Qsw9b8M2c9Qcl7nIBe9a1b-I0gL9vNUK2A_nRggkSjYI8qkt2H7LlKijafix5Tlog6dBIKsTRMQiUJWbXc-ac1OB-tOOQZZ4zG9auMucjUb8pSrBKEjA1UXkve67JUA/s4032/IMG_8312.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJkMemG9keZgefAbiOyAKhnFm0WwUTN9bl66BQ93ml9o1P2UH527u03Wef5Qsw9b8M2c9Qcl7nIBe9a1b-I0gL9vNUK2A_nRggkSjYI8qkt2H7LlKijafix5Tlog6dBIKsTRMQiUJWbXc-ac1OB-tOOQZZ4zG9auMucjUb8pSrBKEjA1UXkve67JUA/w400-h300/IMG_8312.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Doing their best to support their beleaguered compatriots, the French mortar team (bottom right) fires on the US 1st Platoon (top left)...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpuzA0LD_c9dQE_5kPlaR1Sd2-gS6l8pVD3O_nFwgygOGzPaBKZjxvvEeP59yip0CZpsO8BoNonyctPQqcTwHfzBxljFeUm1Yl0CDI-wjiL3P94MX0NHtSbxBgr6LrLwIiRspegDRmLMISlOrfkzsuIV-iO5SyODQZAGS-nBrKYK3aAbpKkp20waDo/s4032/IMG_8313.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpuzA0LD_c9dQE_5kPlaR1Sd2-gS6l8pVD3O_nFwgygOGzPaBKZjxvvEeP59yip0CZpsO8BoNonyctPQqcTwHfzBxljFeUm1Yl0CDI-wjiL3P94MX0NHtSbxBgr6LrLwIiRspegDRmLMISlOrfkzsuIV-iO5SyODQZAGS-nBrKYK3aAbpKkp20waDo/w400-h300/IMG_8313.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>But again the round falls short (bottom center), as the French squad that just defeated Capt Kirkland and Sgt O'Donnell opens fire on 1st Platoon...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPv41aPcYj4CCNribbPFpI5Q6QoAzTD93ILfPgIWPnwBw0M834q363IxCCDS404oKj3pd7A0Bx7M6jVXjCQNMsWbi5lDzum1Nq4g90u2c8Lx5N-noVmPCZH3eBX4NsUF_OtWfVntRQCPUt1GR75GCOxMfWhSf3PgjJzIAhi31YBzyTPe7yPLcR6t9t/s4032/IMG_8314.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPv41aPcYj4CCNribbPFpI5Q6QoAzTD93ILfPgIWPnwBw0M834q363IxCCDS404oKj3pd7A0Bx7M6jVXjCQNMsWbi5lDzum1Nq4g90u2c8Lx5N-noVmPCZH3eBX4NsUF_OtWfVntRQCPUt1GR75GCOxMfWhSf3PgjJzIAhi31YBzyTPe7yPLcR6t9t/w400-h300/IMG_8314.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Lt Steed looks on in horror as Sgt Marion's 3rd Squad is knocked out!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJvVSpy_Mk7_464SJtoorYC868Rw8kJ6fEZZHO7w5B7aWb1W2cDfFop4K4XruePOmVeNUjPx_c7pOEcYujP1DFZfiQWdDzw_Ko6wrvbTqccKOyE2H5WrQIoICiYQWPpSqW8r4YKG-neyyeGMVL_epvgOSMokRWAAkZkpjdFO_f4tGVknBeXQZMO0zO/s4032/IMG_8315.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJvVSpy_Mk7_464SJtoorYC868Rw8kJ6fEZZHO7w5B7aWb1W2cDfFop4K4XruePOmVeNUjPx_c7pOEcYujP1DFZfiQWdDzw_Ko6wrvbTqccKOyE2H5WrQIoICiYQWPpSqW8r4YKG-neyyeGMVL_epvgOSMokRWAAkZkpjdFO_f4tGVknBeXQZMO0zO/w400-h300/IMG_8315.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The French rifle squad, having just knocked out 3rd Squad, 1st Platoon (off camera to left), now decides to descend and move east, crashing into Lt Crittenden's isolated command team! A vicious melee breaks out between the two buildings (the French CO is just visible at top right)...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicHSWBUl_cMcjhtpdyUKyLjB8ob0G3Uujpbdvb3wFoq7yvp28pSp5cJj8jqdvqdbM0YLfJ0TFXKRASmzSwIz5ODxh6IEYAuGe1CZTLtkYBWICRNdROvYe6xOxmtxiU0SOKPYsGYVuKzs5gPKnB7Uc_eme7IrKMTB8Q2SRSGo26m26G-HWNutoQiRNQ/s320/IMG_8316.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicHSWBUl_cMcjhtpdyUKyLjB8ob0G3Uujpbdvb3wFoq7yvp28pSp5cJj8jqdvqdbM0YLfJ0TFXKRASmzSwIz5ODxh6IEYAuGe1CZTLtkYBWICRNdROvYe6xOxmtxiU0SOKPYsGYVuKzs5gPKnB7Uc_eme7IrKMTB8Q2SRSGo26m26G-HWNutoQiRNQ/w400-h300/IMG_8316.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>That sees both sides fall back under pressure, the French going north (red bead at far left, next to their CO) and the Yanks going south (red bead at far right), both suppressed!</div><div><br /></div><div>*A draw??? Good grief... </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiltUvfAQ6nilCNDUtbiLEnb8yTJQ42rRwxSJ0qJG6pqUlMFAzfbzes4vMViZoVdBXoykBsQtj_KQkJVDDl4oCgjLpOsND3Wjhi87Sdeu0uh2BX_U_1_kWyZ2TxrMWB4EssT3jIfjV_DEWAh-8ixzI1v7Wb7EM-GQU9FlS3r5V1GPX1UdCB_15KjeHj/s4032/IMG_8317.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiltUvfAQ6nilCNDUtbiLEnb8yTJQ42rRwxSJ0qJG6pqUlMFAzfbzes4vMViZoVdBXoykBsQtj_KQkJVDDl4oCgjLpOsND3Wjhi87Sdeu0uh2BX_U_1_kWyZ2TxrMWB4EssT3jIfjV_DEWAh-8ixzI1v7Wb7EM-GQU9FlS3r5V1GPX1UdCB_15KjeHj/w400-h300/IMG_8317.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Th French commander immediately rallies his squad (bottom center), then moves up the street to assist 1st Platoon (top center), where he rallies both squads suppressed by Sgt Gildon's M3 Grant (off camera to top right).</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOWda_jQfxQsGzEnVo1tdyClelZ90pWgk2qqbly1LU_xIMgBeLaZlzCgBtDhTsFYkXKNpC5ScJHFAEX4Jmim2H0DVWYgKJM6Oh5O0Pz6JGYuWhB1kZXPQjQTCP5ANGwWIkthtWdtrYACAZwwirVOqRSYmje72GdYlbPWxI1zyS0XwMC3v3RRg-YpBS/s4032/IMG_8318.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOWda_jQfxQsGzEnVo1tdyClelZ90pWgk2qqbly1LU_xIMgBeLaZlzCgBtDhTsFYkXKNpC5ScJHFAEX4Jmim2H0DVWYgKJM6Oh5O0Pz6JGYuWhB1kZXPQjQTCP5ANGwWIkthtWdtrYACAZwwirVOqRSYmje72GdYlbPWxI1zyS0XwMC3v3RRg-YpBS/w400-h300/IMG_8318.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>As if on cue, Sgt Gildon's main gun (left, with Sgt O'Neale's tank just below him) roars again, sending fragments from 75mm HE all about the crossroads and pinning one of the recently rallied French squads (top right).</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeMxh7vFWlva2ML3Iun1Z75AP7xY4D89eNSRQx05AO0t5SF8p7kDfZ8lIM5LVoAyq13-cb8D7fQ9O5TZyxa9JP43o5_VBJ-bBXbxVO-3dTp4ndQKMGnnjgY20e8C3R-vwzVDmhJ6ra7wIdYI8Si0GJ8xLKdzGGKdMo9Pa_1lS8K4Seb1FcqOJTkiDE/s4032/IMG_8319.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeMxh7vFWlva2ML3Iun1Z75AP7xY4D89eNSRQx05AO0t5SF8p7kDfZ8lIM5LVoAyq13-cb8D7fQ9O5TZyxa9JP43o5_VBJ-bBXbxVO-3dTp4ndQKMGnnjgY20e8C3R-vwzVDmhJ6ra7wIdYI8Si0GJ8xLKdzGGKdMo9Pa_1lS8K4Seb1FcqOJTkiDE/w400-h300/IMG_8319.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>As Sgt O'Neale pushes his Grant (bottom left) to point blank range, attempting to knock out the French Laffly armored Car (bottom right), but he just can't seem to hit the damned thing!!!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8dfZqgNaBsjf2cfn5CB8JCQPWLfdHQACA-ATqV0e1Kx82til_6By8fswr7_pV1O78CrQ_rSTyKjyr3ipWOoR926OPp_hmgPmYJlUMRF9TJRqbdKfSVhfpZDj35HV8kP8pIsPXBnecbXB2xzgLX0DN7kEs4GBrf0bzrZiUWn3jvYyDmmldZZqNkKKg/s4032/IMG_8320.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8dfZqgNaBsjf2cfn5CB8JCQPWLfdHQACA-ATqV0e1Kx82til_6By8fswr7_pV1O78CrQ_rSTyKjyr3ipWOoR926OPp_hmgPmYJlUMRF9TJRqbdKfSVhfpZDj35HV8kP8pIsPXBnecbXB2xzgLX0DN7kEs4GBrf0bzrZiUWn3jvYyDmmldZZqNkKKg/w400-h300/IMG_8320.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Back on the US left, a French squad from their 1st Platoon (top left, the one that knocked out 3rd Squad, 1st Platoon, and was fought off by Lt Crittenden, who is the red bead at center) is holding the rear as Lt Davenport leads Sgt Johnson's M7 Priest and his 2nd Platoon forward to assist Lt Crittenden, who is rallied.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQnZdXJUrfpqttC0-U251c4xnSz6xVYTbp8mXOZICuDWG3a7dGVMIDYhP-MYnFRedbj8xlvHv4uTodXqT_dqL6QPsjasjL9YPgDBu5ULOMiQmyVJOgAz7p3UU1cSnM2Y49VvspOXZopFzucUz-Sopw9Q_asU4KkByqow4FP2iKkLn1zypmw96jxO3J/s4032/IMG_8321.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQnZdXJUrfpqttC0-U251c4xnSz6xVYTbp8mXOZICuDWG3a7dGVMIDYhP-MYnFRedbj8xlvHv4uTodXqT_dqL6QPsjasjL9YPgDBu5ULOMiQmyVJOgAz7p3UU1cSnM2Y49VvspOXZopFzucUz-Sopw9Q_asU4KkByqow4FP2iKkLn1zypmw96jxO3J/w400-h300/IMG_8321.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Desperate to 'hold the door open' for his comrades, the French mortar team (bottom right) targets Sgt Gildon's M3 Grant (top left). They know they can't destroy the American tank, but if they can at least get him to button up they know their comrades in the rifle platoons will stand a much better chance in getting through the crossroads (just off camera t top center left)...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_1YAyOpkQVu-yi3Rbe2Y0njbS3MorEMgjwVf7ErdwmbZsVxP3hOXz6JthRI9D3NO_WY_vT5LXWZ2zj_goiPZAe8pKS4jhNvvvGVmPbt_BaOpv4o9Zysiy5O2_9IOEmfHiPF5Gyc32GBJa31Kn-DVoQ_gl7Yyk1D_CMLfjnhQWx3wtk-rVzTHDur0a/s4032/IMG_8322.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_1YAyOpkQVu-yi3Rbe2Y0njbS3MorEMgjwVf7ErdwmbZsVxP3hOXz6JthRI9D3NO_WY_vT5LXWZ2zj_goiPZAe8pKS4jhNvvvGVmPbt_BaOpv4o9Zysiy5O2_9IOEmfHiPF5Gyc32GBJa31Kn-DVoQ_gl7Yyk1D_CMLfjnhQWx3wtk-rVzTHDur0a/w400-h300/IMG_8322.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>And the 81mm HE rounds do the trick, pinning the Grant's crew (yellow bead at left; the pin means the crew won't be able to react fire when the French rifle platoons (top right) attempt to get across the crossroads)! The French CO rallies the pinned rifle squad (yellow bead at top right)...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ_G_Euw3I9XMqjcU1hsh8_tCEv7F6ZUnzeyjiT57ejxPCb07si761AcZK4HU7sxAE_HW7GcJ9Cwro3DOgrgXOeUAV4-dFt0PCMdJucSGdq1gZcWz6jDYPn8US4hUcacJpQkUSke7K69OH8D5W4V62Kr3iQ33yBGA9hvTbu9tVoSIperCkA0I1H4gV/s4032/IMG_8323.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ_G_Euw3I9XMqjcU1hsh8_tCEv7F6ZUnzeyjiT57ejxPCb07si761AcZK4HU7sxAE_HW7GcJ9Cwro3DOgrgXOeUAV4-dFt0PCMdJucSGdq1gZcWz6jDYPn8US4hUcacJpQkUSke7K69OH8D5W4V62Kr3iQ33yBGA9hvTbu9tVoSIperCkA0I1H4gV/w400-h300/IMG_8323.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>And they make a run for it, dashing across the crossroads, almost catching up to the panicked ATG crew (red bead at far right).</div><div><br /></div><div>Another lull in the fighting ensures (the US rolled up a 'Scurry')...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8EeRWPfDzV_Ti-OUfiKOkOjpfi1I_U4OYoIY0Etuf4yVvNVvssANr8Os_qnvZ51dezotQDDG15R8V6KT4kkZ8fwliis3U7-FrqMkl5m1Raruk1ITq13w-IBTS--AHQUAdL0KDsV7e-i5k5tpBezg17Tfruzq1ikfOaiPEU5WIuFlhfPh2c7BvvQTe/s4032/IMG_8324.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8EeRWPfDzV_Ti-OUfiKOkOjpfi1I_U4OYoIY0Etuf4yVvNVvssANr8Os_qnvZ51dezotQDDG15R8V6KT4kkZ8fwliis3U7-FrqMkl5m1Raruk1ITq13w-IBTS--AHQUAdL0KDsV7e-i5k5tpBezg17Tfruzq1ikfOaiPEU5WIuFlhfPh2c7BvvQTe/w400-h300/IMG_8324.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Lt Steed, despite being all alone, pushes his command team (bottom left) and faces east (towards top center right), down the road (a single French rifle squad is present at center left, while their CO, two rifle squads, and ATG crew are through the crossroads at top center). Lt Crittenden and Lt Davenport, with 2nd Platoon, moved up (center left), before spotting the French rifle squad on the other side of the building and deciding to slow down a bit (actually, they know he's there but you can't move into close combat on a 'Scurry,' and I couldn't think of anything more clever to do with them). Sgt Johnson backs his M7 Priest out and begins heading east (far right, from center), as Sgt Gildon rallies his M3 Grant crew (center right top).</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8WbzCjk8BFose_IGb7M4gG6JOkkLWqTcNadhxpAmrW57vrp_v9gGTu7UfMgavpAMF-4Cc9g-aAmDwqUfoh1zb9sY9Ak4rSkBnIIVXJ02_rkbWRSS3uLzstEkn_6W5HT41lM7GD-NfChfq5DlaBcKT-lAG79ZFBe52yDzvHgjhvtOc0dOcLGM17_aX/s4032/IMG_8325.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8WbzCjk8BFose_IGb7M4gG6JOkkLWqTcNadhxpAmrW57vrp_v9gGTu7UfMgavpAMF-4Cc9g-aAmDwqUfoh1zb9sY9Ak4rSkBnIIVXJ02_rkbWRSS3uLzstEkn_6W5HT41lM7GD-NfChfq5DlaBcKT-lAG79ZFBe52yDzvHgjhvtOc0dOcLGM17_aX/w400-h300/IMG_8325.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Feeling a bit exposed, Sgt O'Neale reverses his M3 Grant away (center left, from top center) from the still operable French armored car (between wall and scrub at top center), while Lt Seay's M3 Stuart and Sgt Perry's M3 Scout Car (bottom center) finally get rallied back into the fight!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikx30LIK7ahBjYXNBcZZ8q17tst26I51_ZDt3l4Q5DYO7yFUMScopMWthU-KOF-d3gPBIY44R1nFibZ1kLvGfUAXpPXMf3NF3TeHi6d1UQfSyrlM4nl7q2ZpnmCOPoSMUpqci8sdUmKU2QzDCfOeBgjMNDiW0_46Oo71egEE_2dy3A5Db8Gnx4bnu-/s4032/IMG_8326.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikx30LIK7ahBjYXNBcZZ8q17tst26I51_ZDt3l4Q5DYO7yFUMScopMWthU-KOF-d3gPBIY44R1nFibZ1kLvGfUAXpPXMf3NF3TeHi6d1UQfSyrlM4nl7q2ZpnmCOPoSMUpqci8sdUmKU2QzDCfOeBgjMNDiW0_46Oo71egEE_2dy3A5Db8Gnx4bnu-/w400-h300/IMG_8326.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The French infantry continue their retreat, with the CO, ATG crew, and 1st Platoon nearing the edge of the battle area (top left) and the last remaining squad from 2nd Platoon nearing the crossroads (center, from bottom right, where the US 2nd Platoon and Lt Crittenden are just visible). The Laffly armored car (top center left) successfully rallies.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijie3nWbciM45aDzLkFudDuvpNNMA8wPX76H3otWCdEyFpAP7-dR-PmR9mUR2keWdeG930os6fvDRZEqDQNbXXxxw19SSm1ZJVOc-pGgkPoizHZ8Ip_HCqaxxqJo-giznGQ9uR9hEkEUAowFiETvqVRxfIRB5EIiBCxhEbiVWfQq7SksplKZr0fDRC/s4032/IMG_8327.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijie3nWbciM45aDzLkFudDuvpNNMA8wPX76H3otWCdEyFpAP7-dR-PmR9mUR2keWdeG930os6fvDRZEqDQNbXXxxw19SSm1ZJVOc-pGgkPoizHZ8Ip_HCqaxxqJo-giznGQ9uR9hEkEUAowFiETvqVRxfIRB5EIiBCxhEbiVWfQq7SksplKZr0fDRC/w400-h300/IMG_8327.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>And finally the Laffly (bottom right) gets its due: the Frenchmen open fire with their 25mm gun, but the rounds skitter harmlessly off the Grant's thick frontal armor...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9bHSKsZ_SxWxeAGAykrpkXm2fU_DLuA00uDbHLJYMnomaUJCWi20srko-hlyj4H0-EyHCZ4zqiMufawGSqtWbAvj_9e8dOWPh9s4Bp5DbFlg_6N81Z0l1711rJ66MLQRMIYksVG2VZkLad2fh-yNw1EqQwR-O-UUxEEJlOXQ_9pQVyJ6h-RiGijiq/s4032/IMG_8328.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9bHSKsZ_SxWxeAGAykrpkXm2fU_DLuA00uDbHLJYMnomaUJCWi20srko-hlyj4H0-EyHCZ4zqiMufawGSqtWbAvj_9e8dOWPh9s4Bp5DbFlg_6N81Z0l1711rJ66MLQRMIYksVG2VZkLad2fh-yNw1EqQwR-O-UUxEEJlOXQ_9pQVyJ6h-RiGijiq/w400-h300/IMG_8328.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Sgt O'Neale howls at his gunner to return fire!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw3GSjyFON-SSklByst3EExteabWoJ2lwhR1xru3YG7SdAXkkFE0G4ofF0jLOfuDcvlWkRLy1Emn1yK2hFffWIuLEgE3niRXP-Svdy5ojE_MViaRvLvlQxyEm2dZ-2QbJDy91fcVvxmPu5QzwR8woW_QNZaIkv-DzSlcTfAB_5vrb_Pcd8xQIEIfac/s4032/IMG_8329.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw3GSjyFON-SSklByst3EExteabWoJ2lwhR1xru3YG7SdAXkkFE0G4ofF0jLOfuDcvlWkRLy1Emn1yK2hFffWIuLEgE3niRXP-Svdy5ojE_MViaRvLvlQxyEm2dZ-2QbJDy91fcVvxmPu5QzwR8woW_QNZaIkv-DzSlcTfAB_5vrb_Pcd8xQIEIfac/w400-h300/IMG_8329.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The Laffly (bottom left) is hit and bursts into flames!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu2EZAxGJvc_BEKkFWyOk0pTSGc0VcZ82PdDUC0OkCM4Dvac_LrymYxctJe7tz4nfHbkfqMXqy-QVqctTp1vitAU3xXrYETqirdQrpvNAJzPorcY_5mMnXZIoAK-2FiK9RBa5lK1D_eEkmgfB372vtKkdvc4tcJMmAjJdEKPgDaqn40gj1afnjYOhz/s4032/IMG_8330.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu2EZAxGJvc_BEKkFWyOk0pTSGc0VcZ82PdDUC0OkCM4Dvac_LrymYxctJe7tz4nfHbkfqMXqy-QVqctTp1vitAU3xXrYETqirdQrpvNAJzPorcY_5mMnXZIoAK-2FiK9RBa5lK1D_eEkmgfB372vtKkdvc4tcJMmAjJdEKPgDaqn40gj1afnjYOhz/w400-h300/IMG_8330.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>While back on the US left, Lt Steed (bottom center), spots the retreating French squad from 2nd Platoon (top center, with the US 2nd Platoon at center right) and opens fire...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhle6ul1tihLkWkIq-lTqs9wabdaguxyTE2NL_ltDU5Ocal1YH0hCj1nrzVWX_2POjov0y3HcXiS6w0l0hUfLH4OynJKFsrGUHDnIrPx-N2XQV0nlBwzVjDkB52EXb-cojV6TxnSqiM76LpOnZli89-gy0O2FTyLGJexExdBe3pInNZNPJ5Ka-3_mN0/s4032/IMG_8331.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhle6ul1tihLkWkIq-lTqs9wabdaguxyTE2NL_ltDU5Ocal1YH0hCj1nrzVWX_2POjov0y3HcXiS6w0l0hUfLH4OynJKFsrGUHDnIrPx-N2XQV0nlBwzVjDkB52EXb-cojV6TxnSqiM76LpOnZli89-gy0O2FTyLGJexExdBe3pInNZNPJ5Ka-3_mN0/w400-h300/IMG_8331.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The Frenchmen, caught exposed in the street, are pinned down, as Lt Crittenden and Lt Davenport and his 2nd Platoon dash out to finish them off; the dejected Frenchmen, having successfully bought their comrades time to escape, toss aside their weapons and surrender. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyvYCzuWFZX7Vb2r7YN0ecSfRTcN1MyFAdU8ODQtBiC6jDtZ08HineKK1L_5OxQcgBYMPv2qz5P8ZQZIrpaIQ5Q_bfsgfSq30Hw6zvSbP_PujpRR8YXo9ziRWHzCLK-ncSOnBgNFN0NFZkGE52IjW1rYX5hLxeKPERk6kZeXtukT-4j-NB0rkQgBR4/s4032/IMG_8332.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyvYCzuWFZX7Vb2r7YN0ecSfRTcN1MyFAdU8ODQtBiC6jDtZ08HineKK1L_5OxQcgBYMPv2qz5P8ZQZIrpaIQ5Q_bfsgfSq30Hw6zvSbP_PujpRR8YXo9ziRWHzCLK-ncSOnBgNFN0NFZkGE52IjW1rYX5hLxeKPERk6kZeXtukT-4j-NB0rkQgBR4/w400-h300/IMG_8332.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>As the French CO, ATG crew, two rifle squads (top right, with the two US M3 Grants at far left) and the French MG and mortar team (bottom right) make good on their escape, ending the fight and leaving the Americans in control of Mehdi!</div><div><br /></div><div>A entertaining, and very interesting fight! Not often I get to play a 'fighting withdrawal' type of scenario, and even rarer that it actually plays out the way it's supposed to! The French got very lucky with a total of three 'Scurries' (lulls in the action that allow movement with no firing/reaction firing or close combat), but the Americans had their chances, just a lot of unfortunate occurrences. I say it that way because I don't want to blame it on dice, and that's absolutely not how it felt, it just felt like a really organic type of 'man, these guys just can't get it going,' which seems and felt right.<br /><p>So, I guess both sides won: the Americans, though taking fairly heavy casualties, are in position of Mehdi, and the French, though taking fairly heavy casualties, escaped with a sizeable portion of their force preserved. The French rearguard put up a particularly bloody resistance, which successfully delayed the American advance; the US tankers, understandably, were unwilling to move into the city streets in order to cut off the French escape route, and their interdiction by fire proved to be inadequate.</p><p>Here are the stats:</p><p>-The US suffered 20 casualties</p><p>-The French suffered 25 casualties and 10 captured, with one ATG and one armored car destroyed (actually, the French destroyed the ATG themselves as they pulled out)</p><p>-The French commander, two rifle squads, an anti-tank gun crew, an MG team, and a mortar team escaped to fight again</p><p>Characters:</p><p>-2nd Lt Crittenden, 3rd Platoon Leader, Dog Company, was awarded the Silver Star for single-handedly leading three close assaults that eliminated two enemy rifle squads, fought another off, and captured one more, resulting in the capture of the town of Mehdia</p><p>-Sgt Bruschi, 2nd Squad, 1st Platoon, Dog Company, was relieved of duties, reduced in rank to E1 (Private), and reassigned, for cowardice in the face of the enemy</p><p>-Sgt Perry, Vehicle 3, Armored Car Platoon, Armored Reconnaissance Company, was able to salvage his immobilized vehicle and make it serviceable</p><p>-Captain Kirkland, Company Commander, Easy Company, was severely wounded but will return 15 Jan 1943</p><p>-Sgt O'Donnell, 1st Squad, 3rd Platoon, Dog Company, was wounded but will return 1 Jan 1943</p><p>-Sgt Wilfork, 3rd Squad, 3rd Platoon, Dog Company, was severely wounded but will return 10 Feb 1943</p><p>-Sgt Keith, Vehicle 2, 2nd Platoon, Tank Company, was killed in action</p><p>-Sgt Marion, 3rd Squad, 1st Platoon, Dog Company, was slightly wounded and immediately returned to duty</p><p>Situation: Both of the Task Force's invasion beaches are secure, as is the town of Mehdia, directly behind the beaches. Friendly forces from the 60th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division, on the Task Force's left, have suffered badly in their attempts to advance upon the 'Kasbah,' the French fortress further up the river 'Wadi Sebou.' Despite the attacks, and continued pounding by air and naval gunfire, the fortress continues to stymie any attempts to secure Port Lyautey, and its batteries continue to rain down death and destruction on the US forces ashore. </p><p>Major Reisman believes a possible solution to the tactical problem lies in a broad, sweeping advance by mechanized forces around the right flank, well to the south of the Kasbah. To that end, Major Reisman called in Captain Henry, the Armored Reconnaissance Company commander, briefed him on the situation, and ordered him to carry out the armored thrust. "But Sir, all our troops and gear are still not ashore, and the forces that are ashore are hopelessly intermingled..." </p><p>"Dammit, Captain! Why do I constantly find myself in the position of having to beg my company commanders to attack? Now you listen, ad you listen good: I am ordering you to grab anything with tracks or four wheels, load as many men with guns as you can find into or on them, and you push them forward now, before the enemy has time to catch their balance. Do you understand me? Don't speak, simply nod your head, salute, and move out smartly. Go!"</p><p>But apparently the Captain didn't understand, and it would have repercussions he would feel for the rest of his life...</p><p>V/R,<br />Jack</p><p></p></div>Just Jackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03552962741823929433noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8660216775038377627.post-50531152643961853212023-01-06T11:18:00.000-08:002023-01-06T11:18:32.126-08:00Hell on Wheels, Operation Torch Fight #1<p>All,</p><p>I am back! I haven't posted a batrep in ages; I've played a few games with different rules, but they all left me cold, aggravated, and frustrated, so each time I threw in the towel and went back to painting. I suppose I've known all along what I needed to do to get my mojo back: go home ;) If you're not aware, 5Core Company Command is home, my happy place, the set of rules that's never let me down. I'm not sure why it took me so long to go back home; too caught up in wanting to try different rules, I suppose, but damn I'm glad I did. For the first time in a LONG time I played a wargame and actually had a bunch of fun doing it, and I absolutely can't wait to play more.</p><p>Part of my issue was also venue; that is, ongoing campaigns that actually didn't fit well with 5Core Company Command (5CCC). I'd played a ton of 5CCCC on my 'Cuba Libre' blog, but there is a bunch of admin stuff and painting I need to do before I get back to that. I'd played a bunch of 'Kampfgruppe Klink' with 5CCC, but it doesn't feel right anymore, I want something bigger (higher echelon, but without losing individuality and without taking too long; this is where I've spent most of my time so far, haven't found a suitable solution) for Operation Barbarossa. Then there were others, like 'Two Brothers' (Vietnam), my Marines in WWII, French IndoChina, my Israeli War of Independence, etc..., that aren't ready or don't match up well. So, what to do? Start a new campaign, of course ;)</p><p>So what did I do? It's time to follow some dogfaces trudging through and across the Mediterranean and European Theaters of Operation, kicking some Nazi butt! And who better to lead them than Lee Marvin???</p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO-hn3Cjp2CIRaanv6M0JmE3NmC6sDbhcDRpPyoZroHmo44v7EG8I-NPnDa81w0rmYmKJGROt8G1vM_o39Mp7nmVkeUYoUA-lawbRHjw8jswQ6z819lXTgsnoC_K_yHV3bKrpLZHtys2VNNJLdoqSKA1wxrzGgm1oNfVEduw6PVTolJOmpqSxPd_tF/s3638/LeeMarvin.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3638" data-original-width="2500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO-hn3Cjp2CIRaanv6M0JmE3NmC6sDbhcDRpPyoZroHmo44v7EG8I-NPnDa81w0rmYmKJGROt8G1vM_o39Mp7nmVkeUYoUA-lawbRHjw8jswQ6z819lXTgsnoC_K_yHV3bKrpLZHtys2VNNJLdoqSKA1wxrzGgm1oNfVEduw6PVTolJOmpqSxPd_tF/s320/LeeMarvin.jpg" width="220" /></a></div>This is Major Lee Reisman, Commanding Officer of "Task Force Reisman," a combined-arms force of roughly battalion size, consisting of the following:<br />-1 company of tanks (four platoons, two each of M-3 Stuarts and M-3 Grants)<br />-2 companies of infantry (three rifle platoons, each)<br />-1 armored reconnaissance company (1 platoon of M-3 Scout Cars and two platoons of halftrack-mounted armored infantry)<div>-attached heavy weapons (a platoon each of M1 37mm ATGs, M1917 MGs, 60mm Mortars, Combat Engineers, M-7 Priest Self-Propelled Guns, and M-3 GMC Tank Destroyers)</div><div><br /></div><div>And what shall we watch them do? Here's my (once again, overly ambitious) plan:<br />-Operation Torch, the landings vs Vichy France in French Morocco</div><div>-Tunisia, from assisting 'Blade Force' early on through Kasserine, to the bloody end</div><div>-Operation Husky, the invasion of Sicily</div><div>-Operation Avalanche, the invasion of Italy (Salerno)</div><div>-Operation Shingle, the landings at Anzio, up to Rome</div><div>-Operation Dragoon, the landings in Southern France</div><div>-Cracking the Siegfried Line/Hurtgen Forest</div><div>-The Battle of the Bulge</div><div>-Operation Grenade, Into the Ruhr</div><div><br /></div><div>But let's not get ahead of ourselves: right now it is approximately 0400 Local Time on 8 November 1942, off the coast of French Morocco, near Port Lyautey, the assault elements already forming up in their landing craft for the run into the beach, which everyone hopes will not actually be defended by the poor souls of the Vichy French Army. The plan for TF Reisman is for both infantry companies to land simultaneously, Dog Company on the left and Easy Company on the right, with two platoons of tanks landing between them, able to support in either direction, as appropriate, with the remainder of the Task Force in reserve and scheduled to arrive approximately two hours later in the second wave. </div><div><br /></div><div>Of course, things do not go according to plan: with Allied Forces coming from various locations (primarily the US and UK), the need for operational secrecy, and the ever-present threat posed by German U-Boats, there wasn't much time or opportunity for amphibious exercises and rehearsals. Add to this the fact the transports were not combat loaded ("last on, first off"), confusion as to the nature of the landings (Allied officials were attempting political overtures to ensure French cooperation/non-aggression right up to the last minute, to the point preparatory naval and air bombardment was not conducted), and horrible weather, and the green US troops were lucky to get ashore at all!</div><div><br /></div><div>But get ashore they did; they had a heck of a time forming up, with units missing each other in the dark and chop, then promptly headed towards shore, where French shore batteries added to the chaos by engaging the Allied Fleet. Dodging incoming shells in the dark, in heavy seas (enough to swamp several landing craft), without land-based beacons, the inexperienced Americans were tossed up on shore in a confused mass of cold, wet, miserable, confused, and scared GIs. Small unit leaders, or at least those able to function, immediately set about untangling the units and getting them moving inland, waiting to see would the Frenchmen turn out to be friend or foe.</div><div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnqYucO8Zn6EF9TxGaTxCEyT3HeFbi83Dwf4jplI0GwT3abu8_28lLPhbQEbyN1-BzpU4oIg9HAU3YyGAlviw7NzmsldmIbej6Zi764zN9foXz_So2B3PGTtj9-dxLqJnKKpGgy3H0e5_puQfGqKL5UmRuNmYm9Q9Pqov6pQKHtAfSA4oI2MtO2Bg6/s4032/IMG_8036.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnqYucO8Zn6EF9TxGaTxCEyT3HeFbi83Dwf4jplI0GwT3abu8_28lLPhbQEbyN1-BzpU4oIg9HAU3YyGAlviw7NzmsldmIbej6Zi764zN9foXz_So2B3PGTtj9-dxLqJnKKpGgy3H0e5_puQfGqKL5UmRuNmYm9Q9Pqov6pQKHtAfSA4oI2MtO2Bg6/w400-h300/IMG_8036.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>A look at the map, north is up, the Allied invasion fleet out to see to left (west). At top right is Hill 88, and just below it is the river "Wadi Sebou." At far right is the outskirts of the town of "Mehdi," and just below it are karst bluffs rising up out of the sand, matched by a similar escarpment at bottom center, just off the south end of Dog Company's invasion beach. There is a coastal road running north-south just beyond the beach, with an artery running east into Mehdi. The remainder of the area is desert pocked with broken ground and scrub brush.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiamZY-JkhPjn0u8eq5AGYDxpp69fElU2LxnzW0eKQWBB9TZHIbVSdEjCHudvIXAYayz0ryzmxGFnQ_YpgHee996vWVVgJpj95F0ArtWb79dYG3-n1uINFpFt83nXdw6zVbonxR9Gu2g_IxhCLkt7VsjM8meqDxDnmS6LK4VO8rpV8MXdu0_vWMAuY1/s4032/IMG_8037.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiamZY-JkhPjn0u8eq5AGYDxpp69fElU2LxnzW0eKQWBB9TZHIbVSdEjCHudvIXAYayz0ryzmxGFnQ_YpgHee996vWVVgJpj95F0ArtWb79dYG3-n1uINFpFt83nXdw6zVbonxR9Gu2g_IxhCLkt7VsjM8meqDxDnmS6LK4VO8rpV8MXdu0_vWMAuY1/w400-h300/IMG_8037.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The opposing forces, with Yanks on the left and Vichy French on the right.</div><div><br /></div><div>**And my most humble apologies to my French friends; please let there be no hard feelings. I know this is an uncomfortable time in history, and I mean nothing by it, just starting here as it is the earliest possible opportunity for TF Reisman to get into combat. And because I happen to have French troops painted up for the desert and absolutely have to use them ;) Don't worry, they will fight side by side as comrades in Tunisia (which is what I'd originally painted them for).</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbR4SPYyxYIedeWk-a8zPaRYpOBfufFcdjsbfzbrz1iTw3kuhkNbK3Y7S2JD5_059U27_vnq2gSRvR7EopZBU4YhNrIGQkn4wiZ8C1Pg95bhp3GKYqos3IzOMzXscJb70KM5ByOubekM_8ot-uIo_eJLSqxtulP4uSr3pZAPP7Q9ne4oN90fhpUHxB/s4032/IMG_8038.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbR4SPYyxYIedeWk-a8zPaRYpOBfufFcdjsbfzbrz1iTw3kuhkNbK3Y7S2JD5_059U27_vnq2gSRvR7EopZBU4YhNrIGQkn4wiZ8C1Pg95bhp3GKYqos3IzOMzXscJb70KM5ByOubekM_8ot-uIo_eJLSqxtulP4uSr3pZAPP7Q9ne4oN90fhpUHxB/w400-h300/IMG_8038.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The US force: the US has a Company Commander, a company of infantry (-), a platoon of armored vehicles, and a platoon of support. The units are understrength and intermixed, in order to demonstrate the chaotic nature of the landings.<br /></div><div>CO: Captain May, Dog Company commander</div><div>2nd Lt Carney and his 2nd and 3rd Squads from 2nd Platoon, Dog Company<br />2nd Lt Morris and his 1st and 2nd Squads from 1st Platoon, Easy Company</div><div>2nd Lt Olsavsky and his 1st and 3rd Squads from 3rd Platoon, Easy Company</div><div>2nd Lt Figures and Sgt Simpson's M-3 Stuarts from 1st Tank Platoon</div><div>Sgt Dawson's M-3 Grant from 3rd Tank Platoon</div><div>Sgt Martin's M-3 GMC Tank Destroyer from the Tank Destroyer Platoon</div><div>Sgt Humphries' 1st Squad from the Combat Engineer Platoon</div><div>Cpl Tolbert 's 3rd Squad from the Machine Gun Platoon</div><div>Cpl Noonan's 2nd Squad from the 60mm Mortar Platoon</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSAF2br_9mffQ9BvYXRnCSu-DcR13DC9DZXmwND67u-_NDZpXPq5IFKA2fzaeUlfsgtvPX875OY_YQpvshWVq2dCURNAGygtmuYbURMhPSi2zcsKnUKZqNWn2_3tWOD3WA7ilFNbangu3ocC1pr8wEGKsrXrBhx5daPlfRDw_G_z-LCDGIm-hbd7pc/s4032/IMG_8039.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSAF2br_9mffQ9BvYXRnCSu-DcR13DC9DZXmwND67u-_NDZpXPq5IFKA2fzaeUlfsgtvPX875OY_YQpvshWVq2dCURNAGygtmuYbURMhPSi2zcsKnUKZqNWn2_3tWOD3WA7ilFNbangu3ocC1pr8wEGKsrXrBhx5daPlfRDw_G_z-LCDGIm-hbd7pc/w400-h300/IMG_8039.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The Vichy French defenders:<br />-Commanding Officer, Capitan Oulette, who's heart really isn't in it, but their Commandant is quite the committed Quisling, having already arrested several officers who refused to fight, now threatening executions for cowardice in the face of the enemy and vowing traitors' families will face repercussions</div><div>-A reduced Battery of one 25mm ATG and one 75mm dual-purpose gun.</div><div>-A Weapons Platoon of 2 machine guns and one 81mm mortar</div><div>-A Rifle Platoon of a Platoon Leader and three rifle squads</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCP-OFBn5GxTORKbSIl0SmoRzWlxFQod1qgzQqkn6GLbGg217MIhbOueotSQLe6dPEj1-B7WH3hqWDYKqqnkd44r5jv10BoRlCUzvSd5DQ9RqxjGsaJuZurWJ0zvO1llMK3mKV3yOW5ulL0GbG6ha3C0IBUaSblUfw34xsldDA5y2u1eAZ-f3x5GDE/s4032/IMG_8040.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCP-OFBn5GxTORKbSIl0SmoRzWlxFQod1qgzQqkn6GLbGg217MIhbOueotSQLe6dPEj1-B7WH3hqWDYKqqnkd44r5jv10BoRlCUzvSd5DQ9RqxjGsaJuZurWJ0zvO1llMK3mKV3yOW5ulL0GbG6ha3C0IBUaSblUfw34xsldDA5y2u1eAZ-f3x5GDE/w400-h300/IMG_8040.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Overview, now with troops, with Americans in their landing craft at far left (west) and the French deployed across their baseline at far right (east). The French artillery battery is atop Hill 88 (top right), the Rifle Platoon is dug-in on the outskirts of Mehdi (far right), and the Weapons Platoon is dug-in atop/behind the southeastern bluffs (bottom right).</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8aF1cesVzWf4-cfZjvStozn8NG9FA_C8ROJZziTsvBul_AsPXkdoTT2R4Wjmlmmc-8MM9oBur_M-A6uqSmeZdkEwLKZfpRP2Np94jRPbg-w4jhd0WWMVA3X6UkwH29pLqN69AXGhwFzjPzMWyesB3MzsLqS_tT-j0nKtL0omQySDCCj_FSP9DpHGp/s4032/IMG_8041.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8aF1cesVzWf4-cfZjvStozn8NG9FA_C8ROJZziTsvBul_AsPXkdoTT2R4Wjmlmmc-8MM9oBur_M-A6uqSmeZdkEwLKZfpRP2Np94jRPbg-w4jhd0WWMVA3X6UkwH29pLqN69AXGhwFzjPzMWyesB3MzsLqS_tT-j0nKtL0omQySDCCj_FSP9DpHGp/w400-h300/IMG_8041.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The Yanks in their transports.</div><div><br /></div><div>The Americans are on their run in to the coast; please understand the next few pictures are just for fun and dramatic effect, they have no impact on the game.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd9lX2JAIHZbt31_xLOf5FiiYY5iF_o1QZxjHw50CylQUQZw_5JFRL3grtJJ4APLCmdVhH8ppjni7xRoCoL3zJ1dN2pk9I37H7gexieuXYXZim_KycpCMl5n8abayhnMTdReKyO6SP9Ag0OPS6ZQG-wsLetiTwraMg3KMjd36jLvEs2lJOyEMgFvgk/s4032/IMG_8042.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd9lX2JAIHZbt31_xLOf5FiiYY5iF_o1QZxjHw50CylQUQZw_5JFRL3grtJJ4APLCmdVhH8ppjni7xRoCoL3zJ1dN2pk9I37H7gexieuXYXZim_KycpCMl5n8abayhnMTdReKyO6SP9Ag0OPS6ZQG-wsLetiTwraMg3KMjd36jLvEs2lJOyEMgFvgk/w400-h300/IMG_8042.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>A look at the coast (looking east, from the water, sorry I didn't include any water to give you better context for the shot). The Americans will land across the bottom, with Hill 88 (top left) on their far left, Mehdi (top center) dead ahead of them, and the southeastern bluffs (top right) on their far right. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWL1Ux7NBlkhCcqZJO0xfPWz0NfACahw_al4kwmDTUtTLmtpW0I4sUTPlfxtNdrtSgqw--lIcNjAhXIrRNiD2X8oBMQdaozkoyNObu8gW1qr2QfrBFiuCoKhBuR2KLiYg12IJP_dqjjFVF35yiaXwUd1zyNBA948oNmCNvh7KwEByPSuSs3zSDWGQh/s4032/IMG_8043.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWL1Ux7NBlkhCcqZJO0xfPWz0NfACahw_al4kwmDTUtTLmtpW0I4sUTPlfxtNdrtSgqw--lIcNjAhXIrRNiD2X8oBMQdaozkoyNObu8gW1qr2QfrBFiuCoKhBuR2KLiYg12IJP_dqjjFVF35yiaXwUd1zyNBA948oNmCNvh7KwEByPSuSs3zSDWGQh/w400-h300/IMG_8043.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The French positions atop Hill 88, with the 25mm ATG (top left) and the 75mm gun (right), both dug in.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV6x39CVB19BxRZpb0gR_3bCzLocgjdRgsj6bdKXhNZU7td_U969oCpHBd0b0z6P2t7spNLEGP9MhqV2uRGbM5_Sq68-DKOQ20C8AtTRlTtYKMIfkb2KKKglpGeO_cnEhHf8WgHJxm11pHPsvEJ5SVJCu3zqxxi6PxDSBkFCvh98HBtK9rFDs1itUH/s4032/IMG_8044.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV6x39CVB19BxRZpb0gR_3bCzLocgjdRgsj6bdKXhNZU7td_U969oCpHBd0b0z6P2t7spNLEGP9MhqV2uRGbM5_Sq68-DKOQ20C8AtTRlTtYKMIfkb2KKKglpGeO_cnEhHf8WgHJxm11pHPsvEJ5SVJCu3zqxxi6PxDSBkFCvh98HBtK9rFDs1itUH/w400-h300/IMG_8044.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The French center, with their Rifle Platoon dug in and their CO atop the roof at center right.</div><div><br /></div><div>The river is not fordable, which is a double-edged sword: it means the Americans won't be able to close with the battery atop Hill 88, but it also means the two French guns atop Hill 88 are completely cut off from assistance. This would prove a thorn in the side of the defenders during the fight to come.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidObQ40pUJLaahxcHbt4NVNtETnKAYXlmr0GcJp7EkE7SPd08OPKdzA6TOm-tGF-YRx1U5eTWz63Pi9CbdNzbY-_scsu-BSgJflGl347hODsWxF5moexoWsmkXu8mfv9h7mWEOQoQrsyJBGFHLE0d1mw9yhnzm4TSyTYZ5EuOXsBewGCyzY_-ERrgM/s4032/IMG_8045.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidObQ40pUJLaahxcHbt4NVNtETnKAYXlmr0GcJp7EkE7SPd08OPKdzA6TOm-tGF-YRx1U5eTWz63Pi9CbdNzbY-_scsu-BSgJflGl347hODsWxF5moexoWsmkXu8mfv9h7mWEOQoQrsyJBGFHLE0d1mw9yhnzm4TSyTYZ5EuOXsBewGCyzY_-ERrgM/w400-h300/IMG_8045.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>And the French left, with two Hotchkiss MGs dug in atop the southeastern bluffs (top left and bottom right) and their 81mm mortar emplaced on behind them (right top).</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW2ZYy7r4lFru2ye76iZurneGM-19xsllmTOLYRgBX5yrvPb28-YBjoKrSygC410AN924DUom-BvvPZPj772gkHabruXFvKxnJECYkV6Hcdn5QZbnYxyMJSNFAd6Ul7Z2iDQei7u_flSFKG5CqilNglbMq5m5LvPjrfhzg_mOR2Pb1ouyKhe27kH9S/s4032/IMG_8046.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW2ZYy7r4lFru2ye76iZurneGM-19xsllmTOLYRgBX5yrvPb28-YBjoKrSygC410AN924DUom-BvvPZPj772gkHabruXFvKxnJECYkV6Hcdn5QZbnYxyMJSNFAd6Ul7Z2iDQei7u_flSFKG5CqilNglbMq5m5LvPjrfhzg_mOR2Pb1ouyKhe27kH9S/w400-h300/IMG_8046.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>As the American landing craft press towards the landing beaches, French batteries at "The Kasbah" (an ancient fort manned by Vichy French forces and containing two 5.5" guns and four 155mm howitzers, would be off table a couple klicks to the northeast) open fire, sending towering plumes of water into the air. The landing craft coxswains immediately began evasive maneuvers, considerably upping the difficulty of maintaining the integrity of the waves and landing on the correct beach...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeEpVyyG6OwuGuM4cLGmNEscyr_vdmMwjUFwxNPm_pG59DVhJLEJicZMXTovdCgUI2AZgfTbx63V1V3zMasnkGzUgUo-JnA9kGF2REXhPH8DtgFOci1C4CEkTeAMXQ-mG5kt7CU6dFsVpoTnWu-zGb0EdizfLWGueGvDC99GRWY3HfIFSBkRGI7rqL/s4032/IMG_8047.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeEpVyyG6OwuGuM4cLGmNEscyr_vdmMwjUFwxNPm_pG59DVhJLEJicZMXTovdCgUI2AZgfTbx63V1V3zMasnkGzUgUo-JnA9kGF2REXhPH8DtgFOci1C4CEkTeAMXQ-mG5kt7CU6dFsVpoTnWu-zGb0EdizfLWGueGvDC99GRWY3HfIFSBkRGI7rqL/w400-h300/IMG_8047.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Made even worse when French shells began finding their marks, hitting a transport carrying Stuarts...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizCh_F2uNlG08gbmJ-POd-xANg7lIiPMRE5VBRvEKadbXJlv_e2FzgO_-M6oKGbU0Gn-QTQBUn0rSqvFa2SOLWvwyhxtMjQE41mzp1LjCwIjMeGb-aSsmpKV-uSQg5wOz2oYTS7vpyWADBMDOmaxBCB2uSrNA2YqfFhUZnvtn_cx-Y_n6FkoXlbSfO/s4032/IMG_8048.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizCh_F2uNlG08gbmJ-POd-xANg7lIiPMRE5VBRvEKadbXJlv_e2FzgO_-M6oKGbU0Gn-QTQBUn0rSqvFa2SOLWvwyhxtMjQE41mzp1LjCwIjMeGb-aSsmpKV-uSQg5wOz2oYTS7vpyWADBMDOmaxBCB2uSrNA2YqfFhUZnvtn_cx-Y_n6FkoXlbSfO/w400-h300/IMG_8048.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>And then an LCVP packed with assault troops!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_TATeTm3uQvRNnbW2ewyO4sEm2Y3n5soQCMTY_frXWK-899F4NZrEg828yW083SdCOeaOzBpFMC8_wA3Nht-XCxwj-_pwzVlbFlHTEQrhONXqsrKhYwe48mwp-Ex3IMMuPN7OzTeRCcnGXxeTx_TD2hJZ4TzgtM7_qtnHulcUXM_IpcV46WleuLQy/s4032/IMG_8049.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_TATeTm3uQvRNnbW2ewyO4sEm2Y3n5soQCMTY_frXWK-899F4NZrEg828yW083SdCOeaOzBpFMC8_wA3Nht-XCxwj-_pwzVlbFlHTEQrhONXqsrKhYwe48mwp-Ex3IMMuPN7OzTeRCcnGXxeTx_TD2hJZ4TzgtM7_qtnHulcUXM_IpcV46WleuLQy/w400-h300/IMG_8049.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>More shells rained down, and several collisions were narrowly averted, but at long last the first wave of TF Reisman neared the beach, though with its units severely intermixed, and with some missing...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDLO2ryMSF1I6d2TFkUS-tf95sPfO3Au9eD--x6mVrgVF4bQ2JMpK0PPk_kmU_lhDOB1Ep4FGeHidFQzmwKAi3cfE0xyMwSKkBCOTp-6V9dqzu9NOuyYXm0LzVgn6Ub31KAUR3AsVbc9eLBVy_RJUWlND3cyHgXmdyJ60N0tn4_R5y7vD9QiYDHE2V/s4032/IMG_8050.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDLO2ryMSF1I6d2TFkUS-tf95sPfO3Au9eD--x6mVrgVF4bQ2JMpK0PPk_kmU_lhDOB1Ep4FGeHidFQzmwKAi3cfE0xyMwSKkBCOTp-6V9dqzu9NOuyYXm0LzVgn6Ub31KAUR3AsVbc9eLBVy_RJUWlND3cyHgXmdyJ60N0tn4_R5y7vD9QiYDHE2V/w400-h300/IMG_8050.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The boats hit the beach and bow ramps immediately went down, men and vehicles dashing up the beach. There is an eerie silence, save for the sound of large-caliber shells howling overhead and out to sea; instinctively, and against all orders, the men and vehicles halt just yards up the beach, every sense straining to understand the Vichy French troops' intentions...</div><div><br /></div><div>It was quite fortunate all these boats actually hit the beach; in Easy Company's sector, several landing craft hit a sandbar and disgorged their troops several hundred yards from the beach, though, luckily, they managed to land opposite a Vichy French unit that disregarded the Commandant's orders and promptly embraced their American cousins!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL-wP_MHX7tTMr-87znbFlBvjvNRA7K4z6hwCz3LJuf1yHZ1F96UWkUJ6aEdlSbjsn8JuvcTtr-sfotVPRBSl2W1txWD7cfxI0tiK12JihxSKMLLZvWE9mChBD1QPxle8-MDpavo7Tg2N4xEaxo3Xo4e8MaaYlBFNmyvvPI0AeMpXhbU2gyC18_PqY/s4032/IMG_8051.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL-wP_MHX7tTMr-87znbFlBvjvNRA7K4z6hwCz3LJuf1yHZ1F96UWkUJ6aEdlSbjsn8JuvcTtr-sfotVPRBSl2W1txWD7cfxI0tiK12JihxSKMLLZvWE9mChBD1QPxle8-MDpavo7Tg2N4xEaxo3Xo4e8MaaYlBFNmyvvPI0AeMpXhbU2gyC18_PqY/w400-h300/IMG_8051.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The French feel it, too; the silence and inaction drags seemingly forever, no one quite sure what to do. Capitan Oulette, sits atop his command post (larger building at right), mouth dry, scanning the beach and his own lines, knowing what he wants to do, but quite unsure of what to actually do. Just then the field phone rings, startling Capitan Oulette so badly he nearly wets his pants! It's the Commandant, cursing up a storm, ordering Capitan Oulette to engage the Americans! And, just to be sure, the Commandant sent two squads of trusted soldiers (bottom left) to ensure Capitan Oulette carried out his orders; the French commander swallowed hard, muttered 'forgive me' under his breath, then rose and fired a flare into the pre-dawn sky, ordering his men to open fire...</div><div><br /></div><div>**Rules note: the French won the initiative, and the 'lull' was actually caused by them rolling a 'scurry' but not wanting/needing to move anyone, and then they rolled a random event that resulted in two squads of reinforcements, which came in on the southeast corner.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3QaB7bjqVL1SWoaT0IreMmH9Z9Q6-YAQla4N3xT4V3BkdERtsrXd6L4ndkpv3iFWQ3kj2buT0f2mu6zUisjj2rXvm9Mo1PY_8d2mk5SrUeb5xjFvRBDI90zIQrXqKpcPNYhu4kLPdP_Up_C8uvOaZ2_FvLf0lmHSQjj4WWo3fkUmO9_3R7x0vFlmd/s4032/IMG_8052.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3QaB7bjqVL1SWoaT0IreMmH9Z9Q6-YAQla4N3xT4V3BkdERtsrXd6L4ndkpv3iFWQ3kj2buT0f2mu6zUisjj2rXvm9Mo1PY_8d2mk5SrUeb5xjFvRBDI90zIQrXqKpcPNYhu4kLPdP_Up_C8uvOaZ2_FvLf0lmHSQjj4WWo3fkUmO9_3R7x0vFlmd/w400-h300/IMG_8052.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Seeing the flare, Captain May instinctively knew what it meant and acted immediately: "Move!!! Move it, move it, go! Go! Go!" The Americans go charging up the beach, all forces advancing, taking advantage of the gap between Capitan Oulette's signal and his unwilling troops' response. </div><div><br /></div><div>From top left to bottom right: Sgt Dawson's M-3 Grant, 1st Platoon, Easy Company (with Cpl Noonan's 60mm mortar), the CO and Lt Figures' reduced platoon of M-3 Stuarts, 2nd Platoon, Dog Company (with Cpl Tolbert's MG), 3rd Platoon, Easy Company (with Sgt Humphries' Engineer Squad), and Sgt Martin's M-3 Tank Destroyer halftrack.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3QdylZDcwi47n2tBecjAiM3gw9Zw9l2ojyiehVPd4mNqfrybtzCr4vwlmN_WvvU0tkdC_ucmE2v1v77wdVLvvwoKavmKnl9OAvmi2_ZRaPJIcSVDThdDGqcP5njNREev0wYRgzX29m6QFMP0-zu5SeUGNlWi27NI3YvhBG8CT92M2NfOhmZeKD1Uh/s4032/IMG_8053.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3QdylZDcwi47n2tBecjAiM3gw9Zw9l2ojyiehVPd4mNqfrybtzCr4vwlmN_WvvU0tkdC_ucmE2v1v77wdVLvvwoKavmKnl9OAvmi2_ZRaPJIcSVDThdDGqcP5njNREev0wYRgzX29m6QFMP0-zu5SeUGNlWi27NI3YvhBG8CT92M2NfOhmZeKD1Uh/w400-h300/IMG_8053.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The French battery atop Hill 88 is the first to fire, with their 75mm gun (bottom left) firing on Lt Morris' 1st Platoon (top center) and their 25mm ATG (bottom right) firing on Sgt Dawson's M-3 Grant (behind scrub brush at top center)</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPq11B1FVXH944zQqrNUhvEVJ-KAaoWo7t01Bz_x_ODDleoRlUp-cuv69gmz03NFFTHAwCXXRzvjlPAaiuPyFzARN_fnhooN8EXSobUI4YLMeqwuV19HqkG8BGy_n929eYnNxs-HVne6uZILl0rU0iYIn_ttVXbiu-jn86SDcb17BpUYEU7nJNQgZh/s4032/IMG_8054.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPq11B1FVXH944zQqrNUhvEVJ-KAaoWo7t01Bz_x_ODDleoRlUp-cuv69gmz03NFFTHAwCXXRzvjlPAaiuPyFzARN_fnhooN8EXSobUI4YLMeqwuV19HqkG8BGy_n929eYnNxs-HVne6uZILl0rU0iYIn_ttVXbiu-jn86SDcb17BpUYEU7nJNQgZh/w400-h300/IMG_8054.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The fire is ineffective, allowing Sgt Dawson't tank (top left) and Lt Morris' platoon (right) to return fire, which suppressed the French 75mm gun!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSlEMlXZeIYoyWFCkjoWskB0CYkADTefNoH8CUD5SMTkDhtuCRRUf_oZl3bNVFrQd9pth75Q_Q8NVYWkE0LRv_-dX7-YDgiS5jh_tTZob0mYHi27GzAEQreuwsI7MKG37seUbWeDNIA6w8vMocWkYMuTKEi-PpjZLkSIGBIDYT57gMwPXa8EeWhQr7/s4032/IMG_8056.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSlEMlXZeIYoyWFCkjoWskB0CYkADTefNoH8CUD5SMTkDhtuCRRUf_oZl3bNVFrQd9pth75Q_Q8NVYWkE0LRv_-dX7-YDgiS5jh_tTZob0mYHi27GzAEQreuwsI7MKG37seUbWeDNIA6w8vMocWkYMuTKEi-PpjZLkSIGBIDYT57gMwPXa8EeWhQr7/w400-h300/IMG_8056.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Next, the French Rifle Platoon in Mehdi (bottom right) engages Lt Carney's 2nd Platoon (top left) and Lt Figures' Stuart Platoon (at crossroads)...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha3ycXzHwWdogoiMbYTnYthSDPe85BKArsu3L9Pj6iGij3SkIuPqv0rDhFKO_vWftQqwuPyudzdNUi6q-q_DjM2L5LpmiMpPQF2KfYg5-f7wxzXzy0QIXZACoV2uJstX7rBvcLVwYuEXNcHVoiiWQFDpYT4ALBGw78J2r5Q1tMnz-99HPBuAOwD8hf/s4032/IMG_8057.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha3ycXzHwWdogoiMbYTnYthSDPe85BKArsu3L9Pj6iGij3SkIuPqv0rDhFKO_vWftQqwuPyudzdNUi6q-q_DjM2L5LpmiMpPQF2KfYg5-f7wxzXzy0QIXZACoV2uJstX7rBvcLVwYuEXNcHVoiiWQFDpYT4ALBGw78J2r5Q1tMnz-99HPBuAOwD8hf/w400-h300/IMG_8057.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Both American platoons (bottom left) immediately return fire, but all the two forces do is exchange ineffectual fire.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-ZSo89-jH8CViGPn_3kmfwLyHjpEWDU8w7btRyMtEILKZW0tOCs6dE6b00xDkNF2V44p5C4kr6n90Zr8DvbLPOx59kdrnMsoWoEgdQHLLSUMhId0nG3QP2EIJy25lHrs5MGcVjlbo5LdKt5z6AzOZsQmf85BzvnDCAC9PQg4fa1Rb2LZdZIT6esh5/s4032/IMG_8058.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-ZSo89-jH8CViGPn_3kmfwLyHjpEWDU8w7btRyMtEILKZW0tOCs6dE6b00xDkNF2V44p5C4kr6n90Zr8DvbLPOx59kdrnMsoWoEgdQHLLSUMhId0nG3QP2EIJy25lHrs5MGcVjlbo5LdKt5z6AzOZsQmf85BzvnDCAC9PQg4fa1Rb2LZdZIT6esh5/w400-h300/IMG_8058.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>While on the French left, their machine guns (bottom center/far right) open fire on Sgt Martin's halftrack and Lt Olsavsky's 3rd Platoon (top left), pinning Sgt Harper's 3rd Squad and the Tank Destroyer!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWxjKSwkgQy4KGqX-0it8uMHqftw8rS9j-55S--9WpNATJKcO8wyQ76TrdTxnYwLiHj5Jk5kW2Ng_kvhynlESb-mqh-a-eK1aXWC6EYXwpIEW2Xdq_B9vgdbbV1knHmzEpjbdX2wyGyFpKZAmc41RZbUVCAG2Lu4K4_aU7aI-Js7ykpnLc94K71r1d/s4032/IMG_8059.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWxjKSwkgQy4KGqX-0it8uMHqftw8rS9j-55S--9WpNATJKcO8wyQ76TrdTxnYwLiHj5Jk5kW2Ng_kvhynlESb-mqh-a-eK1aXWC6EYXwpIEW2Xdq_B9vgdbbV1knHmzEpjbdX2wyGyFpKZAmc41RZbUVCAG2Lu4K4_aU7aI-Js7ykpnLc94K71r1d/w400-h300/IMG_8059.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Cpl Tolbert's MG (far left) and the remainder of 3rd Platoon (bottom left) return fire...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9cV80qd2LKHsi3Nwc_o4kA2CWSdjoFQDSPxVxVrXYIkIgenmD1hoIFa0vLBfMZozYNCCVmAqSrwnMjsw3nDyftHSpb1xwouQGgb8jTlQWBljy42yjpWreIwFbHW_3Fzf5HK6kgehludluRVcbIncjIXfqzJo_gV_QC2jy6pHZM2gt4NMyctJrKSp5/s4032/IMG_8060.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9cV80qd2LKHsi3Nwc_o4kA2CWSdjoFQDSPxVxVrXYIkIgenmD1hoIFa0vLBfMZozYNCCVmAqSrwnMjsw3nDyftHSpb1xwouQGgb8jTlQWBljy42yjpWreIwFbHW_3Fzf5HK6kgehludluRVcbIncjIXfqzJo_gV_QC2jy6pHZM2gt4NMyctJrKSp5/w400-h300/IMG_8060.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>And manage to suppress BOTH of the French machine guns (red beads at top left and bottom center). But then the French 81mm mortar (right) goes to work...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFy8AgWKW0tjpvqaU10rhBmMdQ2XnV64YznW6FT1ktm2qA8ml0F0CtBLdk4c9gXb6y95WBKJX3RquHplBEfHEApPaTKFHiCyLMUsuba-0NoUWDVCr6eh6q5plyBMUqV0mTZxcrN0apGHHy7B8j6GUgaxr2urDbCWxVQ_z3EWypgYIPilCy3tUcqQt4/s4032/IMG_8061.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFy8AgWKW0tjpvqaU10rhBmMdQ2XnV64YznW6FT1ktm2qA8ml0F0CtBLdk4c9gXb6y95WBKJX3RquHplBEfHEApPaTKFHiCyLMUsuba-0NoUWDVCr6eh6q5plyBMUqV0mTZxcrN0apGHHy7B8j6GUgaxr2urDbCWxVQ_z3EWypgYIPilCy3tUcqQt4/w400-h300/IMG_8061.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>And the mortars are on target, causing casualties amongst Lt Olsavsky's command squad and Sgt Seals' 1st Squad (white beads at center bottom) and pinning Sgt Humphries' Engineer Squad (yellow bead a bottom left)!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKUIGZwFgB4g968Z6qvMBgetuxtEDuIv4Wrh4cqGN44oAlzF4y0xLTAaDGULUNdsDrfnbRe6h_W1JFUGvzwmZaJgf18crLATlnYVBqfuN4vdz4p3chcKPJ5PWlRS1uhcAyqk85n03QyRwQAGYHzf0WJedZdaN39B44xYqzEvraciglua2JYpHccTLg/s4032/IMG_8062.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKUIGZwFgB4g968Z6qvMBgetuxtEDuIv4Wrh4cqGN44oAlzF4y0xLTAaDGULUNdsDrfnbRe6h_W1JFUGvzwmZaJgf18crLATlnYVBqfuN4vdz4p3chcKPJ5PWlRS1uhcAyqk85n03QyRwQAGYHzf0WJedZdaN39B44xYqzEvraciglua2JYpHccTLg/w400-h300/IMG_8062.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Cpl Noonan's 60mm mortar team (bottom left) replies, firing on the French battery atop Hill 88 (top right)...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYZ-g0D1L-1Xv1MfjaB-TcEqh0jpRHeTzCgX5BRe2kLPJRAHnaEyTk8mE9iB9IkQLW1oKE0DsXn3GoFjxugxkdvdI61ZYBO9wkJOwyLSjx0sTk1lFDv601ep1biW38Ym7p3ZlcPadFIqNYy2h-TUP2sRk4_nmLlZlxKrvZOEZcEPQRVvk7bssouV68/s4032/IMG_8063.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYZ-g0D1L-1Xv1MfjaB-TcEqh0jpRHeTzCgX5BRe2kLPJRAHnaEyTk8mE9iB9IkQLW1oKE0DsXn3GoFjxugxkdvdI61ZYBO9wkJOwyLSjx0sTk1lFDv601ep1biW38Ym7p3ZlcPadFIqNYy2h-TUP2sRk4_nmLlZlxKrvZOEZcEPQRVvk7bssouV68/w400-h300/IMG_8063.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>But the rounds fall long, impacting harmlessly on the rear slope of the hill.</div><div><br /></div><div>**I got a bunch of new markers from Litko, not sure I love them for this, though... I'm using the black smoke with orange base to show impacts from the cannons/tank main guns, and the taller, all black ones to show mortar impacts.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcm20Ne76uaBVbtLfg0-21VQfvWJC-4n32lmW-B56592rVxWsjaaaJmNfb9kvLCofqDx8DZj_hZyKHAFvQa7bYn7tecOf7ccHiewQCcsxTIkyEvVfDR7aZjJD-s0EBoNbZkEmmdmpyGEFYgVyOjx0L_H1LIltEhejllQza_22mb-HW5tbU5cyfGIDs/s4032/IMG_8065.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcm20Ne76uaBVbtLfg0-21VQfvWJC-4n32lmW-B56592rVxWsjaaaJmNfb9kvLCofqDx8DZj_hZyKHAFvQa7bYn7tecOf7ccHiewQCcsxTIkyEvVfDR7aZjJD-s0EBoNbZkEmmdmpyGEFYgVyOjx0L_H1LIltEhejllQza_22mb-HW5tbU5cyfGIDs/w400-h300/IMG_8065.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><div>Sgt Dawson's M-3 Grant (bottom center) moves up and continues firing on the French battery atop Hill 88) top left, suppressing the French anti-tank gun!</div><div><br /></div><div>**I spoke of this earlier; the French only have two units on Hill 88, the 75mm gun and the 25mm ATG, and they're behind the river, so no one can easily get to them. Now both units are suppressed; with limited activation 'points,' it's going to be very difficult to have them self-rally, and their CO (atop house at top right) can't get to them to assist. Both gun crews being suppressed is about as good as knocking them out, at this point... The French will have to hope for something lucky (a 'scurry' or 'firefight' roll that will allow them to self-rally, or a random event that helps get them rallied.</div></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_UnQ_OV847qCS68uQtRte-_VcqgGtpwBoUK4Ca4f9vr33bgnOqFw_SlG3W6Ejds-ZzJo9ON4qfbh4uh1-OLOfAxif_QFRSHVQxdSmIePhgqHI1UZLId2VhqlfvVUNyAgr_6OgTBDTu9cU5gsWiVd8W66YJqiBEQ8xxomTY_KoUPGLswPtWsCGaCXL/s1280/IMG_8066.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_UnQ_OV847qCS68uQtRte-_VcqgGtpwBoUK4Ca4f9vr33bgnOqFw_SlG3W6Ejds-ZzJo9ON4qfbh4uh1-OLOfAxif_QFRSHVQxdSmIePhgqHI1UZLId2VhqlfvVUNyAgr_6OgTBDTu9cU5gsWiVd8W66YJqiBEQ8xxomTY_KoUPGLswPtWsCGaCXL/w400-h300/IMG_8066.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>As the CO, Captain Mays, braves intense enemy fire to move over and rally Lt Carney's 2nd Platoon...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQGpqhZWhoZHNpctPzGHyS_WGKWBmJjMvLT91oRlFrwclzrgkKka9ARAWkiXXS5lDgvLMxVEUYygHGQCeypOVD6oEKjd9ysS7H97HIXImcbJbzTjMaAoG5qrCp3sinuL9qA47e0X4EtAmd60PAzyXqS3XqAhhVdC2_lKuvrfqW-gASwXKK7zd0sSNt/s4032/IMG_8067.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQGpqhZWhoZHNpctPzGHyS_WGKWBmJjMvLT91oRlFrwclzrgkKka9ARAWkiXXS5lDgvLMxVEUYygHGQCeypOVD6oEKjd9ysS7H97HIXImcbJbzTjMaAoG5qrCp3sinuL9qA47e0X4EtAmd60PAzyXqS3XqAhhVdC2_lKuvrfqW-gASwXKK7zd0sSNt/w400-h300/IMG_8067.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Lt Carney then presses his riflemen forward (patch of rough ground at center bottom, from far left), accompanied by Lt Figures' tank platoon (just above them), pouring 37mm main gun and .30-cal machine gun fire into the French Rifle Platoon's trenchline (top right)...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHGMJHQnwucwrO3TBxo-L36bMt-0Rb3OcLofZ23LjJ2FQrkbwoe0un-XAoVQ85bm42wAJBFMVzIoRAQ59mUHvzYoZQU9S9DMQtV500gubmCMmsZxA56QnWZuYxrhIz8-ewIMk2wJd1_0yWrntTDD876nBbMYH5ZSbVCHRWKxq4CHd4X_mTrpgb6OlH/s4032/IMG_8068.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHGMJHQnwucwrO3TBxo-L36bMt-0Rb3OcLofZ23LjJ2FQrkbwoe0un-XAoVQ85bm42wAJBFMVzIoRAQ59mUHvzYoZQU9S9DMQtV500gubmCMmsZxA56QnWZuYxrhIz8-ewIMk2wJd1_0yWrntTDD876nBbMYH5ZSbVCHRWKxq4CHd4X_mTrpgb6OlH/w400-h300/IMG_8068.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The French Platoon Leader and 2nd Squad are suppressed (red beads at left), but the other two rifle squads return fire, suppressing Sgt Siever's 3rd Squad (top center).</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlFpS9RkrndVv6xujprwgdoGm22ABZFceuuq1w70vlR1B0mg1AFwPYwB9VWcOvJuJUzDjTRUcB7VHE66-sNbmA2CmLQ7nZmuyyVCCexSF62yzRi_mlDxkERGwywAWSIuBmZ1Aq_NWDp-uTULo3IXbf-Jgyk9IMa1LSYaZ76rwaJelPvEaDZU-rrWw1/s4032/IMG_8069.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlFpS9RkrndVv6xujprwgdoGm22ABZFceuuq1w70vlR1B0mg1AFwPYwB9VWcOvJuJUzDjTRUcB7VHE66-sNbmA2CmLQ7nZmuyyVCCexSF62yzRi_mlDxkERGwywAWSIuBmZ1Aq_NWDp-uTULo3IXbf-Jgyk9IMa1LSYaZ76rwaJelPvEaDZU-rrWw1/w400-h300/IMG_8069.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Momentum is swinging the Yanks' way: Lt Morris leads his understrength 1st Platoon forward (from the patch of rocky ground at left up to center, just above the two M-3 Stuarts and Lt Carney's 2nd Platoon, with Cpl Noonan's 60mm mortar at left, Sgt Dawson's M-3 Grant at top left, and the CO, Captain May, at bottom left).</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJrjl93Ie4eKeEq8Ymw-dfK9W9T852x6ervGBg5_LqaS2LbMNDl5jsUgqacNeOyzoxuz8ZzE8fAX8a5x4Kdnw9Q-JPQ5bwn2f9uTN-sj5izvPo62hz4b8qFf4CpSkUDmX-AS_Dl4MES_TXEziJRk0Qy_4_mKoKGvhkfuCi1DMGaF3WoIH88kWLuAc8/s4032/IMG_8070.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJrjl93Ie4eKeEq8Ymw-dfK9W9T852x6ervGBg5_LqaS2LbMNDl5jsUgqacNeOyzoxuz8ZzE8fAX8a5x4Kdnw9Q-JPQ5bwn2f9uTN-sj5izvPo62hz4b8qFf4CpSkUDmX-AS_Dl4MES_TXEziJRk0Qy_4_mKoKGvhkfuCi1DMGaF3WoIH88kWLuAc8/w400-h300/IMG_8070.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The French riflemen in Mehdi (bottom right) spot Lt Morris' encroaching platoon (top left) and open fire, to no effect.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihuBVsNaptcXYKjpjcgHAuM3j193oSToLvt9LkmMrdSWKJNHNouef3JmTsYjNJy11cKmJRDzy3lm2PyEs0GppbmT-Y7aeMzG_rB5y-GCuXUyYXhtr9V3d41N-SwuoDdHxoJY_MuOpeCQaNS5xDJ6bdhVMjkiOIHB6odnfp3pc9KP3IsWqm5fUMjp43/s4032/IMG_8071.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihuBVsNaptcXYKjpjcgHAuM3j193oSToLvt9LkmMrdSWKJNHNouef3JmTsYjNJy11cKmJRDzy3lm2PyEs0GppbmT-Y7aeMzG_rB5y-GCuXUyYXhtr9V3d41N-SwuoDdHxoJY_MuOpeCQaNS5xDJ6bdhVMjkiOIHB6odnfp3pc9KP3IsWqm5fUMjp43/w400-h300/IMG_8071.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>As the French CO, Capitan Oulette, moves to his left and rallies one of the suppressed MG teams on the southeastern bluffs (red bead at bottom left, French Rifle Platoon in trench at top center).</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpB-sTzbGyBKHoDaY-BbayAIbQO-3snqPWTEOGHmsrncmJWSuSHRwvlt17W41KaE5QlhUllYbS9UeKBDqwjAfBQf5K7hoJWy9aPSdUcbVvevDYrfxXUqd7C2pQpGI4Ib33EPMeM2enVabA-iXm-wfDWSyRvC4NxLKcb1wtepZErlPygqzvHueM9bXB/s4032/IMG_8073.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpB-sTzbGyBKHoDaY-BbayAIbQO-3snqPWTEOGHmsrncmJWSuSHRwvlt17W41KaE5QlhUllYbS9UeKBDqwjAfBQf5K7hoJWy9aPSdUcbVvevDYrfxXUqd7C2pQpGI4Ib33EPMeM2enVabA-iXm-wfDWSyRvC4NxLKcb1wtepZErlPygqzvHueM9bXB/w400-h300/IMG_8073.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The French machine gunners (bottom right) immediately open fire on Lt Carney's 2nd Platoon (left center)...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht2i4K3-lDs9Dgo9SuUYPmmKbbPlBX0y0WceJ1dsPT2s6MTzu9LUn9HPYuDjHZ_dCHUYFLZk_VY6AB3ENMJvb9Rk_REdKWOGvvv6aK1YKlRI5mqLtAUxhJrjWxX6DyYhCzp8xw4Mx-juPQ8Djc3yquoIvV62ALWrKsX30ksk9wAXbgcOUt6qLAeglU/s4032/IMG_8074.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht2i4K3-lDs9Dgo9SuUYPmmKbbPlBX0y0WceJ1dsPT2s6MTzu9LUn9HPYuDjHZ_dCHUYFLZk_VY6AB3ENMJvb9Rk_REdKWOGvvv6aK1YKlRI5mqLtAUxhJrjWxX6DyYhCzp8xw4Mx-juPQ8Djc3yquoIvV62ALWrKsX30ksk9wAXbgcOUt6qLAeglU/w400-h300/IMG_8074.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Suppressing Lt Carney (in rough patch at far right) and forcing Sgt Warren's 2nd Squad to fall back (red bead at top left, they ran and jumped through the hedge for cover, between the two M-3 Stuarts), as Cpl Tolbert's MG team returns fire, pinning the recently rallied French MG team.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3vTfLwgFuaRLhCrSG5hhc6VdB1vbojgheMC0qE2SsXnsjdOR2i7WJg0yDXxa7DBz87hFqJAK9JS-ikpopenw8ywD1kW_k0go5pausud0fKu41oLTl2g8XS1x5WLxST5UP7mO06CbQDx0qe8f9xFxMTQfmhEoHLulJQqcu-HuolWDvHi98wCgjOFOg/s4032/IMG_8075.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3vTfLwgFuaRLhCrSG5hhc6VdB1vbojgheMC0qE2SsXnsjdOR2i7WJg0yDXxa7DBz87hFqJAK9JS-ikpopenw8ywD1kW_k0go5pausud0fKu41oLTl2g8XS1x5WLxST5UP7mO06CbQDx0qe8f9xFxMTQfmhEoHLulJQqcu-HuolWDvHi98wCgjOFOg/w400-h300/IMG_8075.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The two French rifle squads that arrived as reinforcements then move up on the southeastern bluffs, hoping to bolster the French line and help the two French machine gun crews rally.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6-Icrbf2JHp4tJ5M5dn3koIT2X6Z1fS7UW7nNtc5Sayozi6wSPi9Sv0AWJPORLJ0WeFC1Iv0XA4I0BcqBHTCmL0rsSrQ73iQUous-bGzUTorHnqiM6dcs2Ss9W_8_FGNyrgLT--7TmgEudf1aCqNCMrLDP0cnaq0QP0yheg98CbJ36DhC1QrxHqYF/s4032/IMG_8076.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6-Icrbf2JHp4tJ5M5dn3koIT2X6Z1fS7UW7nNtc5Sayozi6wSPi9Sv0AWJPORLJ0WeFC1Iv0XA4I0BcqBHTCmL0rsSrQ73iQUous-bGzUTorHnqiM6dcs2Ss9W_8_FGNyrgLT--7TmgEudf1aCqNCMrLDP0cnaq0QP0yheg98CbJ36DhC1QrxHqYF/w400-h300/IMG_8076.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Cpl Tolbert spots the newly arrived French riflemen atop the southeastern bluffs and orders his gunner to shift fire...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR7KTLNyMBvB-2xtkUuPwVRrLe3IOMvllOg8CEWifZtR2gckwxq_Y4GkmR9UGNWhmahYQF9ajsMB0vukbE8PwEeeYiHtlP-nR6GiRKFqzhDdsMSgU6LSnQ-45wZRdLrQnbVRcQCNBuG374emrN-gtWq5cZ7epc4yZSv1zdmzXy5h9QOOENz2WQX8lb/s4032/IMG_8077.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR7KTLNyMBvB-2xtkUuPwVRrLe3IOMvllOg8CEWifZtR2gckwxq_Y4GkmR9UGNWhmahYQF9ajsMB0vukbE8PwEeeYiHtlP-nR6GiRKFqzhDdsMSgU6LSnQ-45wZRdLrQnbVRcQCNBuG374emrN-gtWq5cZ7epc4yZSv1zdmzXy5h9QOOENz2WQX8lb/w400-h300/IMG_8077.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>But the fire is ineffective, allowing the far-left French MG team (bottom center) to rally and open fire on Lt Carney's 2nd Platoon (left center, in the rough patch just below the M-3 Stuart)...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOBsG_lXU5rab0_KIFmqJjeeGt-e_U3m5WNCSYx4SwfivPWjh__zZrh3cvhyJAVmDjiVDj779P8cEseDUr7_an-MoOfJxUgAIA92EZGmHTG4Khbc0x76z1I2Rx19JvjJv8jVGC8A4BgbTo4kiAMIBIstv8KvcMILk8-Ok0p5FeEMGxGMNrsARKAoye/s1280/3rd%20Sqd%20KO.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOBsG_lXU5rab0_KIFmqJjeeGt-e_U3m5WNCSYx4SwfivPWjh__zZrh3cvhyJAVmDjiVDj779P8cEseDUr7_an-MoOfJxUgAIA92EZGmHTG4Khbc0x76z1I2Rx19JvjJv8jVGC8A4BgbTo4kiAMIBIstv8KvcMILk8-Ok0p5FeEMGxGMNrsARKAoye/w400-h300/3rd%20Sqd%20KO.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div>Lt Carney (yellow bead at right) and his Command Team look on as Sergeant Sievers and his 3rd Squad, 2nd Platoon, Dog Company, are gunned down (casualty figures at far left)!!! </div><div><br /></div><div>Sgt Sievers received a severe head wound; luckily, he was able to be evacuated back to a hospital ship, saving his life. The Docs say he will recover and return to full duty eventually, but he's got a long way to go and they don't expect him back for duty until June 1943.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhASE9kyhFCXgxk-V1qszuHsDZcZMYIk43l01LtHEP-82-1WtAideuGAP4ryhwiySINmxX8o7Bx0dudWo8G_ccrgCLQ-5wvdlac1Rm8CE8HuEmsZuA-yfKGB4b-FKODcOnAoV-LgjDUrKit3YhDMFvj0j0dt3AVtNxEILKG8MlzonxZoNro_-rqAa4A/s4032/IMG_8080.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhASE9kyhFCXgxk-V1qszuHsDZcZMYIk43l01LtHEP-82-1WtAideuGAP4ryhwiySINmxX8o7Bx0dudWo8G_ccrgCLQ-5wvdlac1Rm8CE8HuEmsZuA-yfKGB4b-FKODcOnAoV-LgjDUrKit3YhDMFvj0j0dt3AVtNxEILKG8MlzonxZoNro_-rqAa4A/w400-h300/IMG_8080.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Lt Figures slews his tank to the right (bottom left) and rakes the southeastern bluffs with fire, pinning a rifle squad and suppressing the French MG team that just shot Sgt Siever's squad up (top right)...</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbrLUXlYzDnSkWoprlfQD2BUDawyvkc4wu0Kkeqop3UfkYGRw8n5RDkwXBVzQl-iW5XTqXeSas8mIeP2H3G-9nxzKaYN4offu6neYNCic7fUh78dVEHFjPstHM13bdSMSnmvp_y-vynP6cvockuchVXsFspoXVYwqUs3nq3mNKVRMFytLnaM89V_Tk/s4032/IMG_8072.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbrLUXlYzDnSkWoprlfQD2BUDawyvkc4wu0Kkeqop3UfkYGRw8n5RDkwXBVzQl-iW5XTqXeSas8mIeP2H3G-9nxzKaYN4offu6neYNCic7fUh78dVEHFjPstHM13bdSMSnmvp_y-vynP6cvockuchVXsFspoXVYwqUs3nq3mNKVRMFytLnaM89V_Tk/w400-h300/IMG_8072.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>As the French mortar team (far right bottom) shifts fire, dropping rounds on Lt Morris' 1st Platoon (top left)...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrDwI3YPvsdCR2aa5mmPC4nGiQ-ISUmaydHH0Fb45OrG52_Kubnto-xwRlnoH5sQrbOuwPw7ak7_WtTq-rh-FFGIXw8JKXwo0cpRfYUWK1hiicnzuJZib59YgU6GU8zQswuDvnJ2oZRS3evOwmAft8Rq1M6beeHguXuXNtO5qu3WtetTATv5vemdmf/s4032/IMG_8081.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrDwI3YPvsdCR2aa5mmPC4nGiQ-ISUmaydHH0Fb45OrG52_Kubnto-xwRlnoH5sQrbOuwPw7ak7_WtTq-rh-FFGIXw8JKXwo0cpRfYUWK1hiicnzuJZib59YgU6GU8zQswuDvnJ2oZRS3evOwmAft8Rq1M6beeHguXuXNtO5qu3WtetTATv5vemdmf/w400-h300/IMG_8081.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>But the 81mm HE rounds fall slightly short (the three ugly black smoke markers at right, with 1st Platoon at left, Sgt Simpson's Stuart below them, and Sgt Warren's 2nd Squad, 2nd Platoon, still suppressed -red bead at bottom left- below them), only managing to pin Sgt McAfee's 2nd Squad (yellow bead at center).</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBtxCi-nLmHA5OAFc_2kDPmsCQy8jthifDRMx7aITShN2SMKIHpYGQNwAMvVdvIBfD6iNNIEiMGNRXiFgaQxc1tU2NK5Tk5DsN3v4MiFJIj5MKz0p80dhWVDd6pfcUwUK0yX_PD6k9VphPMC1meBNaxXtqaWm_tybDpR20yfLM1Wz5b3uzC09YyqCQ/s4032/IMG_8082.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBtxCi-nLmHA5OAFc_2kDPmsCQy8jthifDRMx7aITShN2SMKIHpYGQNwAMvVdvIBfD6iNNIEiMGNRXiFgaQxc1tU2NK5Tk5DsN3v4MiFJIj5MKz0p80dhWVDd6pfcUwUK0yX_PD6k9VphPMC1meBNaxXtqaWm_tybDpR20yfLM1Wz5b3uzC09YyqCQ/w400-h300/IMG_8082.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Back on the US right, and still on the beach, Lt Olsavsky's 3rd Platoon has been roughly handled by the enemy. With fire on his men at least temporarily lapsed as the enemy's attention has wandered elsewhere, he stands up (three man stand at top center), dusts himself off, and begins working to get his men back into fighting shape, but it doesn't work... Sgt Humphries' Engineer Squad (far left) is okay, but Sgt Seals' 1st Squad (blue and white beads) has taken casualties and they are panicking. Even worse, Sgt Harper's 3rd Squad, previously pinned down (yellow bead), sees this, and now they begin to panic, too!!!<br /><br />**The white bead on 1st Squad denotes they are 'Men Down,' and the blue bead shows they are low on ammo, which was the result of a random event. They have yet to fire a shot, so my guess is they departed the landing craft into deep water and soaked their ammo, rendering it useless.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSH1EE4r6Wou2XvBTSE7BL33eODj-TjHv00YcpVUgpWi6tQpzqmz7F_EjSU8uc36ok5cN5R7WNho86tpTMdTmk224oARARfKettgE_SdYybntViMwyc_h1xDEz9k0NqWDvp8j6aBymtLKyeXBpDY8aWx0LFmCLRGLTDzmwVGFDLSCgBZ7w5DfKU-QO/s4032/IMG_8083.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSH1EE4r6Wou2XvBTSE7BL33eODj-TjHv00YcpVUgpWi6tQpzqmz7F_EjSU8uc36ok5cN5R7WNho86tpTMdTmk224oARARfKettgE_SdYybntViMwyc_h1xDEz9k0NqWDvp8j6aBymtLKyeXBpDY8aWx0LFmCLRGLTDzmwVGFDLSCgBZ7w5DfKU-QO/w400-h300/IMG_8083.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Cpl Noonan's 60mm mortar team (bottom left) pumps out rounds at the French Rifle Platoon in Mehdia (top right) as Sgt Simpson moves his M-3 Stuart up (center), pumping main gun rounds into the enemy trench...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJBeqlSi7-VCLEut00tLbvu6yyYHk7QT6ooCmILvGho9Xt4hH-cnQvHiza3FJ5K9H5av6-t9v9TSX5eYlDv7LCB1CYu8UIeNyQ-BfkYZitCI7JNLLRN_gqScg5cJj5fPkvQwYj02FTu4jnUlcJEgw4eJ9j61GrF_1WnMQvQdStaOAfjiEeXr3GKNdq/s4032/IMG_8084.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJBeqlSi7-VCLEut00tLbvu6yyYHk7QT6ooCmILvGho9Xt4hH-cnQvHiza3FJ5K9H5av6-t9v9TSX5eYlDv7LCB1CYu8UIeNyQ-BfkYZitCI7JNLLRN_gqScg5cJj5fPkvQwYj02FTu4jnUlcJEgw4eJ9j61GrF_1WnMQvQdStaOAfjiEeXr3GKNdq/w400-h300/IMG_8084.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Forcing the French platoon leader and a rifle squad, both already previously suppressed, to fall back (far left, from trench at right)!!!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicYyv3f5vA1DsGXeKwnTHzNOuK4jjEkMG--pqP2gqOTTkKkyftAl0Uqlar-fjWTYDv_MJlT6Hnjtp9fFS_7yk23oIMQxGWr8nSMzKfDe4vR8tUkVKDiF1O3OapbWMyU-rdIkFilfVMmI-5pByT-Ayc8H58Woe3Len3yI6xVRoJoh0RFeIWl-7hxP_U/s4032/IMG_8085.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicYyv3f5vA1DsGXeKwnTHzNOuK4jjEkMG--pqP2gqOTTkKkyftAl0Uqlar-fjWTYDv_MJlT6Hnjtp9fFS_7yk23oIMQxGWr8nSMzKfDe4vR8tUkVKDiF1O3OapbWMyU-rdIkFilfVMmI-5pByT-Ayc8H58Woe3Len3yI6xVRoJoh0RFeIWl-7hxP_U/w400-h300/IMG_8085.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>With the French battery on Hill 88 (just off camera to left top) silent, Sgt Dawson pushes his M-3 Grant right (bottom left), where he begins pounding the enemy trench at Mehdia (top center) with his 75mm gun, though they only manage to pin a French rifle squad.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwAT-FFL5K6yU9Qdpy8TPhiffro5TDkmLYRL5bqTjU9zIJqc6oIWJ8jykN9K8yC5xo_d6V9E177YePve8278VnlhpbRwJw0vahXyE36dqQMlBTRN2kzfyHV516M8iY1vg26otNoa9HMG9XBznxm7hrS-KD9h6ncJBuU0qUgV4BbK0tO-fhjNnKCSwL/s4032/IMG_8086.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwAT-FFL5K6yU9Qdpy8TPhiffro5TDkmLYRL5bqTjU9zIJqc6oIWJ8jykN9K8yC5xo_d6V9E177YePve8278VnlhpbRwJw0vahXyE36dqQMlBTRN2kzfyHV516M8iY1vg26otNoa9HMG9XBznxm7hrS-KD9h6ncJBuU0qUgV4BbK0tO-fhjNnKCSwL/w400-h300/IMG_8086.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The US commander, Captain May, once again dashes forward under fire to rally the troops: Sgt Warren's 3rd Squad, 2nd Platoon (bottom left) is good, but Sgt Mcafee's 2nd Squad, 1st Platoon (yellow bead at center) remains pinned...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio_Zb7wSPw4ezWaaVngpimNDvNHdBN9uZCWk98dddxZkYEbeiYjKhX3zXD9sULN2us1bKXJbILnvARHUstzU_j3P-h3WWkUcyjRseH7E6GeZCC9awljTXEG8Wnx-5jhGdXOQSAMT-IRjvzp2mPzx3XMB_IHoG2M8KvZIMyKMxmwNKwKZ3y6LSe3RcL/s4032/IMG_8087.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio_Zb7wSPw4ezWaaVngpimNDvNHdBN9uZCWk98dddxZkYEbeiYjKhX3zXD9sULN2us1bKXJbILnvARHUstzU_j3P-h3WWkUcyjRseH7E6GeZCC9awljTXEG8Wnx-5jhGdXOQSAMT-IRjvzp2mPzx3XMB_IHoG2M8KvZIMyKMxmwNKwKZ3y6LSe3RcL/w400-h300/IMG_8087.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Despite Sgt McAfee's 2nd Squad remaining pinned, Lt Morris advances nonetheless, taking Sgt Lake's 1st Squad with him (center top left)!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVsqSOKLFVzXSN2uYUnfaPSFP6lzeVNW6q9BjsNE4WCdYcdQKvs44vaUopiePPEUZn8ejXmxh5p2zV212_JowJzEAlaehA8I6GO-wJtsAdglFXflU2RzAhi751JOdnTF_WlENFwVYqga2ZNYoSpKniBX49WBFS7Fn4pIiJbDWYMHbI5stMOWXKZ4j1/s4032/IMG_8088.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVsqSOKLFVzXSN2uYUnfaPSFP6lzeVNW6q9BjsNE4WCdYcdQKvs44vaUopiePPEUZn8ejXmxh5p2zV212_JowJzEAlaehA8I6GO-wJtsAdglFXflU2RzAhi751JOdnTF_WlENFwVYqga2ZNYoSpKniBX49WBFS7Fn4pIiJbDWYMHbI5stMOWXKZ4j1/w400-h300/IMG_8088.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>But the Frenchmen in the trench (bottom right) spot Lt Morris and Sgt Lake (top left) and open fire, pinning Sgt Lake's squad.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhncb19wcqk4vFo-Bo8GuYHVo0whOTHhyWzdhhfstTdPAKKu2eN7JIk1X-jG2BT7_ZvFm2V0Ohq03Elui-88lFuBRKEwYEFtmYSrBZElUtiCxXO8dvu56PKoQpBFWNaahfO9cV1CVlQakmg4pKsvBzPQ8XSpG7DPO6yJpiWoCsEXuYFoUrsbuvefVeS/s4032/IMG_8089.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhncb19wcqk4vFo-Bo8GuYHVo0whOTHhyWzdhhfstTdPAKKu2eN7JIk1X-jG2BT7_ZvFm2V0Ohq03Elui-88lFuBRKEwYEFtmYSrBZElUtiCxXO8dvu56PKoQpBFWNaahfO9cV1CVlQakmg4pKsvBzPQ8XSpG7DPO6yJpiWoCsEXuYFoUrsbuvefVeS/w400-h300/IMG_8089.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The French defenses erupt: from the southeastern bluffs, two rifle teams and an MG open fire, though they only manage to pin down Cpl Tolbert's MG team (behind scrub at top center), as their suppressed MG team (red bead at bottom left) attempts to rally...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0V0aUKEcZmzq6adWf0S5WuZeXmt5DMl9aLzBk0wvnmUlvVOPqREstWPapnP3nurSncPOspFatyzhhPC-WTzT0TQFY6D2SeIv-5ZXGwufXFEJ64bVOLRnIIPVZFDQlzQ6P5gsdcVF9cI2BS_vUQlawlR0N5X_ur6gTuymPR54RTYt-tUuH2h-GOAzt/s4032/IMG_8090.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0V0aUKEcZmzq6adWf0S5WuZeXmt5DMl9aLzBk0wvnmUlvVOPqREstWPapnP3nurSncPOspFatyzhhPC-WTzT0TQFY6D2SeIv-5ZXGwufXFEJ64bVOLRnIIPVZFDQlzQ6P5gsdcVF9cI2BS_vUQlawlR0N5X_ur6gTuymPR54RTYt-tUuH2h-GOAzt/w400-h300/IMG_8090.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>But they fail, panicking and falling back down the hill!!!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs-Ea0SaCeChDbx2s6vI_Q_7fAi0ESCmNITU9gK7GOInll2F3RJ2DNlDrY69CmqhjYjjcW4qQ6iVhsxR7evpPFZ-Yt-c9C13g0YLzGFdJ9IxywQPnmnJg5pwYwXbpmtGDnzL3i0OtWrIDkrVvQG83U0Pe8hTON3bzfu8XKU0-N1Rz7Wtsr5RLgxDzt/s4032/IMG_8091.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs-Ea0SaCeChDbx2s6vI_Q_7fAi0ESCmNITU9gK7GOInll2F3RJ2DNlDrY69CmqhjYjjcW4qQ6iVhsxR7evpPFZ-Yt-c9C13g0YLzGFdJ9IxywQPnmnJg5pwYwXbpmtGDnzL3i0OtWrIDkrVvQG83U0Pe8hTON3bzfu8XKU0-N1Rz7Wtsr5RLgxDzt/w400-h300/IMG_8091.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>As Lt Carney (far left), his command team all alone with Sgt Siever's squad out of the fight and Sgt McAfee's Squad haven dashed for cover (off camera to left, across the road), and Sgt Martin's Tank Destroyer (bottom left) return fire on the southeastern bluffs (top right), suppressing the French MG still emplaced (the other having panicked and fallen back down behind the bluffs).</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTRn0yiK9MHbXbFdCgdWNccWTZwAOehByqYkJGlYjWbS7Dx6WmLgprdTudON8_LlAEDZKu7ks2J2GIE7n_1G8vC8p_jBfLAxBf0eXT7yDCQRBC_CoTPcIQxmXLh4JXK9AWYoI2dwwBVRh8H1RB2JJcAbptyhGkBoRKSdWfLUW63BT2T_TzBskqRObm/s4032/IMG_8093.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTRn0yiK9MHbXbFdCgdWNccWTZwAOehByqYkJGlYjWbS7Dx6WmLgprdTudON8_LlAEDZKu7ks2J2GIE7n_1G8vC8p_jBfLAxBf0eXT7yDCQRBC_CoTPcIQxmXLh4JXK9AWYoI2dwwBVRh8H1RB2JJcAbptyhGkBoRKSdWfLUW63BT2T_TzBskqRObm/w400-h300/IMG_8093.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>In the French center (right/far right), the Rifle Platoon's commander and rifle squad that had fallen back both rally as the two rifle squads still in the trench open fire on 1st Platoon (top left), pinning Lt Morris' command team.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgJLYbtnhVUDdA8xV0WEfMjqOAE74gu1BZSOR7ORPwY77zJLO6EnjJs2D6gV9TBhvWhVbYPMCeDa8MWo9zdDtYmgLyO4q8laKo0scmLZQUbcUgahK6dn_bncadZtA9bjarJrcpaqyA70JDROU0KWiquP_nZ7Ixm0yILBelNpZqIs9Q6IjNiuZ16EVT/s4032/IMG_8094.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgJLYbtnhVUDdA8xV0WEfMjqOAE74gu1BZSOR7ORPwY77zJLO6EnjJs2D6gV9TBhvWhVbYPMCeDa8MWo9zdDtYmgLyO4q8laKo0scmLZQUbcUgahK6dn_bncadZtA9bjarJrcpaqyA70JDROU0KWiquP_nZ7Ixm0yILBelNpZqIs9Q6IjNiuZ16EVT/w400-h300/IMG_8094.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>But the weak French rifle fire is returned by all three American tanks and two rifle squads return fire on the hapless enemy Rifle Platoon...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLWvqkSPCDsnk80QI77IWj4OwrDZkVZ3rA5p4sJpwMJr4CvP_alt2FkaqiCxDbohdnweu4KrbU4iTE2NE8JLPoEZIacZeuedANxxYkoHrOksam76B6t_nPiS_AGsXJDBnNvCERKr9BSoDaIBi7N6dhuZag2AaZV2Nxl6Cf3ZWRPRZNRLjpBOYEtxyC/s4032/IMG_8095.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLWvqkSPCDsnk80QI77IWj4OwrDZkVZ3rA5p4sJpwMJr4CvP_alt2FkaqiCxDbohdnweu4KrbU4iTE2NE8JLPoEZIacZeuedANxxYkoHrOksam76B6t_nPiS_AGsXJDBnNvCERKr9BSoDaIBi7N6dhuZag2AaZV2Nxl6Cf3ZWRPRZNRLjpBOYEtxyC/w400-h300/IMG_8095.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>A French squad is knocked out (casualty figures at top center), while the other squad in the trench is suppressed (red bead at bottom right), while the platoon leader and the squad that fell back with him (and had just rallied, top left) are pinned.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_sYqIv0djJKhfRqADufRWPOtENiBStP-a9oP98PEtiqiPpf-5rjcwSRsDa-wGxaS7bt2DNsQZAjRXUzdVEyZBy9pmTwgckywicFlT3KVEcYsDYjslIawiZbStIIjHeNynDNdXWhMIoku4hsU0bss2LmHRn0GlmpKMZiorL65Ibzf3yfbq8A6TVsFW/s4032/IMG_8096.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_sYqIv0djJKhfRqADufRWPOtENiBStP-a9oP98PEtiqiPpf-5rjcwSRsDa-wGxaS7bt2DNsQZAjRXUzdVEyZBy9pmTwgckywicFlT3KVEcYsDYjslIawiZbStIIjHeNynDNdXWhMIoku4hsU0bss2LmHRn0GlmpKMZiorL65Ibzf3yfbq8A6TVsFW/w400-h300/IMG_8096.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>As the French mortar team (bottom right) again goes to work on 1st Platoon (top left)...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ_Xloh8vfSIeI0TF_HAti1lmma7fPdnWO49j7TQWf4oiwjR8VEnQ3nA1-yhTRpDkypGybYkZvLF6D9rnpw_AGg42GHGEfiWx7_Hv6WD4CycgRBUfu75btndW7GIyoi-tzf5s9BExxMuJiAuqws4JCKmtt9IkFztHY8gDThSg1TxsaTfwVI1O-f70Q/s4032/IMG_8097.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ_Xloh8vfSIeI0TF_HAti1lmma7fPdnWO49j7TQWf4oiwjR8VEnQ3nA1-yhTRpDkypGybYkZvLF6D9rnpw_AGg42GHGEfiWx7_Hv6WD4CycgRBUfu75btndW7GIyoi-tzf5s9BExxMuJiAuqws4JCKmtt9IkFztHY8gDThSg1TxsaTfwVI1O-f70Q/w400-h300/IMG_8097.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>But somehow the French mortar rounds fall short, again!<br /><br />**I swear, I gave them plenty of dice and there is no logical explanation for this. Whenever a mortar fires for the first time on an unseen target (indirect fire) I short them on dice; in this case, I gave the French mortar 1K 2S for their first round of fire, and all they scored was a single pin. Okay, but this time I gave them 2K 3S, and they didn't score a single hit...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi38R12-iRCgHqlUMf2IU-fYSAceSBxrIJhqiiLF3KovV12b1HvgbOO_H57Zjn1cwHOwE8UzX-uZ5nTOAifB1NcdxxqMwN_ReOL8iiu5X9RRyBJSEcOoG2H3KB8dvCfngEdRw_g_EIQKIylWcpIm9Xs3ngXa93LdEZP1tHJQ6EDUHAxhUR3K7BnuZIp/s4032/IMG_8098.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi38R12-iRCgHqlUMf2IU-fYSAceSBxrIJhqiiLF3KovV12b1HvgbOO_H57Zjn1cwHOwE8UzX-uZ5nTOAifB1NcdxxqMwN_ReOL8iiu5X9RRyBJSEcOoG2H3KB8dvCfngEdRw_g_EIQKIylWcpIm9Xs3ngXa93LdEZP1tHJQ6EDUHAxhUR3K7BnuZIp/w400-h300/IMG_8098.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Perhaps more importantly, the French battery atop Hill 88 finally gets a chance to rally, but while the 25mm ATG makes the best of it and is back in the fight, the 75mm gun crew blows it! They fail the rally attempt, panic, and fall back down the hill (red bead at far right, from sandbagged position at far left)!!!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKcs5I9ErN_OpIfC0LNmivG4xD41CgyoO9nK3E6sGUX-n_eYYNvy72lr945k1Ls278S0lSq_7vU7_BZjUdndBqb7mI7gAbGvuhYOS0-NiLREqbvVatOBxCzHblskA8kyc7KkSL9-HEvgTW1iInzzGOJWBN1LKw6-W_pWT7kTKIv9phD7Qvbl3xzgUA/s4032/IMG_8099.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKcs5I9ErN_OpIfC0LNmivG4xD41CgyoO9nK3E6sGUX-n_eYYNvy72lr945k1Ls278S0lSq_7vU7_BZjUdndBqb7mI7gAbGvuhYOS0-NiLREqbvVatOBxCzHblskA8kyc7KkSL9-HEvgTW1iInzzGOJWBN1LKw6-W_pWT7kTKIv9phD7Qvbl3xzgUA/w400-h300/IMG_8099.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>With mortar rounds dropping and small arms fire abounding, the American CO, Captain May, again dashes forward to get his men moving (right center, from far left), rallying all of Lt Morris' 1st Platoon! </div><div><br /></div><div>Sgt Dawson orders his driver to move their M-3 Grant forward in support (top left)...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg77uwq0gF3HRjEa3lwq1aKpVFGcPOHBTqY2OnruCRlHALTdQpvZc2-QDP3zZR0nPBYdZPoXumj6Sa0HyU1Rbmhz0xZkdYS14B1sFYBPrE3DOtrh44_LtrlRtnhRrLUqlE103D14w3StsStlpTEFXbBYbT2a3Pua31wppsC80onVMCobirY9IspJpau/s4032/IMG_8100.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg77uwq0gF3HRjEa3lwq1aKpVFGcPOHBTqY2OnruCRlHALTdQpvZc2-QDP3zZR0nPBYdZPoXumj6Sa0HyU1Rbmhz0xZkdYS14B1sFYBPrE3DOtrh44_LtrlRtnhRrLUqlE103D14w3StsStlpTEFXbBYbT2a3Pua31wppsC80onVMCobirY9IspJpau/w400-h300/IMG_8100.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>And the French battery atop Hill 88 blows it again! The 25mm ATG crew, just rallied back into the fight (bottom right), spots Sgt Dawson's tank (left top) moving. "Gunner, target, tank, 200 yards, armor piercing, fire!"</div><div><br /></div><div>And completely misses the barn-sized tank, which is full flank-on to the French anti-tank gunners...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtaUe-BFQhvnYS5N-alhRQ9f2DKORhSCwygrg5gBSUby1-el52ZUqSQsHvA4AbJHVG_aQ9k1jksP0LYAVpIIJar0K63N_zBtSKfMblo87Q49CvPumk2ysBb6tZ3UpcXYqbptWs4FOhPScGyLJsMWD9abqtJg-ADtkgUsfzMKANslUYvJO59L0RphmZ/s4032/IMG_8101.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtaUe-BFQhvnYS5N-alhRQ9f2DKORhSCwygrg5gBSUby1-el52ZUqSQsHvA4AbJHVG_aQ9k1jksP0LYAVpIIJar0K63N_zBtSKfMblo87Q49CvPumk2ysBb6tZ3UpcXYqbptWs4FOhPScGyLJsMWD9abqtJg-ADtkgUsfzMKANslUYvJO59L0RphmZ/w400-h300/IMG_8101.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Sgt Dawson doesn't even notice the errant AP round as he pushes his tank forward (center top, from explosion at far left), pounding the enemy trench as he goes.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRlgxi_4-gLWEHR1VAGufD-C1Hw_IJWHuWiYOjhVkU91SkrMf6G-87408hfd2jpIRm9DuaYFA0v7sJq6LpEJW72bogvF8ijOFq_Cd61UnvsFgGT3UNWfoGMXE8nb5hjQdsCiaHaCAlLHBhzsH7RZXXlXcbU_mPzfLrqwLsL5e8A-9McbfNOf00DSXV/s4032/IMG_8102.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRlgxi_4-gLWEHR1VAGufD-C1Hw_IJWHuWiYOjhVkU91SkrMf6G-87408hfd2jpIRm9DuaYFA0v7sJq6LpEJW72bogvF8ijOFq_Cd61UnvsFgGT3UNWfoGMXE8nb5hjQdsCiaHaCAlLHBhzsH7RZXXlXcbU_mPzfLrqwLsL5e8A-9McbfNOf00DSXV/w400-h300/IMG_8102.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>But Cpl Noonan (bottom left) saw the French battery atop Hill 88 (top right) get back into action, so he orders his gunners to crank their sights over and they begin dropping 60mm HE rounds on the hill...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsz4aAERCl2n8Q4qR79HtAjSWT-7xWYjJsNbuDQv3LW2wBP3QVqD3J1gfIJKlaL8btFBe4_LisI0-Kqk0xuJagIh27hOkW3iSwiwqYbGMjGIj22YctTAmJKa9j6EXOnPHTfdJ-CzisRqBPnSYT0mFuq25pKqwitKE3f85cfi7EnWp3v1TlRxvgRUPq/s4032/IMG_8103.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsz4aAERCl2n8Q4qR79HtAjSWT-7xWYjJsNbuDQv3LW2wBP3QVqD3J1gfIJKlaL8btFBe4_LisI0-Kqk0xuJagIh27hOkW3iSwiwqYbGMjGIj22YctTAmJKa9j6EXOnPHTfdJ-CzisRqBPnSYT0mFuq25pKqwitKE3f85cfi7EnWp3v1TlRxvgRUPq/w400-h300/IMG_8103.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Pinning the French anti-tank gunners.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1NNLIa8sAI-EbwCQSBYoJqcpll6JPIoD6fLAhrHGZRThnUbtZFX2mYeNCnuWAZGBxhRuTUCaqKpHvy2DwnMPR05ov7rt96oAe57X74YBuhSNuiJbump3nDjlMiyUZS1MHCrBAtXy3VzfdvYkuN6cGBMsjbbHULfPJMY1IGcie5aftTpNxKD1TlhOs/s4032/IMG_8104.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1NNLIa8sAI-EbwCQSBYoJqcpll6JPIoD6fLAhrHGZRThnUbtZFX2mYeNCnuWAZGBxhRuTUCaqKpHvy2DwnMPR05ov7rt96oAe57X74YBuhSNuiJbump3nDjlMiyUZS1MHCrBAtXy3VzfdvYkuN6cGBMsjbbHULfPJMY1IGcie5aftTpNxKD1TlhOs/w400-h300/IMG_8104.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>As Sgt Martin's Tank Destroyer uses its 75mm cannon to fire onto the southeastern bluffs, causing casualties and sending one of the French rifle squads there 'Men Down.'</div><div><br /></div><div>**As a refresher, 'Men Down' is a step below being 'Suppressed,' meaning it can't move, can't shoot, can't self rally, and suffers a very nasty penalty (-3) in close combat. All it can do is sit there and hope a friendly unit comes over to help it rally.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizCM5aVoQf9IjykcKr_1prJtmd36_rbZKXn8cWbNI-XOku82j9AbB8i0rH8XM-xBxGphlPAcrBBUJnKuHwI-ojOtseawicUl-MbyeodX3zbd7aHdQkiBc5cloSvM1jAxWjGGd6ClswL7gw7ZSdiiMxHHJ4rvUY_V2A6gtz-pP93xtQsMpngLB7DfjK/s4032/IMG_8105.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizCM5aVoQf9IjykcKr_1prJtmd36_rbZKXn8cWbNI-XOku82j9AbB8i0rH8XM-xBxGphlPAcrBBUJnKuHwI-ojOtseawicUl-MbyeodX3zbd7aHdQkiBc5cloSvM1jAxWjGGd6ClswL7gw7ZSdiiMxHHJ4rvUY_V2A6gtz-pP93xtQsMpngLB7DfjK/w400-h300/IMG_8105.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Lt Carney (bottom right) looks on as Sgt Warren's squad follows Lt Figures' M-3 Stuart up the street into Mehdia, 37mm gun and .30-cal machine guns belching fire...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQZ6FRi3Pfv1uoET-o09tMN_AshDDSTGulBNCAj0rU4kCM3xQeXvzOBctikOD-G1yrsWyzaS2jh_dsxEzgrzuQjG_AN_WKFEf2peaGOpaKZRilAEcutItOYnQLoXwfd1DjHmwdneFPuo-EaUeVNGCSXeg8r95tdYnbN4ZSwcbqA2i_R0ODTIgOHbdP/s4032/IMG_8106.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQZ6FRi3Pfv1uoET-o09tMN_AshDDSTGulBNCAj0rU4kCM3xQeXvzOBctikOD-G1yrsWyzaS2jh_dsxEzgrzuQjG_AN_WKFEf2peaGOpaKZRilAEcutItOYnQLoXwfd1DjHmwdneFPuo-EaUeVNGCSXeg8r95tdYnbN4ZSwcbqA2i_R0ODTIgOHbdP/w400-h300/IMG_8106.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Forcing the remaining French MG team atop the southeastern bluffs to panic and fall back (red bead at center right, from sandbagged position at far left)!</div><div><br /></div><div>That's the French mortar team at far right, and the French CO, Capitan Oulette, next to the house. The other MG team is panicked and suppressed just off camera to bottom right, while there are two French rifle squads atop the bluffs; the white bead is the squad that is 'Men Down,' while the yellow beaded squad is 'Pinned.'</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv22mRsWI8h5syiOClXr2_A1OhWfkykeYyCVXist9u_tYHxwJsbutl6jnCJnfEneQ3lRtfdjiEErcsx3U94uCI_-OW22jzjOWAj3R_CIGMU8TJCxerhQE6GxYdvawMHNWPGagZ1J3ASKTNoc1XKiBUl19bVvW6XiVttT0GsyQaJzTRoQY90Wm-R_gg/s1280/IMG_8107.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv22mRsWI8h5syiOClXr2_A1OhWfkykeYyCVXist9u_tYHxwJsbutl6jnCJnfEneQ3lRtfdjiEErcsx3U94uCI_-OW22jzjOWAj3R_CIGMU8TJCxerhQE6GxYdvawMHNWPGagZ1J3ASKTNoc1XKiBUl19bVvW6XiVttT0GsyQaJzTRoQY90Wm-R_gg/w400-h300/IMG_8107.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>And with that, Lt Morris leads 1st Platoon forward to pierce the center of the French line! Lt Morris' command team and Sgt Lake's 1st Squad charge into close combat with the sole French rifle squad left in the trenchline...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHYO369vYWwbjG5LzXJF7znWyyxNSkNJRRodKN0SkqAtbBxuN92K0Xti0FJ1PS4VA9syMSikBQ4dp6OkWq0OL3MgzxUe9HjhqAJLOY7tPN9M12HyyKXIhm509VEkzwh5r57aSFqjRvqeNzjDVY_XRLbqGZtWLGlSZNgzpUOHV949bZAmXiJ8hrVtej/s4032/IMG_8108.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHYO369vYWwbjG5LzXJF7znWyyxNSkNJRRodKN0SkqAtbBxuN92K0Xti0FJ1PS4VA9syMSikBQ4dp6OkWq0OL3MgzxUe9HjhqAJLOY7tPN9M12HyyKXIhm509VEkzwh5r57aSFqjRvqeNzjDVY_XRLbqGZtWLGlSZNgzpUOHV949bZAmXiJ8hrVtej/w400-h300/IMG_8108.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The French squad is put out of the fight!</div><div><br /></div><div>**Sorry, had to use German casualty figures, I actually don't have French casualty figures.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLo2GFKvzaE5UZKYjhJjutfgwQoQIc0PyfANcGl-HAu2B1Xz6qnQ-ogcOQn1fCBseRXrK7IUXUpLw-km1F2VpyCEdGSa03GROW4hkOLFfNAVszOM3G_yZESJjBZQym2Tgd-8SOYlT5jRfryJISYLkVYCi3g0EqHLRIE_hvqghgP2nNTsCY8diHF8L9/s4032/IMG_8109.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLo2GFKvzaE5UZKYjhJjutfgwQoQIc0PyfANcGl-HAu2B1Xz6qnQ-ogcOQn1fCBseRXrK7IUXUpLw-km1F2VpyCEdGSa03GROW4hkOLFfNAVszOM3G_yZESJjBZQym2Tgd-8SOYlT5jRfryJISYLkVYCi3g0EqHLRIE_hvqghgP2nNTsCY8diHF8L9/w400-h300/IMG_8109.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Lt Morris and Sgt Lake lead their men forward (center, from far right), crashing into the French Rifle Platoon leader and his last remaining rifle squad... The French Lieutenant and his last squad immediately raise their hands in surrender!!!</div><div><br /></div><div>**I rolled it up as a 'normal' close combat, and the Americans won, so rather than continue the bloodletting, I figured it made a lot more sense in this context to have the French surrender.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh17ueotJ9e9Kx-_H2YS-2-I1muChEm8dNdkBdWmuQ-qPf8OIfGpGaqUHcDO19_KDKYGz0D06JHXzvTD3d8gUl0oUi_OJbwMGLE3wF0_QhFAOXBCFnhKRqB8ek427_fQclngnXC0VhD4w8_bm3MRpfS0jk3jr2PK_Py1hgsdg49qptKA_lKUckdWRHh/s4032/IMG_8110.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh17ueotJ9e9Kx-_H2YS-2-I1muChEm8dNdkBdWmuQ-qPf8OIfGpGaqUHcDO19_KDKYGz0D06JHXzvTD3d8gUl0oUi_OJbwMGLE3wF0_QhFAOXBCFnhKRqB8ek427_fQclngnXC0VhD4w8_bm3MRpfS0jk3jr2PK_Py1hgsdg49qptKA_lKUckdWRHh/w400-h300/IMG_8110.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>And that was just the break the French commander, Capitan Oulette, and his men were looking for! Their honor intact, having spilled blood and bled for their country, they immediately cast aside their weapons and raised their arms, eagerly surrendering to the advancing Americans.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY9SbKgeJehgAz5QQMNKlHr2wNybBl5zW6UWwwnhTgEo-RYWMiZk-2dXSLzYB5PUNq6jETgiH0XLAcjr7hOIVSKctBRDG7CH4C6h_isM-HbRLQ61972JT-NCrIhCi164Y06DgzwONubDCHtuY-hvhPutPsT4K7_Ag688H7zYEITfIBCY_1oOdCJ2zC/s4032/IMG_8111.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY9SbKgeJehgAz5QQMNKlHr2wNybBl5zW6UWwwnhTgEo-RYWMiZk-2dXSLzYB5PUNq6jETgiH0XLAcjr7hOIVSKctBRDG7CH4C6h_isM-HbRLQ61972JT-NCrIhCi164Y06DgzwONubDCHtuY-hvhPutPsT4K7_Ag688H7zYEITfIBCY_1oOdCJ2zC/w400-h300/IMG_8111.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>The men of the hour, 2nd Lieutenant Morris and Sgt Lake, standing atop the southeastern bluffs, supervising the orderly surrender and processing of the French garrison.<br /><p>Man, what I fight! As simple as it was, I can't tell you how much I needed that, I really had a lot of fun and feel like I'm back to my old (wargaming) self. It's been quite a long time. </p><p>Here are the stats:</p><p>-US suffered 15 casualties</p><p>-French suffered 20 casualties and 60 captured, including their Commander, two MGs, and a medium mortar.</p><p>-The French artillery battery on Hill 88 escaped, spiking their guns and retiring towards Port Lyautey.</p><p>Characters:</p><p>-Captain May, Dog Company, was awarded the Bronze Star w/V for braving intense enemy mortar, machine gun, and small arms fire to rally and inspire his men on no less than three separate occasions, leading the assault to defeat enemy positions IVO Mehdia, Morocco, and secure Dog Green Beach. </p><p>-2nd Lt Carney, 1st Platoon, Easy Company, was awarded the Silver Star for leading his platoon into close combat that breached the enemy line and led to its collapse.<br /></p><p>-Sgt Lake, 1st Squad, 1st Platoon, Easy Company, was awarded the Bronze Star w/V for leading his squad into close combat that breached the enemy line and led to its collapse.</p><p>-2nd Lt Olsavsky, 3rd Platoon, Easy Company, was reprimanded for a lack of combat leadership in the face of the enemy.</p><p>-Sgt Seals, 1st Squad, 3rd Platoon, Easy Company, was reprimanded for a lack of combat leadership in the face of the enemy.</p><p>-Sgt Harper, 3rd Squad, 3rd Platoon, Easy Company, was reprimanded for a lack of combat leadership in the face of the enemy.</p><p>-Sgt Siever, 3rd Squad, 2nd Platoon, Dog Company, was severely wounded, but will return to the Task Force on 1 June 1943</p><p>Situation: Captain May and the men under his command have secured Dog Green; they immediately set about consolidating their position, treating the wounded, redistributing ammunition, and untangling the mixed-up units. Captain Kirkland had a much easier time on Easy Green, where the French unit opposite him quickly surrendered without engaging the American landing force.</p><p>Rather than risk allowing the French time to counterattack while sorting out the mixed-up units on both landing beaches, Major Reisman has ordered Captain Kirkland to take what forces he has immediately available and push west to encircle the town of Mehdia (in order to prevent the garrison from escaping) and probe towards Port Lyautey for potential exploitation by the Task Force's Armored Reconnaissance Company.</p><p>Coming soon!</p><p>V/R,<br />Jack</p></div>Just Jackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03552962741823929433noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8660216775038377627.post-20164642198113950182022-04-06T19:16:00.000-07:002022-04-06T19:16:04.716-07:00The Battle of Biazza Ridge III<p> All,</p><p>Yup, this is the third go on the same table with roughly the same forces. So here's the scoop: my boys (ages 12 and 7) played the game twice using "One Hour Skirmish Wargames,' with slightly different force composition and arrival/placement. Then I hatched a plan to play the game again, but using different rules (more on that at the bottom), and a very interesting occurrence happened this past Saturday evening: we had company over to play a wargame!<br /><br />My wife and daughter were out at a friend's birthday party, so the boys and I were all alone at home. My older boy's baseball team had the weekend off, and my younger boy's team had played earlier (and won), so we were just home chilling out (I was painting), when I got a call from a buddy of mine, asking if my boys wanted to come over and play with his boys. I coach my little boy's baseball team, and this gentleman is not only one of my assistant coaches, but his little boy plays on the team, and he and I also coached our older boys together back when they played on the same team. I told my buddy/assistant coach I didn't feel much like going anywhere, but if his boys wanted to play a wargame I'd gladly entertain them (they had previously seen my toys but never played with them). So, it was pretty doggone cool to have four boys I coached in baseball up in the War Room, playing a game. Happily, all indications are that they had a great time, and the little ones beat the big ones! ;)</p><p>Forgive me, I didn't take anywhere near as many photos as usual, I was having too good a time and having to make sure the boys understood the rules (two boys that hadn't played a wargame before, and two boys that hadn't played these rules before).</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz4jcc36Ah8i6dSaBL0-VGKdxqbGEzgpU8F718Ih9N6xiC-5S7CFxq_s4D5h-KbGk5xPsTm7Nf427Xugao9MlCjJ8mvZApGs_7XRBkL9BlorCygm1twRf6BEJz-W62zSovpy5Xxno3w5Kv7zgXPU-LkJgtEwp-05nSrPG_r2CVq2miZBg5DbDI0drX/s4032/IMG_7309.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz4jcc36Ah8i6dSaBL0-VGKdxqbGEzgpU8F718Ih9N6xiC-5S7CFxq_s4D5h-KbGk5xPsTm7Nf427Xugao9MlCjJ8mvZApGs_7XRBkL9BlorCygm1twRf6BEJz-W62zSovpy5Xxno3w5Kv7zgXPU-LkJgtEwp-05nSrPG_r2CVq2miZBg5DbDI0drX/w400-h300/IMG_7309.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Here we go again! North is up, the ridge runs southwest to northeast (bottom center left to top center right), and the terrain is broken by some cultivated fields, some orchards, scattered trees and bushes, while being bisected by a dirt road running through the saddle between the North Spur and South Spur of Biazza Ridge. The only hard cover on the table is the bombed-out church at left top and the house at bottom right.<br /><br />The forces are on the table: the Americans have their 1st Platoon in the orchard at top right, their 2nd Platoon behind some hedges just below them, and their 3rd Platoon in the field at bottom center. They have their Pack Howitzers behind the orchard at top right and their 60mm mortar behind the house at bottom right. The Germans have their 1st Platoon behind the field at top center, their 2nd Platoon just below it, and their 3rd Platoon in the trees just below that. Their 80mm mortar is behind the trees at top left and, interestingly, they have chosen to split their Tigers up, one at top left (Tiger 501) and one at bottom left (Tiger 502). Perhaps more interestingly, they left their heavy MG-42 team back to escort the Tiger at bottom left.</div><div><p>The Americans have their CO (Colonel Gavin), three rifle platoons (two rifle squads and a bazooka team, each), a Forward Observer (FO), two 75mm pack howitzers, and a 60mm mortar team. </p><p>The Germans have their CO, three rifle platoons (two with three squads and one with two), an FO, an 80mm mortar team, an MG-42 HMG team, and two Tiger Is.<br /><br />Spotting is automatic for everyone EXCEPT the Tigers, who must test to spot infantry if they do not have a friendly infantry stand in base contact.</p></div><div>So the game kicked off, and the 'normal' pre-battle maneuver kicked off. Both sides were quick to push their forces forward, but were hesitant to actually jump on up and into contact, so the first two turns were nothing but each side pushing menacingly up to the South Spur but staying out of sight below the crest, while the Americans maneuvered aggressively on the North Spur, though still staying out of sight, while the Germans dragged their feet a bit, trying to allow Tiger 501 to catch up, though they became impatient and did neither (maneuver aggressively or allow the tank to catch up). The 3rd turn saw the Americans push their Forward Observer up atop the South Spur (as they had in the first two fights), and once that occurred the Germans decided it was go time.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3WmBvWvGCihnbj9GJMzG_oriPGnlKGPewj_h0-x3Qh6MlMk2n8ws7mdEhxXjyQhbO2-OFHTpvZ-SYL6nwQ_MBJBOqAjVjLP21KMtBem7jN4ZTc80BG3JQFXHlaAFYGfniLO4Paxvf7Mb6CxkIVvpWjgI6tPz4wXMds8LFIpLgs4LkUT1kPMKts1_C/s4032/IMG_7310.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3WmBvWvGCihnbj9GJMzG_oriPGnlKGPewj_h0-x3Qh6MlMk2n8ws7mdEhxXjyQhbO2-OFHTpvZ-SYL6nwQ_MBJBOqAjVjLP21KMtBem7jN4ZTc80BG3JQFXHlaAFYGfniLO4Paxvf7Mb6CxkIVvpWjgI6tPz4wXMds8LFIpLgs4LkUT1kPMKts1_C/w400-h300/IMG_7310.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Action on the South Spur: the German 3rd Platoon pushes up onto the crest, where small arms fire breaks out between them and the American 3rd Platoon (top left), as Tiger 502 (bottom center, with Tiger 501 off camera to far left, closing in on the North Spur) takes a shot at the US FO but misses (top center right).</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLTqE3nHsATLs9VVOdKbesB7tasgOVYwMOAq_q8ZVvjRYbclbWo-obasS3XF2JerQJuQp-WIafHGw253fvnSxhz26u3pFuQrGe6BCqPB85fRSCmmi2wEsV1hooj9PIAI6BykijTkkisbgwNr3LYuB50uZDzVkOfr1fERn-7PZdf5Ns4kJiKiID9AG8/s4032/IMG_7311.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLTqE3nHsATLs9VVOdKbesB7tasgOVYwMOAq_q8ZVvjRYbclbWo-obasS3XF2JerQJuQp-WIafHGw253fvnSxhz26u3pFuQrGe6BCqPB85fRSCmmi2wEsV1hooj9PIAI6BykijTkkisbgwNr3LYuB50uZDzVkOfr1fERn-7PZdf5Ns4kJiKiID9AG8/w400-h300/IMG_7311.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>And retribution is swift as the US artillery immediately pounds the Germans, knocking out their MG-42 team!</div><div><br /></div><div>The older boys were the Germans (again), and my older by kind of listened to me about not needing to have your escorting infantry out in the open; the tanks have to start on the German baseline, and we talked about having the infantry start in cover. The older boys started the infantry platoons in cover, with the intention of having them sit tight until the tanks caught up, but they got excited and pushed the infantry forward before the tanks caught up, so they decided to use the MG-42 team to escort Tiger 502 (so it would have an easier time spotting the US FO), but that didn't work out very well...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf5GTmFk_QcC-cvyN-IjwraTAt_I1aF-G7ekGjHfhEkeT8cMSeWa1rStNqJX2yLDSnDmKlgp6rFpgcrTh_Pz08ez4wp2grpBWSBsobp-YTj430attBiMn3wXAs_ri9P5P2O96XhSNMMK8oRcqxPfDlYRr7A9iBFE-Dio5atbFiWH0HZ4M4NXPHvwST/s4032/IMG_7312.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf5GTmFk_QcC-cvyN-IjwraTAt_I1aF-G7ekGjHfhEkeT8cMSeWa1rStNqJX2yLDSnDmKlgp6rFpgcrTh_Pz08ez4wp2grpBWSBsobp-YTj430attBiMn3wXAs_ri9P5P2O96XhSNMMK8oRcqxPfDlYRr7A9iBFE-Dio5atbFiWH0HZ4M4NXPHvwST/w400-h300/IMG_7312.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The firefight atop the South Spur heats up, with Colonel Gavin (bottom right, below a 3rd Platoon squad that is suppressed) taking fire! The Germans attempted to close with the Americans, who used supporting fires very effectively to stop the German advance, though some short rounds suppressed an American rifle squad and forced them to fall back in panic!</div><div><br /></div><div>Having said that, what really stymied the Germans on the South Spur (aside from being unable to get Tiger 502 into the fight), was being suppressed and having some really, really terrible dice rolls for rallying, which saw one of their rifle squads break and the other two panic and fall back down the hill to shelter in the woods, not getting back into fighting shape until the fight was decided...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBDWds22SyBeBUZ_CsWXyONFtsbKFmHWjdWhvm-X_rATnyNzRHOdkxg8l7GktkqOtnATPAVa6TTdrtNHBwDVkPNVKk9sb7DtzD6yBBJxjXtyGttFkFg3Cdx21_vA8iaGLiWXy26sy8-7nZ97pif0NwJmgrhrcUmzYwvt8mijYC7k10f1CKFj4xqcm0/s1280/IMG_7313.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBDWds22SyBeBUZ_CsWXyONFtsbKFmHWjdWhvm-X_rATnyNzRHOdkxg8l7GktkqOtnATPAVa6TTdrtNHBwDVkPNVKk9sb7DtzD6yBBJxjXtyGttFkFg3Cdx21_vA8iaGLiWXy26sy8-7nZ97pif0NwJmgrhrcUmzYwvt8mijYC7k10f1CKFj4xqcm0/w400-h300/IMG_7313.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Having decimated the Germans on the South Spur, the Americans shift fire onto the slopes of the North Spur, knocking out one of the German 2nd Platoon's squads (with a 1st Platoon squad visible at top left).</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVOJ8da_lzFQNd3npoEuBHo5Poojf_xffGuP_pKXKQHwY514b8uedxClbRpug0XjeYW34a5Zg0Py6Ee_vG0jsbk28sAIydzxLOaBsWB6iGWwOV6MhnZ8vMto2WqdHWOmJJfDRl5kzqK_OkxXMI1U8bJPUIVp9qlbaI5P7U4lZB2XPxKInzGU9v-0GB/s4032/IMG_7316.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVOJ8da_lzFQNd3npoEuBHo5Poojf_xffGuP_pKXKQHwY514b8uedxClbRpug0XjeYW34a5Zg0Py6Ee_vG0jsbk28sAIydzxLOaBsWB6iGWwOV6MhnZ8vMto2WqdHWOmJJfDRl5kzqK_OkxXMI1U8bJPUIVp9qlbaI5P7U4lZB2XPxKInzGU9v-0GB/w400-h300/IMG_7316.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>But the Germans are undaunted, continuing their push up the North Spur, where you can see American riflemen amongst the trees atop the ridge.<br /><br />Without their tank, I might add. Tiger 501 is off camera to bottom left, struggling to catch up and unable to spot the American paratroopers hidden in the trees atop the North Spur.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoag8jJ3UXvIy59ULJWIvoKcnW7DEQncd207MlEmygnrmOyFfvRSNkKxJq0QFmsfzXqaWh_N0OXYnFWmh0iXTa2VTyXrNTIdfqrMBteB8HvGZy5cuCtsxfLPkOeh2wnEGqESj6Mxh8RNjbFbVbyGEx_keYPVx5o_Y1QpiU2HJEtq61vQXv7t0suDPS/s4032/IMG_7317.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoag8jJ3UXvIy59ULJWIvoKcnW7DEQncd207MlEmygnrmOyFfvRSNkKxJq0QFmsfzXqaWh_N0OXYnFWmh0iXTa2VTyXrNTIdfqrMBteB8HvGZy5cuCtsxfLPkOeh2wnEGqESj6Mxh8RNjbFbVbyGEx_keYPVx5o_Y1QpiU2HJEtq61vQXv7t0suDPS/w400-h300/IMG_7317.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The Americans continue to push troops up the North Spur as well, opening fire on the German 1st Platoon (left top), which they've caught in the open, but their small arms fire is ineffective...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLH-A7nyA1eiGaqaiFKBD9EhxSk3UbGcuqAoLRYcHaCuMM9U8rzFf37jPY_7lY9L-QFg88QA4sW58cuy7RmBcguaIl6bTmso6rxCEy6PSuwh9U03nZrgB_sNb_zhY_6ZOYF70VNuHeNvZREFAmsaXpL9XcQXzcQInemw_VlVHUA9_v7hMantyr30eU/s4032/IMG_7318.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLH-A7nyA1eiGaqaiFKBD9EhxSk3UbGcuqAoLRYcHaCuMM9U8rzFf37jPY_7lY9L-QFg88QA4sW58cuy7RmBcguaIl6bTmso6rxCEy6PSuwh9U03nZrgB_sNb_zhY_6ZOYF70VNuHeNvZREFAmsaXpL9XcQXzcQInemw_VlVHUA9_v7hMantyr30eU/w400-h300/IMG_7318.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>But the Germans use their 80mm mortar to pound the US 2nd Platoon positions on the North Spur (bottom center), knocking out a rifle squad.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdiV98yzfecaLuDf2G_CfW7Rk1Zxo60AlzgUJ40Td8fUeBkdVJCQQEsupyltSrxKf7jdqMhNhb448LCKuk1HfZ44ibCLdwiZl4ed3UDqnfcvA2K9LrXBruubnTItswOuF_PVwW1JoOjZUJvFdIiqspPCTsJxUaVsLmyvl2Zg7ejFAUndONn-81nwvS/s4032/IMG_7319.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdiV98yzfecaLuDf2G_CfW7Rk1Zxo60AlzgUJ40Td8fUeBkdVJCQQEsupyltSrxKf7jdqMhNhb448LCKuk1HfZ44ibCLdwiZl4ed3UDqnfcvA2K9LrXBruubnTItswOuF_PVwW1JoOjZUJvFdIiqspPCTsJxUaVsLmyvl2Zg7ejFAUndONn-81nwvS/w400-h300/IMG_7319.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>And the Germans make their play: chargin into close combat against the US 1st Platoon position (right)!!!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE-Ro_3DZ_HqL0koogF4_cvGAY50byfybdg8D5tWobHqeL9DsHwT3mBqSHG_LzOsmTmvgqzlU-IbfZjFSVsnsZnPTCJqSA3mIK8jmo4Yg0bJ55gB1MjDYp_-5EmExpbH5xmWIPLPIHOi7DA24H4WfzGHztfM114Pipq1ZutML1JMfx7k_0Ckbcq0qf/s4032/IMG_7320.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE-Ro_3DZ_HqL0koogF4_cvGAY50byfybdg8D5tWobHqeL9DsHwT3mBqSHG_LzOsmTmvgqzlU-IbfZjFSVsnsZnPTCJqSA3mIK8jmo4Yg0bJ55gB1MjDYp_-5EmExpbH5xmWIPLPIHOi7DA24H4WfzGHztfM114Pipq1ZutML1JMfx7k_0Ckbcq0qf/w400-h300/IMG_7320.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Knocking out an American squad!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7clO9at_iIH4dMWmioE2DANgICXjXylAmutYgIOu6l8xw7WiOktYX7Gatgm6Uo4-6p5QXBz-NKraDhg5pQnrgzPT7HCanOAfSsPp0bziSzNKH2rIbtmzrabgtOala7d4L2SGzlL-QMl0sLfE6-5GET4WlG0ZKMDtEWu-r7f0dBBlI3eReCCXT1OAL/s4032/IMG_7321.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7clO9at_iIH4dMWmioE2DANgICXjXylAmutYgIOu6l8xw7WiOktYX7Gatgm6Uo4-6p5QXBz-NKraDhg5pQnrgzPT7HCanOAfSsPp0bziSzNKH2rIbtmzrabgtOala7d4L2SGzlL-QMl0sLfE6-5GET4WlG0ZKMDtEWu-r7f0dBBlI3eReCCXT1OAL/w400-h300/IMG_7321.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Before being defeated by the next other American squad!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcateLxv-KERY4C1j5msRFF2wqwJU5i32EAkzXS-TzcWFjxKoofhYmUbN21pehdIq2ZofjM1S7IxSc64TrJGt4Gzy7TEXyx4ol2LlU5VSKP2PFMda3TCVQAMsXqqxVSa_kq9c8iTWQSf7otPBrwbhZJgqafBRUpuRsMM9g6L7H3bzjZpvZC5V67GmY/s4032/IMG_7322.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcateLxv-KERY4C1j5msRFF2wqwJU5i32EAkzXS-TzcWFjxKoofhYmUbN21pehdIq2ZofjM1S7IxSc64TrJGt4Gzy7TEXyx4ol2LlU5VSKP2PFMda3TCVQAMsXqqxVSa_kq9c8iTWQSf7otPBrwbhZJgqafBRUpuRsMM9g6L7H3bzjZpvZC5V67GmY/w400-h300/IMG_7322.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Although the American victory is short lived as the Germans push another rifle squad up (left)...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6hAtP_-IrLiYrwENpP3pGN8_nmzigaeshzdkuhy5qTe-d4kejjFQtyEHFf1-b44B9LHiwgLJ9gE7Oc3AAVPoDo00ayXqdw_BMoqxvDAstCmodlwICyU1y05iiagO4InfvYLA9UzH1pdSoYmwdGxm1ihpCITe6IDcR-AtXfC2Yblv4NkewRIWN0Euy/s4032/IMG_7323.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6hAtP_-IrLiYrwENpP3pGN8_nmzigaeshzdkuhy5qTe-d4kejjFQtyEHFf1-b44B9LHiwgLJ9gE7Oc3AAVPoDo00ayXqdw_BMoqxvDAstCmodlwICyU1y05iiagO4InfvYLA9UzH1pdSoYmwdGxm1ihpCITe6IDcR-AtXfC2Yblv4NkewRIWN0Euy/w400-h300/IMG_7323.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Which opens fire at point-blank range, knocking out the other US 1st Platoon squad!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpweuz3Uzyuz5FYcT8p2FXe_GACjHGlhjanlBiOcOLphG2DBg9AWlr84oy3Xi7tv2-u2Fyg31HRC1ajfXlRDosfaVh1kIpSl_r-MfzxzOdHW98LOj5PNPP9XaqXhoKrfYKxqSQI-yoWB3rpFSvsHNwzku3nQWEsMUY1JUMeU4oxwB2giqZ4KtXHqFQ/s4032/IMG_7324.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpweuz3Uzyuz5FYcT8p2FXe_GACjHGlhjanlBiOcOLphG2DBg9AWlr84oy3Xi7tv2-u2Fyg31HRC1ajfXlRDosfaVh1kIpSl_r-MfzxzOdHW98LOj5PNPP9XaqXhoKrfYKxqSQI-yoWB3rpFSvsHNwzku3nQWEsMUY1JUMeU4oxwB2giqZ4KtXHqFQ/w400-h300/IMG_7324.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>But then the Americans rain down hellfire upon the encroaching German infantry, using both pack howitzers and their 60mm mortar team to fire the FPF on the North Spur, literally wrecking the German 1st and 2nd rifle platoons!!!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1bW8cKcDEfnIhzwOaB8DTxL3E77b4GbktfdMUtKOcqMSHYqJZwX2TQrZMtxNIgYE5gbJvunhrowwXVJ4nS3t8nmifaqvGM6_F2AMFymAzC4oYYVYJ7QcZGNEQeg-ECxRMhr5_-QN-N_YnpT0IbfrYqnODWUgjvp6XR8UylTo1lq24H9YUTF6LH6bv/s4032/IMG_7325.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1bW8cKcDEfnIhzwOaB8DTxL3E77b4GbktfdMUtKOcqMSHYqJZwX2TQrZMtxNIgYE5gbJvunhrowwXVJ4nS3t8nmifaqvGM6_F2AMFymAzC4oYYVYJ7QcZGNEQeg-ECxRMhr5_-QN-N_YnpT0IbfrYqnODWUgjvp6XR8UylTo1lq24H9YUTF6LH6bv/w400-h300/IMG_7325.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Their supporting rifle company in shambles, the German tanks turn tail and run, chased by the German CO, exhorting them to stay!<br /><p>A tremendous amount of fun, and just really cool to have a game going with four youngsters. The younger boys really only made one error (putting their CO and FO together, the only two units that can spot for the pack howitzers and mortar team), while the older boys did plenty of scheming, but it had some flaws, and they didn't stick with their plan anyway. The big issue was that they panicked when their assault on the South Spur got stonewalled, and simply threw their 1st and 2nd Platoons up the North Spur, without leveraging supporting fires or their massive Tiger tanks.</p><p>The rules were home-brew and dead simple, though the game still took about two hours and fifteen minutes, but hey, four boys playing rules for the first time is a whole new take on Clausewitzian friction ;) I went with a Bolt Action-style of activation: count up units and you get that many cards, each unit can act once per turn (move and shoot, shoot and move, sprint, or shoot), shuffle the German and American cards into a deck and start drawing cards, acting with one unit at a time. Rifle Squads got one firing dice, MG and 60mm mortar got 2, pack howitzers and 80mm mortar got 3, Tiger got 4, hit on 4+ in the open, 5+ in light cover, 6 in hard cover, then save on 5+ in the open, 4+ in light cover, 3+ in hard cover. If a unit was hit but saved it was suppressed, if it didn't save it was removed, and we rolled to rally all units at the end of each turn, needing a 5+ in the open, 4+ in cover, falling back 10" and staying suppressed if they failed. The tanks had to test to spot enemy infantry if they didn't have a friendly infantry unit in base contact, with the test being the same as the 'to hit' test.</p><p>I thought the rules worked pretty well, and the game was lots of fun. I do wonder if small arms fire is a bit underrated and indirect fire is a bit overrated (or maybe the Americans just have too much, with two pack howitzers and a 60mm mortar team). I'm thinking to play another game on this table, but this time it's an American counterattack to re-take Biazza Ridge (yes, the Americans won this time, but don't forget they lost the first two!), using these new rules. Stay tuned!<br /><br />V/R,<br />Jack<br /><br /></p>Just Jackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03552962741823929433noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8660216775038377627.post-17140320130954949802022-03-28T17:09:00.000-07:002022-03-28T17:09:02.888-07:00The Battle of Biazza Ridge II<p> All, </p><p>Following last week's runout of One Hour Skirmish Wargames, the boys lined it up to give the Battle of Biazza Ridge another go, and it was a helluva fight! It's July 11, 1943, on the island of Sicily, where American paratroopers are facing off against tanks and troops of the Hermann Goering Panzergrenadier Division. The paratroopers have landed inland to screen the beaches as infantry come ashore, and they're being put to the test at a place called Biazza Ridge as the Germans mount a counterattack, advancing towards Gela in order to push the Yanks back into the sea.</p><p>Last week we played and had a good time, but the scenario (a great scenario, from Steve over at "Sound Officer's Call!" blog) starts with a very small amount of forces on the table and feeds in quite a bit of reinforcements, but the rules don't handle reinforcements very well (in my humble opinion, or at least we didn't handle how the rules handle reinforcements very well). Ultimately there was a fierce firefight and a daring close assault, but the Americans broke when their reinforcements arrived en masse and were caught bunched up by German mortars, which pounded them unmercifully.</p><p>So we had a lot of fun, but were convinced the scenario and rules together could give us even more fun if we tweaked a few things, so that's what we did, and it worked like a champ.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh100y0zF2sCAfBM06fR1ME105H5iKoRJY6FfERKH-137vLgGCKMTFeGY12m1ZxMhyNNR2AioqhWninq19QVeleZjIf1x8HXhX07pHa1VB6eoTB2JetgjIhDILOCkEbZv2WMZTWSEzJht4mpf1Vivs-V5D75JllWxpyGD0cMfeCqez5siIZXvxFZPsx=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh100y0zF2sCAfBM06fR1ME105H5iKoRJY6FfERKH-137vLgGCKMTFeGY12m1ZxMhyNNR2AioqhWninq19QVeleZjIf1x8HXhX07pHa1VB6eoTB2JetgjIhDILOCkEbZv2WMZTWSEzJht4mpf1Vivs-V5D75JllWxpyGD0cMfeCqez5siIZXvxFZPsx=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div>Overview, north is up, with the German baseline to the west (left) and US to the east (right). Biazza Ridge runs from south-southwest to north-northeast across the center of the table, with scattered fields, orchards, hedges, and olive trees scattered across landscape. There is a bombed-out church in the northwest (top left) and a stone farmhouse in the southeast (bottom right), which represents the only hard cover on the table.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMrSGlGGrgCEXCeQS8S5-ng2bT1iI3wI04bSVQtLrzytC3vZ2aSszLJhT85gNtlUn1A5xz-Hug4UopgFfG5dLVnX5Z5ZY5aKvtE8Fae2DZIaeK6TA5gt0aVZr9S-5C_tKZOmHSMrj5BdPka4HzA0q_0oD9tMqOvoZofq26rAnBeMyr2wScVLgW5YnV/s4032/0AAD9070-654F-4D41-BEF8-AC91334220D2.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMrSGlGGrgCEXCeQS8S5-ng2bT1iI3wI04bSVQtLrzytC3vZ2aSszLJhT85gNtlUn1A5xz-Hug4UopgFfG5dLVnX5Z5ZY5aKvtE8Fae2DZIaeK6TA5gt0aVZr9S-5C_tKZOmHSMrj5BdPka4HzA0q_0oD9tMqOvoZofq26rAnBeMyr2wScVLgW5YnV/w400-h300/0AAD9070-654F-4D41-BEF8-AC91334220D2.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The opposing forces, with US on the right and Germans on the left. All forces will start on the table, no off-table reinforcements this time; I basically called Biazza Ridge a 'DMZ,' and each boy could place his forces anywhere from his baseline up to the edge of the DMZ, and I had them place units in an alternating manner with the Germans going first since they have one more unit than the Americans. There was one more restriction, the German tanks had to start at their own baseline.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvnHaHrDyT7VBlUMkyDQ57Ceno-0xowOkseWVcDARzd275QeKDVgfjSwHu_T-ld7PTT-7FDcDaAT3TYZIYXo1hiLCjULBf6-lF-TPYfbobku1rd0dJD--k50GDlcHS1iNwmVmcp3yrqtLU18iTdcfGdAtfXiD4a26YZ4VeP7KD9B_TAdmMI7A7z7Ru/s4032/02C7C9CF-AE0A-4257-BFCC-63FB5BBE9B50.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvnHaHrDyT7VBlUMkyDQ57Ceno-0xowOkseWVcDARzd275QeKDVgfjSwHu_T-ld7PTT-7FDcDaAT3TYZIYXo1hiLCjULBf6-lF-TPYfbobku1rd0dJD--k50GDlcHS1iNwmVmcp3yrqtLU18iTdcfGdAtfXiD4a26YZ4VeP7KD9B_TAdmMI7A7z7Ru/w400-h300/02C7C9CF-AE0A-4257-BFCC-63FB5BBE9B50.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The Yanks: they are led by the CO of the 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, Colonel Jumpin' Jim Gavin (who is a +2 leader in the rules), then they have three rifle platoons consisting of two rifle squads and a bazooka team each, and they are supported by two 75mm pack howitzers, with a Forward Observer (FO) in a jeep.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Yeah, no Naval Gunfire support in this fight, sorry ;) And last week I was mistakenly referring to Gavin as 'General,' but if I'm understanding correctly he was still a Colonel during Sicily.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD8Zd-vHKoZ8l5EMchEHL5AM0TMY0-CPo6ApMj3RyrH5O9wpIWke39rQoF8mVl31qGJXaEQsU4mcR7H-1q8-DswptU0EKDql3d7zHXgCcsTkNKmuJmUhWykdno3WKDu17fnM1KVxsyaHF9RuNIpQ-3QvTzYiVzxpTOIdmVXnyuycZ3OlHyTd0Leg7m/s4032/D3CB2EDA-A3DE-4688-A9D1-DBB44EA85788.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD8Zd-vHKoZ8l5EMchEHL5AM0TMY0-CPo6ApMj3RyrH5O9wpIWke39rQoF8mVl31qGJXaEQsU4mcR7H-1q8-DswptU0EKDql3d7zHXgCcsTkNKmuJmUhWykdno3WKDu17fnM1KVxsyaHF9RuNIpQ-3QvTzYiVzxpTOIdmVXnyuycZ3OlHyTd0Leg7m/w400-h300/D3CB2EDA-A3DE-4688-A9D1-DBB44EA85788.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The Germans: they are led by their CO, and they have three rifle platoons of three rifle squads, except the third platoon, which is down to only two rifle squads, and they are supported by an MG-42 (on tripod) team, an 80mm mortar team with FO, and two Tiger Is.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEivu5rHR3GNlmhKRVcwthfJry6OSufbJZ2re2UthZ2-MUR02lcjXt9RxcvRcU4Vh7rYnSFx0cf8jxLZaF_f0pl1LyTIO9uEGrWkIDDLvSkW1gjNNBepkVO8ORBHuSRMB_S2iEzqULvdXDYUiA7_6YePiXVljjpYjrfCARZKUZt5_gxi6v0wJ7ZxJbER=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEivu5rHR3GNlmhKRVcwthfJry6OSufbJZ2re2UthZ2-MUR02lcjXt9RxcvRcU4Vh7rYnSFx0cf8jxLZaF_f0pl1LyTIO9uEGrWkIDDLvSkW1gjNNBepkVO8ORBHuSRMB_S2iEzqULvdXDYUiA7_6YePiXVljjpYjrfCARZKUZt5_gxi6v0wJ7ZxJbER=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div>Looking east to west from the American baseline.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgBb_ZvPVVhseMnZeP7A0DQ4ffBYGdryumZkPovh1XoNIIHqAOWCj8rFB1kQ3b2hhWdBM2k4t_PQFVZr9UwZhZkgaefSwfG6P1aSKYDCFfCfey2Pj-9VQ2IbT6JoJqivysKsr-sot_ChRYTH9bf87RoObADBc9nYvq3WJ9IRvAcrkv42SJxeXoh2aUw=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgBb_ZvPVVhseMnZeP7A0DQ4ffBYGdryumZkPovh1XoNIIHqAOWCj8rFB1kQ3b2hhWdBM2k4t_PQFVZr9UwZhZkgaefSwfG6P1aSKYDCFfCfey2Pj-9VQ2IbT6JoJqivysKsr-sot_ChRYTH9bf87RoObADBc9nYvq3WJ9IRvAcrkv42SJxeXoh2aUw=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div>A ground level view, where you can see the contours of the ridge, with rises to the south (top left) and north (top right), with the road running through a saddle between them.<br /><br />The two rises will be referred to as the South Spur and the North Spur, with the land between (where the road runs through) referred to as the saddle.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjdM5l7uPzkDuPfB1Nk9ycn0bkIvUjSHWgv1lk2gdXwEA9sl7L-rWgVxK4XV16iZiVlYjc43Z-GH4jpqwVECgU6rncqUjebk9dKkBaWg_KEJ_opTY7EfQRsqxSmnTGFyX-o4ej6EN590pSPQu9bSSKYvTLHoucoH1rrz3vUJa6jh3t89K_oHCgve5AV=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjdM5l7uPzkDuPfB1Nk9ycn0bkIvUjSHWgv1lk2gdXwEA9sl7L-rWgVxK4XV16iZiVlYjc43Z-GH4jpqwVECgU6rncqUjebk9dKkBaWg_KEJ_opTY7EfQRsqxSmnTGFyX-o4ej6EN590pSPQu9bSSKYvTLHoucoH1rrz3vUJa6jh3t89K_oHCgve5AV=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div>Looking north at the German baseline.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhIZ8jFBIKY0ccNPF8rlMqwiks1o8hzCTmm3GD7Ajg0Gw7ibkiyjqyKpZGNfIHxqWsi25S6t0jsYDEz7_C65i8vZ5oqQ_mvKTYizq9MfglLGCtg5AIuwE5V6izKE8kOHzdhXL6-MtwdSETw8Zt3v8uzXpADEhaj8R-DLA6vhnepwxqDPfdRhPxHe0nU=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhIZ8jFBIKY0ccNPF8rlMqwiks1o8hzCTmm3GD7Ajg0Gw7ibkiyjqyKpZGNfIHxqWsi25S6t0jsYDEz7_C65i8vZ5oqQ_mvKTYizq9MfglLGCtg5AIuwE5V6izKE8kOHzdhXL6-MtwdSETw8Zt3v8uzXpADEhaj8R-DLA6vhnepwxqDPfdRhPxHe0nU=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div>Looking west to east from the German baseline.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhBQpddbYqjvVIQ545HI23MmBYAfAT9vUk24wSB8O5wwLK8-rgIUb6_1uvQatvRUdMqcATIZ09aTXYhUF2x4HkGSb9s0vRngJPiJgYrjj4kY7nkCYi8ADUS8i8P1YNijWt4nHb_Pjak3R47Eb_2gbzhspdwvwOWvWnvMQukBkG47Qo_JUNeu2zVRU9K=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhBQpddbYqjvVIQ545HI23MmBYAfAT9vUk24wSB8O5wwLK8-rgIUb6_1uvQatvRUdMqcATIZ09aTXYhUF2x4HkGSb9s0vRngJPiJgYrjj4kY7nkCYi8ADUS8i8P1YNijWt4nHb_Pjak3R47Eb_2gbzhspdwvwOWvWnvMQukBkG47Qo_JUNeu2zVRU9K=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div>Another look at the elevation of Biazza Ridge (top left and far right), with the road running through the saddle at center top.</div><div><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Again, you see the North Spur at left and the South Spur at right. These two spurs/hills are where the vast majority of the fighting will occur.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCTTFHVpsHmb7TiA_88Git7rDbld-DagQShXdcEX5CqIBGWc4PgkESw8q9VNjYe07CH_op-pKokjStiqva0dxu-jtRI4Ncz_GDTTtmiRSiURRVNzJNw2uKvfCfitH8z-8G0kZaOmWcvzD-WgPl6Z2iIj5d6oIwRMyP6HX8Y31SaGjjgfbTHgXiO5Jr/s4032/9DA2D3E9-D0D5-4BE5-BFCD-B3053A3FDEF9.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCTTFHVpsHmb7TiA_88Git7rDbld-DagQShXdcEX5CqIBGWc4PgkESw8q9VNjYe07CH_op-pKokjStiqva0dxu-jtRI4Ncz_GDTTtmiRSiURRVNzJNw2uKvfCfitH8z-8G0kZaOmWcvzD-WgPl6Z2iIj5d6oIwRMyP6HX8Y31SaGjjgfbTHgXiO5Jr/w400-h300/9DA2D3E9-D0D5-4BE5-BFCD-B3053A3FDEF9.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The entire table, with forces deployed, Germans in the west (left) and Yanks in the east (right). </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaJOtAz-jvISuci96Prltw9hFMyVy6ElUbLDOOMdYdIZSRsJ1xaWRvBm-jj-iIh1_59UQaEsb7k10Nn1rnRtah4CUS1lT78kt2k7CiYwbKOXC4i9-J_eORRILr68ak8c9iWCzvsuSc52v2Q7bARAAxLfLlCp6JAz5WwwAv7JRvLz4-AxRc7WsrpoAI/s4032/7FC84AED-4006-49B8-B4DF-FEBE1581D419.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaJOtAz-jvISuci96Prltw9hFMyVy6ElUbLDOOMdYdIZSRsJ1xaWRvBm-jj-iIh1_59UQaEsb7k10Nn1rnRtah4CUS1lT78kt2k7CiYwbKOXC4i9-J_eORRILr68ak8c9iWCzvsuSc52v2Q7bARAAxLfLlCp6JAz5WwwAv7JRvLz4-AxRc7WsrpoAI/w400-h300/7FC84AED-4006-49B8-B4DF-FEBE1581D419.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The American side of the board; at bottom left the 82nd Airborne troops have their 1st Platoon (including a bazooka team) and the FO deployed in and around the crops, looking up the slopes of the South Spur, with one of their 75mm pack howitzers backing them up. In the center the paratroopers have their 2nd Platoon (and its bazooka team), the 3rd Platoon's bazooka team is hovering nearby, and their Commanding Officer, Colonel Jumpin' Jim Gavin, while they have the two rifle squads of 3rd Platoon in the groves below the slopes of the North Spur, backed up by the other 75mm pack howitzer (top right).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The younger boy (aged 7) is commanding the Americans, and I helped him a little bit with deployment, but it was mostly him. The only thing we discussed afterwards was maybe putting Gun #1 above the road, where it could hit either of the hills; where it was (bottom center), it really could only effectively reach all of the South Spur and the southern end of the North Spur. We discussed keeping a rifle platoon out of the line, in reserve, but with the dearth of cover east of the ridge, the fact the objective is the ridge itself, and the fact the fight will at/on the ridge, I thought it prudent to have all three rifle platoons in the line, in a position where they could at least sort of be mutually supporting.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkiEuko7Jt0Gfx7tdw_a9s-ULEEdqg5PPwZRxWF7851JejSo8ARoPhFc0xwxe2_68GEXYRFZbMrCBQACnliJ2KYQs77MXYOc8rDKww_yCCDTkPOr_m0sVl4DjArNesHloBBs1r9wHlvaumm7buJwPY7h0NKMifZi0ZNg9ZX8egNDPpflvoGB8aKiRi/s4032/72899786-D6A1-4C9E-985B-884494AE735C.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkiEuko7Jt0Gfx7tdw_a9s-ULEEdqg5PPwZRxWF7851JejSo8ARoPhFc0xwxe2_68GEXYRFZbMrCBQACnliJ2KYQs77MXYOc8rDKww_yCCDTkPOr_m0sVl4DjArNesHloBBs1r9wHlvaumm7buJwPY7h0NKMifZi0ZNg9ZX8egNDPpflvoGB8aKiRi/w400-h300/72899786-D6A1-4C9E-985B-884494AE735C.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The US 3rd Platoon in the grove (center), with their bazooka team at bottom left and the #2 gun at far right.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_AAaX5ozCO-efFZsiD2IbkUUC-NnAfer5qgdzdMEnB1pQEXOxaApaI34TUXu1qAdVw9bl5sCoMV7chrU4dxQXYnFs3U_cP4nueOB-dAO2GuNPFcuykmxp1BNC4Gr-fBcXMtvIXQhHtO3-U5LqhF0JbuLj8tcIktEXGTx_Mf0Jf4noRdHzfjEP084O/s4032/B54972C6-FD68-4230-AC3B-3F2FAE3480BB.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_AAaX5ozCO-efFZsiD2IbkUUC-NnAfer5qgdzdMEnB1pQEXOxaApaI34TUXu1qAdVw9bl5sCoMV7chrU4dxQXYnFs3U_cP4nueOB-dAO2GuNPFcuykmxp1BNC4Gr-fBcXMtvIXQhHtO3-U5LqhF0JbuLj8tcIktEXGTx_Mf0Jf4noRdHzfjEP084O/w400-h300/B54972C6-FD68-4230-AC3B-3F2FAE3480BB.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The US center, showing 2nd Platoon at left, with Colonel Gavin behind them (center bottom), 3rd Platoon's bazooka team above him, and 3rd Platoon at top right. I liked that he kept the CO in the center, in order to be able to provide support in either direction, but the fight got down and dirty so fast I don't know that it actually mattered.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOTuAbN0Xl0KvSBKbt1MHAw1Fbky5E-70CZjFQ1_P85f_rQUNz6901f6WWU3aXHmNGY8_khPNOKoYMr8nmp418HJiZDom-c3FBh2wnWKY0peBHiVn1QQAibVvJQQVhJT4hUIBudVlWF9tS8uOgC-HUTtNVPdaGplcGgLYAR6y61MV_dazcR4ZO9K10/s4032/339FCE22-D044-42D2-B2FA-3040C19D4435.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOTuAbN0Xl0KvSBKbt1MHAw1Fbky5E-70CZjFQ1_P85f_rQUNz6901f6WWU3aXHmNGY8_khPNOKoYMr8nmp418HJiZDom-c3FBh2wnWKY0peBHiVn1QQAibVvJQQVhJT4hUIBudVlWF9tS8uOgC-HUTtNVPdaGplcGgLYAR6y61MV_dazcR4ZO9K10/w400-h300/339FCE22-D044-42D2-B2FA-3040C19D4435.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The US left, with 1st Platoon in and around the fields at left, with the FO below them and the #1 gun backing them up (bottom right, with the CO and 2nd Platoon just visible at top right). I've thought about this a lot, about whether it's better to push up onto the South Spur or hold here and make the decisive fight be on the North Spur. I still like the idea of pushing onto the South Spur and getting into the trees up there, make the Germans come dig you out.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil0H6GnEEwAMlo7o6bgH_6luvo_Il1ca558ErjZPd35u9CudfyRoQmKI8wP4CG0pNgaydc2-Rag502s4uyFKxpjhj0MdK76jMbTrk2PeE2tgIQ3M6_AelB5n9V6NQKiCCc93stRa1yK73tkOc-5MIM8NO6iKWAH9-8bhuNNS2lAxHyi7snh0Of2aJY/s4032/1A82F5C1-436D-46DD-B009-2ECEDCE8A83F.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil0H6GnEEwAMlo7o6bgH_6luvo_Il1ca558ErjZPd35u9CudfyRoQmKI8wP4CG0pNgaydc2-Rag502s4uyFKxpjhj0MdK76jMbTrk2PeE2tgIQ3M6_AelB5n9V6NQKiCCc93stRa1yK73tkOc-5MIM8NO6iKWAH9-8bhuNNS2lAxHyi7snh0Of2aJY/w400-h300/1A82F5C1-436D-46DD-B009-2ECEDCE8A83F.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The German side of the table, with their 1st and 3rd Platoons, as well as their FO, near the North Spur (top center right), their MG team in the bombed-out church, their mortar team at top left, their CO in the patch of woods just below the bombed-out church, and their 2nd Platoon escorting the Tigers at bottom left. The older boy (aged 12) commanded the Germans.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A couple things about the Tiger/infantry team: the Tigers are big and cumbersome in real life, so I only allowed them to move at the same rate as infantry. Another thing we discussed was the point of tank-infantry cooperation, that tanks button up and can't see anything, so we house-ruled it that a tank firing at infantry/guns WITHOUT a friendly infantry unit in base contact would require the Tiger to pass a spotting test in order to be able to fire on enemy infantry/guns. The boy did really well keeping them working together, and using his mortars in support; the only thing we discussed is that he didn't need to start with his 2nd Platoon in the open with the Tigers, he could have placed the infantry in the wood below the South Spur (far right bottom) and let the tanks catch up to them. <br /><br />Also, he placed his MG team in the bombed-out church, probably mostly because it turned out to be a good idea in the game we played last week. It didn't play any part in this week's game and we discussed it afterwards; I thought it was a good initial deployment, but fairly early on it became apparent it wasn't going to have much to do and so he should have begun pushing the gun forward into a position it could support by fire. Having said that, he had also left one of 1st Platoon's rifle squads back with it, and we discussed how it was a really good idea to have a second line to fall back on in case the assault didn't go as planned. Lastly, I understood what he was doing, putting his CO all alone in the center of the table, but we discussed the perils of leaving his CO isolated like that. The funny thing is, he came out of it smelling like a rose!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIfXH-PaA7kznDTmuwFOTRDUjQnU2ozhrkk2F09bhffugUixLvva6iM5z_iZPbaMqHztEwubk3Geh4Tc9dHuLydsTFYcmeDUjZHddfASqbBzFDDod6AXcGnqOJGuaGhWwmkMO8HNwqXo9FI7G2J_kYvb4pR727FUly4Ud1PZyjCSlSM4pRLUzJvcog/s4032/800B61E5-BBBE-467C-B12B-9FBC2668C754.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIfXH-PaA7kznDTmuwFOTRDUjQnU2ozhrkk2F09bhffugUixLvva6iM5z_iZPbaMqHztEwubk3Geh4Tc9dHuLydsTFYcmeDUjZHddfASqbBzFDDod6AXcGnqOJGuaGhWwmkMO8HNwqXo9FI7G2J_kYvb4pR727FUly4Ud1PZyjCSlSM4pRLUzJvcog/w400-h300/800B61E5-BBBE-467C-B12B-9FBC2668C754.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The German left, with their 3rd Platoon on the far left (left top) and their 1st Platoon at center, escorting the FO and having detached a rifle squad in the nearby field (left).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrxDuHUf0Hed3FzOrStmg7sV3F16gWTWG6JfmB2znDCkb3YTY_jbBmLbMzNE2zTLwGN668dnGerMTlfr4yFDZ_TvXrgNQVpowsEN7Vnh3SOFlMEEO9VmpcTFyAZEk0MdVD_DCQEEx5tik_eUnDKGqMDot84GEtuQAwGLR3t6ekDABrGsNuOdgSeKxn/s4032/071A9674-A356-4580-B160-029C438F1F4D.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrxDuHUf0Hed3FzOrStmg7sV3F16gWTWG6JfmB2znDCkb3YTY_jbBmLbMzNE2zTLwGN668dnGerMTlfr4yFDZ_TvXrgNQVpowsEN7Vnh3SOFlMEEO9VmpcTFyAZEk0MdVD_DCQEEx5tik_eUnDKGqMDot84GEtuQAwGLR3t6ekDABrGsNuOdgSeKxn/w400-h300/071A9674-A356-4580-B160-029C438F1F4D.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The German center, with their MG team in the church (far left, with a 1st Platoon rifle squad visible in the field at top left) and their CO in the woods at bottom right.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This is the second line I discussed above, but the CO (bottom right) didn't need to be alone, the boy could have put his 2nd Platoon in the trees to his right and let the Tigers catch up to them. C'est la guerre...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigxGmhaeVxH75pvpwBzvIJNEvY6DP_lLcntSKiWy6Zmj0QE76czshxbYESDUViHyFijUEzOtgM8WnLpENFMpHNyAHhSlLpt_GdZhos25Uff-DAhjpoNhvK_k4iM_-7dJpUHcEcRVwotx19j795LUWkPjyJB5qxE6kinfbodmDXbDkcdaCdAi2RV4Fa/s4032/D26AD0F9-9A1E-4077-8F0D-EF2DD8D47E42.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigxGmhaeVxH75pvpwBzvIJNEvY6DP_lLcntSKiWy6Zmj0QE76czshxbYESDUViHyFijUEzOtgM8WnLpENFMpHNyAHhSlLpt_GdZhos25Uff-DAhjpoNhvK_k4iM_-7dJpUHcEcRVwotx19j795LUWkPjyJB5qxE6kinfbodmDXbDkcdaCdAi2RV4Fa/w400-h300/D26AD0F9-9A1E-4077-8F0D-EF2DD8D47E42.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And the German right, with the dismounted 2nd Platoon leading the platoon of two Tiger Is towards the South Spur. My hat's off to him though, he knew what he wanted to do and so he kept them together, and it all worked out for him.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOj-oRow3o22JL0K7YVjEaXgZlCqwmk1muryh2BIdd69q3y-SMRUJ5aVotfRpJM5P5jrj0OEHhJM0TcYff7n1F_RV9X7ipl5LaYD4qf0UHO7j4R3bu4X9iSDR1GqrKlD68auTxMzezCaBaNvP6vczCUMYieXgN4GIL0bEZmg9bOGMQiWLMWsFR8v7q/s4032/0A5E5A5A-2C1A-4FD0-858D-AD9497B738EA.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOj-oRow3o22JL0K7YVjEaXgZlCqwmk1muryh2BIdd69q3y-SMRUJ5aVotfRpJM5P5jrj0OEHhJM0TcYff7n1F_RV9X7ipl5LaYD4qf0UHO7j4R3bu4X9iSDR1GqrKlD68auTxMzezCaBaNvP6vczCUMYieXgN4GIL0bEZmg9bOGMQiWLMWsFR8v7q/w400-h300/0A5E5A5A-2C1A-4FD0-858D-AD9497B738EA.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And the German rear, where there 8.0cm mortar team is set up (bottom left, with the MG team in the church (top right).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">These guys are probably the real stars of the whole dam thing... And I know the Germans used "8.0cm," but I can't stand it, I have to go with "80mm."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRcQ47hkg60At9oM3OsVAFBmv0SC9a0b6M5G5nQhMYEk4v90FPpIGeAtZb9de4sYzuXEqnpAGZ-RYOyfC8XxpG-HDaJ8Quq3is48UEnnFSJ2XRoDvH_U_GBH-O3uZRi32VyZd7ZgvwdZRXASg928v_HYLX1n6Eoa9ma0YNUPCxk7aar7BXE6_eGsbW/s4032/21B9A4B9-3D5E-43C2-9734-8F3FAB3CF6E5.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRcQ47hkg60At9oM3OsVAFBmv0SC9a0b6M5G5nQhMYEk4v90FPpIGeAtZb9de4sYzuXEqnpAGZ-RYOyfC8XxpG-HDaJ8Quq3is48UEnnFSJ2XRoDvH_U_GBH-O3uZRi32VyZd7ZgvwdZRXASg928v_HYLX1n6Eoa9ma0YNUPCxk7aar7BXE6_eGsbW/w400-h300/21B9A4B9-3D5E-43C2-9734-8F3FAB3CF6E5.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The fight kicks off with the German 1st Platoon and FO pushing up the slopes of the North Spur (top center, from center), as 3rd Platoon (far left) and the MG team (bottom left) look on.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The boy did a really good job of not overextending himself, pushing troops forward on the North Spur but waiting until he'd massed both 1st and 3rd Platoons before breaking cover onto the crest.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP_3nz5x5nLjV41R_3r1u9evtM8HDR5L27ya7i2lB6TNvboceibzk2QXZJ7kAKSUg_FFZgK3SRE3t15yMSiE20mReu0IE0h8O00ANjBlPE26hESSVCzHy8cME1OlQ4a30YLqL8SLIzpZWChFAkv6h7vaGnvwt0PKwtiP4lv7nJAhdNH2-3fNCPnkcL/s4032/93F0D335-D108-47AF-B0DC-6FA2322D8234.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP_3nz5x5nLjV41R_3r1u9evtM8HDR5L27ya7i2lB6TNvboceibzk2QXZJ7kAKSUg_FFZgK3SRE3t15yMSiE20mReu0IE0h8O00ANjBlPE26hESSVCzHy8cME1OlQ4a30YLqL8SLIzpZWChFAkv6h7vaGnvwt0PKwtiP4lv7nJAhdNH2-3fNCPnkcL/w400-h300/93F0D335-D108-47AF-B0DC-6FA2322D8234.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And their 2nd Platoon leads the Tigers towards the South Spur.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7yWTIBOF6dq4WW70M4qsTt3s2NDaC4rsf49JYrBKzSoyW-hIUFYFlFK3ZhgUUchep9z0D5mhLYL6PyLFY5Bxbqb7OQsL4cLynDwwW3L1i4gLmtfg-pm3aPHuGY43ow8AwDYJ2977aJI0nqpb6xLgGB1ydnmSahhE9-YLJxDOfM-wPDWFYPEHL9un4/s4032/7E9487A3-1557-40D6-BF6F-355EBE653C55.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7yWTIBOF6dq4WW70M4qsTt3s2NDaC4rsf49JYrBKzSoyW-hIUFYFlFK3ZhgUUchep9z0D5mhLYL6PyLFY5Bxbqb7OQsL4cLynDwwW3L1i4gLmtfg-pm3aPHuGY43ow8AwDYJ2977aJI0nqpb6xLgGB1ydnmSahhE9-YLJxDOfM-wPDWFYPEHL9un4/w400-h300/7E9487A3-1557-40D6-BF6F-355EBE653C55.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The US 1st Platoon reacts by pushing to the base of the South Spur (center, from right).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8kJNYMjgF-ifi0wvsR4cV2nBvbD29x48xNp0gn6hUjl_RLCSg-mqpGsRwV78kr1N8mkX1jYRInU6Q6j8Vit1ji236J2i-tyvjbyevwm083xpvDLPDYvHWT2Eo3Dy2Eg9kmHjEHz14c-_S9cYjQX1P1tCcOoBg0_NhsrERPaD6i9ry_6oJ53-npMto/s4032/7E4AD066-F698-4A53-9CA7-6FC4D794C6D4.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8kJNYMjgF-ifi0wvsR4cV2nBvbD29x48xNp0gn6hUjl_RLCSg-mqpGsRwV78kr1N8mkX1jYRInU6Q6j8Vit1ji236J2i-tyvjbyevwm083xpvDLPDYvHWT2Eo3Dy2Eg9kmHjEHz14c-_S9cYjQX1P1tCcOoBg0_NhsrERPaD6i9ry_6oJ53-npMto/w400-h300/7E4AD066-F698-4A53-9CA7-6FC4D794C6D4.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And the 2nd Platoon pushes up in the center, between the two spurs (left, from bottom center).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The little one didn't have much command initiative, so he couldn't move both 2nd and 3rd Platoons, so we discussed it and he opted to move 2nd up, which could support 1st Platoon (on the South Spur, off camera to bottom left), or potentially get hammer and anvil on the German force coming up onto the North Spur (between the US 2nd and 3rd Platoons).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiisxdvNxN0WDH-lNLMLQFBvMZAqL5106NXtz3g8FzXD31NdeDDdiBtvyUnhZfCr4cuTu_gze2envKmZzDa_hZrp0rMXo63txy9Rak2yGjHYCF85ExTPYT_ptEwjhls7h5uZcke5eNqbmwQz6BUL83ej8CkLprbparZaZJJMPFK1Kt7sEE9CvRL3wJ1/s4032/IMG_7242.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiisxdvNxN0WDH-lNLMLQFBvMZAqL5106NXtz3g8FzXD31NdeDDdiBtvyUnhZfCr4cuTu_gze2envKmZzDa_hZrp0rMXo63txy9Rak2yGjHYCF85ExTPYT_ptEwjhls7h5uZcke5eNqbmwQz6BUL83ej8CkLprbparZaZJJMPFK1Kt7sEE9CvRL3wJ1/w400-h300/IMG_7242.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>And the Yanks continue pushing up the South Spur, with their FO reaching the military crest (top left).<div><br /></div><div>This is the move that will haunt me: should the little one have done this, or kept 1st Platoon in the woods at the base of the South Spur and pushed 3rd Platoon up onto the North Spur?<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUQQykp8b6IYLdtO5I5QPk7WrmNFQ0C14RBJhmgl-Srp6pKZrQTanGK1EmqVo2cJazI1y9nr_6UDA7VucIvk-ra7a3Cn1E0LkTPbX_2FfwZw3CzpjPEIQeWd-0hygVquP53F3XoPl8DDlRNx41W7SjIOSvHsjTv5Zhjy08d8ZQ5q8u-2XDRmg1nGUp/s4032/A0B74682-1944-4097-B105-3C040451CD04.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUQQykp8b6IYLdtO5I5QPk7WrmNFQ0C14RBJhmgl-Srp6pKZrQTanGK1EmqVo2cJazI1y9nr_6UDA7VucIvk-ra7a3Cn1E0LkTPbX_2FfwZw3CzpjPEIQeWd-0hygVquP53F3XoPl8DDlRNx41W7SjIOSvHsjTv5Zhjy08d8ZQ5q8u-2XDRmg1nGUp/w400-h300/A0B74682-1944-4097-B105-3C040451CD04.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">While the German commander continues pushing troops towards the North Spur, but holds 1st Platoon until 3rd Platoon can catch up.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The boy is marshalling his forces out of sight, preparing to spring onto the North Spur.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnpjAHkD8-KTrLnwzPMTfgvJbeSr82pCNF1WUcWhzzPZY8EIgVj4XP82VodutX-wRbsJzSmMBYDUdDCzRV5ZvFxXxIta_Kn0853NAij2MrBI9ejbrgHuZM2VNb27Wl4EKuJvLh9ksEvNoUANrkvyM9wyscqb0UeoeTJ3MBr_bgPao5I2spuU96sJsv/s4032/DB343E37-439F-4FAF-B854-3E5DE8A8CBAD.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnpjAHkD8-KTrLnwzPMTfgvJbeSr82pCNF1WUcWhzzPZY8EIgVj4XP82VodutX-wRbsJzSmMBYDUdDCzRV5ZvFxXxIta_Kn0853NAij2MrBI9ejbrgHuZM2VNb27Wl4EKuJvLh9ksEvNoUANrkvyM9wyscqb0UeoeTJ3MBr_bgPao5I2spuU96sJsv/w400-h300/DB343E37-439F-4FAF-B854-3E5DE8A8CBAD.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The US 2nd (far left) and 3rd Platoons (far right) converge on the North Spur, with Colonel Gavin advancing behind them (bottom left). </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">So the 2nd Platoon pinches in and the 3rd Platoon gets a bit of a late start up the slope...</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_478bX_ZSlGpQyBrQ7T1cnmC_0js9opDn4TII0XpkGJvbYd30ul44m3PMuIq1CQQixWjxT77lGvhpRgeFx5Die7BehPjOjTa1c8IxHHllVJuotDxceXnsgzAQgkvqhKeudzJ4PxvMQNiAsVTxxzqj8DIeviAb1g26lewhsXMwgYGSwwy_HoQR4mlJ/s4032/01812616-C660-46E4-8C51-8786BA2C77CC.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_478bX_ZSlGpQyBrQ7T1cnmC_0js9opDn4TII0XpkGJvbYd30ul44m3PMuIq1CQQixWjxT77lGvhpRgeFx5Die7BehPjOjTa1c8IxHHllVJuotDxceXnsgzAQgkvqhKeudzJ4PxvMQNiAsVTxxzqj8DIeviAb1g26lewhsXMwgYGSwwy_HoQR4mlJ/w400-h300/01812616-C660-46E4-8C51-8786BA2C77CC.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And the two bazooka teams (from 2nd and 3rd Platoons) move into the treeline near the road (right bottom, with 1st Platoon and the FO visible on the South Spur at top left, North Spur off camera to right).<br /><br />Seeing where the Tigers were deployed and how slow they move, I thought the little one made a very good move to get these bazooka teams into a spot where they'd likely see action, and screened from infantry fighting by 2nd Platoon (off camera to right).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEtNLfbPlDaHweKIh--xuH_JNCgRiO3ePhf52xIWt6oeGURZiFQVQ03WVZ6PzM6ErmkMYIqlh-iK4DKWPaA_e2EOQjHL2BZrnQTQI4_rVu57_F5KA7LMBjCkn4h4RU8yUQZdY6j--HXLUwmVC4kOw_AAdATxVmZam8O7P4VBXHomferLx6BgI0Ucv2/s4032/50E481ED-2C20-4FD1-8518-914B7A96A037.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEtNLfbPlDaHweKIh--xuH_JNCgRiO3ePhf52xIWt6oeGURZiFQVQ03WVZ6PzM6ErmkMYIqlh-iK4DKWPaA_e2EOQjHL2BZrnQTQI4_rVu57_F5KA7LMBjCkn4h4RU8yUQZdY6j--HXLUwmVC4kOw_AAdATxVmZam8O7P4VBXHomferLx6BgI0Ucv2/w400-h300/50E481ED-2C20-4FD1-8518-914B7A96A037.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">On the US far left, the FO pushes his jeep up into the woods atop the South Spur.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggVFiwOOG-VcbmEs3vM_FzhhYP136X1NLqmnJuC2Y0254jc305jB8ru4xJUf3VV54PFrCtHC_zfkt0FsqF4A5A65cEqHmYW24KP0vkwh1LPskwnIN8-mDpnvVoFE5cBFgAsGmRIkJPZKs2SqXOpG0rWl3pBI52OCIrAslwVvLzHtKSmh0E9TZRhKWk/s4032/99775BAB-AA73-4722-9A3C-C1C879F7D1F2.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggVFiwOOG-VcbmEs3vM_FzhhYP136X1NLqmnJuC2Y0254jc305jB8ru4xJUf3VV54PFrCtHC_zfkt0FsqF4A5A65cEqHmYW24KP0vkwh1LPskwnIN8-mDpnvVoFE5cBFgAsGmRIkJPZKs2SqXOpG0rWl3pBI52OCIrAslwVvLzHtKSmh0E9TZRhKWk/w400-h300/99775BAB-AA73-4722-9A3C-C1C879F7D1F2.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And holy guacamole, look what he (bottom center) sees! He immediately gets on the radio and calls in a fire mission!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9q-kddSUAaUUHI5sNsro2uPFnP-ww2klKr9Hr2I_q36quHhVIzTBVr9S3qUSQcRTfaFtvvXn07zn4KQx_f3CgNFZJgr0WTedExoZI7kzh8hQyhgv46M6Qh4YqfdN7I7GHlu3fKzXNYSrVU1o3w3sWshyoUqeTMUKxk3EJbj4vGx8-_6d2dKx-pbdm/s4032/CC0CEF1C-5334-47C3-A9DF-C9E5F60C7902.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9q-kddSUAaUUHI5sNsro2uPFnP-ww2klKr9Hr2I_q36quHhVIzTBVr9S3qUSQcRTfaFtvvXn07zn4KQx_f3CgNFZJgr0WTedExoZI7kzh8hQyhgv46M6Qh4YqfdN7I7GHlu3fKzXNYSrVU1o3w3sWshyoUqeTMUKxk3EJbj4vGx8-_6d2dKx-pbdm/w400-h300/CC0CEF1C-5334-47C3-A9DF-C9E5F60C7902.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div>Both 75mm pack howitzers go to work!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH5vZ9WMvZDr8ElnqnTTZjexnfMVcAYX75A3eTFPaMRHOLSxx4WlJ6A70f_k5ZFVyA71KJVKQp0vojPeU6jfH3baI2N_zDtWQJWp9pV8cAK71r0AkwLzWiaHDIzGvanXpkzO7vgLSZJg_8PdRBCBXGKOdopWmnmngn2IAmigM88yu8OCu5ZdyJrMMH/s4032/1B1AF2E0-0AEC-4F48-AF79-0801FE735A8D.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH5vZ9WMvZDr8ElnqnTTZjexnfMVcAYX75A3eTFPaMRHOLSxx4WlJ6A70f_k5ZFVyA71KJVKQp0vojPeU6jfH3baI2N_zDtWQJWp9pV8cAK71r0AkwLzWiaHDIzGvanXpkzO7vgLSZJg_8PdRBCBXGKOdopWmnmngn2IAmigM88yu8OCu5ZdyJrMMH/w400-h300/1B1AF2E0-0AEC-4F48-AF79-0801FE735A8D.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div>The Tigers are untouched, but all three squads of the German 2nd Platoon are suppressed!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-xRgB9cw1TaEuYY6eSGknpPfSP4eUhwJHtWT0CCifHdJ4aOJapNgCaJiuSddeq_AV8p-TlGP72GoUv3iwogSnK_Bd9_2WtT4k-FAXidXoCNQA4i3dxxOZHmCTs6s86hPXohDZ0lIx3jP1AppAbDcTpbfzVsdGBdFcKGlsbqPL6G1d0mFheO7xo-Dy/s4032/8455AAE7-F52F-4757-9162-B190E448127F.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-xRgB9cw1TaEuYY6eSGknpPfSP4eUhwJHtWT0CCifHdJ4aOJapNgCaJiuSddeq_AV8p-TlGP72GoUv3iwogSnK_Bd9_2WtT4k-FAXidXoCNQA4i3dxxOZHmCTs6s86hPXohDZ0lIx3jP1AppAbDcTpbfzVsdGBdFcKGlsbqPL6G1d0mFheO7xo-Dy/w400-h300/8455AAE7-F52F-4757-9162-B190E448127F.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Tiger 501 (just visible at far left) can't spot any targets, but quite surprisingly Tiger 502 spots the US FO atop the South Spur (top right) and its 88mm cannon roars...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH62IcnwuV5u5SLrTaQAw1NuY8gffq3CbaMGl5TuIQEuCmg_PlUtiys280uh928d28vVKTT3rBS3ClbTcYBcCOcmB6CjXA5ziOMGC4mjnq9FlK6TUbkK32MvJvaWErOR1_0I-tHySpIGDU-8EpAj0oSIy7Neyrng5vuKFAQDEFPV78074WXonqTTSK/s4032/1654E1C8-0893-4570-AF85-393CDD5B60C4.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH62IcnwuV5u5SLrTaQAw1NuY8gffq3CbaMGl5TuIQEuCmg_PlUtiys280uh928d28vVKTT3rBS3ClbTcYBcCOcmB6CjXA5ziOMGC4mjnq9FlK6TUbkK32MvJvaWErOR1_0I-tHySpIGDU-8EpAj0oSIy7Neyrng5vuKFAQDEFPV78074WXonqTTSK/w400-h300/1654E1C8-0893-4570-AF85-393CDD5B60C4.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">But, luckily for the Americans, the shot is off target!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Wary of advancing without infantry support, the Tigers remain with their suppressed infantry. I was actually recommending to the boy to get the Tigers moving, knowing how slow they are, though I mus admit my counsel may not have been altogether pure, I was kind of looking forward to some bazooka vs Tiger cat-and-mouse- amongst the scrub and trees, but, to his credit, the boy didn't bite.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDOvstyMP4ZvyAciJIUP58zH1Xiye0IVvnEb3AAZju9XUBxtOEW9yTLyv-WdVcSmT0hgwnurpQ8lU6rhiObnY26rU5YrCDzXB5SfgU0j1p_FpIdpsF6mBGuXlM8Dft2iyuMgErfmRqEUFxQvOEB63hQOaL7owz96VZcQD8AXHDrfn6p0pICVCWRjyA/s4032/FB3E26CD-8886-44CB-93A6-617C2DFFD8BE.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDOvstyMP4ZvyAciJIUP58zH1Xiye0IVvnEb3AAZju9XUBxtOEW9yTLyv-WdVcSmT0hgwnurpQ8lU6rhiObnY26rU5YrCDzXB5SfgU0j1p_FpIdpsF6mBGuXlM8Dft2iyuMgErfmRqEUFxQvOEB63hQOaL7owz96VZcQD8AXHDrfn6p0pICVCWRjyA/w400-h300/FB3E26CD-8886-44CB-93A6-617C2DFFD8BE.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">But the Germans maneuver aggressively on their left, pushing 3rd (in trees at top left) and 1st (top center right) Platoons up onto the South Spur.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I was super proud of him, the boy waited until he got his assault force completely in position and then made sure he had enough command initiative to do it all at once, then swooped!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7dvn3RGaXbO404zbcq6Sb93i_WF-X_6YLEM5loDi9eRDvYUNRU6jAU1HGJVtDTp-2FnEdQ3wyPhRH3cdIutH7fC-3ZU7zUAfpgQq73-wWHq3C7KNnfXO-E-jP_PtYJuFWQx4l6iLVl7iLPC3gthiJkRMonnO_QIVZc5B1EzrHxz5O0ottD1oELtK6/s4032/18E540BA-0DC1-4075-AC95-49284D6B4241.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7dvn3RGaXbO404zbcq6Sb93i_WF-X_6YLEM5loDi9eRDvYUNRU6jAU1HGJVtDTp-2FnEdQ3wyPhRH3cdIutH7fC-3ZU7zUAfpgQq73-wWHq3C7KNnfXO-E-jP_PtYJuFWQx4l6iLVl7iLPC3gthiJkRMonnO_QIVZc5B1EzrHxz5O0ottD1oELtK6/w400-h300/18E540BA-0DC1-4075-AC95-49284D6B4241.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The German 3rd Platoon (far right) opens fire on the US 3rd Platoon (far left), to no effect.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Going with one stand equals one squad, I only gave rifle squads one card's worth of shooting (MGs, mortars, and the pack howitzers all got four), so small arms fire was bound to be rather ineffectual, with the rifle squad's best service coming in the form of closing with the enemy to destroy them.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXod-pJwbODB7o_6dFf_Wl3WP5_MV-Ujm4o7zCdLsA3AFi0DHanrnM3SlhlvzK-0TEDbROSRq5VH8NHX1mpDkisZ8_mfDgjUG4ysbAeY-N4FivuUc5mRVhmhVJ7rmthNZQGQripsqOFXiBBCs5xWeS6PChUU2nnoz1A_WbEDZCxTgTKHUGXoZZlJP2/s4032/DAEA0FD2-6A69-4BC3-A5DD-35F99CC3B444.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXod-pJwbODB7o_6dFf_Wl3WP5_MV-Ujm4o7zCdLsA3AFi0DHanrnM3SlhlvzK-0TEDbROSRq5VH8NHX1mpDkisZ8_mfDgjUG4ysbAeY-N4FivuUc5mRVhmhVJ7rmthNZQGQripsqOFXiBBCs5xWeS6PChUU2nnoz1A_WbEDZCxTgTKHUGXoZZlJP2/w400-h300/DAEA0FD2-6A69-4BC3-A5DD-35F99CC3B444.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">While their 1st Platoon (bottom left) begins engaging Colonel Gavin and 2nd Platoon (right)...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0thqxKOtrvzrVYWuZwYH66CQJwtzCzKJlRvLcLoTpiljvDDHFAaKoi_zphJI0FqpTe-kUOsa2e7lzfA6eiatI2b5EshIN0Nx6MDh7LYWxdhNXZATv6XYPiU3Dwf4BOtG5d94p-j8vpElhY55MhHDSqmfzwDAy3mkSMmJUF9OtvbvbUeOYIekK50eR/s4032/09BEC88F-A6F6-4930-B11E-B8E8A7C49721.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0thqxKOtrvzrVYWuZwYH66CQJwtzCzKJlRvLcLoTpiljvDDHFAaKoi_zphJI0FqpTe-kUOsa2e7lzfA6eiatI2b5EshIN0Nx6MDh7LYWxdhNXZATv6XYPiU3Dwf4BOtG5d94p-j8vpElhY55MhHDSqmfzwDAy3mkSMmJUF9OtvbvbUeOYIekK50eR/w400-h300/09BEC88F-A6F6-4930-B11E-B8E8A7C49721.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And even (Germans at bottom center and far left) firing on the US 1st Platoon on the South Spur (top right). Meanwhile, the German FO (small base at far left, between the two larger rifle stands) gets on the radio and calls up the mortar...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The rifle fire was all ineffective, pretty much to be expected, but the boy got two (understrength) platoons onto the northern objective, with good fields of fire, and got his FO into play. Pretty damn slick.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMPs0K_I9uzuMihrmwjg-DgFPn8uaMctMZX2Ten3eI22hyyL3l_vLmbMvPcQENt1ltt-R8ofggIzUMPLD7hzusiVKQBbBVnoC552bNPNo5ux9OieKSYxKikFPq1YhT2LfUqiw_9s0zWnD8CNtksjVHzLm-BZWhuDUbUb8SJ9xmg7_xZ8rLlEqAfw2E/s4032/50FBF6A1-30E4-496A-9FCE-85E5214616E9.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMPs0K_I9uzuMihrmwjg-DgFPn8uaMctMZX2Ten3eI22hyyL3l_vLmbMvPcQENt1ltt-R8ofggIzUMPLD7hzusiVKQBbBVnoC552bNPNo5ux9OieKSYxKikFPq1YhT2LfUqiw_9s0zWnD8CNtksjVHzLm-BZWhuDUbUb8SJ9xmg7_xZ8rLlEqAfw2E/w400-h300/50FBF6A1-30E4-496A-9FCE-85E5214616E9.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The German mortar team goes to work...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM9jNwiz9cQvqEgkNxT3RelgHxr3mfj4A2hoxD9cV0Q-cUSKYdrl55dGjImIk5DgviODw-7yhNgF9b4cJBnAOyr532H4wVzgPS92vx_md7ba3Yszf_jyFvFITr9HiRd0fIFusvS_v3fmKALAdl9_za3f6deRVCZguZaGgx7sg67hQdxaoku0XiKgIA/s4032/EF003301-EA20-4CC7-9C29-5BA1A36F06CF.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM9jNwiz9cQvqEgkNxT3RelgHxr3mfj4A2hoxD9cV0Q-cUSKYdrl55dGjImIk5DgviODw-7yhNgF9b4cJBnAOyr532H4wVzgPS92vx_md7ba3Yszf_jyFvFITr9HiRd0fIFusvS_v3fmKALAdl9_za3f6deRVCZguZaGgx7sg67hQdxaoku0XiKgIA/w400-h300/EF003301-EA20-4CC7-9C29-5BA1A36F06CF.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">But their initial sheaf falls long, just to the south of the US 1st Platoon (far and bottom left).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX1bQsmwsgMpBAAuINJnKOMpibYYrMw6ClgQrrAGyKcHgcXyiGCnXsfRE_rlD_kpqVU6IE3JPkUvHS20n1nKYzXNRUKUAx3F2bN-JZOsfYjGYM8YFVB-Ehqb4g783QuiB8yBJU9odudeqUC46NMfqJoXjtlzjgdXh_TDA6Luu3_D-3BBiaIDF_0-sP/s4032/F1F124FB-F930-4DEC-AE36-285FAB3CDC3F.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX1bQsmwsgMpBAAuINJnKOMpibYYrMw6ClgQrrAGyKcHgcXyiGCnXsfRE_rlD_kpqVU6IE3JPkUvHS20n1nKYzXNRUKUAx3F2bN-JZOsfYjGYM8YFVB-Ehqb4g783QuiB8yBJU9odudeqUC46NMfqJoXjtlzjgdXh_TDA6Luu3_D-3BBiaIDF_0-sP/w400-h300/F1F124FB-F930-4DEC-AE36-285FAB3CDC3F.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Quite bravely, the German CO pushes up in the center (bottom left) and engages the US 1st Platoon on the South Spur (right, with the bazooka teams from the US 2nd and 3rd Platoons at top center).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I thought the boy had completely lost his mind, pushing his CO up like that, all alone, but then he completely lucked out and won the next initiative, so...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgflzhdnIjtXzlAxHn61eNdCTgEXNV9dx-NVyztDe1WARDVEQnTQ8GKaNZzr8leyLYBW02hZy8datBdEhrchBfb8Q-N3IIjR86kOro-Laq0F9_Z6m_WIMC7jChugxVzUaBYp7kZeiC4E1XGIPTPNg5QnPVaL3K9rqow2kfEENcBeLMmPp01Lul5E0zW/s4032/B4118F9B-7AE3-4636-9AE7-C8F5027B9510.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgflzhdnIjtXzlAxHn61eNdCTgEXNV9dx-NVyztDe1WARDVEQnTQ8GKaNZzr8leyLYBW02hZy8datBdEhrchBfb8Q-N3IIjR86kOro-Laq0F9_Z6m_WIMC7jChugxVzUaBYp7kZeiC4E1XGIPTPNg5QnPVaL3K9rqow2kfEENcBeLMmPp01Lul5E0zW/w400-h300/B4118F9B-7AE3-4636-9AE7-C8F5027B9510.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The German mortar team (bottom left) adjusts fire on the South Spur (top right, North Spur at top left) and begins dropping rounds...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_00rW-vKOqK_gQ3AfpRbnXyExXPdagjvZv5rVvWyiIhe5hRtkJjSFBX0xd6uGCqP-wNnkrgxOrlGNdi7b7d0wsCej98_pc9M6SP6MAMkkEWV8lXtLQPpm7FwfKEZ8ILPE6qkhnK69J7JKt4zyeNf6JDncldkDeJqj_vknGahsATlCm4t1WybckAN6/s4032/B2D5514B-C4B1-4591-9BB0-05DE861DDCDA.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_00rW-vKOqK_gQ3AfpRbnXyExXPdagjvZv5rVvWyiIhe5hRtkJjSFBX0xd6uGCqP-wNnkrgxOrlGNdi7b7d0wsCej98_pc9M6SP6MAMkkEWV8lXtLQPpm7FwfKEZ8ILPE6qkhnK69J7JKt4zyeNf6JDncldkDeJqj_vknGahsATlCm4t1WybckAN6/w400-h300/B2D5514B-C4B1-4591-9BB0-05DE861DDCDA.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And this time the 80mm HE rounds are directly on target, suppressing the US 1st Squad, 1st Platoon, and their bazooka team (bottom left, with 2nd Squad at top right and the German CO visible at top center).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The German CO sees the American paratroopers withering under the barrage and senses an incredible opportunity... Unlike the little one, who is super aggressive, the older boy is much more reserved, but we talked through his courses of action (based on the tactical situation and his amount of command initiative) and the risks/benefits involved, and he grasped it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn_rUoSWLXpvIrXKnUue-YalsZMvqUtO-JVxR34xeSmCdceEFIdOQN7Bycetn6bpmIZPZGMjOkJKhSjfur3egOQJa07Psdb4gV4drxkjlTy6lOTpZ7Pf5FVvvW8ip_oEKzBrTGWB3KPl7hjUTt9Jp979TlPQhhWF8-rY1NwDbyyp7Nitk0acQGjMuP/s4032/3C1B01FB-B482-4856-86FF-E8E060BDA054.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn_rUoSWLXpvIrXKnUue-YalsZMvqUtO-JVxR34xeSmCdceEFIdOQN7Bycetn6bpmIZPZGMjOkJKhSjfur3egOQJa07Psdb4gV4drxkjlTy6lOTpZ7Pf5FVvvW8ip_oEKzBrTGWB3KPl7hjUTt9Jp979TlPQhhWF8-rY1NwDbyyp7Nitk0acQGjMuP/w400-h300/3C1B01FB-B482-4856-86FF-E8E060BDA054.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The German command group storms uphill (bottom left), into contact with the US 2nd Squad, 1st Platoon (1st Squad and the bazooka team suppressed at top right), as submachine guns rip and the dull thump of hand grenades reverberates from the hilltop!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">If the boy could beat this US rifle squad, the other rifle squad and bazooka team were in the bag since they were already suppressed (or 'down,' in the rules parlance), which would pretty much completely wipe out the US left flank.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-iWQauqaPGW91eZW0Pp5aL6R0Rm-oTnr0Wj4mkxvzXR30ZRGZyR577hIPafMmrHMmW5rGUjB45Oc-2D8X6kkCQyR6PxCd-zo8HQ72N7JmsMqIFZ5gAdeyhHE8oPrL_99-YAsPqoTbqKPPWJhIN599TQlBrzI1Wg-esKP7KO5Y_AAIpcQgGDVSYpAW/s4032/93AA91DD-9DA7-42DC-AED1-E518B0EF43C6.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-iWQauqaPGW91eZW0Pp5aL6R0Rm-oTnr0Wj4mkxvzXR30ZRGZyR577hIPafMmrHMmW5rGUjB45Oc-2D8X6kkCQyR6PxCd-zo8HQ72N7JmsMqIFZ5gAdeyhHE8oPrL_99-YAsPqoTbqKPPWJhIN599TQlBrzI1Wg-esKP7KO5Y_AAIpcQgGDVSYpAW/w400-h300/93AA91DD-9DA7-42DC-AED1-E518B0EF43C6.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The Americans are eliminated in close combat...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi657Mg80D7Y_mogAr-uW_Mcc-p8O3xYc7wO3wfJ_GRD9ZHA6pXgli76KVGUPkUvGpEOjZ0Hgg8IQB90w11qB-6w1iQMupHZXQBhGjxFtAldG8T3tMcBrVSXA2UIAF7MWCufyTUtmDJVHVxpyn_e_EwzmfNg-kiSmkHBo1cRqKOXi1ELqIL7bnkDTmH/s4032/EEFCB6D8-8836-43E0-93F7-1BD17D7F4FD9.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi657Mg80D7Y_mogAr-uW_Mcc-p8O3xYc7wO3wfJ_GRD9ZHA6pXgli76KVGUPkUvGpEOjZ0Hgg8IQB90w11qB-6w1iQMupHZXQBhGjxFtAldG8T3tMcBrVSXA2UIAF7MWCufyTUtmDJVHVxpyn_e_EwzmfNg-kiSmkHBo1cRqKOXi1ELqIL7bnkDTmH/w400-h300/EEFCB6D8-8836-43E0-93F7-1BD17D7F4FD9.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And the German command group immediately pivots and closes with the US 1st Platoon's bazooka team (center, from far left)...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzjmoPYpNXcmQWXeAthE9JnUnDS1demBO_YduMCxUMW7HR-gCojwwFybneHRNqF1vynZAmGqrebLhgOAM7YwuxvwZrZgiZO8ru2Zuo_V9QNf6gC2iSWYSVea3YC3m3yq_Dk_hg2alCuQQq0JnB6KzGw7JCqL32INywJ1FJAItAa5pWeiw_J9VIN7Rx/s4032/C37E8064-A9D9-4506-8A26-30D079D70A1A.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzjmoPYpNXcmQWXeAthE9JnUnDS1demBO_YduMCxUMW7HR-gCojwwFybneHRNqF1vynZAmGqrebLhgOAM7YwuxvwZrZgiZO8ru2Zuo_V9QNf6gC2iSWYSVea3YC3m3yq_Dk_hg2alCuQQq0JnB6KzGw7JCqL32INywJ1FJAItAa5pWeiw_J9VIN7Rx/w400-h300/C37E8064-A9D9-4506-8A26-30D079D70A1A.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The US 1st Platoon's bazooka team is quickly dispatched, and the German command group closes with the US 1st Squad...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiELLeVpcOJSNdgG4ZeoOZwji01v5iIdIdqik64YS83Pqo9SWNc1HKSLYZ--4B4jgNhpQTHbfxc-r8wyfYSjAFGLpDyVDXm21acWpnEVL0XLUUO-TKlHcHxrmNAwM4pUjwuaaV_TyTrSIeXjeneyJutsxYjokdl1tCO9x75F3lDXICmw9n9tOFLJGVs/s4032/C0D58656-C02B-4286-BD62-627C00719035.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiELLeVpcOJSNdgG4ZeoOZwji01v5iIdIdqik64YS83Pqo9SWNc1HKSLYZ--4B4jgNhpQTHbfxc-r8wyfYSjAFGLpDyVDXm21acWpnEVL0XLUUO-TKlHcHxrmNAwM4pUjwuaaV_TyTrSIeXjeneyJutsxYjokdl1tCO9x75F3lDXICmw9n9tOFLJGVs/w400-h300/C0D58656-C02B-4286-BD62-627C00719035.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Quickly dispatching them (center), but running out of steam before they could close on the US Forward Observer (top left).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">That was an absolutely huge swing, and the little one was really starting to panic, but we talked and he realized it wasn't over yet. But it was starting to feel an awful lot like last weekend's game...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJa4mo647vtbp1Izm8B_V7hM2XYJ1Wx-sslrDASPUYEmVnn1q64Dz6gWsCz3_2DbY3Z9Q9zq7I8099h_8KO9T28hw8UVQrOvRW-2bVkdks19aHP3JBAQFEvjbYkn8iLLaP1l4QcmH7Ohhg1Boqar7nesM6MdITlQG3Jlib7MEv7LrZ0ithMToz9Zh3/s4032/7756ADD6-0881-41FB-8B91-181BFCD92CE3.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJa4mo647vtbp1Izm8B_V7hM2XYJ1Wx-sslrDASPUYEmVnn1q64Dz6gWsCz3_2DbY3Z9Q9zq7I8099h_8KO9T28hw8UVQrOvRW-2bVkdks19aHP3JBAQFEvjbYkn8iLLaP1l4QcmH7Ohhg1Boqar7nesM6MdITlQG3Jlib7MEv7LrZ0ithMToz9Zh3/w400-h300/7756ADD6-0881-41FB-8B91-181BFCD92CE3.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The US FO quickly beats feet, falling back down the South Spur (top right), leaving the German CO in his dust (far left), calling for help the entire time!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Yeah, I let the little one zoom his jeep around the German CO to escape. The rules don't forbid it, and I rationalized that the German command group could still be recovering from their exertions in climbing the hill and knocking out three units in close combat...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfZKQcT53eMRIEvQ9k6JGDUnldw38P8Fi7btUcKxsPR9JDPtc9kR8_yKfcK04uGQuak49wNSZPVy81eVNUcHmuzurVC-BnCikum7RHm8jy-Pca3iqAJTeCO24E5fo59uk-SZ_u2IyfLBieUoKB4_B7RybPROpIT3g6lzgNWZLqFC_9cC1oYwfitvPN/s4032/ED2DE5A4-31AB-46DB-8A71-A0E9E60B66A8.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfZKQcT53eMRIEvQ9k6JGDUnldw38P8Fi7btUcKxsPR9JDPtc9kR8_yKfcK04uGQuak49wNSZPVy81eVNUcHmuzurVC-BnCikum7RHm8jy-Pca3iqAJTeCO24E5fo59uk-SZ_u2IyfLBieUoKB4_B7RybPROpIT3g6lzgNWZLqFC_9cC1oYwfitvPN/w400-h300/ED2DE5A4-31AB-46DB-8A71-A0E9E60B66A8.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div>And Gun #1 (bottom right) comes to the rescue, opening fire on the German CO (top left, with the US FO in the woods at center).</div><div><br /></div><div>Not that he hit anything...</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAP2pOV9BcpaQumngPnUJe4HnKPfVgLUDs0TBHZrkPkT0MEUqWi-H5CgjEdcOLUF9Cr7x1saq1YGsTXnBxrdN2LS09tXhR3X-WZB8FVsBOZ2C-2y94lsF4ZLBRyqiyWhqxCninEZrNafKiFsgfYOInYNKibcFOfZgMbQM0fsAzVZFq8W50Rycep9Hb/s4032/E2E4790A-783B-4B3E-81FC-B7B6A876D26B.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAP2pOV9BcpaQumngPnUJe4HnKPfVgLUDs0TBHZrkPkT0MEUqWi-H5CgjEdcOLUF9Cr7x1saq1YGsTXnBxrdN2LS09tXhR3X-WZB8FVsBOZ2C-2y94lsF4ZLBRyqiyWhqxCninEZrNafKiFsgfYOInYNKibcFOfZgMbQM0fsAzVZFq8W50Rycep9Hb/w400-h300/E2E4790A-783B-4B3E-81FC-B7B6A876D26B.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div>And on the US right, Gun #2 (bottom left) goes to work on the North Spur, targeting the German 3rd Platoon (top right, with the US 3rd Platoon on the slope at center top and the US 2nd Platoon on the slope in the woods at left top).</div><div><br /></div><div>Not that he hit anything, either... The little one certainly wasn't having a good time with the cards today.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5NJ0x9go6IhXpKLYznOR2q8zrx4Mejy1OpBoZ1_IWGr1WxCrXnwBDgalJOvaHHUt9dCwCXrdvDM8LD2D5Jl5p48AS49UYlxiv3sWZPjuuy4nOOV4JCgSV9N-BRQ6JRvOcsFRu4_8bt12DpE2qptGyx8aLnD7epcXMAM6TG2OnYt66bylkcaiFnEAg/s4032/5BAE2414-6D07-4853-90F3-330CF34C2E10.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5NJ0x9go6IhXpKLYznOR2q8zrx4Mejy1OpBoZ1_IWGr1WxCrXnwBDgalJOvaHHUt9dCwCXrdvDM8LD2D5Jl5p48AS49UYlxiv3sWZPjuuy4nOOV4JCgSV9N-BRQ6JRvOcsFRu4_8bt12DpE2qptGyx8aLnD7epcXMAM6TG2OnYt66bylkcaiFnEAg/w400-h300/5BAE2414-6D07-4853-90F3-330CF34C2E10.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>The German mortar team (bottom left) shifts fire, targeting the saddle between the two hills (behind the tower at top center)...</div><div><br /></div><div>Having used his mortar team to soften up the US defenders on the South Spur, the boy looked to repeat the maneuver in support of his 1st Platoon on the North Spur...<br /><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyg9gyfCu_Ex1rJjMd6qWT_Aaw_sMI4qh1pscD-6Ft1swCtcHPaxpCzuEa_YiCdTANA3WpGYHPxaNzCh0wnzvNKe-74JSmBrk6sH1ht4bkq5HwfN2lsw_nSEc-DXxs5sniMc3qLp-CooRSX1kv4InzQNxmRXdp2INT4qgrr8waj5rkfkPtVP8bndzL/s4032/47C4FA49-3E62-4501-896B-603717DD78BB.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyg9gyfCu_Ex1rJjMd6qWT_Aaw_sMI4qh1pscD-6Ft1swCtcHPaxpCzuEa_YiCdTANA3WpGYHPxaNzCh0wnzvNKe-74JSmBrk6sH1ht4bkq5HwfN2lsw_nSEc-DXxs5sniMc3qLp-CooRSX1kv4InzQNxmRXdp2INT4qgrr8waj5rkfkPtVP8bndzL/w400-h300/47C4FA49-3E62-4501-896B-603717DD78BB.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div>The rounds fall on the US 2nd Platoon, suppressing its 1st Squad (red bead, with 2nd Squad above it and Colonel Gavin at far right).</div><div><br /></div><div>And then the boy took a page from his little brother and got pretty damn aggressive...</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho5dBaCpbR_xRhyXo5JmRZ-we4ZR4rcEQ15me23QxAiLfHn7u1P0QofZgJPt8a-8jaAfCwLODQWBbDn-OqHg0jzlF0jurnzM5wIV_Y6ZexEIQ2kJ2ZjIoP8eC5p1pg5L546Mv3AsVcAvqptQXZ64dh81cMHfWkPS6ZvzVVIzXoz_7oaWRBSXSDjdyi/s4032/E610BDEB-64B2-4561-965B-6B3F4B54862D.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho5dBaCpbR_xRhyXo5JmRZ-we4ZR4rcEQ15me23QxAiLfHn7u1P0QofZgJPt8a-8jaAfCwLODQWBbDn-OqHg0jzlF0jurnzM5wIV_Y6ZexEIQ2kJ2ZjIoP8eC5p1pg5L546Mv3AsVcAvqptQXZ64dh81cMHfWkPS6ZvzVVIzXoz_7oaWRBSXSDjdyi/w400-h300/E610BDEB-64B2-4561-965B-6B3F4B54862D.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div>The German commander again grasps the opportunity provided by this supporting fires and sends 1st Platoon's 1st Squad downslope, into close combat with the US 2nd Platoon's 2nd Squad (with the suppressed 1st Squad just below it and Colonel Gavin just off screen to right)!!!</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3_-1_W4wrDwOdGpUJozzOeJ05vyJieTSn9EjI7Jucegw_YI_oJVeQpIcfNXMe1WvmdPbzLgzcUsP44URvUgDTIdxlNQ68MYKeRVVixz_yz9g-6IL-KA6LgTZ5a_tplCnoagGR8kb4OXFmkFJ_AmdZMZRMpvyu_v8FCDrBMlfZ3t8ntwiYzjnG7DZx/s4032/3F916B9B-CB1D-4CBD-A933-F774272B725E.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3_-1_W4wrDwOdGpUJozzOeJ05vyJieTSn9EjI7Jucegw_YI_oJVeQpIcfNXMe1WvmdPbzLgzcUsP44URvUgDTIdxlNQ68MYKeRVVixz_yz9g-6IL-KA6LgTZ5a_tplCnoagGR8kb4OXFmkFJ_AmdZMZRMpvyu_v8FCDrBMlfZ3t8ntwiYzjnG7DZx/w400-h300/3F916B9B-CB1D-4CBD-A933-F774272B725E.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div>The German panzergrenadiers quickly put 2nd Squad out of the fight and turn their guns on 1st Squad...</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibZ1gEnC-XXTt3kUK4IUezQ37iJt6xnEZ7xoN1yBXswQxKZX2x7cak386HwKuxAR0IGLPM_NUbIVDXEvCMzFqIS8DZJLMa-ibNBM1jhFye27YZ8KlsKj_7xUlqK2diN89expBg46oDazYrj9u2YemSeP-CoUhDMyfuxGDimmJYYr-5fFTyUznbCAfj/s4032/B8D17521-A374-45FA-BC00-B5FF94492241.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibZ1gEnC-XXTt3kUK4IUezQ37iJt6xnEZ7xoN1yBXswQxKZX2x7cak386HwKuxAR0IGLPM_NUbIVDXEvCMzFqIS8DZJLMa-ibNBM1jhFye27YZ8KlsKj_7xUlqK2diN89expBg46oDazYrj9u2YemSeP-CoUhDMyfuxGDimmJYYr-5fFTyUznbCAfj/w400-h300/B8D17521-A374-45FA-BC00-B5FF94492241.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div>The Germans quickly dispatch the second American squad but, with Colonel Gavin hootin' and hollerin' and with "friendly" mortar rounds continuing to drop in intermittently...</div><div><br /></div><div>But then he chickened out!!! The boy was super scared of Colonel Gavin's +2 rating (meaning that, in an opposed card draw, the Germans would get to pull 2 cards in close combat, but the American would get to pull three). Or maybe he didn't chicken out, maybe it actually was the smart move...</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiINc910q1nPLuLvQ1gir-0U3eK-0__RNQzCL8v6SAw4V6_ZkY32gQmoHXDOKmNssm70jbpzgQ7gof0YsXh883qGmnUbxxgeDlbj1t0q6p_1LJ2kFTmAGHh-8LPuF1zVdO8NLQJFA2tUuPJ1e_Kbd6wHNtoqkjY46a2E9Zh6srKLjAVzWUyXLGKfNMU/s4032/68D0BEFA-A321-4A7A-94B3-B68BCF54074C.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiINc910q1nPLuLvQ1gir-0U3eK-0__RNQzCL8v6SAw4V6_ZkY32gQmoHXDOKmNssm70jbpzgQ7gof0YsXh883qGmnUbxxgeDlbj1t0q6p_1LJ2kFTmAGHh-8LPuF1zVdO8NLQJFA2tUuPJ1e_Kbd6wHNtoqkjY46a2E9Zh6srKLjAVzWUyXLGKfNMU/w400-h300/68D0BEFA-A321-4A7A-94B3-B68BCF54074C.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>The German squad leader decides discretion is the better part of valor and beats feet back up the slope of the North Spur (left, from center, with FO at top left, US 3rd Platoon at top center, and Colonel Gavin at bottom right)!</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe_0Fj9yXxBUOpqlVCLXLkko4937JaKgSz1m9dJUId2czNxBpNi2Hsi8W_ieYhqc74kI-jltryhSafM0V-r6bSNJD422Pb1hr-cfjpaMZpSQbonR9BsCPgEKko8K0j_KEM4FDeunhNy_s80k5Fjri5y6tYZKIaBzQesSMRjBKkLFJOE-NxGjfn6UxE/s4032/334F0162-BF31-4AB4-B451-753416F1622E.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe_0Fj9yXxBUOpqlVCLXLkko4937JaKgSz1m9dJUId2czNxBpNi2Hsi8W_ieYhqc74kI-jltryhSafM0V-r6bSNJD422Pb1hr-cfjpaMZpSQbonR9BsCPgEKko8K0j_KEM4FDeunhNy_s80k5Fjri5y6tYZKIaBzQesSMRjBKkLFJOE-NxGjfn6UxE/w400-h300/334F0162-BF31-4AB4-B451-753416F1622E.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div>As the German 1st Squad, 1st Platoon gets back up the hill (bottom left), their 2nd Squad, 3rd Platoon surges forward (far left) and fires on the US 3rd Platoon (top right), still hunkering down on the slopes of the North Spur.</div><div><br /></div><div>The little one hasn't had much for command initiative (action points), and what he's had he's had to spend on reacting to the Germans' moves (we discussed the OODA loop), so these poor bastards are still stuck on the east slope of the North Spur...</div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEV-ob9PNRkKL8V1_27ujKw71U5YdltMEnMA3QsGgpaXePWB0tzWvSn1b6B_BAcIM3FS1B7L_abL4SyaUk7ACgecjVPg-8CfUiyYzSd5vuP5By6rUW69meZ24YNeldZNPv2Lovl32PIB2wB33lPyD3SpsDmiH-bfNJQHggwnEGdbpO2KC2qrqt1Ds9/s4032/967E93A1-9E0B-4897-B70D-FDA63289E422.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEV-ob9PNRkKL8V1_27ujKw71U5YdltMEnMA3QsGgpaXePWB0tzWvSn1b6B_BAcIM3FS1B7L_abL4SyaUk7ACgecjVPg-8CfUiyYzSd5vuP5By6rUW69meZ24YNeldZNPv2Lovl32PIB2wB33lPyD3SpsDmiH-bfNJQHggwnEGdbpO2KC2qrqt1Ds9/w400-h300/967E93A1-9E0B-4897-B70D-FDA63289E422.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div>With the situation rapidly deteriorating for the US paratroopers, Gun #1 (bottom left) fires over the head of Colonel Gavin's command group (far right), engaging the German 1st Platoon atop the North Spur (top right)...</div><div><br /></div><div>The American artillerymen finally earn their pay...</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTVUZxO77V5ROshYlcHcQLcAjGKhJPd_euSzjJNKLWlQf8PsgjD1LkeOv9IQKqv5Te6_I1btMZnmPRFnUZGZpPTpBYLnYhbbNmji40u2KDDTicNdWJNHbvIko43gawNSggBVkUWp6OnhZ7-THR3ZRiasw4JTImyek8-y9Mo_a4PBcjQsM9KOoZAk90/s4032/FBD7848D-448C-4D3F-8B4B-381B073FBA90.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTVUZxO77V5ROshYlcHcQLcAjGKhJPd_euSzjJNKLWlQf8PsgjD1LkeOv9IQKqv5Te6_I1btMZnmPRFnUZGZpPTpBYLnYhbbNmji40u2KDDTicNdWJNHbvIko43gawNSggBVkUWp6OnhZ7-THR3ZRiasw4JTImyek8-y9Mo_a4PBcjQsM9KOoZAk90/w400-h300/FBD7848D-448C-4D3F-8B4B-381B073FBA90.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div>Suppressing the German 1st Squad, 1st Platoon, and their FO.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVXZYL2Y-TxvBOK2UwW6p0_r00x862EjFMVatdClKXJMI8Ip1yyjiYW4QHSLhfoiEnX8VRetK6YfI8CwPRP9OMJM6Pm-4F2X0CHqb8bsJGVKnA9HL2riN2Op-rm1349bBPU37SRRNW8KBpjbPaW6QCRGm105NZEgAnTY76DeR_EkcrPOOb-GEEdsQ8/s4032/6400E800-4FF9-46AE-A293-BFAFFA67F93B.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVXZYL2Y-TxvBOK2UwW6p0_r00x862EjFMVatdClKXJMI8Ip1yyjiYW4QHSLhfoiEnX8VRetK6YfI8CwPRP9OMJM6Pm-4F2X0CHqb8bsJGVKnA9HL2riN2Op-rm1349bBPU37SRRNW8KBpjbPaW6QCRGm105NZEgAnTY76DeR_EkcrPOOb-GEEdsQ8/w400-h300/6400E800-4FF9-46AE-A293-BFAFFA67F93B.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>As Gun #2 (bottom right) fires on the German 3rd Platoon (top center, with the US 3rd Platoon on the slope below them).</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRHs-DHm1EMVo8BRRybA1k6nR6FRhySRUNXxRdKVvadFhlcow2mQswzNL0NVOXtDjK8q_KCByqd989gkaoFcTf2oGrguuZFc-pq2saLSCwybjfTy0B5z9o3U6JK_3WJsYNTD5lxdd5mX2gngngrIEBeazF-CqI23lupRpO6_2Pgj2lIO1SLPLCninW/s4032/3EF1217C-1D3F-4FEE-A487-22BAA7A5FD08.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRHs-DHm1EMVo8BRRybA1k6nR6FRhySRUNXxRdKVvadFhlcow2mQswzNL0NVOXtDjK8q_KCByqd989gkaoFcTf2oGrguuZFc-pq2saLSCwybjfTy0B5z9o3U6JK_3WJsYNTD5lxdd5mX2gngngrIEBeazF-CqI23lupRpO6_2Pgj2lIO1SLPLCninW/w400-h300/3EF1217C-1D3F-4FEE-A487-22BAA7A5FD08.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div>The guns have done their job, all German forces atop the North Spur have been suppressed!!! </div><div><br /></div><div>Well, except for the German 1st Squad, 1st Platoon (just hidden by the trees at top left), the one that previously charged down hill, eliminated the US 2nd Platoon, and climbed back up. No matter, Colonel Gavin knows what must be done...</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXCg56inuSA0NwAnubkLLluHJmorwMzjdzbtRMsGZI76WJYOBXM-oweuIwi37oUghX6j2ZFQPSXW0e_Uf_ia7F3yLc61QoThaDEVjGE35ECx_x2TwCgvimvltKRmwuBuDWk9m5igZLvRUsNoRtQaHpdYsGQ9tjMb2j7xqjFL4DZNYyxp_aj8ZQFf4Y/s4032/B915D388-40F5-4699-B67F-6DF98ACAA2F3.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXCg56inuSA0NwAnubkLLluHJmorwMzjdzbtRMsGZI76WJYOBXM-oweuIwi37oUghX6j2ZFQPSXW0e_Uf_ia7F3yLc61QoThaDEVjGE35ECx_x2TwCgvimvltKRmwuBuDWk9m5igZLvRUsNoRtQaHpdYsGQ9tjMb2j7xqjFL4DZNYyxp_aj8ZQFf4Y/w400-h300/B915D388-40F5-4699-B67F-6DF98ACAA2F3.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div>Colonel Gavin leads his command group up the south slope of the North Spur, but his exasperated troopers can't get to grips with the German 1st Squad, 1st Platoon, so they halt and open fire, suppressing the enemy rifle squad.</div><div><br /></div><div>Back to the little one's command initiative problems: he just couldn't get enough points to do a double move and push Colonel Gavin into close combat (where he's have drawn three cards to the Germans' one, even though he did lose in that very same situation last week!), and if he won that he could have really cleaned the Germans off the North Slope and probably have broken them. This right here was the key phase of the entire game...</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig5ptlopTU0_JP5FsWiiU1oH2WHbLVo7mEYOGtWPR5TpB73eRhmSan9OVRpnSfSIyTak2GpDQqwl4bongjWcyv3DOZvvxCOPUOboCMGMnsyF1CnZ4LjqkLLbx1uyh_tZxKhwKClp5b_gdd2-EuCa3_7mZirWpoqEkQZ_KO-YWDnkc7CEkTyGyX5RhO/s4032/21973A35-F0AD-4481-8420-2ED1E0AB526F.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig5ptlopTU0_JP5FsWiiU1oH2WHbLVo7mEYOGtWPR5TpB73eRhmSan9OVRpnSfSIyTak2GpDQqwl4bongjWcyv3DOZvvxCOPUOboCMGMnsyF1CnZ4LjqkLLbx1uyh_tZxKhwKClp5b_gdd2-EuCa3_7mZirWpoqEkQZ_KO-YWDnkc7CEkTyGyX5RhO/w400-h300/21973A35-F0AD-4481-8420-2ED1E0AB526F.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div>With the CO and his command group blazing away (far left), the US 2nd Squad, 3rd Platoon pushes ahead (right top, with their 1st Squad at bottom right), perhaps a bit too cautiously...</div><div><br /></div><div>That's just my narrative, the little one wasn't too cautious, he just didn't have enough command points to actually push them onto the crest and start whacking guys in close combat, he absolutely wanted to but couldn't so he set them up where they'd be able to make it next turn, even if there were only a few command points, but it did leave him overextended and vulnerable. But we discussed the issue and the US forces were really running out of options...</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjOT1I2-2MOwXCMo80GFRfgbJmwuYAgodNDEGVyDlxJyEuUwv7mkVjFC1kgsnTSFtAicFTfpb85LESTjVEqTdE2w_WeEQRYhjH5wChZgRjPRwVQQ6c2y4KyJkk4iv4Cre1rAVHaBc0Zg6p29CfIydF9hVyqLQCMxoug2u62i2y7aPuboA32JHGhBxn/s4032/94BE19F2-079B-49C8-8F37-5428E03912AF.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjOT1I2-2MOwXCMo80GFRfgbJmwuYAgodNDEGVyDlxJyEuUwv7mkVjFC1kgsnTSFtAicFTfpb85LESTjVEqTdE2w_WeEQRYhjH5wChZgRjPRwVQQ6c2y4KyJkk4iv4Cre1rAVHaBc0Zg6p29CfIydF9hVyqLQCMxoug2u62i2y7aPuboA32JHGhBxn/w400-h300/94BE19F2-079B-49C8-8F37-5428E03912AF.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div>While back on the German side, their commander finally gets his Tigers moving again, this time headed for the North Spur (top left), each with a rifle squad from 2nd Platoon escorting them (I forgot to mention, one of the 2nd Platoon's rifle squads broke and ran under the earlier barrage of the US 75mm pack howitzers).</div><div><br /></div><div>And then disaster strikes for the Yanks...</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUiStyb48dOft7hTEwKbpfXl7-x_Ux5cu0E1lY1KWeuanVh7d-U6FbedUFf5dBDh0ARMms-9kYpDg4HIm6v0FSfot7sl0o7fLy8AfsaPo8XZmXTIcKao6BElXiZMpzVEDCSj3Mi9EWab63ZFPZK3HdA8G8M8vjG0ISe5cyUD-IGDkhN_x39RRYMyPM/s4032/74EE3A58-D51A-40C1-B88B-0AEE295F62A2.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUiStyb48dOft7hTEwKbpfXl7-x_Ux5cu0E1lY1KWeuanVh7d-U6FbedUFf5dBDh0ARMms-9kYpDg4HIm6v0FSfot7sl0o7fLy8AfsaPo8XZmXTIcKao6BElXiZMpzVEDCSj3Mi9EWab63ZFPZK3HdA8G8M8vjG0ISe5cyUD-IGDkhN_x39RRYMyPM/w400-h300/74EE3A58-D51A-40C1-B88B-0AEE295F62A2.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">The German mortar team goes to work again...</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLt3LC5CwNddaIFMjn5sCZAUGP6F9NmSbpSDZ4dqIAOcEIwrx191dg2gsUlJ_DsmJErUXnUQCUT6yYrh4InO9iox6S7YmNNSq85MfNaOjQG7uqMrFObVz4PzX2Ka6Gk3zQzY18_QstmihrFDSWxwzJ1QL_2i62DWjCJGlJvZrI_TPHDuvkK99GWs0O/s4032/6D3F198F-6EC3-4A92-A7D2-D77D8151F49E.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLt3LC5CwNddaIFMjn5sCZAUGP6F9NmSbpSDZ4dqIAOcEIwrx191dg2gsUlJ_DsmJErUXnUQCUT6yYrh4InO9iox6S7YmNNSq85MfNaOjQG7uqMrFObVz4PzX2Ka6Gk3zQzY18_QstmihrFDSWxwzJ1QL_2i62DWjCJGlJvZrI_TPHDuvkK99GWs0O/w400-h300/6D3F198F-6EC3-4A92-A7D2-D77D8151F49E.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Dropping 80mm HE rounds all over Colonel Gavin and his men, suppressing the US command group!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Now this could have happened regardless, but to have it happen before Colonel Gavin was able to get into close combat really, really sucked for the little one...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDwZybjTgOZ-MhAr-yWNvH-2WSmvKbXJRXjjDssFxaBng_L6LmpBzTZe64t6G1FqH9aAOMRlWLZe_aTllkn0a1uygQwe6LeSB9H4qTnUjlJ3niMGRbxh-RU5Ky2XCTHrlvjoqRSVuZ7bImZo-SF8jvgcAuklQnrU6AztK-nrQ8RgFo5vqrEzLhobf0/s4032/5E412D68-8FEA-41FF-BCB9-090B715A3C2A.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDwZybjTgOZ-MhAr-yWNvH-2WSmvKbXJRXjjDssFxaBng_L6LmpBzTZe64t6G1FqH9aAOMRlWLZe_aTllkn0a1uygQwe6LeSB9H4qTnUjlJ3niMGRbxh-RU5Ky2XCTHrlvjoqRSVuZ7bImZo-SF8jvgcAuklQnrU6AztK-nrQ8RgFo5vqrEzLhobf0/w400-h300/5E412D68-8FEA-41FF-BCB9-090B715A3C2A.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div>As the German armored column continues to push east, the lead Tiger (left center) nearing the saddle between the North (top left) and South (right) Spurs. <br /><br />The German commander is quite concerned with the two US bazooka teams in the saddle (in the woods, straight above the lead Tiger).</div><div><br /></div><div>The older boy is riding high, getting tremendous amounts of command points and able to double move his Tigers and supporting infantry up to the saddle.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYCboOM0cJBMJEeU1-ecqwAOXHM8nm8jvH0radpqsaoF42QbFEopZQheXA8FTH0drZknKvFSTraE3IPYqRv-TbbouLURE1dfREbKPxiyxTjmZ8A3ryjg8Y_UIRyFEwisIiBLpwA90w95DN0UR7Zu07CkG6FAgjHEETytuK2Mt1vIzF7UxNVbo91l-p/s4032/B62D9C27-FAB2-4930-B5A5-6711F4FEBD7D.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYCboOM0cJBMJEeU1-ecqwAOXHM8nm8jvH0radpqsaoF42QbFEopZQheXA8FTH0drZknKvFSTraE3IPYqRv-TbbouLURE1dfREbKPxiyxTjmZ8A3ryjg8Y_UIRyFEwisIiBLpwA90w95DN0UR7Zu07CkG6FAgjHEETytuK2Mt1vIzF7UxNVbo91l-p/w400-h300/B62D9C27-FAB2-4930-B5A5-6711F4FEBD7D.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div>So he tasks his mortar team (bottom left) to take them (top center, with the lead Tiger just below and right of the road) under fire...</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJfTRMQMpas7OphEhdRM8h_MVmcnGlmWjDM6UdGoftyeeH82XCSQGGdwkxlj44zGVam8erE89N3hWayf7JYl0tTKq91nnKUQX42uEgXx6SR0SEiwrPEu1AR3C3UYX2yCooXshCc4Y-iCXvD70nj7PwnccEDSTyJWC6L1xPNHN2ZBofFRsQQ9LCUf09/s4032/334C48EC-4A47-44D6-9646-2BC9641B7F92.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJfTRMQMpas7OphEhdRM8h_MVmcnGlmWjDM6UdGoftyeeH82XCSQGGdwkxlj44zGVam8erE89N3hWayf7JYl0tTKq91nnKUQX42uEgXx6SR0SEiwrPEu1AR3C3UYX2yCooXshCc4Y-iCXvD70nj7PwnccEDSTyJWC6L1xPNHN2ZBofFRsQQ9LCUf09/w400-h300/334C48EC-4A47-44D6-9646-2BC9641B7F92.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div>But the rounds fall long (far right, with the bazooka teams at bottom left, Colonel Gavin suppressed at far left, and 1st Squad, 3rd Platoon visible at top left)!</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcxEBI23l69vA2QmUTy1QfhO3MgRfZrENMuHedC54-0l8VguGikL3zNCKA8dPnv_PpPzo0VAGtiDuY4uIY8kdAXZ1QHIaWjP-QgCmT_gCCMt4Esk-kvbCVKVBRixNdGDkuIt_RYTJEuTq2Od725T8uVwNV-EQiYfsO_xD_y1oxKSQAOnHG9unb02Sg/s4032/D5B02487-8F7C-4B1D-A9DC-03ECF44DB742.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcxEBI23l69vA2QmUTy1QfhO3MgRfZrENMuHedC54-0l8VguGikL3zNCKA8dPnv_PpPzo0VAGtiDuY4uIY8kdAXZ1QHIaWjP-QgCmT_gCCMt4Esk-kvbCVKVBRixNdGDkuIt_RYTJEuTq2Od725T8uVwNV-EQiYfsO_xD_y1oxKSQAOnHG9unb02Sg/w400-h300/D5B02487-8F7C-4B1D-A9DC-03ECF44DB742.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div>It's the end of the turn and the Germans check casualties: both rifle squads from their 1st Platoon (casualty figures at left and right) have broken and ran, but their FO (center) and both rifle squads from 3rd Platoon (just off camera to far left, with the US 3rd Platoon visible at top center/left) are good to go...</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpOvuT-IkSuO3mnZ6RuYdDzcBlojYC7oI61YHFnoMNs05GpM9wga0RRB2t94Upuozf_xIiqCDdRBoGLeAm4Wtrf-fL9Z_QAsLYxp4Ka6p_QQECCRzEioExF-bpk9TCwzJpL9jAB6gIpIPrd3DOE-yozMkbMzzTKHnNYL02U0YvPhVV5OgpYN2naGc2/s4032/4367C2A0-37C1-40A8-88F8-6FA9D6CAA67D.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpOvuT-IkSuO3mnZ6RuYdDzcBlojYC7oI61YHFnoMNs05GpM9wga0RRB2t94Upuozf_xIiqCDdRBoGLeAm4Wtrf-fL9Z_QAsLYxp4Ka6p_QQECCRzEioExF-bpk9TCwzJpL9jAB6gIpIPrd3DOE-yozMkbMzzTKHnNYL02U0YvPhVV5OgpYN2naGc2/w400-h300/4367C2A0-37C1-40A8-88F8-6FA9D6CAA67D.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div>But the Americans must also check casualties, and for the second game in a row, Colonel Gavin goes down...</div><div><br /></div><div>And that was just a kick in the crotch to the little guy...</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNT--ZB89RBABQ5uMTPR9d4q1Cjzi4JVNswu3if56fqj92Kor13CzEbmMaHBl_MNHy57d7Gb4Q-Qt5-XCxZJo8aKk-gFwjijqmcwtzuWA0GwlwyuKebnxG7LYT0oaibP5fjJmPdAmumVeD-CY_3pmGuDoQaCUoAvM73RcCMCL9ZpKghX0MyiGvyUAp/s4032/96F19F31-CB46-4FDD-93D9-A7D899A10DBF.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNT--ZB89RBABQ5uMTPR9d4q1Cjzi4JVNswu3if56fqj92Kor13CzEbmMaHBl_MNHy57d7Gb4Q-Qt5-XCxZJo8aKk-gFwjijqmcwtzuWA0GwlwyuKebnxG7LYT0oaibP5fjJmPdAmumVeD-CY_3pmGuDoQaCUoAvM73RcCMCL9ZpKghX0MyiGvyUAp/w400-h300/96F19F31-CB46-4FDD-93D9-A7D899A10DBF.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div>While back at the saddle, Tiger 501 and its infantry escort push forward and fire on the US bazooka teams manning their ambush positions...</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRi0B2D_B-Q3bTMkkNgFVWfdv8DyuL_drQZnlRw91etx3GEIeMeSGeDK9jxEOR94X42Mk8cQHM0-lL4MIlUsPNNh7a_EXzoJtnqFVjSLaKLaobV0hkOpsaDWRo_l1d8PkU7hf2LGabgQzLMxyL2zmlMJ31iAV-LT_GqwsV_0FyOF22lIxkvZaX1s_M/s4032/543D6E70-C418-42A5-B9BD-A7D4A48E0606.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRi0B2D_B-Q3bTMkkNgFVWfdv8DyuL_drQZnlRw91etx3GEIeMeSGeDK9jxEOR94X42Mk8cQHM0-lL4MIlUsPNNh7a_EXzoJtnqFVjSLaKLaobV0hkOpsaDWRo_l1d8PkU7hf2LGabgQzLMxyL2zmlMJ31iAV-LT_GqwsV_0FyOF22lIxkvZaX1s_M/w400-h300/543D6E70-C418-42A5-B9BD-A7D4A48E0606.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div>And the 88mm HE fire suppresses both of them!</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFHF7W-1NsSSU_gMGz59b4EfixcDl3c-Pw8x2HbI4H3mN-VQnxVjnKJ0GeYvfLzGCd8KEL1_CaNoCIOGVzi5T8-Szg8dPCCVydGPIMBuy9XjWvRjKUvmC04y4x3Mp8SynDkp1o6Me-Kzt4f8lqxAC-7fR8fMI61widR6oTMoxeKnYUmgnWsXbvTUuG/s4032/612A6B76-BA78-4624-84A3-B1B3E9F1EF52.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFHF7W-1NsSSU_gMGz59b4EfixcDl3c-Pw8x2HbI4H3mN-VQnxVjnKJ0GeYvfLzGCd8KEL1_CaNoCIOGVzi5T8-Szg8dPCCVydGPIMBuy9XjWvRjKUvmC04y4x3Mp8SynDkp1o6Me-Kzt4f8lqxAC-7fR8fMI61widR6oTMoxeKnYUmgnWsXbvTUuG/w400-h300/612A6B76-BA78-4624-84A3-B1B3E9F1EF52.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div>As the rest of the German armored column catches up.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqkVBYjmybZMeYsJ1-i2t9mx3971VAF6RwrpUu5_b7QyaxMrOPfZLY_LxeGIw8zEsoOX6uUn-n-id0jW8r0mAgcFHsx1QqMEz6Jr9GGrAR8qQar0CovNOKK-ctvI-C-lMIhwpsO1nEW2g1i08mr4ntki0ZDK4WNDiMAahCY66vcbW_gvzdK5M2DFOR/s4032/188C68EC-5C47-425A-9C7B-AF6588C48A32.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqkVBYjmybZMeYsJ1-i2t9mx3971VAF6RwrpUu5_b7QyaxMrOPfZLY_LxeGIw8zEsoOX6uUn-n-id0jW8r0mAgcFHsx1QqMEz6Jr9GGrAR8qQar0CovNOKK-ctvI-C-lMIhwpsO1nEW2g1i08mr4ntki0ZDK4WNDiMAahCY66vcbW_gvzdK5M2DFOR/w400-h300/188C68EC-5C47-425A-9C7B-AF6588C48A32.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div>The German mortar team shifts fire once more...</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirTKOlNBI-CQk5OPUp9UcMh3_ElXo0PzuwvpCMzPc733sgwUV0ZTQJbSLaa513bOUZAQAzgQuHKO9bGKFaXyMsIwVPSokj34HQaRqXCJSmEyzx_yFzZ47PEwZ6mgQAyKb18WUzR70348hA0Hho4SsRqanoj1kxURfedA47m1-6DchMtmEI_G3RgWvq/s4032/6361EA9E-E157-46D5-8C44-47B52FD1627D.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirTKOlNBI-CQk5OPUp9UcMh3_ElXo0PzuwvpCMzPc733sgwUV0ZTQJbSLaa513bOUZAQAzgQuHKO9bGKFaXyMsIwVPSokj34HQaRqXCJSmEyzx_yFzZ47PEwZ6mgQAyKb18WUzR70348hA0Hho4SsRqanoj1kxURfedA47m1-6DchMtmEI_G3RgWvq/w400-h300/6361EA9E-E157-46D5-8C44-47B52FD1627D.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div>Suppressing Gun #2.</div><div><br /></div><div>Everything is going the older boy's way...</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiId7-l8Anz7Z6VMcbNLUAyczqmKKASxQ8OYtF5qoH9mRFs6EK1BwXnCrtiYDm0sVEbaEDFHwyIrOMtmKLwVxuJ-tDamVQ_ifNad1U80ydzJmEsxT_NhfCIRSNW22u0iwCfgHLHB1tU2UueZ0uHPIfKiV1Zk9SOIOU8rMEtKEYh26mlgTBlKThCkFyw/s4032/AC13999C-EB4C-4A55-B14A-6056AF59309C.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiId7-l8Anz7Z6VMcbNLUAyczqmKKASxQ8OYtF5qoH9mRFs6EK1BwXnCrtiYDm0sVEbaEDFHwyIrOMtmKLwVxuJ-tDamVQ_ifNad1U80ydzJmEsxT_NhfCIRSNW22u0iwCfgHLHB1tU2UueZ0uHPIfKiV1Zk9SOIOU8rMEtKEYh26mlgTBlKThCkFyw/w400-h300/AC13999C-EB4C-4A55-B14A-6056AF59309C.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div>In full on desperation mode, Gun #1 (bottom left) fires on the German armored column (top center right)...</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifsBws-Xexo9rIvri0US95nliPSq5pZWQbapKD8-MD24ncQJx6WCcBE7FV1M6zy_9fgtxGuKerFsTFydw3t2D9Ku3H8JRpIuXZvXsmU_6nTYtVOqDCWxYSyd_IKtdEwK2-88pgU18QJA4kTJC9E-fyspOFpIIe1VSYdGEDi0pMRNa8WrWt5D9SQZPC/s4032/321E5A41-F0A9-4FBB-87F1-A8DD43F143CE.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifsBws-Xexo9rIvri0US95nliPSq5pZWQbapKD8-MD24ncQJx6WCcBE7FV1M6zy_9fgtxGuKerFsTFydw3t2D9Ku3H8JRpIuXZvXsmU_6nTYtVOqDCWxYSyd_IKtdEwK2-88pgU18QJA4kTJC9E-fyspOFpIIe1VSYdGEDi0pMRNa8WrWt5D9SQZPC/w400-h300/321E5A41-F0A9-4FBB-87F1-A8DD43F143CE.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div>But only manages to suppress the lead rifle squad.</div><div><br /></div><div>And it all comes down to this, having to close assault German troops atop the North Spur that have just rallied off their suppressions in a last, vain attempt to carry the day...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTz34vIcM2ikaTFRW6_qJyIDdz8zleLGd_vkFikrn9T-m3S25TlwgrtI5W9cuZFnaG-gf2t5ZiHadP1nkvOPXbhHHO3sNL140zWK_H3PkLx3FkYgwtjReQLoe6vBDmlDJUDNfM5XidBQW5JqrdquuqKdG-x6EoL-cKd05lPUOt0jv6uQcc_iul7WTQ/s4032/13FE92F0-3520-453C-9A88-A6B67C29E65C.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTz34vIcM2ikaTFRW6_qJyIDdz8zleLGd_vkFikrn9T-m3S25TlwgrtI5W9cuZFnaG-gf2t5ZiHadP1nkvOPXbhHHO3sNL140zWK_H3PkLx3FkYgwtjReQLoe6vBDmlDJUDNfM5XidBQW5JqrdquuqKdG-x6EoL-cKd05lPUOt0jv6uQcc_iul7WTQ/w400-h300/13FE92F0-3520-453C-9A88-A6B67C29E65C.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>On the far right, the US 2nd Squad, 3rd Platoon valiantly charges up the face of the North Spur, directly into the waiting guns of the German 3rd Platoon...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQAWQHJYPW6OsX3cyf8u2Luty5YdILUg5litANIBCEy15x-0aX8nJQ18lK3fO5oRjZWcIJnXK7Bi7C5d0gsBMrL-eWJD-W8KYEtEHxbbqwp4dFuk03CzbZsQ2r2x5Vm9ncKT8HW010_5_RrCkbzNCcocRKPWDgHjWg0Tk-MYqxbeAlZbWtcISLAv--/s4032/0DBA67C1-89E9-4077-9737-7F53D5F3EDC0.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQAWQHJYPW6OsX3cyf8u2Luty5YdILUg5litANIBCEy15x-0aX8nJQ18lK3fO5oRjZWcIJnXK7Bi7C5d0gsBMrL-eWJD-W8KYEtEHxbbqwp4dFuk03CzbZsQ2r2x5Vm9ncKT8HW010_5_RrCkbzNCcocRKPWDgHjWg0Tk-MYqxbeAlZbWtcISLAv--/w400-h300/0DBA67C1-89E9-4077-9737-7F53D5F3EDC0.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And is duly defeated...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The poor little guy had absolutely no luck today... But don't worry, yesterday he went 2-3 with a double and a Grand Slam in a 16-1 victory in Little League Baseball ;)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM8NTQu0znKVZsx9MXLJ-cs5lNr2TWx0rnh5QFVel-WvnxMOUgvikoFB9mdaaCHby8-LZCnEBf4-1B6zhOqeFmdHeiTAvg0XQOLNQZhP7vcsO8mWuVWxwYWtrSv8ifHSCPb8JPD60VloEZ2YnzDUPmIjWMZKPtbZDw9p9NZeJsyEQ74cT1-IzuiWcl/s4032/CAEBB110-BC43-41BC-A1F9-CEAD22F768F5.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM8NTQu0znKVZsx9MXLJ-cs5lNr2TWx0rnh5QFVel-WvnxMOUgvikoFB9mdaaCHby8-LZCnEBf4-1B6zhOqeFmdHeiTAvg0XQOLNQZhP7vcsO8mWuVWxwYWtrSv8ifHSCPb8JPD60VloEZ2YnzDUPmIjWMZKPtbZDw9p9NZeJsyEQ74cT1-IzuiWcl/w400-h300/CAEBB110-BC43-41BC-A1F9-CEAD22F768F5.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>The remaining US troops (the FO, Gun #1 (top center), two bazooka teams, and 1st Squad, 3rd Platoon, fall back, just as 6" shells from the USS Savanna and USS Boise began to careen overhead, saving the day for the US beach head at Gela...</div><div><br /></div><div>And all that without the MG-42 team firing a shot! ;)<br /><p>Wow, what a fight, I'm exhausted. Looking back on it, and with all my foreshadowing commentary, you are likely to get the impression that the result was a foregone conclusion, but I assure you that is not the case, it was actually a barn burner that had some luck involved, but was actually just played really, really well by my older son. Hell, initially, when the pack howitzers suppressed all three squads of the German 2nd Platoon, potentially separating them from the Tigers, it looked like it might be a walkover for the US, and things were tilting the Germans way but still could have gone either way all the until Colonel Gavin got whacked, and don't forget, that happened right after the pack howitzers suppressed pretty much everything atop the North Spur. So it was a close run thing until Gavin went down, and then ended with a 'Charge of the Light Brigade,' which was pretty fitting, and dramatic.<br /><br />So I can't complain about the action at all. The rules worked much better without having to deal with reinforcements, but the fight still took two and a half hours, which is a bit of a challenge still for the youngsters (I did have to threaten the little one's life a couple times). I haven't discussed it with the boys yet, but I'm actually thinking about playing it again, with a different set of rules (something homegrown, super simple), in the hopes of getting the game time down to 60-90 minutes. I don't really like playing the same fight over and over again, but it has been fun, it's already set up, and it has proven to be a good test bed, I think. Sure, the Yanks have lost both times, but I don't feel like it's an unwinnable situation for them, just some bad luck and some skillful handling of the German forces.</p><p>So, if anyone has a cool, similarly-sized scenario we should try out, let me know and I might just give it a shot, rather than do a 'Biazza Ridge III.' But it needs to be mid- to late-war, I don't have early war stuff in 15mm (yet), hopefully something on the Eastern Front. </p><p>More to follow as we look to keep the gaming ball rolling.</p><p>V/R,<br />Jack<br /><br /></p></div></div>Just Jackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03552962741823929433noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8660216775038377627.post-31401032046475597972022-03-20T16:57:00.000-07:002022-03-20T16:57:02.413-07:00The Battle of Biazza Ridge I<p> All,</p><p>Had some fun today, and man has it been a long time coming! Pulling the scenario from my buddy Steve (<a href="https://soundofficerscall.blogspot.com/2022/03/a-biazza-ridge-scenario-for-battlegroup.html">SOUND OFFICERS CALL!: A Biazza Ridge Scenario for Battlegroup - Ready for Your Playtesting!</a>), and with a fresh set of rules (more on that later), the boys and I headed upstairs and got a game in. First time in over a year for me, though I guess I still haven't actually gotten a game in as I really just umpired for the boys, with the elder playing the Germans and the younger playing the Americans.<br /><br />I changed Steve's scenario in two ways: first, I played on a 6' x 4' table rather than a 4' x 4' table, and then I eliminated the medic from each side's order of battle as 1) I don't have any German medics and 2) the rules I'm using don't have any mechanism for using medics.</p><p>So what did we do? It's July 11, 1943, on the island of Sicily, where American paratroopers are facing off against tanks and troops of the Hermann Goering Panzergrenadier Division. The paratroopers have landed inland to screen the beaches as infantry come ashore, and they're being put to the test at a place called Biazza Ridge as the Germans mount a counterattack, advancing towards Gela in order to push the Yanks back into the sea.</p><p>And yes, this is listed as "The Battle of Biazza Ridge I," because we're planning on there being a "The Battle of Biazza Ridge II."</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh100y0zF2sCAfBM06fR1ME105H5iKoRJY6FfERKH-137vLgGCKMTFeGY12m1ZxMhyNNR2AioqhWninq19QVeleZjIf1x8HXhX07pHa1VB6eoTB2JetgjIhDILOCkEbZv2WMZTWSEzJht4mpf1Vivs-V5D75JllWxpyGD0cMfeCqez5siIZXvxFZPsx=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh100y0zF2sCAfBM06fR1ME105H5iKoRJY6FfERKH-137vLgGCKMTFeGY12m1ZxMhyNNR2AioqhWninq19QVeleZjIf1x8HXhX07pHa1VB6eoTB2JetgjIhDILOCkEbZv2WMZTWSEzJht4mpf1Vivs-V5D75JllWxpyGD0cMfeCqez5siIZXvxFZPsx=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div>Overview, north is up, with the German baseline to the west (left) and US to the east (right). Biazza Ridge runs from south-southwest to north-northeast across the center of the table, with scattered fields, orchards, hedges, and olive trees scattered across landscape. There is a bombed-out church in the northwest (top left) and a stone farmhouse in the southeast (bottom right), which represents the only hard cover on the table.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjNTTZiJt_FJ3ivZ2VskXsgvMrD08D6lZL8QpQVmlFbkNNH6pIRxiLyHhMsU6LOcmjdFI2VFSexHJN_cBLZP4bVlUjlJJioRgX_vOWFEVlW0vdX8wMV0Sn7umCfH-eeFVqqioo4Niz305WQAG3KVlV9wgsPx7bhk8IXV8-f2dpxQMrYEm4e-YsnrYuK=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjNTTZiJt_FJ3ivZ2VskXsgvMrD08D6lZL8QpQVmlFbkNNH6pIRxiLyHhMsU6LOcmjdFI2VFSexHJN_cBLZP4bVlUjlJJioRgX_vOWFEVlW0vdX8wMV0Sn7umCfH-eeFVqqioo4Niz305WQAG3KVlV9wgsPx7bhk8IXV8-f2dpxQMrYEm4e-YsnrYuK=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div>The opposing forces, with US on the right and Germans on the left. Both sides will start with a small proportion of their overall force on the table, the remainder coming in as reinforcements on subsequent turns. And while the US force looks a bit paltry, in the end a Naval Gunfire Control Party is coming onto the table in order to direct the fire of offshore battleships and cruisers.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgzUgfMzp79QpXqc9qBMEQchAuVIHyBA91QJZB1u3vqzKQDGIPhparSv616Zn46UM9ojuNOjxiMsUMWsZezy992DZijgb7AtlxO5hd94diDCPGd7aJSr72PQ3Bb1fQhTx7drpX7Cyzxkewwj8lZLZvx7nsVa5Dl_V5AaWi3QacFdENdajll2VJoQR0T=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgzUgfMzp79QpXqc9qBMEQchAuVIHyBA91QJZB1u3vqzKQDGIPhparSv616Zn46UM9ojuNOjxiMsUMWsZezy992DZijgb7AtlxO5hd94diDCPGd7aJSr72PQ3Bb1fQhTx7drpX7Cyzxkewwj8lZLZvx7nsVa5Dl_V5AaWi3QacFdENdajll2VJoQR0T=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div>The US force. Starting on table, the Americans have only their commanding officer (Jumpin' Jim Gavin, rated very highly), a rifle team, an LMG team, and a combat engineer team. Reinforcements consist of two rifle teams, two LMG teams, a 60mm mortar team, a bazooka team, a Forward Observer (FO), two 75mm pack howitzers, and the Naval Gunfire Control Party.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjMmrDuxlxykHdF7u8ooel1evvfyLC9g5G7AtMVXJJ1xGvsvdqZJtxY5OZcfEI6yavVuoDq4kP7sK8JA_13PLyrHQGevggBj3osDshgL89tybyphjCocY1nHzX0ZSOub2y7nLRoSZUHwxMchH_ggCfgyG7oElnT8DqQ4BR--S3rAu0Gsdfv4bxMmlkP=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjMmrDuxlxykHdF7u8ooel1evvfyLC9g5G7AtMVXJJ1xGvsvdqZJtxY5OZcfEI6yavVuoDq4kP7sK8JA_13PLyrHQGevggBj3osDshgL89tybyphjCocY1nHzX0ZSOub2y7nLRoSZUHwxMchH_ggCfgyG7oElnT8DqQ4BR--S3rAu0Gsdfv4bxMmlkP=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div>The Germans start out a little better, with three rifle teams, three LMG teams, and a 120mm mortar team on the table (I don't have a 120mm mortar team ready, so I used a Fallschirmjaeger 80mm mortar team, but treated as a 120mm mortar). As reinforcements they will receive their CO, Executive Officer (XO), another rifle and LMG team, an (actual) 80mm mortar team, a tripod-mounted MG-42 team (which I'll call an SFMG, and the last four listed come on in trucks), two Tiger I tanks, a Panzer III, and an FO.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhGseW5_MI4YSULf6VvESgam4QjO79lyutWAS4O-jKNXyidugzYMXozhlT-a-nibpl2XK74PHr7VUQnrOloZQveASMBrDvtgL_ucFLbel8JJ9qtL5QZrZ3eeLbAWB86MSg4jJTCd1DvAOyvwYOBnG_PV1-Ktu7ZelLBIxDJF0bkz_M-TqvSd4XY4sCT=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhGseW5_MI4YSULf6VvESgam4QjO79lyutWAS4O-jKNXyidugzYMXozhlT-a-nibpl2XK74PHr7VUQnrOloZQveASMBrDvtgL_ucFLbel8JJ9qtL5QZrZ3eeLbAWB86MSg4jJTCd1DvAOyvwYOBnG_PV1-Ktu7ZelLBIxDJF0bkz_M-TqvSd4XY4sCT=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div>Looking south to north at the American baseline.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEivu5rHR3GNlmhKRVcwthfJry6OSufbJZ2re2UthZ2-MUR02lcjXt9RxcvRcU4Vh7rYnSFx0cf8jxLZaF_f0pl1LyTIO9uEGrWkIDDLvSkW1gjNNBepkVO8ORBHuSRMB_S2iEzqULvdXDYUiA7_6YePiXVljjpYjrfCARZKUZt5_gxi6v0wJ7ZxJbER=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEivu5rHR3GNlmhKRVcwthfJry6OSufbJZ2re2UthZ2-MUR02lcjXt9RxcvRcU4Vh7rYnSFx0cf8jxLZaF_f0pl1LyTIO9uEGrWkIDDLvSkW1gjNNBepkVO8ORBHuSRMB_S2iEzqULvdXDYUiA7_6YePiXVljjpYjrfCARZKUZt5_gxi6v0wJ7ZxJbER=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div>Looking east to west from the American baseline.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgBb_ZvPVVhseMnZeP7A0DQ4ffBYGdryumZkPovh1XoNIIHqAOWCj8rFB1kQ3b2hhWdBM2k4t_PQFVZr9UwZhZkgaefSwfG6P1aSKYDCFfCfey2Pj-9VQ2IbT6JoJqivysKsr-sot_ChRYTH9bf87RoObADBc9nYvq3WJ9IRvAcrkv42SJxeXoh2aUw=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgBb_ZvPVVhseMnZeP7A0DQ4ffBYGdryumZkPovh1XoNIIHqAOWCj8rFB1kQ3b2hhWdBM2k4t_PQFVZr9UwZhZkgaefSwfG6P1aSKYDCFfCfey2Pj-9VQ2IbT6JoJqivysKsr-sot_ChRYTH9bf87RoObADBc9nYvq3WJ9IRvAcrkv42SJxeXoh2aUw=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div>A ground level view, where you can see the contours of the ridge, with rises to the south (top left) and north (top right), with the road running through a saddle between them.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjdM5l7uPzkDuPfB1Nk9ycn0bkIvUjSHWgv1lk2gdXwEA9sl7L-rWgVxK4XV16iZiVlYjc43Z-GH4jpqwVECgU6rncqUjebk9dKkBaWg_KEJ_opTY7EfQRsqxSmnTGFyX-o4ej6EN590pSPQu9bSSKYvTLHoucoH1rrz3vUJa6jh3t89K_oHCgve5AV=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjdM5l7uPzkDuPfB1Nk9ycn0bkIvUjSHWgv1lk2gdXwEA9sl7L-rWgVxK4XV16iZiVlYjc43Z-GH4jpqwVECgU6rncqUjebk9dKkBaWg_KEJ_opTY7EfQRsqxSmnTGFyX-o4ej6EN590pSPQu9bSSKYvTLHoucoH1rrz3vUJa6jh3t89K_oHCgve5AV=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div>Looking north at the German baseline.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhIZ8jFBIKY0ccNPF8rlMqwiks1o8hzCTmm3GD7Ajg0Gw7ibkiyjqyKpZGNfIHxqWsi25S6t0jsYDEz7_C65i8vZ5oqQ_mvKTYizq9MfglLGCtg5AIuwE5V6izKE8kOHzdhXL6-MtwdSETw8Zt3v8uzXpADEhaj8R-DLA6vhnepwxqDPfdRhPxHe0nU=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhIZ8jFBIKY0ccNPF8rlMqwiks1o8hzCTmm3GD7Ajg0Gw7ibkiyjqyKpZGNfIHxqWsi25S6t0jsYDEz7_C65i8vZ5oqQ_mvKTYizq9MfglLGCtg5AIuwE5V6izKE8kOHzdhXL6-MtwdSETw8Zt3v8uzXpADEhaj8R-DLA6vhnepwxqDPfdRhPxHe0nU=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div>Looking west to east from the German baseline.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhBQpddbYqjvVIQ545HI23MmBYAfAT9vUk24wSB8O5wwLK8-rgIUb6_1uvQatvRUdMqcATIZ09aTXYhUF2x4HkGSb9s0vRngJPiJgYrjj4kY7nkCYi8ADUS8i8P1YNijWt4nHb_Pjak3R47Eb_2gbzhspdwvwOWvWnvMQukBkG47Qo_JUNeu2zVRU9K=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhBQpddbYqjvVIQ545HI23MmBYAfAT9vUk24wSB8O5wwLK8-rgIUb6_1uvQatvRUdMqcATIZ09aTXYhUF2x4HkGSb9s0vRngJPiJgYrjj4kY7nkCYi8ADUS8i8P1YNijWt4nHb_Pjak3R47Eb_2gbzhspdwvwOWvWnvMQukBkG47Qo_JUNeu2zVRU9K=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div>Another look at the elevation of Biazza Ridge (top left and far right), with the road running through the saddle at center top.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhGfbp4A3xmPXjGVTuuDxkO6mfrqBhqYVi0WdBOaTJ4rPqqQuwdesppa2EpGYfcDYewEzaDaPgcCPGg1jpgecEa5zvE6vJ4-tF5UtuyP1QsSK72gxSZ_hs3Uqty_r_KVS_4NnjVSSfSKnngXAsjuicPQASkTGjX8TgzwNvs_5WOASKeNVpzOCcJAjJ1=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhGfbp4A3xmPXjGVTuuDxkO6mfrqBhqYVi0WdBOaTJ4rPqqQuwdesppa2EpGYfcDYewEzaDaPgcCPGg1jpgecEa5zvE6vJ4-tF5UtuyP1QsSK72gxSZ_hs3Uqty_r_KVS_4NnjVSSfSKnngXAsjuicPQASkTGjX8TgzwNvs_5WOASKeNVpzOCcJAjJ1=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div>The initial dispositions, with Yanks at bottom center right and bottom right and the Germans at center top left and left. The US paratroopers have their 1st Squad (a rifle team and an LMG team) in the field at center bottom right and their CO and engineers near the building at bottom right. The Germans have their 120mm mortar team behind the woods at top left and their three rifle squads at center left/center left top.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhUr8cpyCCsikKhmzEJ559OIXK6gtgVx4iJmB9DHSYHHzlMnda6T4kVLv_BkbT9ul66vIn9o3fSqPT5CNo7lgNF3owv09ISzX6lnCzgYOk5jod0bAT7in67WgeJ4LsAZ7Dfo-Uv8v5c2t4YSvhXbVd21GnkS8JksD9K_eOtg0JDHAVZlYFl_YL6r0BN=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhUr8cpyCCsikKhmzEJ559OIXK6gtgVx4iJmB9DHSYHHzlMnda6T4kVLv_BkbT9ul66vIn9o3fSqPT5CNo7lgNF3owv09ISzX6lnCzgYOk5jod0bAT7in67WgeJ4LsAZ7Dfo-Uv8v5c2t4YSvhXbVd21GnkS8JksD9K_eOtg0JDHAVZlYFl_YL6r0BN=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div>Looking at the US starting positions, with 1st Squad in the field at far left, the engineer team behind the house at center right, and the CO in the woods behind it (far bottom right).</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgRSHMDjY-DN_2C0OXzpqGjiEaWbfsX9CcO1jfSvSHRzdopCPHwQI2nb4h7tfNOAiW8NyVwYMYX_YQsCmC1LrN3no4AqAPLuhXwHc6AWbdcG00dyPiUt8iG1RUqrW8YDtybsfekaLghcnUJre6hLkLjHtECJEVBl22x7sHUK7zIifDk62t6se3Ss1cR=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgRSHMDjY-DN_2C0OXzpqGjiEaWbfsX9CcO1jfSvSHRzdopCPHwQI2nb4h7tfNOAiW8NyVwYMYX_YQsCmC1LrN3no4AqAPLuhXwHc6AWbdcG00dyPiUt8iG1RUqrW8YDtybsfekaLghcnUJre6hLkLjHtECJEVBl22x7sHUK7zIifDk62t6se3Ss1cR=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div>A look at Biazza Ridge (top left and top right) and the bombed-out church from behind General Gavin, with 1st Squad visible in the field at left top.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjy67BId5wqYvB7OATFEtqTL-pypX9opOLceIziAusJ4MMBlE1fneKeXhTtjD-S4SLtnPaNrOGOlcqu1K8kOgo0mZ5G9PfU4UZAVe8Wp7XA3FF6hz7vm7ZpfnZflzqwt15_OUQEobCifZ4xhfALdDYplhaJ0ubz-Zy4B36pByt2Q6ROGcXkBhKBagci=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjy67BId5wqYvB7OATFEtqTL-pypX9opOLceIziAusJ4MMBlE1fneKeXhTtjD-S4SLtnPaNrOGOlcqu1K8kOgo0mZ5G9PfU4UZAVe8Wp7XA3FF6hz7vm7ZpfnZflzqwt15_OUQEobCifZ4xhfALdDYplhaJ0ubz-Zy4B36pByt2Q6ROGcXkBhKBagci=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div>The German starting positions. Their 120mm mortar is behind the trees at top left, while 1st Squad is in the field at top right, 2nd Squad is in the bombed-out church, and third squad is in the trees just south of the road (right bottom).</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhWBDVoDzm2yJyByCeqKg-A7SMXcjw1X3vIyZ_Zb-C04ervac2VtS9DXfZOdG9SWN5E1oZogYArI-xOt86HibYA8WgGcHp-exYosqIbH9pqh7t_9EhdCo1cfq-R8IuD_OYFyI_eZwvUrAWGOzn8eBbBtw7TImlTut_KWXTAm-t-xNhi_3P6ZIxZaXUv=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhWBDVoDzm2yJyByCeqKg-A7SMXcjw1X3vIyZ_Zb-C04ervac2VtS9DXfZOdG9SWN5E1oZogYArI-xOt86HibYA8WgGcHp-exYosqIbH9pqh7t_9EhdCo1cfq-R8IuD_OYFyI_eZwvUrAWGOzn8eBbBtw7TImlTut_KWXTAm-t-xNhi_3P6ZIxZaXUv=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div>Looking southeast from the bombed-out church, with the German 1st Squad at left, 2nd Squad at center, and 3rd Squad at far right.</div><div><br /></div><div>And the game is afoot, we're off! We check for initiative...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEitDyu4OwDRGZel5YOfG2Gt_1AkJZN1uW5IXZYgILwOaFgx8yzeAn1tnvum9pT_KjvGnswcTQDnqcU4GGoy6YqQPpQC_cyrcz-FiNjLSSLp4anu74Qrp4rLJmtqMFzDjvE7Zayy1I3Tyzrj-fj4rJmK_Bmu67LVY3NrkvWHicwKwOrF7rZA7Ee9Xr_W=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEitDyu4OwDRGZel5YOfG2Gt_1AkJZN1uW5IXZYgILwOaFgx8yzeAn1tnvum9pT_KjvGnswcTQDnqcU4GGoy6YqQPpQC_cyrcz-FiNjLSSLp4anu74Qrp4rLJmtqMFzDjvE7Zayy1I3Tyzrj-fj4rJmK_Bmu67LVY3NrkvWHicwKwOrF7rZA7Ee9Xr_W=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div>And the Germans have it. They immediately push their 1st Squad up the north spur of Biazza Ridge (far left, on the slope, from the field at left bottom)...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj-L2DTDOnArPP7BrymYTlZP7vjjGOCLvcDZFIM_2ky49M-CsrsVIG4B4heCOh5ffLZY8SlicDsg1BujJMjLvn7ScKnuQORVYLy9DBSj4nOG2VK0HeiZu9CG09KI5DGqgv7ul_Ad5QRkVf76kt9709WyRgyScUsRly-2MvE29bfAd9jFQBao4VLO8lv=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj-L2DTDOnArPP7BrymYTlZP7vjjGOCLvcDZFIM_2ky49M-CsrsVIG4B4heCOh5ffLZY8SlicDsg1BujJMjLvn7ScKnuQORVYLy9DBSj4nOG2VK0HeiZu9CG09KI5DGqgv7ul_Ad5QRkVf76kt9709WyRgyScUsRly-2MvE29bfAd9jFQBao4VLO8lv=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div>And then up onto the crest (far left top), into a very nice position in the cover of some olive trees, with a commanding field of fire into the US side of the table (top right/far right).</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhIekUcepE2eHOdbUArfGLMmr0GHvDm6Wt7miEYHiN-jvayxFxHPCyKV6cCwYtNe7_fQmyA3zs0OveWR_fq3CUYjKMm5C_YRcFMX8KEjeSHKef-sP_FsTW1gqm12AwHFC41MW74waw27SjHe8cOXUlgN28gIiVpB7tjN4Tq_C7O1Ldx7vHsaehR2lDO=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhIekUcepE2eHOdbUArfGLMmr0GHvDm6Wt7miEYHiN-jvayxFxHPCyKV6cCwYtNe7_fQmyA3zs0OveWR_fq3CUYjKMm5C_YRcFMX8KEjeSHKef-sP_FsTW1gqm12AwHFC41MW74waw27SjHe8cOXUlgN28gIiVpB7tjN4Tq_C7O1Ldx7vHsaehR2lDO=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div>The Yanks react by pushing their 1st Squad towards the south spur of Biazza Ridge, but they're Army so they're lagging and only the rifle team gets atop the ridge (top center right, from field at bottom left) while the LMG team is stuck in the trees below (left, with Germans visible at top right, on the other side of the ridge).</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjxc2iO8ejZaEHqqmVKqc73AbjDVo3wX30iAy6BvPnGYhJOnLFZAd9KuhPwjIOHpF3bDuHq8rktZOS56pCBnIvR2yYKvB2gqfxa95BNm4nFN8nQWqjMdD0_sHaqD9viY5MHreI1PXvD4x_GOgwutCDoK8rba9Z4RuRLxz1-Z3x79gjSq4sQOWmwVpJ-=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjxc2iO8ejZaEHqqmVKqc73AbjDVo3wX30iAy6BvPnGYhJOnLFZAd9KuhPwjIOHpF3bDuHq8rktZOS56pCBnIvR2yYKvB2gqfxa95BNm4nFN8nQWqjMdD0_sHaqD9viY5MHreI1PXvD4x_GOgwutCDoK8rba9Z4RuRLxz1-Z3x79gjSq4sQOWmwVpJ-=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div>General Gavin moves up next to the stone farmhouse as the engineers move in and occupy it, both scared to move too much further with the German 1st Squad atop the north spur (off camera to top left), staring down on them.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEinT3dCo59b8h-ezh63WAZKW1O_Z7KklhrqWnvt0MrOtCzf-P-BHOSEgth6RSDrjZXkqLLe63TFC9u-7pxJsd5dRLvVxrCOEDisw_gGjbGC1eAmMsR3heG1tp-teaUrxy_ZLWZNq5_g-0A-m57dXhbRshknyzkLExazUdLS6cMvjhFy2w-3G7UfS8Le=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEinT3dCo59b8h-ezh63WAZKW1O_Z7KklhrqWnvt0MrOtCzf-P-BHOSEgth6RSDrjZXkqLLe63TFC9u-7pxJsd5dRLvVxrCOEDisw_gGjbGC1eAmMsR3heG1tp-teaUrxy_ZLWZNq5_g-0A-m57dXhbRshknyzkLExazUdLS6cMvjhFy2w-3G7UfS8Le=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div>The US engineers (in house at bottom left) even take the Germans on the north spur (top right) under fire... </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh6gEH2zjJ2nSDERycPDSGXQ5mA1i3WEQJmvRHrfUmZJxLFlurmrnT0iQkuPfvUgMwwlsTuAhqKg34_rG40xJ9GOCdvU5Vf6MnkMzfHRnHi-5WjoeTpHtiYoNbDpHGxGWc4BJGdHnZuQ1_I4EBWAlltX4tbxIEXmvskaPgKAdJU9S_baX4m_S8jV15R=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh6gEH2zjJ2nSDERycPDSGXQ5mA1i3WEQJmvRHrfUmZJxLFlurmrnT0iQkuPfvUgMwwlsTuAhqKg34_rG40xJ9GOCdvU5Vf6MnkMzfHRnHi-5WjoeTpHtiYoNbDpHGxGWc4BJGdHnZuQ1_I4EBWAlltX4tbxIEXmvskaPgKAdJU9S_baX4m_S8jV15R=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div>But their Garands and carbines aren't of much use at this range against troops in cover, thus kicking off a stalemate in which the two foes (in house at top right and atop the north spur at far left) exchange ineffectual fire, neither side able to get the other to budge and with way too much open ground between them to attempt moving into close combat.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgIb5cwyfHzwqt8ux0jOtXuNuNVAxGtRG83zD_tYf53Qh7623hv8aBZa5usSk6e_RxdVmTL57-WlFmY02rLODcEX7YA8uCXR0EdBv2a52ZrV0T-9-aYgl-11LgHDAzVlW_hV6KTQH2MNs00Ix5DOIoSKD__Vn4W1_Y6plVMU1HC2gx_EK1UZ6o7KHfJ=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgIb5cwyfHzwqt8ux0jOtXuNuNVAxGtRG83zD_tYf53Qh7623hv8aBZa5usSk6e_RxdVmTL57-WlFmY02rLODcEX7YA8uCXR0EdBv2a52ZrV0T-9-aYgl-11LgHDAzVlW_hV6KTQH2MNs00Ix5DOIoSKD__Vn4W1_Y6plVMU1HC2gx_EK1UZ6o7KHfJ=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div>Further back in the German line, their 2nd Squad LMG team (bottom center, in bombed-out church) lays down fire on the American rifle team atop the south spur (top center right) as their own rifle team pushes up (between field and church, far left bottom).<br /><br />The MG-42 fire is quite effective, pinning down the American paratroopers, so the German 3rd Squad (just visible in the trees at far right, above the church tower)...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjpttW1PnxE3T7cPH7L04d3VpbcouXSGVPbthz0PG_tk903qe-fpTPE1eii7uj1iix_PS1_K-voh12FVUUyBjOINlQWLO_aj7JqqduPi01ZzCfyyWH1k1Q514sxk2nDLyqd9hM7f2EOc09DQwbXexr_3tNBRYjj4H2JJMC_6DKP0aWE-arTtjGiAjra=s1280" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjpttW1PnxE3T7cPH7L04d3VpbcouXSGVPbthz0PG_tk903qe-fpTPE1eii7uj1iix_PS1_K-voh12FVUUyBjOINlQWLO_aj7JqqduPi01ZzCfyyWH1k1Q514sxk2nDLyqd9hM7f2EOc09DQwbXexr_3tNBRYjj4H2JJMC_6DKP0aWE-arTtjGiAjra=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div>Charges upslope and enters close combat with the US paratroopers! The olive trees serve to muffle the sounds of hand grenades, rapid fire bursts from submachine guns, and the clank and holler of men using improvised weapons in the melee. The Yank rifle team puts up a valiant fight but is quickly overwhelmed...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiEoMXU7djA36_ngq73hE8KlQRoSXIxYqgbZRzWmKaiSiZ3S2mIeLDRovs9Xgp-3w6q12djC_GKiofm8RCZUz6I6ZOuGYMJaDkSbnAPymyS3TRXz33fq2hq14nTfTbGhNyt3Q16MbFkqJLMZrPPYL6W_oGRiGQOxcz3PuinmubmVkmVyplVW9J0N6Eu=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiEoMXU7djA36_ngq73hE8KlQRoSXIxYqgbZRzWmKaiSiZ3S2mIeLDRovs9Xgp-3w6q12djC_GKiofm8RCZUz6I6ZOuGYMJaDkSbnAPymyS3TRXz33fq2hq14nTfTbGhNyt3Q16MbFkqJLMZrPPYL6W_oGRiGQOxcz3PuinmubmVkmVyplVW9J0N6Eu=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div>With one of his three combat units out of the fight and the Germans now completely in control of Biazza Ridge, General Gavin immediately dashes forward, joining up with the LMG team (bottom right), where they both unleash fire on the German 3rd Squad now atop the southern spur (top left). The fire is accurate and effective, pinning down both teams!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiHFw8QlUPMRdawpIxa5-XA6q-FJVq67y8k8jm1snh9vxYF1QJH8FemUVo9w4KLNzmdTjcg5nse_7-irqDTVxP9dM83LcnJqU95i16In-ST1UCBJPomp8SGieHkG2VDkmwJP2fw-vYk6-KT1vidhvqWjDVqfv2HKTIGtFuzFMJwrowPEt7tCs31eoBA=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiHFw8QlUPMRdawpIxa5-XA6q-FJVq67y8k8jm1snh9vxYF1QJH8FemUVo9w4KLNzmdTjcg5nse_7-irqDTVxP9dM83LcnJqU95i16In-ST1UCBJPomp8SGieHkG2VDkmwJP2fw-vYk6-KT1vidhvqWjDVqfv2HKTIGtFuzFMJwrowPEt7tCs31eoBA=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div>The German 120mm mortar team responds (yes, it's an 80mm mortar, like I said, I don't have any 120mm mortars painted up yet)...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj9NJ66265H291bCiBIe6-qfKdpw-x0pJZ-BAl5rovQOfPVj0J0UBtQMS0o6Jjv6vNhxamQMs0TXpvW9y_7YixpkKwAq5FPxfZFxWHfkdUXxBbwq9C94FYx2gV64A1aMpUG51r3757ldJHXbcBwTE_7N7TFT3pKRcoWA-0CADLXCn1r_IfFxev4RPPQ=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj9NJ66265H291bCiBIe6-qfKdpw-x0pJZ-BAl5rovQOfPVj0J0UBtQMS0o6Jjv6vNhxamQMs0TXpvW9y_7YixpkKwAq5FPxfZFxWHfkdUXxBbwq9C94FYx2gV64A1aMpUG51r3757ldJHXbcBwTE_7N7TFT3pKRcoWA-0CADLXCn1r_IfFxev4RPPQ=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div>The massive HE rounds fall nearest the US LMG team, pinning it, though General Gavin's command team is still in good shape (bottom right).</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhopxQ4L9cXyzMMsWVvukt7AGdCq46SxrJQEK-zb5FyEIENfUBUCnu-5qrH8Ye_Uo0-S7uUm5ltJK-mxMORSE9Zcn011Ot-ADshK54FaB8MdD9JKm4DCxliIui8wYfiEtmAD5oFy__5FXSUObOo0-pa6O0JzOq6KTURoeqR6gkEJ_T3vVBk08-HFCFJ=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhopxQ4L9cXyzMMsWVvukt7AGdCq46SxrJQEK-zb5FyEIENfUBUCnu-5qrH8Ye_Uo0-S7uUm5ltJK-mxMORSE9Zcn011Ot-ADshK54FaB8MdD9JKm4DCxliIui8wYfiEtmAD5oFy__5FXSUObOo0-pa6O0JzOq6KTURoeqR6gkEJ_T3vVBk08-HFCFJ=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div>General Gavin, seeing his combat power being much less than the Germans and already being diminished, goes for broke! Leaving the LMG team pinned down (bottom right), he charges his men up the slope, cresting the south spur (bottom center left, with the pinned German 3rd Squad just above him), where he and his men open fire on the German 1st Squad, atop the northern spur (top center right, with the bombed-out church just off camera to far left). Just the sight of General Gavin and his men so close and firing their weapons causes the German 3rd Squad's rifle team to break and run!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgA3WFY2ksXYk5whYyiLoIOQ7eoS0z4Oeca-DzWPhsC9ZXMAU2XRNy5MrfVaiD_erETmsXe4AW8mI_jGJZpSvzYvaXNhml-MHQeqC7ckoby7CaYLaelJ3XhtcwPpXJVI-ECfPI2ItVu-cg_5jhBnC5EzTlHMhriuhI4FTXvoX8_8K9rqDaOLln8HMEs=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgA3WFY2ksXYk5whYyiLoIOQ7eoS0z4Oeca-DzWPhsC9ZXMAU2XRNy5MrfVaiD_erETmsXe4AW8mI_jGJZpSvzYvaXNhml-MHQeqC7ckoby7CaYLaelJ3XhtcwPpXJVI-ECfPI2ItVu-cg_5jhBnC5EzTlHMhriuhI4FTXvoX8_8K9rqDaOLln8HMEs=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div>General Gavin's fire (top center) is ineffective, just as the German 1st Squad's (bottom right) return fire is. The Germans know they don't have a great shot to their south, but they're doing everything they can to save 3rd Squad's LMG team from the marauding US commander.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjMjcWp2Cg9h8sRIgQDLmvYgfdBxwUGSHoewnYvrvnjXFha2uzQcsQjODkvaZOCfALS2yOaPItChQuYPBNlDVNO_kUDXyyMLXJsYFG-4sdqqIqCxs6HvzFlbAYOTQe_NQ1j3dddGDJUILwvIPfIcWZUage6YGr6oJWMJDr3PoLLgYJjwE4XABfqWBM6=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjMjcWp2Cg9h8sRIgQDLmvYgfdBxwUGSHoewnYvrvnjXFha2uzQcsQjODkvaZOCfALS2yOaPItChQuYPBNlDVNO_kUDXyyMLXJsYFG-4sdqqIqCxs6HvzFlbAYOTQe_NQ1j3dddGDJUILwvIPfIcWZUage6YGr6oJWMJDr3PoLLgYJjwE4XABfqWBM6=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div>General Gavin and his men reload (bottom left), preparing to assault the German 3rd Squad LMG team (far left bottom), as the US engineers (in house at far right) continue exchanging ineffective fire with the German 1st Squad atop the northern spur (top center).</div><div><br /></div><div>General Gavin has made his decision, it's do or die time...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi7J5ph2VEyEg0k_Eu35rb0Oj_Rj5VEaE1Xf5G3E9hG-9NgsWydhB7iTowanwOpPCVVMRlxU3wi3LIhRM2CaKjofBOwDVc7QttWOvY6za_7PuXMkHsx49rQbR59xfbh_YdmoysvipeUOTB1GNLFmPpt9BoPXqlzKiM--f4uSxkcVbznVVgqxysoXA6L=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi7J5ph2VEyEg0k_Eu35rb0Oj_Rj5VEaE1Xf5G3E9hG-9NgsWydhB7iTowanwOpPCVVMRlxU3wi3LIhRM2CaKjofBOwDVc7QttWOvY6za_7PuXMkHsx49rQbR59xfbh_YdmoysvipeUOTB1GNLFmPpt9BoPXqlzKiM--f4uSxkcVbznVVgqxysoXA6L=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div>So he let's out a hearty "follow me!" and leads his men into close combat!!!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgNpUru-Krcai-A_WQppdySL5s4uvxEzMlRBRHMnsOJ5nVA99mXS1lp-J3vnnzpG1nQaRRBP-9Vs6RY51UHF4nkq7-VBPT2Gxh1NLyYFLEM8ignpTzJzNzAb2-6XI51Lrwz-ZJQdxxHGPTVwzjkPT7weGcyfnor7Rj_OcXlfKA77ZIAsiOXp71kQHro=s1280" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgNpUru-Krcai-A_WQppdySL5s4uvxEzMlRBRHMnsOJ5nVA99mXS1lp-J3vnnzpG1nQaRRBP-9Vs6RY51UHF4nkq7-VBPT2Gxh1NLyYFLEM8ignpTzJzNzAb2-6XI51Lrwz-ZJQdxxHGPTVwzjkPT7weGcyfnor7Rj_OcXlfKA77ZIAsiOXp71kQHro=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div>But the German LMG team, despite their comrades in the rifle team breaking and running, has rallied, and when the American command team comes into view it is met with a furious burst of MG-42 fire, dropping the gallant General...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEisrQWI7PepeV0iRFDM6XrmjQIDotfewJ4jJs2upW0yt90-5jdc6R4Ler84-E2b882naLaIiFK0G0qOBP66I3arHzuJd-AXWYujiwQOWJtpXpxwJOwZC9R0gyaBqsN6DeUUAgn25OX4szfa8w31DL5u413jWCtpC4pwusKmiTZ0gIZ-pleJ5VVqhepD=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEisrQWI7PepeV0iRFDM6XrmjQIDotfewJ4jJs2upW0yt90-5jdc6R4Ler84-E2b882naLaIiFK0G0qOBP66I3arHzuJd-AXWYujiwQOWJtpXpxwJOwZC9R0gyaBqsN6DeUUAgn25OX4szfa8w31DL5u413jWCtpC4pwusKmiTZ0gIZ-pleJ5VVqhepD=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div>The US LMG team below the south spur (bottom right) sees their General go down and fires helplessly uphill at the German LMG team...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgrPxkQ1W7C0fHFLgWaikLAFpi86SSAKVwdgOao7ooLKg0Q8hF6HRtytq-don8Im4OT3Sihw-vf_7RersuOp8WiS4ZnyB0gBJXdv_giTgXxONEtOklmWdaAJ8gbqpIw0mVF01yIkOfq6T4HcSQzIAxtvDWZ97M32aD_FuRrNiTAxxcJcEypDzEMIWbh=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgrPxkQ1W7C0fHFLgWaikLAFpi86SSAKVwdgOao7ooLKg0Q8hF6HRtytq-don8Im4OT3Sihw-vf_7RersuOp8WiS4ZnyB0gBJXdv_giTgXxONEtOklmWdaAJ8gbqpIw0mVF01yIkOfq6T4HcSQzIAxtvDWZ97M32aD_FuRrNiTAxxcJcEypDzEMIWbh=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div>Just as US reinforcements arrive, in the form of 2nd and 3rd Squads (rifle and LMG team, each) and the 60mm mortar team.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi-bwrP1hcNX8Un5zfd68ZNN1bgEaMYKjIFo7nebGsZMvvzr4xwUbcUBUZ7BjMj-HUs_dGgsnO2CT7xBTd5c3893n-hhMqZpfaJDCtVtP1VoeKJuF9DA_kSnev9ND2ntV-Nyhax_SPKe1cPeAspHx0R7gKaJMQoDivHheAGvym667Z_QiqkpQ9_vnd0=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi-bwrP1hcNX8Un5zfd68ZNN1bgEaMYKjIFo7nebGsZMvvzr4xwUbcUBUZ7BjMj-HUs_dGgsnO2CT7xBTd5c3893n-hhMqZpfaJDCtVtP1VoeKJuF9DA_kSnev9ND2ntV-Nyhax_SPKe1cPeAspHx0R7gKaJMQoDivHheAGvym667Z_QiqkpQ9_vnd0=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div>While on the German side, their Commander and XO comes on as well.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgYMrqqPijIndATOBmHsUY2fMNJjGaW2-UmZt8NVvt_rp28bDhB2_jKEByZTKdvCSYoeoGsA7NpHYaA-DUAWgKHgVrHN5T4w3xbpvYLuuOUsd_H05E1P9SxSeMv6G-7uPQvyhaAJxpyitqAoGEuccOTM29Jb1vuwbg4TaAXu3JYBRmmAMEkMaARppdQ=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgYMrqqPijIndATOBmHsUY2fMNJjGaW2-UmZt8NVvt_rp28bDhB2_jKEByZTKdvCSYoeoGsA7NpHYaA-DUAWgKHgVrHN5T4w3xbpvYLuuOUsd_H05E1P9SxSeMv6G-7uPQvyhaAJxpyitqAoGEuccOTM29Jb1vuwbg4TaAXu3JYBRmmAMEkMaARppdQ=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div>On the US left, the 1st Squad LMG team (bottom right) manages to pin down the German 3rd Squad LMG team atop the south spur (top left), but the US no longer has the strength forward to capitalize on the success, they've taken too many casualties and their reinforcements are all still back at the start line, with no commander to help organize them and push them forward...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgbU_5siTmK0FVDmG6FfcTo8D79eq7oD_4n7--7iNTQ2-z3gt_ThavoTrLEkLEwF_O8WgWnkQC0aBR7PgrHa7rw7JP4mtz0QBtnNlitWiqXRJX2KpA3yfZsiVhmw3zvyiX3Q-1eeL8cgynHYP3wR6eD4vfMP7mm4n1Ot6xw8lFDWHNueYYyewUfzRsn=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgbU_5siTmK0FVDmG6FfcTo8D79eq7oD_4n7--7iNTQ2-z3gt_ThavoTrLEkLEwF_O8WgWnkQC0aBR7PgrHa7rw7JP4mtz0QBtnNlitWiqXRJX2KpA3yfZsiVhmw3zvyiX3Q-1eeL8cgynHYP3wR6eD4vfMP7mm4n1Ot6xw8lFDWHNueYYyewUfzRsn=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div>Back at the stone farmhouse, 2nd Squad's LMG team moves in and sets up, laying down fire on the north spur (top left), allowing the engineers to push forward (center), ever so slowly...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgb5azNMjtDhLEmO2HdgBkkQgx5k2BDoCFcLeinSF7EpUxV8JA6LJXgQMWOy13yabbtbAUdRvMHzq3DgqjbIi3O046W3crJ-g02plUcH5hDZfUeMMWmK8HXHL-knwPrS6miqle_0Myhy5CjOfS42OjvsRSFsr56maNqLh0OlbFuSoEgM2e6KeDobNy5=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgb5azNMjtDhLEmO2HdgBkkQgx5k2BDoCFcLeinSF7EpUxV8JA6LJXgQMWOy13yabbtbAUdRvMHzq3DgqjbIi3O046W3crJ-g02plUcH5hDZfUeMMWmK8HXHL-knwPrS6miqle_0Myhy5CjOfS42OjvsRSFsr56maNqLh0OlbFuSoEgM2e6KeDobNy5=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div>And the US 60mm mortar team goes to work on the north spur...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgmvURu-A0fA9MdIGYsAWPgDwMxlODd70KgNJMts5LRClwOS_aWzVJPjC8IQiJrilvbgfjym-tPeVWW0HuUN9spfjpFh9TaPQPmoCXMEPM_pMEjG2laDlFhpzaSvC9W7oZWgxr5I65WpQ0O7Vxv7AzI7oGnwSCpY369Zb6W1wdbsjTBZiSiWFbG73E8=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgmvURu-A0fA9MdIGYsAWPgDwMxlODd70KgNJMts5LRClwOS_aWzVJPjC8IQiJrilvbgfjym-tPeVWW0HuUN9spfjpFh9TaPQPmoCXMEPM_pMEjG2laDlFhpzaSvC9W7oZWgxr5I65WpQ0O7Vxv7AzI7oGnwSCpY369Zb6W1wdbsjTBZiSiWFbG73E8=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div>But the first volley is long...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjutFDDCDEN2UnvugWKCnCR_WeMKIbIDXgX_BcInr4Ks1Z4FhTPBZBrPiQuXMqTQ03d_3KbGhAD1UxCSu8HL2jP-QjcXIdb2G6HxRGkZDV0AlzimJV3IaC-wKmUTCZ6fY9QL-a9iV9EMF8l5mhG2k59tsXfXLJVSaBadcRp9Uc0QN1fozpkgr2T0aNL=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjutFDDCDEN2UnvugWKCnCR_WeMKIbIDXgX_BcInr4Ks1Z4FhTPBZBrPiQuXMqTQ03d_3KbGhAD1UxCSu8HL2jP-QjcXIdb2G6HxRGkZDV0AlzimJV3IaC-wKmUTCZ6fY9QL-a9iV9EMF8l5mhG2k59tsXfXLJVSaBadcRp9Uc0QN1fozpkgr2T0aNL=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div>Immediately followed by the rest of the US reinforcements arriving, to include the two 75mm pack howitzers and the Naval Gunfire Control Party (bottom right).<br /><br />The US 60mm mortar team again fires on the north spur...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiC90gDQ9u4ybrPXvmB9Y_0sf1CcrCHXTnIEMLIJhgJ3VsQBIFOvFLMPqM0RrDdiZsOhxNhUxMdku_7eeEVRMQQIrkyULaYUca-liKrMoJhL56YBcbe4U_34q71_F4GYAPu8KfNyypGcKTkMLg6GQNbKApwFw52vWpoQZpVenWS-JXj3l6jvFAOGS9p=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiC90gDQ9u4ybrPXvmB9Y_0sf1CcrCHXTnIEMLIJhgJ3VsQBIFOvFLMPqM0RrDdiZsOhxNhUxMdku_7eeEVRMQQIrkyULaYUca-liKrMoJhL56YBcbe4U_34q71_F4GYAPu8KfNyypGcKTkMLg6GQNbKApwFw52vWpoQZpVenWS-JXj3l6jvFAOGS9p=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div>But this time they're short (explosions at right, German 1st Squad in trees at far left).</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhQsJPMqjviV0ESchA_wFlYULpsJVHwt2-lxi51grcg1ux4bBH7m8qUIE-bD5xoz87DxmyvJYh8_85_igniKhML5Y7pvmOrhLv1I-jATqjXST4klvNHV61b95hH3yLGvajXKN8p-ns2J8Z3yutPb3INsr8G4Ha6kmdGG0k6uWdGwNxgknVg8BUB9Jl-=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhQsJPMqjviV0ESchA_wFlYULpsJVHwt2-lxi51grcg1ux4bBH7m8qUIE-bD5xoz87DxmyvJYh8_85_igniKhML5Y7pvmOrhLv1I-jATqjXST4klvNHV61b95hH3yLGvajXKN8p-ns2J8Z3yutPb3INsr8G4Ha6kmdGG0k6uWdGwNxgknVg8BUB9Jl-=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div>And now the German 120mm mortar team goes to work...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgWY-Uq53l57d8ZtUGoK5Ku3DiS874i7D9bPu31HERxdqpAblNinIoFBje26vE1c3Sex6jEkoMIT4idWaMNC71e30eLEKoq4lWNKz-Gle6hdoXfLv11s3YQOz43_2i_dNVn4cOc9-z6BeTN1RA7rd4ipXKDODZv9Mz6yUAVA-_gdsweJ78X3MoUdGeT=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgWY-Uq53l57d8ZtUGoK5Ku3DiS874i7D9bPu31HERxdqpAblNinIoFBje26vE1c3Sex6jEkoMIT4idWaMNC71e30eLEKoq4lWNKz-Gle6hdoXfLv11s3YQOz43_2i_dNVn4cOc9-z6BeTN1RA7rd4ipXKDODZv9Mz6yUAVA-_gdsweJ78X3MoUdGeT=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div>On the US start line, which is crammed to the gills with fresh reinforcements, and it's an absolute slaughter! The Americans are caught in the open, with four units going down and three of them breaking and running, on top of having already lost an LMG team and their Commanding Officer. The brave paratroopers of the 82nd Airborne hear the revving of Tiger engines in the distance and, without their gallant commander, they decide they cannot hold and begin to fall back, a stunning defeat that leaves the path open to the beaches at Gela...<br /><p>So wow, that was a helluva fight, and moved pretty quickly, clocking in at about two hours (some due to playing a new set of rules, some due to playing with two little boys with little attention spans). It was a real nail biter for the boys, both of them feeling like they were in a bad way pretty much all the way up to the end, even though I could see things were not looking good for the Yanks once General Gavin went down. I think Steve has a real gem of a scenario here, though I will say the scenario doesn't work perfectly for the rules I used (which is my fault).</p><p>So, I'm sure you're wondering what rules I used; I would have told you sooner, but I didn't want to spoil the surprise: we used "One Hour Skirmish Wargames (OHSW)," the 'fast play, dice-less rules for small unit actions from Napoleonics to Sci-Fi.' I hadn't really heard much of the rules, but then read Tin Man's recent batrep (<a href="https://jozistinman.blogspot.com/2022/03/one-hour-skirmish-wargames-gangster.html">Jozi's Tin Man: One Hour Skirmish Wargames Gangster Shootout (jozistinman.blogspot.com)</a>) last week and decided to pick up the rules, which I think are pretty doggone clever. They're simple and quick (which is a must when playing with little boys, aged 12 and 7), and have some clever mechanics to mix things up and throw some stuff in the game. As mentioned, the game was a lot of fun, but the game/scenario didn't go as nicely as I would have liked it, which is purely down to the mechanics of OHSW; the biggest issue in the game was the feeding in of reinforcements, and this didn't work very well, in my humble opinion, because of the randomness of the phases and turns, and the randomness of the activation system. What ended up happening was that 75% of the game was played with just the initial forces we started the game with, and then the reinforcements came flooding onto the table, but neither boy could get anything done, either getting tiny amounts of activation points or getting an 'end turn' as soon as they'd started activating troops, which meant the reinforcements just sat there, then had more reinforcements land directly on top of them! The other issue was that I made the table too big for the rules; with the very limited activations the boys had once reinforcements did arrive they had way too much ground to cover in order to really get into the fight, which is to say, get into position to capitalize on the tactical situation. Ranged fire is overall pretty ineffective (a 120mm mortar team catching eight units out clustered out in the open notwithstanding), serving to pin down enemy forces, which you can then close assault into oblivion, which is just how I like it. But my point is, it was going to take a whole lot of game time to get all those recently arrived reinforcements from their start line into a position where they could be an effective part of the battle by closing with the enemy.<br /><br />The boys felt it, too. They were both looking at the piles of troop on their baselines and wondering how they were going to get them up into action, feeling a bit of frustration. But don't fret, they still had a good time, and what the three of us spent all of our post-game chatter about was how much fun we had with the initial set up and fighting, prior to the reinforcements arrive. So I think two things: first, I think OHSW is a 'pizza box'-type of game. In my terminology, that's a small table with very little pre-battle maneuver, we're setting the forces up about one move from contact and whipping it on. Second, OHSW is probably the type of game that is better without reinforcements, that is, what you see is what you get, or what you start the game with is all you've got. OHSW is a game that plays with alternating activations (IGOUGO) called phases, but each turn can be as short as one unit from one side moving, to a seemingly endless number of activations for each side, depending on when a joker comes out (which ends the turn).* The unpredictability doesn't really bother me in terms of how the rules play, but it sure does wreak havoc with trying to time things up in a scenario, like the arrival of reinforcements or supporting fires. I'll even throw in one more: if you're going to bring troops on later in the game, make sure the table isn't too big, and maybe the troops are mechanized, so they can actually get into the fight.<br /><br />*Here's what I mean: the two players pull cards to determine initiative, then the winner pulls a card to determine how many activations he has, which is a number between 1 and 13 (yeah, 13 activations in a single phase!). Then the other player goes, and it keeps going until a Joker is pulled. In the very first turn we got almost completely through both boys' decks of cards before a Joker was finally pulled, but then in later turns we had just started the first phase of a turn, a boy moves up his first unit and tries to fire... and pulls a Joker, immediately ending the turn! So in the first turn each boy had about four initiatives, activating about 5 units each time, and then you turn around and have a turn where only one boy gets to activate one unit before the turn ends. </p><p>So, the boys are happy, which means I'm happy, and we are definitely going to keep playing, and that playing will be with these same rules. We have resolved to give it another go, but with the scenario re-jiggered a bit. Here is my plan, in broad terms: shrink the table a little bit (I might keep it 5' x 4'), do away with reinforcements (or maybe just have a little bit for the Germans, coming on in halftracks or trucks), and change up the OOBs a bit. <br /><br />In the overall scheme of things, here's how it the OOBs broke out in the original:<br />US<br />CO<br />3 x Rifle Squads (in six elements)<br />1 x Bazooka team<br />1 x 60mm mortar<br />2 x 75mm pack howitzers (with FO)<br />Off table Naval Gunfire (with FO on table)<br /><br />German<br />CO and XO<br />4 x Rifle Squads (in eight elements)<br />1 x MG-42 sfMG<br />1 x 80mm mortar<br />1 x 120mm mortar (with FO)<br />2 x Tiger I<br />1 x Panzer III<br /><br />I'm thinking to try this, with everything starting on the table:<br />US<br />CO<br />- 6 x Rifle Squads (one stand is a squad)<br />-3 Bazooka teams<br />-2 x 75mm pack howitzer (with FO)<br /><br />German<br />CO<br />8 x Rifle Squads (maybe six deployed forward, two at baseline in trucks or halftracks?)<br />1 x MG-42 sfMG<br />1 x 80mm mortar (with FO)<br />2 x Tiger I</p><p>Well, hopefully you enjoyed the batrep, we certainly did, and we look forward giving it another go as soon as possible.</p><p>V/R,<br />Jack</p><p><br /></p>Just Jackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03552962741823929433noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8660216775038377627.post-58008082559265409152021-01-14T06:17:00.000-08:002021-01-14T06:17:13.792-08:00Battle of the Bulge Campaign, Fight #2<p>All,</p><p>0600-1400 local time<br />16 December 1944<br />Hosingen, Belgium<br />US 110th Regiment, 28th Infantry Division vs 77th Regiment, 26th Volksgrenadier Division</p><p>Here we are for the second fight of our 'Battle of the Bulge" campaign. The first fight saw German paratroopers move up and toss the US Cavalrymen out of Losheim, and now we've got a pack of Volksgrenadiers looking to do the same to a bunch of Pennsylvanians in Hosingen! In an attempt to speed the game up a bit I have changed the force structure: instead of each stand/vehicle being a game 'element,' now each group of stands (representing a platoon) is an element. For example, the US has seven platoons comprised of 21 stands; instead of 21 game elements we have only seven, which I'm hoping will substantially shorten the game time. Additionally, instead of using Bolt Action's 'dice draw' method for activation we are using 5Core's activation rolls (with normal, scurries, and firefights). EDIT: It didn't help...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-baV4fIvRkDk/X-5v4sPv1KI/AAAAAAAA4tA/CdS218pwhS43YIQsAzZHjQ09ew4rbJKKwCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5633.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-baV4fIvRkDk/X-5v4sPv1KI/AAAAAAAA4tA/CdS218pwhS43YIQsAzZHjQ09ew4rbJKKwCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_5633.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The campaign map, with the explosion at right bottom showing where this fight is occurring.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zLMmkcb3Z4U/X-5v9TjDzYI/AAAAAAAA4tI/ONLk60BRw_wSkn1BnTQQVmnzVq1nQ81vQCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5634.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zLMmkcb3Z4U/X-5v9TjDzYI/AAAAAAAA4tI/ONLk60BRw_wSkn1BnTQQVmnzVq1nQ81vQCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_5634.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Overview, north is up. Another flat map, with a river running roughly east/west, paralleled by roads in the north and south, until they run into Hosingen itself. Lots of thick woods to the east, with a couple buildings in the southeast (bottom right), and some stone walls in the fields at center and bottom left. Hosingen is a substantial village, severely bombed out (maybe not in real life, but all the buildings in my campaign are bombed out).</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Km3ASS8KRf4/X-5v86YCHKI/AAAAAAAA4tE/djKm1nJRF8Qg_OqFFmWiULo7WnxwVE4zACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5635.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Km3ASS8KRf4/X-5v86YCHKI/AAAAAAAA4tE/djKm1nJRF8Qg_OqFFmWiULo7WnxwVE4zACNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_5635.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Looking south to north at Hosingen, with its bridge.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O51pg37rZmI/X-5wD1RNycI/AAAAAAAA4tM/R8o1aG7xV6wd3tqidIHU-jCr0N2cToIHQCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5636.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O51pg37rZmI/X-5wD1RNycI/AAAAAAAA4tM/R8o1aG7xV6wd3tqidIHU-jCr0N2cToIHQCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_5636.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The northern sector of Hosingen.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h2bn2zylE0w/X-5wS_M8vQI/AAAAAAAA4tc/1pDRUCqH8gQDoSIBBdtPdxZagbreOvwrQCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5637.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h2bn2zylE0w/X-5wS_M8vQI/AAAAAAAA4tc/1pDRUCqH8gQDoSIBBdtPdxZagbreOvwrQCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_5637.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The southern sector of Hosingen.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LbPl3psikvE/X-5wZuU6IjI/AAAAAAAA4to/gFboKVQIXNg8Qp9FufIcpqz6Vp0W5OoPACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5638.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LbPl3psikvE/X-5wZuU6IjI/AAAAAAAA4to/gFboKVQIXNg8Qp9FufIcpqz6Vp0W5OoPACNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_5638.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The German baseline.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--eIgu8wjcYI/X-5wapFgpRI/AAAAAAAA4ts/68YbXDI1mscqptrzIHuwSx-uHAcPubOdQCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5639.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--eIgu8wjcYI/X-5wapFgpRI/AAAAAAAA4ts/68YbXDI1mscqptrzIHuwSx-uHAcPubOdQCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_5639.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Looking west down the road into Hosingen.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n-qaIAFlhN8/X-5wiTtRpfI/AAAAAAAA4tw/FuhXLZ7-1QwBcXL6NHlePHTzt1p1X-kqQCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5640.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n-qaIAFlhN8/X-5wiTtRpfI/AAAAAAAA4tw/FuhXLZ7-1QwBcXL6NHlePHTzt1p1X-kqQCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_5640.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The opposing forces, with Americans on the left and Germans on the right.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AlB9TXq8dMs/X-5wjeiEQ4I/AAAAAAAA4t4/upSPgv-fHWkPAhAicLz3U2PbFUQZiy4mQCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5641.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AlB9TXq8dMs/X-5wjeiEQ4I/AAAAAAAA4t4/upSPgv-fHWkPAhAicLz3U2PbFUQZiy4mQCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_5641.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The US force consists of three rifle platoons, a machine gun platoon, a mortar platoon, an anti-tank gun (ATG) platoon, and a platoon of M4 Shermans, along with their commander, Lt Col Scranton.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ip26Qyj4bbk/X-5wkRtVG3I/AAAAAAAA4t8/y0KtG61l_34bFVG4R_rsu2XZuwqJV7TiQCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5642.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ip26Qyj4bbk/X-5wkRtVG3I/AAAAAAAA4t8/y0KtG61l_34bFVG4R_rsu2XZuwqJV7TiQCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_5642.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>The German force consists of four rifle platoons, a machine gun platoon, a mortar platoon, two assault gun platoons (Stug IIIs with long 75mm guns), and their commander, Major Schnitzel.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a3rnv_fA96o/X--cLyZHIyI/AAAAAAAA4ug/5tKFJzbkiPQ9xoX_YHt8LQfRs343aze1ACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5643.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a3rnv_fA96o/X--cLyZHIyI/AAAAAAAA4ug/5tKFJzbkiPQ9xoX_YHt8LQfRs343aze1ACNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_5643.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The American deployment. A little off, to me, but I let the boy roll with what he wanted to do, albeit with some "are you <i>sure</i> that's what you want to do?" He is definitely my progeny, gotta learn everything the hard way. It's okay; part of why I agreed to let him be the Americans was the knowledge that the Americans are supposed to lose the first few rounds of games, and then get stronger and begi, winning, so he's got sort of a built-in grace period.<br /><br />Anyway, his 1st Platoon is on the far left (top left), with the ATG Platoon to their right and the Tank Platoon on the road backing them up, while his MG Platoon occupies the 2-story building at far left. South of the river, the US 2nd Platoon is just kinda hanging out on the road at center bottom, while 3rd Platoon has occupied positions behind a stone wall at right top and the Mortar Platoon has set up in some walled fields at bottom right.<br /><br />I'm not happy with him putting his 1st and 2nd Platoons out in the open (and told him so), and I wish I'd have shrunk the Tank Platoon's footprint a bit by using only three Shermans vice four.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vt6DvPecJ8Y/X--cNMrwwKI/AAAAAAAA4uk/UzM2UEy2racvWs_gPNU8Ee9bD5ptSN1WACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5644.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vt6DvPecJ8Y/X--cNMrwwKI/AAAAAAAA4uk/UzM2UEy2racvWs_gPNU8Ee9bD5ptSN1WACNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_5644.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The German deployment, which is pretty much just a jail break to get across the open ground and into the town as quickly as humanly possible. No finesse here, just hey-diddle-diddle, straight up the middle. The German MG Platoon is ensconced in the trees/buildings ont he far left (bottom right), with the Mortar Platoon set up in a clearing across the river (top right). The infantry platoons are in skirmish line (1st, 2nd, and 3rd from bottom to top), with 4th Platoon in behind them (right). 1st Stug Platoon is on the road (bottom right) and 2nd Stug Platoon is in the fields further north, backing up the right-hand German infantry.</div><div><br /></div><div>I thought about allowing the Germans to have a flank deployment in the north, where the road comes in from off map, but it felt like cheating, so I just stuck to a 'normal' deployment.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zfs0bqw03uo/X--cId3j-EI/AAAAAAAA4uc/csqUR6JwfFAnXNHZ9Jo7yw7YbzRAjQPGgCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5645.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zfs0bqw03uo/X--cId3j-EI/AAAAAAAA4uc/csqUR6JwfFAnXNHZ9Jo7yw7YbzRAjQPGgCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_5645.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>And with that, the Germans begin pushing forward on a broad front.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PiMUAdm1MrY/X--cQDa25UI/AAAAAAAA4uo/LXGssi-fcQobxvB1P7UL8BG--O3DKno6gCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5646.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PiMUAdm1MrY/X--cQDa25UI/AAAAAAAA4uo/LXGssi-fcQobxvB1P7UL8BG--O3DKno6gCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_5646.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>On the US side, Col Scranton pushes the Tank Platoon left. Major Schnitzel quietly wonders if the Americans are going to push for the far end of the table, going after the German mortars.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FJyBtr6MTNs/X--cWO7_eYI/AAAAAAAA4us/pomv3Pg8bi4PkXzsC7sFxWRLoXpv21CswCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5647.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FJyBtr6MTNs/X--cWO7_eYI/AAAAAAAA4us/pomv3Pg8bi4PkXzsC7sFxWRLoXpv21CswCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_5647.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>As the US Mortar Platoon (bottom left) goes to work, targeting the left end of the German line (top right).</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lEMU1KeN9Eg/X--cWfpuCjI/AAAAAAAA4uw/xIa98HSv4L0FHXjW4vvEMK0EULkCpV2IgCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5648.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lEMU1KeN9Eg/X--cWfpuCjI/AAAAAAAA4uw/xIa98HSv4L0FHXjW4vvEMK0EULkCpV2IgCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_5648.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The German 4th Platoon (far right) is shattered, and 1st Platoon is suppressed by the deadly mortar barrage!!!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5dMMv8oClL4/X--cdqSKxpI/AAAAAAAA4vA/k-BEJgVlSykVJMMDofgwH-Rq3Oa5w0d9QCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5649.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5dMMv8oClL4/X--cdqSKxpI/AAAAAAAA4vA/k-BEJgVlSykVJMMDofgwH-Rq3Oa5w0d9QCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_5649.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The German mortars (far right) respond...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Dakfvd6bQtE/X--cfmsKZrI/AAAAAAAA4vE/3IeTzcBapSgCo9KQBBJUKBUTZrV8qcEvgCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5650.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Dakfvd6bQtE/X--cfmsKZrI/AAAAAAAA4vE/3IeTzcBapSgCo9KQBBJUKBUTZrV8qcEvgCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_5650.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Falling short of the US ATG Platoon...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-itrwRrgwpRE/X--clzPWUOI/AAAAAAAA4vU/t4WZ1k19gVoZxQWiso9ACCwbVQm_5LE9ACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5652.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-itrwRrgwpRE/X--clzPWUOI/AAAAAAAA4vU/t4WZ1k19gVoZxQWiso9ACCwbVQm_5LE9ACNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_5652.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The 1st Stug Platoon (bottom center) engages the US ATG Platoon (off camera to top left), suppressing them, as Major Schnitzel moves over to rally 1st Platoon (center bottom).</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4auYjTAyDls/X--cpRYr7-I/AAAAAAAA4vc/AMFqO_7mhOI8mkTG6XOl6pZEcz_QtmDlACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5653.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4auYjTAyDls/X--cpRYr7-I/AAAAAAAA4vc/AMFqO_7mhOI8mkTG6XOl6pZEcz_QtmDlACNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_5653.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The German 2nd and 3rd Platoons advance in the north (top center), attracting the attention of the US 3rd Platoon (bottom left).</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3rs_Lwb_dhA/X--crsGYl6I/AAAAAAAA4vg/pRNf7kyhvNAb4GeMJT5Dzl7LlHxV5bxfwCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5654.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3rs_Lwb_dhA/X--crsGYl6I/AAAAAAAA4vg/pRNf7kyhvNAb4GeMJT5Dzl7LlHxV5bxfwCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_5654.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Col Scranton rushes forward to rally the ATG Platoon.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RzSeoXeqSiM/X--cvq1rQpI/AAAAAAAA4vo/OYoCTR3x188oocyZ5AFB2DqNFCF_9e9SwCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5655.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RzSeoXeqSiM/X--cvq1rQpI/AAAAAAAA4vo/OYoCTR3x188oocyZ5AFB2DqNFCF_9e9SwCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_5655.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Which promptly opens fire (bottom left) on the German 1st Stug Platoon (top right).</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zr5Nu13I79M/X--cyDO6C7I/AAAAAAAA4vw/-0AB-Qu6uXQW7w3tZvT8ekzhklVvwR0tACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5656.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zr5Nu13I79M/X--cyDO6C7I/AAAAAAAA4vw/-0AB-Qu6uXQW7w3tZvT8ekzhklVvwR0tACNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_5656.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>While the US mortars (bottom left) keep working...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZJsZ_Apfh4E/X--c1U7oAZI/AAAAAAAA4v4/O36f9g_VCqk1PrWTWugDADFu1njhDyZHQCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5657.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZJsZ_Apfh4E/X--c1U7oAZI/AAAAAAAA4v4/O36f9g_VCqk1PrWTWugDADFu1njhDyZHQCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_5657.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Though this time their rounds fall long.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m84NdfgBGZ8/X--c4LD2PhI/AAAAAAAA4v8/sdyR9ed_WzkgCoHuxPKc1wnXljLF24uoQCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5658.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m84NdfgBGZ8/X--c4LD2PhI/AAAAAAAA4v8/sdyR9ed_WzkgCoHuxPKc1wnXljLF24uoQCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_5658.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>And then the US machine guns (bottom let) get in on the action, firing on the German right (top center).</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6E3avl6H8m8/X--c_ucc-aI/AAAAAAAA4wE/P1jbo_9SBxgeL1LMVZWuqtioRoSor5f0gCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5659.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6E3avl6H8m8/X--c_ucc-aI/AAAAAAAA4wE/P1jbo_9SBxgeL1LMVZWuqtioRoSor5f0gCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_5659.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>To which the German MG Platoon (bottom right) responds (the US MG Plt is in the 2-story building at top left).</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Sjdk4-LClXU/X--dBfjMEQI/AAAAAAAA4wI/9YQYVZfbswkdMTqpHk9b2C-6yt_44dblgCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5661.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Sjdk4-LClXU/X--dBfjMEQI/AAAAAAAA4wI/9YQYVZfbswkdMTqpHk9b2C-6yt_44dblgCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_5661.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The German mortars continue firing on the US ATG Platoon, but they're still short!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dWLAazBt6eA/X--dJ_LHU-I/AAAAAAAA4wc/QGQlijGR7W0UKpGMm76hLTfx85dli8VhgCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5662.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dWLAazBt6eA/X--dJ_LHU-I/AAAAAAAA4wc/QGQlijGR7W0UKpGMm76hLTfx85dli8VhgCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_5662.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>But the German 1st Stug Platoon (bottom center right) has a good look at them (top left)...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BjaCJRHy4_g/X--dKtlDaeI/AAAAAAAA4wk/iEM8uug6zmk7_SBJNuo8RkdRALqxPbxjwCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5663.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BjaCJRHy4_g/X--dKtlDaeI/AAAAAAAA4wk/iEM8uug6zmk7_SBJNuo8RkdRALqxPbxjwCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_5663.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>And the US Anti-Tank Platoon is knocked out, while Colonel Scranton (bottom center) and the Tank Platoon are suppressed!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-INq5jrad90c/X--dJ4I0H1I/AAAAAAAA4wg/Ov0dBT4MijoCeag8gg8dvPY5r3L88QRDACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5664.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-INq5jrad90c/X--dJ4I0H1I/AAAAAAAA4wg/Ov0dBT4MijoCeag8gg8dvPY5r3L88QRDACNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_5664.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Major Schnitzel moves right and rallies 2nd Platoon.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UVcH8uKkrJY/X--dSyPoqTI/AAAAAAAA4wo/FFqTHV2hQxwj9ihkarygeQskFn9bAEx8gCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5665.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UVcH8uKkrJY/X--dSyPoqTI/AAAAAAAA4wo/FFqTHV2hQxwj9ihkarygeQskFn9bAEx8gCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_5665.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>And then they, accompanied by 3rd Platoon and 2nd Stug Platoon, push west.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OzzC6qO0Sxs/X--dTGPjtOI/AAAAAAAA4ws/_gMkMUfTpJUbae2c06WDQpXcHcDW0KQuwCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5666.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OzzC6qO0Sxs/X--dTGPjtOI/AAAAAAAA4ws/_gMkMUfTpJUbae2c06WDQpXcHcDW0KQuwCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_5666.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The US 2nd Platoon, still chilling in the street (bottom center), opens fire on the advancing Germans (top center).</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9B8xKgqDlTM/X--dT9SahFI/AAAAAAAA4ww/marRkU_jXZIirHHweq4FD3_RNpDyiHGqgCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5667.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9B8xKgqDlTM/X--dT9SahFI/AAAAAAAA4ww/marRkU_jXZIirHHweq4FD3_RNpDyiHGqgCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_5667.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>And the US mortars (bottom left, with 2nd Platoon above them) continue firing on the Germans in the north (top center right).</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T_Doyb2Xm0Y/X--dbHN_G-I/AAAAAAAA4w8/05SlOeSQ3vApE96LjZyvGRd06iVCrxkkQCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5668.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T_Doyb2Xm0Y/X--dbHN_G-I/AAAAAAAA4w8/05SlOeSQ3vApE96LjZyvGRd06iVCrxkkQCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_5668.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>But they just can't seem to connect! The rounds splash down in the same spot as their previous sheaf; looks like someone forget to adjust ;)<br /><br />*Just kidding, of course, just horrible die rolls for shooting.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YvIa4fPFkXg/X--dfLzxsZI/AAAAAAAA4xE/C1ou-YMRBGQGLZl2ip1P6Ah2eevSGSoygCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5669.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YvIa4fPFkXg/X--dfLzxsZI/AAAAAAAA4xE/C1ou-YMRBGQGLZl2ip1P6Ah2eevSGSoygCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_5669.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The US MG Platoon (bottom left) continues firing on the advancing German infantry (top right)...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LC19izyX_Fo/X--de95gGcI/AAAAAAAA4xA/fYn1IMvcpdMHvGtqqqv4A3migwfBPtQZgCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5670.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LC19izyX_Fo/X--de95gGcI/AAAAAAAA4xA/fYn1IMvcpdMHvGtqqqv4A3migwfBPtQZgCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_5670.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>And the German MG Platoon (bottom right) continues laying into them (top center).</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M9QdKRZrxoI/X--dlJGragI/AAAAAAAA4xQ/BwnP5K2mXMgjPSwG8Ep9y3xyb0j-8mT1ACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5671.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M9QdKRZrxoI/X--dlJGragI/AAAAAAAA4xQ/BwnP5K2mXMgjPSwG8Ep9y3xyb0j-8mT1ACNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_5671.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>As Colonel Scranton and the Tank Platoon rally.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h_egZi0LHYo/X--dniqSBZI/AAAAAAAA4xU/Z2c891sxbSYg7kh8chNp2UGYah7uqI1DgCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5673.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h_egZi0LHYo/X--dniqSBZI/AAAAAAAA4xU/Z2c891sxbSYg7kh8chNp2UGYah7uqI1DgCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_5673.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>But the Germans (bottom center)have spotted the US 2nd Platoon (top center) in the street and open fire, suppressing them.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y6MqHcItXy4/X--duJLR9uI/AAAAAAAA4xg/GXHOxojs2Csq_2KH5klP0EvXTFHKWd2KgCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5674.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y6MqHcItXy4/X--duJLR9uI/AAAAAAAA4xg/GXHOxojs2Csq_2KH5klP0EvXTFHKWd2KgCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_5674.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>And while the German 1st Platoon moves up (bottom center) and fires on the US 3rd Platoon (behind wall at top left)...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R_AY1tPCtiQ/X--d1Wlix2I/AAAAAAAA4xw/pc59Iu6UJt4HswNzHJWOMKcBoKRcU7J7gCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5675.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R_AY1tPCtiQ/X--d1Wlix2I/AAAAAAAA4xw/pc59Iu6UJt4HswNzHJWOMKcBoKRcU7J7gCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_5675.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The real damage is done by the German Mortar Platoon (bottom right), targeting the US defenders (top left)...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rheMs1jYsh4/X--d0ZulRlI/AAAAAAAA4xo/2TJrHwnQoiE2Kt8pixN_ANwvTWcTXxHnQCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5676.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rheMs1jYsh4/X--d0ZulRlI/AAAAAAAA4xo/2TJrHwnQoiE2Kt8pixN_ANwvTWcTXxHnQCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_5676.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Knocking out the US 3rd Platoon!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IcTtnannoAo/X--d3rUjltI/AAAAAAAA4x0/fQIDu5Nq9tselEHr8R6KEPXhqzDtBYOVQCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5677.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IcTtnannoAo/X--d3rUjltI/AAAAAAAA4x0/fQIDu5Nq9tselEHr8R6KEPXhqzDtBYOVQCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_5677.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The German 1st Stug Platoon is pinned, but manages to spot the US MG Platoon (2nd story at top center left) and fires, suppressing them.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--v_x3LizL9k/X--d9ODp1WI/AAAAAAAA4x8/NSUQsdZsoD4-2h2MuRSSKn-qYbL66djogCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5678.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--v_x3LizL9k/X--d9ODp1WI/AAAAAAAA4x8/NSUQsdZsoD4-2h2MuRSSKn-qYbL66djogCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_5678.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>But Colonel Scranton is Johnny on the spot (far left), and he immediately rallies the US MG Platoon.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-so1ZfucY6qw/X--eATBCbSI/AAAAAAAA4yA/q9H9LwJk-EcWMyuoP7SsolWl7ZcEa3ylgCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5680.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-so1ZfucY6qw/X--eATBCbSI/AAAAAAAA4yA/q9H9LwJk-EcWMyuoP7SsolWl7ZcEa3ylgCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_5680.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>And they (bottom left) quickly put their guns back to work on the German infantry (top right).</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zp6X6bMFopE/X--eCArzqUI/AAAAAAAA4yE/cIZ-cOpbBgIY6ZqncZqvYWhd2fea3tO3gCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5681.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zp6X6bMFopE/X--eCArzqUI/AAAAAAAA4yE/cIZ-cOpbBgIY6ZqncZqvYWhd2fea3tO3gCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_5681.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>As do the US mortars (bottom left)...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hCT_2682MQA/X--eGH54EXI/AAAAAAAA4yM/rWRab_MqingWNbB08JYLTE46ef9_y0ovwCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5682.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hCT_2682MQA/X--eGH54EXI/AAAAAAAA4yM/rWRab_MqingWNbB08JYLTE46ef9_y0ovwCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_5682.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>And the combined MG and mortar fire finally yields results, knocking out the German 2nd Platoon, suppressing the 3rd, and pinning the 2nd Stug Platoon!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KaS_pC0RBZg/X--eKbapjcI/AAAAAAAA4yQ/1y2HYWQYjPYuoP-LBShaE1GEnG9366RrgCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5683.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KaS_pC0RBZg/X--eKbapjcI/AAAAAAAA4yQ/1y2HYWQYjPYuoP-LBShaE1GEnG9366RrgCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_5683.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The German MG Platoon (bottom right) continues working on the US MG Platoon (top left), but it's just so hard getting anything accomplished against the Yankees in the thick stone building.<br /><br />*A point I was sure to make to my son, who left two platoons in the open...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-588aSQHZ-5I/X--eK1vCUuI/AAAAAAAA4yU/auiqvjwQ8eItky0cUxhJc7XPg3h5qwJBgCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5684.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-588aSQHZ-5I/X--eK1vCUuI/AAAAAAAA4yU/auiqvjwQ8eItky0cUxhJc7XPg3h5qwJBgCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_5684.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>2nd Stug Platoon (bottom right)< though pinned, kept firing into the town...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KXIS1pHoB2E/X--eMiRhQII/AAAAAAAA4yY/A3-U-CBNqk4nxqhvv4MFQlCw-Q6dxXxlgCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5685.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KXIS1pHoB2E/X--eMiRhQII/AAAAAAAA4yY/A3-U-CBNqk4nxqhvv4MFQlCw-Q6dxXxlgCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_5685.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>As Major Schnitzel gets to work, moving to rally his men under heavy fire.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F6KgeXjxy9E/X--eUBvuCgI/AAAAAAAA4yk/CH6vf-JumhYbh6uEcRoWvb5bE9XsxR2FwCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5686.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F6KgeXjxy9E/X--eUBvuCgI/AAAAAAAA4yk/CH6vf-JumhYbh6uEcRoWvb5bE9XsxR2FwCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_5686.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The German 3rd Platoon rallies and gets moving forward, crossing the stone wall and reaching the edge of the wood, where it meets the river.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P9CbjRoYd5A/X--eZWIPC3I/AAAAAAAA4yw/Y9tW__xQdkgNW9l8Gl5Mx1gemr05FWV8wCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5688.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P9CbjRoYd5A/X--eZWIPC3I/AAAAAAAA4yw/Y9tW__xQdkgNW9l8Gl5Mx1gemr05FWV8wCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_5688.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The US MG Platoon is pinned (bottom left), meaning they can shoot but not move, which is not a big deal, so Colonel Scranton leaves them and moves south (he's on the right end of the bridge, at center), trying to reach the beleaguered 2nd Platoon (far right), suppressed in the street.</div><div><br /></div><div>*This would prove to be unfortunate for the boy; having the river splitting his defense in two was bad enough, but I'd warned him about maintaining his focus. His MG Platoon, his Tank Platoon, and an as-yet unengaged rifle platoon is all on his left, where the commander just left, and, understandably, his focus of effort is o his left, but he just moved his commander across the river, where he won't be able to support that effort.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4onQ_aftjfY/X--edjQcUNI/AAAAAAAA4y8/F1AwDfpOyW8SqD4-2Sfx1VLAwwPiItjMwCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5689.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4onQ_aftjfY/X--edjQcUNI/AAAAAAAA4y8/F1AwDfpOyW8SqD4-2Sfx1VLAwwPiItjMwCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_5689.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>The US mortars (bottom left) now shifts fire to engage the southern German pincer (top right)...<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZiP1Vj77yNE/X--edpwRwJI/AAAAAAAA4y4/yBNOCZKGH1Uj4XWgBohug0e5QeUzgJFigCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5690.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZiP1Vj77yNE/X--edpwRwJI/AAAAAAAA4y4/yBNOCZKGH1Uj4XWgBohug0e5QeUzgJFigCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_5690.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>But the rounds are short (left, blending in with the trees).</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uK2eHdIdsLU/X--egEoSzYI/AAAAAAAA4zA/KyMa1XEU9KIq1rz00YTg73FKV58CUqEpgCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5691.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uK2eHdIdsLU/X--egEoSzYI/AAAAAAAA4zA/KyMa1XEU9KIq1rz00YTg73FKV58CUqEpgCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_5691.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>As the US Tank Platoon dashes left and pulls up, engaging the German 3rd Platoon (in trees at far right).</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2TF8jYr5x8E/X--em8At1UI/AAAAAAAA4zI/pXn-wlBda_AmsB47MfVBhHLmelsEZw4NwCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5693.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2TF8jYr5x8E/X--em8At1UI/AAAAAAAA4zI/pXn-wlBda_AmsB47MfVBhHLmelsEZw4NwCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_5693.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>They (top center left) are suppressed, but Major Schnitzel (bottom right) immediately rallies the 2nd Stug Platoon and sends them forward (far left), where they get 3rd Platoon back in the fight.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LdEWG3_xdrA/X--eoMvvhFI/AAAAAAAA4zQ/4PtNyNQxlJM1d_mrnJWdgcVvEbBrw068QCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5694.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LdEWG3_xdrA/X--eoMvvhFI/AAAAAAAA4zQ/4PtNyNQxlJM1d_mrnJWdgcVvEbBrw068QCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_5694.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The Stugs can't see past the treeline to engage the US tanks (off camera to far right), so they lay into the US 2nd Platoon, still foundering in the street (top center left).</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x9cJO1XJIj0/X--exJSBh3I/AAAAAAAA4zg/jW8bqQA5j1QY05PqFBnf974TOByULqBOwCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5695.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x9cJO1XJIj0/X--exJSBh3I/AAAAAAAA4zg/jW8bqQA5j1QY05PqFBnf974TOByULqBOwCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_5695.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>And forcing them to fall back (bottom left, from explosion at far right), as Colonel Scranton (top right) looks on.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PxBdGV0iZV4/X--exyQE_nI/AAAAAAAA4zk/weC_gpF4SKYsrdgtYoqBriU2dRcNmRF5QCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5697.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PxBdGV0iZV4/X--exyQE_nI/AAAAAAAA4zk/weC_gpF4SKYsrdgtYoqBriU2dRcNmRF5QCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_5697.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>In the south, the German 1st Stug Platoon gets back on the road and pushes west.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0jVLwkf7X0E/X--e6-Yq7gI/AAAAAAAA4z0/5RU5BCkD738Ke0u3yGbqYGlUbdQS8yxAwCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5698.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0jVLwkf7X0E/X--e6-Yq7gI/AAAAAAAA4z0/5RU5BCkD738Ke0u3yGbqYGlUbdQS8yxAwCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_5698.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>And the German Mortar Platoon (bottom right) fires on the US Tank Platoon (top left), hoping to suppress them...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b3A3pBRPM8g/X--e3zanORI/AAAAAAAA4zo/ZGl6Xouw-0cQ1nMeJGoMW3rl5lw8qWObgCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5699.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b3A3pBRPM8g/X--e3zanORI/AAAAAAAA4zo/ZGl6Xouw-0cQ1nMeJGoMW3rl5lw8qWObgCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_5699.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>But the 80mm HE rounds are a bit off target and only manage to pin the American tanks.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7m8yWl7hm50/X--e5mAGBfI/AAAAAAAA4zw/CNNwuVjVXOAlnvCN15IEvscvX-CTH9ehACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5700.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7m8yWl7hm50/X--e5mAGBfI/AAAAAAAA4zw/CNNwuVjVXOAlnvCN15IEvscvX-CTH9ehACNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_5700.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The US tanks don't have a clear shot at the Stugs but fire anyway, hoping to suppress them.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Rs-m79OM7xk/X--fBjclgXI/AAAAAAAA40A/ZOYQkjTB3LMzaYc7-WZ1EwaaT9FiJOwAACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5701.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Rs-m79OM7xk/X--fBjclgXI/AAAAAAAA40A/ZOYQkjTB3LMzaYc7-WZ1EwaaT9FiJOwAACNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_5701.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>As the US Mortar Platoon (bottom left) also engages the German northern pincer, which has almost reached the town.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rZedrfmaUlU/X--fCu2fnpI/AAAAAAAA40E/ZQci0hSZVyoeNLKhTYBoMeWsdrODuTmBQCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5702.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rZedrfmaUlU/X--fCu2fnpI/AAAAAAAA40E/ZQci0hSZVyoeNLKhTYBoMeWsdrODuTmBQCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_5702.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>And the fire is effective, suppressing the German infantry.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BiUL7Vz9J-Q/X--fEhv3NlI/AAAAAAAA40I/3KrC1T5Vd5s3NpLkkJg-KANDqAdcoQhoQCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5703.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BiUL7Vz9J-Q/X--fEhv3NlI/AAAAAAAA40I/3KrC1T5Vd5s3NpLkkJg-KANDqAdcoQhoQCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_5703.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>As Colonel Scranton moves up and rallies 2nd latoon.<br /><br />*But will it matter? The point of decision appears to be north of the river.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g1gDUTB6pd8/X--fLORzedI/AAAAAAAA40Y/vra8Q5piDrcDgt_Drq7N-PVqVWpKfxqbQCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5704.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g1gDUTB6pd8/X--fLORzedI/AAAAAAAA40Y/vra8Q5piDrcDgt_Drq7N-PVqVWpKfxqbQCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_5704.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>As his counterpart, Major Schnitzel, moves up to rally his troops on the northern pincer.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uoroLp7HXWs/X--fKowytxI/AAAAAAAA40U/rQ9MTLuZOS4tWz_Ftb96rSmyYJy6SiivACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5705.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uoroLp7HXWs/X--fKowytxI/AAAAAAAA40U/rQ9MTLuZOS4tWz_Ftb96rSmyYJy6SiivACNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_5705.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The German 3rd Platoon immediately moves north, up to the riverbank...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IrwFKA7RDGw/X--fLxG30MI/AAAAAAAA40c/NNe3jyqEIGQFG9lNLxY86RYk90gNvqP5QCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5706.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IrwFKA7RDGw/X--fLxG30MI/AAAAAAAA40c/NNe3jyqEIGQFG9lNLxY86RYk90gNvqP5QCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_5706.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Where they engage the US Tank Platoon with Panzerfausts and their Panzerschreck, to no effect.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YZz4UFcI2eg/X--fUPHDjbI/AAAAAAAA40k/N1M5-imgncIavwkL9uYna4L8HNUZuI37QCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5707.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YZz4UFcI2eg/X--fUPHDjbI/AAAAAAAA40k/N1M5-imgncIavwkL9uYna4L8HNUZuI37QCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_5707.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Th German southern pincer gets on the road and pushes west at all speed.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lZPm6KXEjy4/X--fU3Eis6I/AAAAAAAA40s/7iMxmWtL8dkTCTDXHK50dqteM4nq_m4ngCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5708.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lZPm6KXEjy4/X--fU3Eis6I/AAAAAAAA40s/7iMxmWtL8dkTCTDXHK50dqteM4nq_m4ngCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_5708.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The US mortars (bottom left) continue engaging the German northern pincer (top right), as Colonel Scranton (far left, with 2nd Platoon), looks on helplessly...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8zUSsvsUgqw/X--fWc-g8aI/AAAAAAAA40w/6Rg_FPSeh3cyaqCD6OYx0GxxfshWayTawCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5709.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8zUSsvsUgqw/X--fWc-g8aI/AAAAAAAA40w/6Rg_FPSeh3cyaqCD6OYx0GxxfshWayTawCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_5709.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>But the mortar rounds are off target and have no effect!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aV_Y9ZybOf0/X--ffBZPRqI/AAAAAAAA400/CduXMxM747U52OGtKXTXS5Hcd-XEnZeyQCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5710.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aV_Y9ZybOf0/X--ffBZPRqI/AAAAAAAA400/CduXMxM747U52OGtKXTXS5Hcd-XEnZeyQCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_5710.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Colonel Scranton, realizing his tanks (top right) and MG Platoon (far left) are engaged north of the river, and his 1st Platoon is sitting idle (top center) north of the river, fires up the jeep and begins moving that way (on bridge at center, from bottom left).</div><div><br /></div><div>*Will he make it in time to influence the fight? I can almost guarantee you the 2nd Platoon (bottom left) will have little to no impact on the overall fight...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cT3Q2HRowQg/X--ffTh7tlI/AAAAAAAA404/UCzmrW4fCiYHFaw1P7Qdpv5kUcvWE58XwCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5711.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cT3Q2HRowQg/X--ffTh7tlI/AAAAAAAA404/UCzmrW4fCiYHFaw1P7Qdpv5kUcvWE58XwCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_5711.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The German armor pushes forward, entering Hosingen, without their infantry, which could be a big mistake! </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GioVeD5_mGU/X--fqQNpNiI/AAAAAAAA41M/Pz9mJaWgkYA-m8GH3R9FDXrkZ2-5-tfagCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5713.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GioVeD5_mGU/X--fqQNpNiI/AAAAAAAA41M/Pz9mJaWgkYA-m8GH3R9FDXrkZ2-5-tfagCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_5713.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Colonel Scranton is back on the north side of the river, and he stops by to rally his MG Platoon.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GcJRUGlEbhM/X--fqIO7CKI/AAAAAAAA41I/0Qo5HEi5NOEDW8BCqE0TeenhfuYSx60CwCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5714.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GcJRUGlEbhM/X--fqIO7CKI/AAAAAAAA41I/0Qo5HEi5NOEDW8BCqE0TeenhfuYSx60CwCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_5714.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>As the US 2nd Platoon moves up, into defensive positions on the southern side of the river (bottom right), licking their chops at the idea of getting at the German armor (top right) in the cramped streets of Hosingen.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ayBHxoOAu2c/X--fpw3H89I/AAAAAAAA41E/bHf_YZ9EKiE13tRmZUqjPsgzPkU7l9GWwCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5715.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ayBHxoOAu2c/X--fpw3H89I/AAAAAAAA41E/bHf_YZ9EKiE13tRmZUqjPsgzPkU7l9GWwCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_5715.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The Germans are undaunted, however, and push even deeper into Hosingen (top left) as they bring their infantry up as quickly as possible.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-izUqG7df4iQ/X--fyOaISQI/AAAAAAAA41c/GbLA80gB5skQ6M28cgGPj37nUWVWE5MPgCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5716.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-izUqG7df4iQ/X--fyOaISQI/AAAAAAAA41c/GbLA80gB5skQ6M28cgGPj37nUWVWE5MPgCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_5716.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The 2nd Stug Platoon manages to spot the US infantry of the 2nd Platoon in the buildings and opens fire with their 75mm guns at point-blank range...</div></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kpt_d-xMqX0/X--fyfbDRAI/AAAAAAAA41g/i3xnU4M14GwwOOpc8LYyuFo4OYTx4_nkwCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5717.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kpt_d-xMqX0/X--fyfbDRAI/AAAAAAAA41g/i3xnU4M14GwwOOpc8LYyuFo4OYTx4_nkwCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_5717.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Blasting the poor doughboys out of their recently-assumed positions.</div><div><br /></div><div>*I had really struggled over whether to even give the Stugs a kill dice, or only shock dice, but I gave them one, figuring it was reasonable since they were at point-blank range. Of course they roll a kill on their one kill dice...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yGoc9CG3ai8/X--fzrMglyI/AAAAAAAA41k/BcuSP0RPyck2Qr4IQG2jrspTrdozfJwZwCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5718.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yGoc9CG3ai8/X--fzrMglyI/AAAAAAAA41k/BcuSP0RPyck2Qr4IQG2jrspTrdozfJwZwCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_5718.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Having blasted the GIs south of the bridge (the US Mortar Platoon is still down there, off camera to bottom center, but no more maneuver elements), the 2nd Stug Platoon hangs a right and begins crossing the river.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eaK5ZEQK4Us/X--f7v4WOSI/AAAAAAAA410/_jnuWo2kdyU55ItQlYnV0lPhZ7iCfjZYgCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5719.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eaK5ZEQK4Us/X--f7v4WOSI/AAAAAAAA410/_jnuWo2kdyU55ItQlYnV0lPhZ7iCfjZYgCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_5719.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>But, as 2nd Stug Platoon crosses the bridge (far left), it is 1st Stug Platoon (bottom left) that will administer the coup de grace. The German assault guns sight in and fire on the US Tank Platoon (top right)...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fjg7MFhFAs8/X--f41KawRI/AAAAAAAA41o/iQu4jll5NFUVe6pA6bG7EWzG7ec22vK8ACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5720.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fjg7MFhFAs8/X--f41KawRI/AAAAAAAA41o/iQu4jll5NFUVe6pA6bG7EWzG7ec22vK8ACNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_5720.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Target eliminated.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g8XO6zZto6I/X--f8a9ZkjI/AAAAAAAA414/z49vrkRbQgkTtL6d3Hz8JftBJkfnVtzRQCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5721.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g8XO6zZto6I/X--f8a9ZkjI/AAAAAAAA414/z49vrkRbQgkTtL6d3Hz8JftBJkfnVtzRQCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_5721.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Colonel Scranton (right) looks on as the remnants of his shattered battalion fall back, ending the game.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ah2N-JSc6D0/X_ZATS1HGfI/AAAAAAAA42Y/D21Oah8NQgEt43YArLjpOwxqY3g0wHH0QCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/33EFB83C-B0C9-4B72-8F77-386F505F6844.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ah2N-JSc6D0/X_ZATS1HGfI/AAAAAAAA42Y/D21Oah8NQgEt43YArLjpOwxqY3g0wHH0QCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/33EFB83C-B0C9-4B72-8F77-386F505F6844.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So, the GIs of the 110th were forced to fall back, leaving Hosingen to the Landser of the 77th Regiment. We are sticking with the 28th Infantry Division for the next fight, which is between that division's 112th Regiment, facing off against Kampfgruppe Cochenhausen, 2nd Panzer Division.</div><p>A fun game, but more mistakes from the young man, mostly having to do with deployment. He correctly realized the direct-fire threat posed by the German Stugs and MG Platoon, finally telling me it was the reason he placed his 1st and 2nd Rifle Platoons back (though he left the 3rd Platoon up in the line), and I had a long talk about placing outposts to serve as spotters for indirect fire (his mortar platoon, in this case), but then using the rest of his force in a 'reverse slope' defense concept, leaving the outer layer of buildings undefended and allowing the Germans to penetrate the city before engaging at point-blank range, where his infantry would stand a chance against the German armor. I didn't have a good answer for how to make best use of the attached tank platoon; there just really wasn't a good spot for them to be able to use long range fire and their mobility to affect the fight in the town. Perhaps the best use of the US Tank Platoon was to dig them into hull down positions and turn them into 75mm pillboxes, but that just runs so counter to everything I believe about tactics, and you see how long the US ATG Platoon lasted...</p><p>And the rules didn't really work any faster, still about 2 1/2 hours, which is really challenging my little monkeys' endurance. I'm not sure how to make these fights go faster, and even if I can, how long does a game need to last to justify setting up a 6' x 4' table That's another part of the equation that's been eating at me. It's one thing to set up a 2' x 2' or 3' x 3' table and play an hour long game, a 6' x 4' table seems to... demand a bit more of a commitment ;) Which is also making this giant campaign that much more daunting...<br /><br />Anyway, fight number three coming soon.<br /><br />V/R,<br />Jack<br /><br /></p></div>Just Jackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03552962741823929433noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8660216775038377627.post-57247327758216171762021-01-06T20:28:00.000-08:002021-01-06T20:28:30.207-08:00Battle of the Bulge Campaign, Fight #1<p> All,</p><p>0600-1400 local time<br />16 December 1944<br />Losheim, Belgium<br />US 14th Cavalry Group vs 8th Regiment, 3rd Fallschirmjager Division</p><p>So, this is it, the first battle to kick off our extraordinarily ambitious campaign to play out the "Battle of the Bulge." I will admit, before playing even the first game, that I may have bitten off more than I can chew. This is a campaign that lasts ten days, with three phases per day, involving 27 different 'battlegroups' on each side. There is no set number of battles per phase, but the first phase is set up and there are a total of eight tabletop fights scheduled. If that holds to be the average, that puts us somewhere in the neighborhood of... 240 fights to finish this campaign. Not sure I could actually pull that off, but let's get this going and see how it works out.</p><p>So this is it, the very opening of the German offensive in the Ardennes (historical note: I know that, chronologically, this fight occurred after numerous other fights beginning around 0530, but I'm playing the campaign in eight-hour phases, and from that standpoint it doesn't matter what order I play the ames in). In this fight we shall see German paratroopers, backed up by some light armor, attacking a US Cavalry unit consisting of some light infantry with some light armor. Somehow it has ended up that my older son is playing the Americans, while my younger son and I are playing the Germans. We are playing this game using a mashup of Ivan's 5Core rules and Warlord's Bolt Action rules. I'd intended on adding Battlegroup Wacht Am Rhein's "Battle Rating" and chit-pull morale system as well, but I did not as I wanted to keep the game moving as quickly as possible in an attempt to keep the boys' attention.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kFsPsMOZ_DQ/X-0fC7o7XyI/AAAAAAAA4eU/erXinsuj5Ok8pR4b7DUZOXd3sESBXvnOwCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5549.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kFsPsMOZ_DQ/X-0fC7o7XyI/AAAAAAAA4eU/erXinsuj5Ok8pR4b7DUZOXd3sESBXvnOwCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_5549.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>This might seem funny, but long before I ever got into miniature wargaming I played wargames on the computer, and my favorite computer wargame(s) was "Close Combat," particularly the 2nd one, "A Bridge Too Far," which is definitely on the docket for stuff to game. In any case, I also had the 4th Close Combat module, "Battle of the Bulge." It doesn't cover the entirety of Wacht Am Rhein, but a good portion of it, and it has an outstanding campaign map and details all the units, their composition, their locations, and the reinforcement schedule. So why not use it? Here is the campaign map I grabbed from Close Combat 4.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XhlYlPag5Uc/X-0e_MGIy7I/AAAAAAAA4eM/tWmHzEAytUMM-B8ZbHhxlzdUW6nfPoASgCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5550.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XhlYlPag5Uc/X-0e_MGIy7I/AAAAAAAA4eM/tWmHzEAytUMM-B8ZbHhxlzdUW6nfPoASgCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_5550.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Here are the unit rosters I made up (US on left and German on right) using the game's battle editor.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s5D2pyumDTA/X-0fA1TgwnI/AAAAAAAA4eQ/TJk4_opAaJcbbyeuyJjQLHcslskd5OKIACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5551.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s5D2pyumDTA/X-0fA1TgwnI/AAAAAAAA4eQ/TJk4_opAaJcbbyeuyJjQLHcslskd5OKIACNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_5551.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><div>The campaign will start at 0600 on 16 December 1944. I made up counters in Powerpoint, printed them off, cut'em out, and now the US forces are in place for the German onslaught. The Yanks begin with 11 of their 27 battlegroups on the board. Strangely enough, both sides have a total of 27 battlegroups. "Battlegroup" is a general term for roughly regimental-sized combat teams, which will field a roughly battalion-sized force during each tabletop battle it's involved in. </div><div><br /></div><div>So we'll move these counters around on the campaign map, and when opposing forces land on the same map sector we will fight a tabletop battle of approximately battalion vs battalion. Battlegroups will suffer casualties in each of their tabletop battles, and so each battlegroup will be able to fight between 1 and 6 tabletop battles, depending on the results of each battle. I'll be rating each battlegroup's tabletop performance along the lines of Breakthrough-Major Victory-Minor Victory-Stalemate-Minor Defeat-Major Defeat-Route, which will directly impact how long the battlegroup can stay in the campaign. I'm thinking something along the lines of each Battlegroup having six 'strength points," losing them as follows:<br />Breakthrough -1 or 0<br />Major Victory -2 or -1<br />Minor Victory -3 or -2<br />Stalemate -4 or -3<br />Minor Defeat -5 or -4<br />Major Defeat -6 or -5<br />Route -7 or -6</div><div><br /></div><div>I like the latter, except I don't really love the idea of a 'Breakthrough' victory costing the battlegroup no strength points, meaning they could just rampaging on forever. Having said that, I can't imagine 'Breakthrough' victories will happen all that often. But something going for the initial stats is it will speed the campaign up, which I'm really going to need. If every battlegroup fights two battles, well, that's a lot of battles ;)</div></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QuUgqlnShFE/X-0fLEdEiRI/AAAAAAAA4ec/_h9Kwaiy9kwzooPE5vES15Z9_lUWDLiGQCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5552.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QuUgqlnShFE/X-0fLEdEiRI/AAAAAAAA4ec/_h9Kwaiy9kwzooPE5vES15Z9_lUWDLiGQCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_5552.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><div>And here is the Day 1, Phase 1 positions for the Yanks and the Germans. There are eight 'overlaps,' meaning there will be eight tabletop battles. So the campaign will have 10 days, each with three phases: Phase 1 is 0600 to 1400, Phase 2 is 1400 to 2200, and Phase 3 is 2200 to 0600. Reinforcements will arrive in Phase 1 of the day they are scheduled.</div><div><br /></div><div>When a battlegroup is defeated on the tabletop it will fall back two map sectors. Foot-borne battlegroups move one map sector and mechanized battlegroups move two map sectors during normal map movement. </div><div><br /></div><div>Here is the full slate of battles for Phase of 16 Dec 44:<br />Krinkelt-Rocherath: 394th Regiment, 99th Infantry Division vs 48th Regiment, 12th Volksgrenadier Division<br />Losheim: 14th Cavalry Group vs 8th Regiment, 3rd Fallschirmjager Division<br />South Eifel: 422nd Regiment, 106th Infantry Division vs 295th Regiment, 18th Volksgrenadier Division<br />Habscheid: 423rd Regiment, 106th Infantry Division vs 190th Regiment, 62nd Volksgrenadier Division<br />Leidenborn: 424th Regiment, 106th Infantry Division vs Kampfgruppe Bayer, 116th Panzer Division<br />Dasburg: 112th Regiment, 28th Infantry Division vs Kampfgruppe Cochenhausen, 2nd Panzer Division<br />Hosingen: 110th Regiment, 28th Infantry Division vs 77th Regiment, 26th Volksgrenadier Division<br />Weiler: 109th Regiment, 28th Infantry Division vs 15th Regiment, 5th Fallschirmjager Division</div></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ibmew2-gBrc/X-0fKwY-eNI/AAAAAAAA4eY/s08ONo08_FEqmLhtNLFFZmA-iZlQ8sZVwCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5553.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ibmew2-gBrc/X-0fKwY-eNI/AAAAAAAA4eY/s08ONo08_FEqmLhtNLFFZmA-iZlQ8sZVwCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_5553.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Here is the reinforcement schedule. Yeah, kinda goofy, but it works. Starting at left is Day 1, then moving right all the way through Day 10, 25 December 1944.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BQadyf_v0h4/X-0fSvR1dNI/AAAAAAAA4ek/A8sRXOnCxEoCjw0KZvN3U4AdPIa1clvaACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5554.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BQadyf_v0h4/X-0fSvR1dNI/AAAAAAAA4ek/A8sRXOnCxEoCjw0KZvN3U4AdPIa1clvaACNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_5554.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>My winter table, a humble stab at Losheim. North is up, the Germans will attack from the east (right) and the Americans are defending in the west (left). It's funny, I may have picked the only map in the whole campaign that is flat! And the one thing this photo shows me is, you can never have enough trees...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fWZtxnN-Ijo/X-0fYCRH8PI/AAAAAAAA4es/-f5SBaBw_0MOOOjyaFo3mGVygPB_n-KcgCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5555.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fWZtxnN-Ijo/X-0fYCRH8PI/AAAAAAAA4es/-f5SBaBw_0MOOOjyaFo3mGVygPB_n-KcgCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_5555.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>A closer look at Losheim. I really want to bring out the war-torn ambience for the boys, so I'm using nothing but bombed out buildings.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zLM8nepODYg/X-0fXYC_XrI/AAAAAAAA4eo/i8rke5iNgyoRUIx49-p38AeP6lOY_b-1wCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5556.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zLM8nepODYg/X-0fXYC_XrI/AAAAAAAA4eo/i8rke5iNgyoRUIx49-p38AeP6lOY_b-1wCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_5556.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The crossroads. Yeah, I put a lot of work into making a winter table, except roads...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9PUl9wsHL4c/X-0fc6snyTI/AAAAAAAA4ew/9azJ4h3cwQoFQRs2HrLjZImAkeM9G9TmwCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5557.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9PUl9wsHL4c/X-0fc6snyTI/AAAAAAAA4ew/9azJ4h3cwQoFQRs2HrLjZImAkeM9G9TmwCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_5557.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Looking west down the main road, towards Losheim.<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-124fQFlPYwQ/X-0fkoAfxoI/AAAAAAAA4e4/iQSnrCsCUxQ6LRhFuB-q0DTpUsoT2nlrQCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5558.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-124fQFlPYwQ/X-0fkoAfxoI/AAAAAAAA4e4/iQSnrCsCUxQ6LRhFuB-q0DTpUsoT2nlrQCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_5558.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>The German end of the table.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qF6bycIMGqA/X-0fkmFm4fI/AAAAAAAA4e0/0ow_if_LQTsvRMDFfjMbING6KpH7MPSxwCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5559.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qF6bycIMGqA/X-0fkmFm4fI/AAAAAAAA4e0/0ow_if_LQTsvRMDFfjMbING6KpH7MPSxwCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_5559.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>And the American end. My map actually didn't show a hill, but the table was just too damn flat, so I had to add one (bottom left). At center left are three sets of winter-stripped trees; what the map shows is a series of snow drifts, like seven or eight of them.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vB_2jb0VUdY/X-0fnqpeYFI/AAAAAAAA4fE/ubcoUedfKv0XR1xphmVfDtsJfB9z8mwNACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5560.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vB_2jb0VUdY/X-0fnqpeYFI/AAAAAAAA4fE/ubcoUedfKv0XR1xphmVfDtsJfB9z8mwNACNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_5560.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Looking northwest to southeast.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UypMKMYC7YQ/X-0fwNu2ShI/AAAAAAAA4fQ/JkZ22cbnjlwnvhGEY-Xizcli85tnos-agCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5561.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UypMKMYC7YQ/X-0fwNu2ShI/AAAAAAAA4fQ/JkZ22cbnjlwnvhGEY-Xizcli85tnos-agCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_5561.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>The opposing forces, with the American 14th Cavalry Group on the left and the German 8th Regiment, 3rd FJ Division, on the right. The Germans actually shouldn't have any vehicles in this fight, but you'll have to forgive me, I wanted to give the boys a relatively even-up fight, so there they are. The Germans, being the attackers, do have a quantitative advantage, nonetheless. </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jEBsXr-oobo/X-0fviyMv0I/AAAAAAAA4fM/lvhzKI3Oa8APOGApp_dKrU7yIde2W0WwgCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5562.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jEBsXr-oobo/X-0fviyMv0I/AAAAAAAA4fM/lvhzKI3Oa8APOGApp_dKrU7yIde2W0WwgCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_5562.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The American force:<br />Battalion Commander (2)<br />Rifle Company Commander, with Halftrack (2)<br />2 x Rifle Platoon, with Halftracks (10)<br />1 x Tank Platoon (5 x M4 Stuarts) (10)<br />1 x Cannon Platoon (3 x M7 Priests) (6)</div>BR=30<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z7cHXb163WI/X-0fxk8P--I/AAAAAAAA4fU/-zYfJHxgLlIiyHB321Z8Cu7BJdZNVKvGQCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5563.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z7cHXb163WI/X-0fxk8P--I/AAAAAAAA4fU/-zYfJHxgLlIiyHB321Z8Cu7BJdZNVKvGQCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_5563.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>The German force:<br />Battalion Commander (2)</div><div>Rifle Company Commander (2)</div><div>3 x Rifle Platoons (15)<br />1 x Mortar Platoon (3 x 8.0cm tubes) (4)</div><div>1 x Armored Car Platoon (4 x Sdkfz 234) (8)<br />1 x Panzerjaeger Platoon (4 x Marder III) (8)</div><div>BR=39<br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NAvGbV5KuCE/X-4n7_3LbfI/AAAAAAAA4mk/pbcH_YBnN1EgcMbbhfaXCI-M0el1BFnOwCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5564.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NAvGbV5KuCE/X-4n7_3LbfI/AAAAAAAA4mk/pbcH_YBnN1EgcMbbhfaXCI-M0el1BFnOwCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_5564.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div>Overview, now with troops. The Americans are starting with only a single rifle platoon on the board (crossroads), manning outposts. HQ has gotten word of something afoot from the Germans and has dispatched reinforcements, which start off table but enter on Turn 1 anywhere on the left baseline. The Germans are starting with all forces on the table, spread across the east (right) end of the table.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u9QvDRHNIQI/X-4n3AEvYBI/AAAAAAAA4mg/df2XCjHli38P8ZewqjYTzYh5xUWSgDtQwCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5565.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u9QvDRHNIQI/X-4n3AEvYBI/AAAAAAAA4mg/df2XCjHli38P8ZewqjYTzYh5xUWSgDtQwCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_5565.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div>The US presence in Losheim: 1st Platoon, with rifle squads at top left, center, and bottom right. Their bazooka team is in the building at center, while the command team is just below them.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fAH-DFgf3B0/X-4n0dYCKpI/AAAAAAAA4mc/pdEaHugg1oE0EhjBtAz0rSiNqVFBrmsegCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5566.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fAH-DFgf3B0/X-4n0dYCKpI/AAAAAAAA4mc/pdEaHugg1oE0EhjBtAz0rSiNqVFBrmsegCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_5566.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div>The rest of the US force, commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel Denver, waiting to come on the table.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rNtqKwm_HVE/X-4n9WhWihI/AAAAAAAA4mo/mtrqDMzLlDc-DXCNbZduhCrN9h412WTmwCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5567.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rNtqKwm_HVE/X-4n9WhWihI/AAAAAAAA4mo/mtrqDMzLlDc-DXCNbZduhCrN9h412WTmwCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_5567.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div>The German deployment on their baseline.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n5aiWrOIzck/X-4oB3e5qoI/AAAAAAAA4ms/uqOkCuqJXS03gR0WnXZqAA6ZXv32Ak07gCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5568.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n5aiWrOIzck/X-4oB3e5qoI/AAAAAAAA4ms/uqOkCuqJXS03gR0WnXZqAA6ZXv32Ak07gCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_5568.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div>On the German left is their 1st Platoon (in buildings), the Armored Car Platoon (on road), their Mortar Platoon (just below the road), and their Rifle Company Commander (bottom right).</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SfvjnFMvn48/X-4oFkEj1bI/AAAAAAAA4m0/ibhqCJS_gmstyuG_L4zzb79lWR6nosJaQCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5569.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SfvjnFMvn48/X-4oFkEj1bI/AAAAAAAA4m0/ibhqCJS_gmstyuG_L4zzb79lWR6nosJaQCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_5569.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div>2nd Platoon is in the woods in the center of their line (bottom left), then the Marder Platoon, the battalion commander, Major Wurst, and their 3rd Platoon.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cQe1WW_5KKE/X-4oG-ELgNI/AAAAAAAA4m4/9uudTVnx_w4HZZxbIL0UxKkUo5kxWy0BwCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5570.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cQe1WW_5KKE/X-4oG-ELgNI/AAAAAAAA4m4/9uudTVnx_w4HZZxbIL0UxKkUo5kxWy0BwCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_5570.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div>The fight kicks off! Col Denver pushes his Light Tank Platoon straight up the road into Losheim (right), while the halftracks of 2nd Platoon following in trace, albeit going cross-country (center left).</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jXoeUDVMh3U/X-4oMlcItOI/AAAAAAAA4m8/4VGoKqrzvJo5QC9HnhgTfFdWtrpckBT4QCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5571.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jXoeUDVMh3U/X-4oMlcItOI/AAAAAAAA4m8/4VGoKqrzvJo5QC9HnhgTfFdWtrpckBT4QCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_5571.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div>The GIs of 1st Platoon (far left and center bottom) spot the Germans advancing in teh center (top center) and open fire, to no effect.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IFJsHf2k16U/X-4oNmU1olI/AAAAAAAA4nE/KeBtnfBOXHgrAom_XlOsDtk145qapGZWQCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5572.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IFJsHf2k16U/X-4oNmU1olI/AAAAAAAA4nE/KeBtnfBOXHgrAom_XlOsDtk145qapGZWQCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_5572.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div>Colonel Denver and the Rifle Company Commander move up the road into Losheim (left top), as the Self-Propelled Gun (SPG) Platoon moves up on the US right, rather craftily (bottom right).</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YT0YrPh3V3M/X-4oPojOoPI/AAAAAAAA4nI/04kn5QDGrhI1-P31mmXP6CVer2AOEtyBQCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5573.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YT0YrPh3V3M/X-4oPojOoPI/AAAAAAAA4nI/04kn5QDGrhI1-P31mmXP6CVer2AOEtyBQCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_5573.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div>The German right surges forward, and the Marders begin hammering away at the town.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f3njq6IPiiM/X-4oWDZ1m_I/AAAAAAAA4nQ/7tu1FIFQlbQohi9tKXdj0I0EXA42_YsEwCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5574.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f3njq6IPiiM/X-4oWDZ1m_I/AAAAAAAA4nQ/7tu1FIFQlbQohi9tKXdj0I0EXA42_YsEwCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_5574.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div>As the German Armored Car Platoon pushes forward (bottom center)...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--5ZPi14dzdY/X-4oVPK3ezI/AAAAAAAA4nM/N7kFOZ5ba-EVRzvbnyxdOgU7t8c502zbwCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5575.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--5ZPi14dzdY/X-4oVPK3ezI/AAAAAAAA4nM/N7kFOZ5ba-EVRzvbnyxdOgU7t8c502zbwCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_5575.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div>Where they (bottom right) spot the US Light Tank Platoon (top left) and engage with their 20mm autocannons, damaging the lead tank.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sRySSgmdlis/X-4oW5bz69I/AAAAAAAA4nY/oWMTOWmlqlkLDCbr-O3aeyt7xkx-vTsogCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5576.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sRySSgmdlis/X-4oW5bz69I/AAAAAAAA4nY/oWMTOWmlqlkLDCbr-O3aeyt7xkx-vTsogCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_5576.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div>But the US Stuarts maneuver within the town (bottom left) and return fire, as one of 1st Platoon's squads moves forward, crossing the road (center bottom).</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S-cHHuHA9pg/X-4obly9nlI/AAAAAAAA4nc/55XHkcciekAUasu3Ad3DMwcNVhh7KIVXACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5577.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S-cHHuHA9pg/X-4obly9nlI/AAAAAAAA4nc/55XHkcciekAUasu3Ad3DMwcNVhh7KIVXACNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_5577.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div>The lead Sdkfz 234 is knocked out by 37mm armor piercing rounds!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cida7UN96bg/X-4odQdsYqI/AAAAAAAA4nk/i_rZFOqYjegns3jyPsvLoIFcPdFTi8ARQCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5578.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cida7UN96bg/X-4odQdsYqI/AAAAAAAA4nk/i_rZFOqYjegns3jyPsvLoIFcPdFTi8ARQCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_5578.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div>Like the US light tanks, the German armored cars fan out and return fire, but it's ineffective.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x_as1a3h0Ks/X-4of-NLA2I/AAAAAAAA4ns/ZntGXd5aqpghn0trWkkdWvGcnXhIGjjyQCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5579.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x_as1a3h0Ks/X-4of-NLA2I/AAAAAAAA4ns/ZntGXd5aqpghn0trWkkdWvGcnXhIGjjyQCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_5579.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div>As is the fire of the Marder Platoon (bottom right).</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M8bexKkrKeo/X-4opE5qMSI/AAAAAAAA4n8/UuR9QHrCO2wKjVjWAGLR1GHuEdS6-LsKACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5582.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M8bexKkrKeo/X-4opE5qMSI/AAAAAAAA4n8/UuR9QHrCO2wKjVjWAGLR1GHuEdS6-LsKACNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_5582.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div>The German infantry platoons on the right push forward, firing as they go (2nd Platoon at bottom left and 3rd Platoon at bottom right)...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aOr03uWWRjs/X-4oprjMQ-I/AAAAAAAA4oA/0hTVgsv-jbcgHjnSezbaxJnYI04su3H2QCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5583.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aOr03uWWRjs/X-4oprjMQ-I/AAAAAAAA4oA/0hTVgsv-jbcgHjnSezbaxJnYI04su3H2QCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_5583.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div>And the GIs of 1st Platoon return the favor.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EyFpUbMJmrw/X-4ouMNaQAI/AAAAAAAA4oI/UF-HPZZ7EF4HBO_iDKy5Y8o4qZ1TeSBqACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5584.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EyFpUbMJmrw/X-4ouMNaQAI/AAAAAAAA4oI/UF-HPZZ7EF4HBO_iDKy5Y8o4qZ1TeSBqACNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_5584.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div>The German 1st Platoon moves out onto the road, following the Armored Car Platoon (top right), but managing to draw some fire from US troops on the far left (bottom left).</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TkTMLK3L9yg/X-4o0vih6NI/AAAAAAAA4oQ/taMW3X1Rg3kPcc-0ERL7VDvt931ZXmHOgCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5585.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TkTMLK3L9yg/X-4o0vih6NI/AAAAAAAA4oQ/taMW3X1Rg3kPcc-0ERL7VDvt931ZXmHOgCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_5585.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div>The US SPG Platoon (top right) has been spotted and the German Mortar Platoon (bottom left) immediately goes to work...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CJPvvHjKC4g/X-4ozmDlhPI/AAAAAAAA4oM/7f3yTpRFHJMA9BVvpr37uWpbABGAYS4bACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5586.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CJPvvHjKC4g/X-4ozmDlhPI/AAAAAAAA4oM/7f3yTpRFHJMA9BVvpr37uWpbABGAYS4bACNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_5586.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div>But the rounds are a bit off target.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7WHlXGr_308/X-4o15NOebI/AAAAAAAA4oU/wmfiNAZAKFYb1BFGmwZ0yXmy-AhlqSZDwCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5587.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7WHlXGr_308/X-4o15NOebI/AAAAAAAA4oU/wmfiNAZAKFYb1BFGmwZ0yXmy-AhlqSZDwCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_5587.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div>The German Armored Car Platoon continues firing on the US Light Tank Platoon...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ptox8lMHl80/X-4o74De91I/AAAAAAAA4og/KXU0BsMKjSU0tlTZDYlGex19vQT0e49CgCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5588.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ptox8lMHl80/X-4o74De91I/AAAAAAAA4og/KXU0BsMKjSU0tlTZDYlGex19vQT0e49CgCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_5588.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div>As do the Marders (far right, with the Stuarts at top left)...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iblr2BoEFNs/X-4o805pVmI/AAAAAAAA4oo/IyOzzy6DJ8Qjo2uJGwRIaLbrdSHbGjhZACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5589.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iblr2BoEFNs/X-4o805pVmI/AAAAAAAA4oo/IyOzzy6DJ8Qjo2uJGwRIaLbrdSHbGjhZACNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_5589.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div>And though several crews are shaken up by the incoming fire, still only one tank has been hit and damaged.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5RQ4sav-q6I/X-4o8nmvHVI/AAAAAAAA4ok/9cB19S3rVm8l6-hUrr1fmXF-psE4f0UXwCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5590.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5RQ4sav-q6I/X-4o8nmvHVI/AAAAAAAA4ok/9cB19S3rVm8l6-hUrr1fmXF-psE4f0UXwCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_5590.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div>The plucky little Stuarts rally and return fire...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SVWDY5gtWqs/X-4pENg7jhI/AAAAAAAA4os/4yFmAlZFHEYfZvdv5JwsFF8Zx0y9s7ZDwCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5591.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SVWDY5gtWqs/X-4pENg7jhI/AAAAAAAA4os/4yFmAlZFHEYfZvdv5JwsFF8Zx0y9s7ZDwCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_5591.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div>Knocking out a second armored car and suppressing the remaining two!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jHf0PESOzkA/X-4pET6bh8I/AAAAAAAA4ow/VuTxY6gGrtUVTDnekMyPVj463BlhJ20_ACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5592.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jHf0PESOzkA/X-4pET6bh8I/AAAAAAAA4ow/VuTxY6gGrtUVTDnekMyPVj463BlhJ20_ACNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_5592.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div>The German 1st Platoon veers left, off the road (bottom center left), heading for the cover of the woods, a move that would seal the Americans in Losheim's fate, as their 2nd Platoon dashes to the wall (center right) and lays down fire.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dtUlMFaurjQ/X-4pGa0PRaI/AAAAAAAA4o8/69eiDPSPUFk3wF9UXT4VjX9aLFSxKyOjACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5593.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dtUlMFaurjQ/X-4pGa0PRaI/AAAAAAAA4o8/69eiDPSPUFk3wF9UXT4VjX9aLFSxKyOjACNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_5593.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div>The US 1st Platoon (center bottom) returns fire...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DUfUfbh1zYg/X-4pNkFrSwI/AAAAAAAA4pM/K8qOGqF80CA_s3kgKkvwD2iYq0RKgMhlACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5594.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DUfUfbh1zYg/X-4pNkFrSwI/AAAAAAAA4pM/K8qOGqF80CA_s3kgKkvwD2iYq0RKgMhlACNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_5594.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div>But the German Mortar Platoon (bottom right) targets them (top left), as the German 3rd Platoon surges forward (top center).</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t8aPbmA0m2U/X-4pM5bxMOI/AAAAAAAA4pI/yeNbzh9eeykKl8N08ZlDGdr9Fz52659hwCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5595.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t8aPbmA0m2U/X-4pM5bxMOI/AAAAAAAA4pI/yeNbzh9eeykKl8N08ZlDGdr9Fz52659hwCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_5595.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div>The Marders move up to the wall, where they of them begin slamming 75mm HE rounds into the US 1st Platoon's main position (top left)...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-waI_1ZoJObo/X-4pNtpL7NI/AAAAAAAA4pQ/-wffgedoqXgkdV5NnyL9nyU54-eRVJiZQCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5596.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-waI_1ZoJObo/X-4pNtpL7NI/AAAAAAAA4pQ/-wffgedoqXgkdV5NnyL9nyU54-eRVJiZQCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_5596.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div>Knocking out a rifle squad (casualty figures at top center), pinning the command team (yellow bead at center), and driving the bazooka team back (red bead at bottom left)!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w-zwTMxyU4M/X-4pUvo9YEI/AAAAAAAA4pc/ku4pr8MsHacF3D7ySnSUB-z-mIrSashngCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5599.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w-zwTMxyU4M/X-4pUvo9YEI/AAAAAAAA4pc/ku4pr8MsHacF3D7ySnSUB-z-mIrSashngCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_5599.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div>Colonel Denver moves up to rally his flagging troops (left center)...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Sxy91nAIyJU/X-4pbuYicOI/AAAAAAAA4ps/U5bVyvYBPwkwcddWt_3hP2TB7LA7fT1VQCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5600.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Sxy91nAIyJU/X-4pbuYicOI/AAAAAAAA4ps/U5bVyvYBPwkwcddWt_3hP2TB7LA7fT1VQCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_5600.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div>But the good Colonel catches a stray round and goes down (casualty figures on the road at top right), which causes one of the Stuarts to fall back (bottom left, from top right)!!!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yGMMiRnv9zY/X-4pblFKKrI/AAAAAAAA4po/FwXc2aceEaYjlX6zTqQoeeAPHKX_Wm4YgCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5601.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yGMMiRnv9zY/X-4pblFKKrI/AAAAAAAA4po/FwXc2aceEaYjlX6zTqQoeeAPHKX_Wm4YgCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_5601.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div>Nevertheless, the US Light Tank Platoon continues to put up a dogged defense, with Stuarts on the right (bottom center left) continuing to engage the German Armored Car Platoon (top right)...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VbqYDSu2yMo/X-4pb6JEdcI/AAAAAAAA4pw/vYuuRWvEMos5wu2gbbJTZuwtDnh8veI0wCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5602.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VbqYDSu2yMo/X-4pb6JEdcI/AAAAAAAA4pw/vYuuRWvEMos5wu2gbbJTZuwtDnh8veI0wCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_5602.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div>The damaged Stuart in the center firing its machine guns (bottom left) at the German 2nd Platoon (top right) at the wall...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H77aTfiSkw8/X-4pg5mgW-I/AAAAAAAA4p4/OCwuL_zjrAshj5GjgSfwQccQ5dP51pclACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5603.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H77aTfiSkw8/X-4pg5mgW-I/AAAAAAAA4p4/OCwuL_zjrAshj5GjgSfwQccQ5dP51pclACNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_5603.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div>And one of the Stuarts pushes left, through the incoming German mortar rounds (far left), where it halts and begins firing 37mm HE rounds into the woods containing the German 3rd Platoon (top center right)...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0CeFaAJdytM/X-4pjki1q5I/AAAAAAAA4p8/LSJYs8QIUQQBGZMs2JlPnuolxeln-by0QCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5604.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0CeFaAJdytM/X-4pjki1q5I/AAAAAAAA4p8/LSJYs8QIUQQBGZMs2JlPnuolxeln-by0QCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_5604.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div>Knocking one of the German squads out!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Km0TPPiLLZc/X-4plVusf0I/AAAAAAAA4qA/akYG3CxBzicCA8hmhfnA9DjRVpcx7n2AgCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5605.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Km0TPPiLLZc/X-4plVusf0I/AAAAAAAA4qA/akYG3CxBzicCA8hmhfnA9DjRVpcx7n2AgCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_5605.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div>But heavy German fire has caused the US rifle squad on the far left flank to fall back (top center, from the building at top right), nonetheless...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fAzaOWYpKp4/X-4pmmgrbAI/AAAAAAAA4qE/ws1XhjQvSuwHogsOHnvk0uVOaqK7IgBUACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5606.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fAzaOWYpKp4/X-4pmmgrbAI/AAAAAAAA4qE/ws1XhjQvSuwHogsOHnvk0uVOaqK7IgBUACNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_5606.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div>As the US squad on the right moves up, into the shelter of a bombed out house (bottom left) and begins firing on the German 2nd Platoon (top right).</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1TeulDKE6AY/X-4pr5JAIJI/AAAAAAAA4qM/Racu8tM3A7IugYgUbuWBkYB_xVd4dEiTACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5607.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1TeulDKE6AY/X-4pr5JAIJI/AAAAAAAA4qM/Racu8tM3A7IugYgUbuWBkYB_xVd4dEiTACNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_5607.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div>Meanwhile, on the German left, their Rifle Company Commander dashes forward under fire to rally the two suppressed (and one is immobilized) armored cars.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-09JlAW7z9Rc/X-4puy83RRI/AAAAAAAA4qY/CRthlqel_jgjGaE3Fx4LVe02MstaFDHXACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5609.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-09JlAW7z9Rc/X-4puy83RRI/AAAAAAAA4qY/CRthlqel_jgjGaE3Fx4LVe02MstaFDHXACNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_5609.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div>Which immediately resume firing on th US Stuarts (top center left).</div></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i0TjYAW6mmU/X-4pzx8fEQI/AAAAAAAA4qc/paQQp6O_Ke8C0ZI2HKz7sVWCn8oOulkngCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5610.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i0TjYAW6mmU/X-4pzx8fEQI/AAAAAAAA4qc/paQQp6O_Ke8C0ZI2HKz7sVWCn8oOulkngCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_5610.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div>Another Stuart is damaged (far left), as the halftracks carrying the US 2nd Platoon drive right up into the middle of the fracas!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vf_PgxGQn0k/X-4p2QmxrZI/AAAAAAAA4qk/soXsCRxL-AIPMI5eMF29QRXUiVAaI5dzwCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5612.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vf_PgxGQn0k/X-4p2QmxrZI/AAAAAAAA4qk/soXsCRxL-AIPMI5eMF29QRXUiVAaI5dzwCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_5612.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div>As the German 2nd Platoon hops the wall and moves up in the center.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1u9enzq4E_s/X-4p7H4dOJI/AAAAAAAA4qs/9hrl1gmxLTY3g5gCvgFO20w5JEl0RXW3gCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5613.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1u9enzq4E_s/X-4p7H4dOJI/AAAAAAAA4qs/9hrl1gmxLTY3g5gCvgFO20w5JEl0RXW3gCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_5613.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div>And the 3rd Platoon moves up on the right (top center).</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nQ7Tr_qn9m0/X-4p8qxG22I/AAAAAAAA4q0/ypDkycCslNU4sOII8dn01X1xmAZ08iQRwCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5614.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nQ7Tr_qn9m0/X-4p8qxG22I/AAAAAAAA4q0/ypDkycCslNU4sOII8dn01X1xmAZ08iQRwCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_5614.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div>The Marders move up and fire on the Stuart holding down the US left flank (top right)...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZFh0v8_-gro/X-4p8iUjitI/AAAAAAAA4q4/EfjxlEzf0YIPt1iA85buxiLUc2zUDiNwgCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5615.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZFh0v8_-gro/X-4p8iUjitI/AAAAAAAA4q4/EfjxlEzf0YIPt1iA85buxiLUc2zUDiNwgCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_5615.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div>Blasting it straight to hell!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ejCAG7wdr_w/X-4qET1T4SI/AAAAAAAA4rA/DTVkrjz5vS81bz_ocrasoiDes9txbwkYgCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5616.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ejCAG7wdr_w/X-4qET1T4SI/AAAAAAAA4rA/DTVkrjz5vS81bz_ocrasoiDes9txbwkYgCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_5616.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div>The German mortars (bottom right) sight in on the crossroads...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n99evsZmEHs/X-4qGUJhz2I/AAAAAAAA4rI/zUUeZPmi39YXyrqvU6sOQA-rrHI6b5DXACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5617.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n99evsZmEHs/X-4qGUJhz2I/AAAAAAAA4rI/zUUeZPmi39YXyrqvU6sOQA-rrHI6b5DXACNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_5617.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div>Harassing the US 2nd Platon, still mounted in its halftracks, and knocking out the squad from 1st Platoon that was in the nearby building!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KMwEwHv9zSQ/X-4qGa6eFNI/AAAAAAAA4rE/hDHi8Z424X4WobxBABwKIPykU40jWpAfACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5618.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KMwEwHv9zSQ/X-4qGa6eFNI/AAAAAAAA4rE/hDHi8Z424X4WobxBABwKIPykU40jWpAfACNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_5618.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div>The German 2nd Platoon keeps up the pressure on the US center, moving up to the road..</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yceQJdbAuDo/X-4qLoTdAHI/AAAAAAAA4rU/s759yui1_kkjiwsD9kWT_seRPb_u0aPHACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5619.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yceQJdbAuDo/X-4qLoTdAHI/AAAAAAAA4rU/s759yui1_kkjiwsD9kWT_seRPb_u0aPHACNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_5619.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div>And loosing a rocket from its panzershreck, though it missed...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RwY4whV8IMI/X-4qMa2qIII/AAAAAAAA4rc/w2IhP0u-vmQBqDfqBL8WqGgOQRWunl-rQCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5620.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RwY4whV8IMI/X-4qMa2qIII/AAAAAAAA4rc/w2IhP0u-vmQBqDfqBL8WqGgOQRWunl-rQCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_5620.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div>While the German 3rd Platoon moved up on the right (center top, on road, with 2nd Platoon just visible at bottom center left)...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d0ANCV0Otyk/X-4qLPx92ZI/AAAAAAAA4rQ/Tc6eA3kqv6wauxO4mw_24fMMXDLU1j-ZACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5621.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d0ANCV0Otyk/X-4qLPx92ZI/AAAAAAAA4rQ/Tc6eA3kqv6wauxO4mw_24fMMXDLU1j-ZACNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_5621.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div>And guns down the cowering US squad on their left flank.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VuCxcLkikN0/X-4qTCvEy_I/AAAAAAAA4rk/p6Q0q0d039Mwux601d1XplGMqFOpkLrZACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5622.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VuCxcLkikN0/X-4qTCvEy_I/AAAAAAAA4rk/p6Q0q0d039Mwux601d1XplGMqFOpkLrZACNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_5622.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div>The German Armored Car Platoon (bottom right) continues shooting it out with the remains of the US Stuart Platoon (top left).<br /><br />And then the boy makes the fatal mistake; rather than move his SPG Platoon forward (just off camera to far left) to get in the fight...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BGBYwjrQ1JA/X-4qT7DxvDI/AAAAAAAA4ro/93-eh9dnS3g5bwxcopdQEsJjwi_i5zZdQCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5623.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BGBYwjrQ1JA/X-4qT7DxvDI/AAAAAAAA4ro/93-eh9dnS3g5bwxcopdQEsJjwi_i5zZdQCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_5623.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div>He pushes the lightly armored, open-topped guns into the woods, where they move up and engage the infantry of the German 1st Platoon at point-blank range. To make matters worse, they only manage to suppress one rifle squad...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HQVyuR0N5Gw/X-4qUgtutjI/AAAAAAAA4rw/GhB0UGPT8P8QR4mL2WnD6wUooTB17I28gCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5624.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HQVyuR0N5Gw/X-4qUgtutjI/AAAAAAAA4rw/GhB0UGPT8P8QR4mL2WnD6wUooTB17I28gCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_5624.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div>While back at the crossroads, the US 2nd Platoon is suppressed by German mortar rounds, still mounted in their halftracks.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aZAYc4NJ-wU/X-4qafVGPhI/AAAAAAAA4r0/bmJSNm_L3QIuNCn50B8Wcq0HE2r4t84-ACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5625.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aZAYc4NJ-wU/X-4qafVGPhI/AAAAAAAA4r0/bmJSNm_L3QIuNCn50B8Wcq0HE2r4t84-ACNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_5625.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div>With German infantry nearby, the American infantry dismount on the crossroads.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t9SE5zAQt64/X-4qelli0VI/AAAAAAAA4sA/pItfqSoFjc426X7wwKkoQWzB35xq5B0nwCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5627.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t9SE5zAQt64/X-4qelli0VI/AAAAAAAA4sA/pItfqSoFjc426X7wwKkoQWzB35xq5B0nwCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_5627.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div>But the German mortars continue to pound them, knocking out a squad and causing casualties in another!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tS88QGv1-MI/X-4qimV5hyI/AAAAAAAA4sI/TfMBMwL6b34eJsL6YmhFpALp-kJt_nx7gCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5628.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tS88QGv1-MI/X-4qimV5hyI/AAAAAAAA4sI/TfMBMwL6b34eJsL6YmhFpALp-kJt_nx7gCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_5628.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div>Th US 1st Platoon is no longer an effective fighting force, with all three rifle squads knocked out and its platoon commander (far left, between two buildings) and bazooka team (in building at center top) suppressed, though the Stuart that had retreated when Colonel Denver was killed (bottom left) finally rallies. The US Rifle Company Commander, now the acting Battalion Commander, moves up and rallies the Stuarts on the US right flank (right).</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3BBRqNpZKSQ/X-4qnb9F06I/AAAAAAAA4sQ/xQbxb064g8gX5BtlSeZD1kamS06DRZ_qgCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5629.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3BBRqNpZKSQ/X-4qnb9F06I/AAAAAAAA4sQ/xQbxb064g8gX5BtlSeZD1kamS06DRZ_qgCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_5629.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div>Which immediately get back in the fight (bottom left), firing ont he German armored cars (top right).</div><div><br /></div><div>But then the hammer falls...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U_bMmHXGL38/X-4qnrGGPTI/AAAAAAAA4sU/2jpntnDuDtc8b10Y2icSY9JuYneaiCBAQCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5630.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U_bMmHXGL38/X-4qnrGGPTI/AAAAAAAA4sU/2jpntnDuDtc8b10Y2icSY9JuYneaiCBAQCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_5630.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div>The German Rifle Company Commander rallies his 1st Platoon, then sends them into the woods, where the paratroopers bust out their panzerfausts and go to work on the lightly armored M7 Priests...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lA0VbQXs0xk/X-4qqP5_39I/AAAAAAAA4sY/qoS8W8H11CsgbFpRZEFc6vzGj9aYInuiwCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5631.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lA0VbQXs0xk/X-4qqP5_39I/AAAAAAAA4sY/qoS8W8H11CsgbFpRZEFc6vzGj9aYInuiwCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_5631.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div>The American armored crewmen manage to knock out a rifle squad and a panzerschreck team, but all three US vehicles are knocked out!!!</div><div><br /></div><div>Following the game I discussed proper tactical usage of his SPGs, and armor in general, with the boy, though he apparently didn't grasp it as he made much the same mistake in the next fight, though without the results being quite so disastrous. Having said that, his deployment area wasn't well suited to the proper employment of tanks.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DApv-f1a-k0/X-4qsiDRYQI/AAAAAAAA4sc/DkySmkTzNpIZRN_nUeaqsI_kYqnfG7foACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5632.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DApv-f1a-k0/X-4qsiDRYQI/AAAAAAAA4sc/DkySmkTzNpIZRN_nUeaqsI_kYqnfG7foACNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_5632.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div>Which is enough to cause the remaining US forces to fall back to avoid being wiped out! The German have pushed the Yanks out of Losheim!<br /><br />A fun fight, and a nice start (for the Germans, at least) to the campaign. The boys had fun, and my mashup of 5Core Company Command and Bolt Action wasn't bad, but it still took 2 1/2 hours, much too long for my little apprentices... I'm going to give a try to something I'm calling "5Core Battalion Commander."</div></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-24UcPFiworg/X-5vex2k_4I/AAAAAAAA4s4/biczKCJCqvUAqaZ_F62vfp88m2H2EKUoACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5633.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-24UcPFiworg/X-5vex2k_4I/AAAAAAAA4s4/biczKCJCqvUAqaZ_F62vfp88m2H2EKUoACNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_5633.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>The US 14th Cavalry Group has fallen back two spaces (top center), leaving the German 8th Regiment, 3rd FJ Division the sole occupiers of Losheim (right top, wth KG Peiper behind them). The next fight is, by special request, the US 110th Regiment, 28th Infantry Division versus the 77th Regiment, 26th Volksgrenadier Division in Hosingen (right center, where the little explosion is).</div><div><br /></div><div>Coming right up!<br /><br />VR,<br />Jack</div>Just Jackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03552962741823929433noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8660216775038377627.post-40440767226366387492020-05-20T18:36:00.000-07:002020-05-20T18:36:54.124-07:00Somewhere in Normandy with Battlegroup RulesAll,<br />
<br />
Somewhere in Normandy, August 1944, the US Army is about to scrap it up with the Wehrmacht. The inspiration for this fought is brought to you by my buddy "Thuseld," who posted this little gem:<br />
http://inexperiencedmodelmaker.blogspot.com/2020/05/first-battlegroup-game-verdict-why-did.html<br />
<br />
He has owned the Battlegroup rules for awhile but not gotten them on the table until recently; seeing his batrep reminded me that I, too, have the Battlegroup rules, and that I've never gotten them onto the table. I will say that the main reason I haven't gotten them onto the table is because I only have the core rules, none of the supplements, I don't want to spend a bunch of money on one of the book supplements, and I can't seem to find any of them as PDFs, even though it appears such things exist. Nevertheless, with Thuseld providing the 'Battle Rating' for each force, I felt like I had enough to go on and play a game, so I did.<br />
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And I didn't just play a game, I got a chance to play with my two boys, which made it that much more fun and interesting!<br />
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Overview, north is up, with the Amis entering from the west (left) and the Germans from the east (right).<br />
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Scenario: Attack/Counterattack. The Americans have broken out of the bocage, finally. To try and stem the tide a Wehrmacht platoon is sent to fortify the village on the main road of advance. They might, however, be too late. The objectives are three: the hill at top center (Hill 50), the woods at center bottom (between the four sets of fields), and the house at dead center.<br />
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A look at the west side of the board; the Americans will enter via the road at bottom left. The Chateau is at top left, and there is a small hill (Hill 33) at center top, with the objective hill, Hill 50, at top right.<br />
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A look at the east side of the board, with Hill 33 just visible at far left top, the objective hill, Hill 50, at top left, and another hill, Hill 65, at top right. The village is at center/left, with the furthest left building an objective, and the last objective is the wood at left bottom. The Germans will enter at top right.<br />
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A look at the center of the board; hopefully you can make out the three hills. It looks a lot better to me when I'm able to put hills under my mat, but it can be hard to pick up in the photos.<br />
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I used hedgehogs to mark the three objectives; this is the one atop Hill 50.<br />
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Marking the objective building.<br />
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And the marking the wood (bottom left).<br />
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The opposing forces, with Germans on left and US on right. The two sides are exactly matched for a perfectly 'fair' wargame ;) Thuseld had the Americans with a BR of 18 and the Germans 16, but I gave both sides 18 so it would be fair.<br />
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The troops are all 15mm Battlefront figures*, while the mat is from The Wargaming Company, the roads are from Fat Frank, the flat fields are from Hotz Mats, the high fields are from Terran4Games, and the hedges, trees, and buildings are from Crescent Root Studios.<br />
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*Yes, I'm ridiculous. When I first began wargaming in 2009 I bought several hundred dollars worth of 15mm US and Germans from Old Glory, painted them up, played a few games, then gave them to a buddy. Then I bought a couple hundred dollars worth of 15mm US and Germans from Plastic Soldier Company, halfway painted them up, then gave them to a buddy. Then I bought a couple hundred dollars worth of 15mm British and Germans from Plastic Soldier Company, painted them, and sold them off online. But I keep buying 15mm terrain and I keep thinking I should be using 15mm troops with all this 15mm terrain, rather than my trusty 10mm troops. So I guess I'm back in 15mm WWII for the 4th (fourth!!!) dame time...<br />
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The US force, consisting of:<br />
1 Platoon consisting of a command squad, 3 rifle squads, and 3 BAR squads.<br />
1 Bazooka team.<br />
1 MMG .30cal team.<br />
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M4 Sherman (76mm)</div>
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The figures are actually US paratroopers, as I don't have my 'regular' infantry painted up yet.</div>
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The German force, consisting of:<br />
1 Platoon consisting of a command squad, 3 rifle squads and 3 LMG teams.<br />
1 Panzerschrek team.<br />
1 HMG team (MG42)<br />
Panzer Mk V "Panther"*<br /><br />*My Stugs aren't finished, so I had to throw in a Panther. Operating at such short ranges, I treated the Panther and Sherman the same.<br />
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The two little Generals, or, more appropriately, the two little Lieutenants. The little one, Lieutenant Danny, commands the GIs, while Leutnant Nikki commands the Germans.<br />
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And we're off!<br />
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The boys consistently rolled well for orders during the game, so got lots of stuff done each turn. The little one won initiative and immediately got moving. The Sherman and a rifle team boogied on up the road, then got spooked just short of the village (which is just off camera to far right), so they ducked off the road and took shelter between the two fields at right. The American MG team was pushed up into position atop Hill 33 (center top), while more infantry worked to keep up (left bottom).<br />
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Stick with me here for the German response, this picture is looking southwest (top center right, where the Americans are just off camera) from the German entry point in the northeast (bottom center). Lt Nikki pushes his MG team up on top of Hill 65 (center) while a rifle squad moves up the right flank (far right and right bottom) and the Panther leads some infantry left (far left), heading towards the village (top center).<br />
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The American bazooka team dashes up on the north side of the road (left top) as the Sherman pulls overwatch for a rifle team that pushes east and seizes the objective in the woods (far right). This forces a morale chit pull...<br />
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The German Panther has hit a mine, but other than the crew being a bit shook up, it's just fine.<br />
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*Yes, the Americans captured the objective, forcing the Germans to pull a chit, which was a mines strike, and I applied it to the Germans!<br />
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Both the Americans (atop Hill 33, at center, and at far left) and the Germans (top right) are working to seize the objective on Hill 50 (top center right).<br />
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While back in town, the US rifle team that secured the wood now moves up (far right) and secures the second objective, in the town, forcing the Germans to pull another chit!<br />
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Feeling bold, the Sherman joins them, as the bazooka team looks on (far left).<br />
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The tank lurches to a halt and begins peppering the German MG team on Hill 65 (top right) with coax fire.<br />
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And the US MG team atop Hill 33 (bottom center) gets in on the action, too, though the German MG team (top center left) is unfazed.<br />
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*I was probably screwing the shooting up, but the early part of the game was marked by lots of shooting followed by lots of saves, to no effect.<br />
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And with the Americans focused on the German MG team, one of their rifle teams is able to sneak up Hill 50 (right top) and secure that objective, forcing a US chit pull!<br />
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BAM! The US tank has hit a mine in the village...<br />
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But this time it's brewed up, so the US has to pull another chit! The grunts look on, none too happy about their only armor support going up in flames, particularly as they can hear the growl of the Panther's engine not too far off.<br />
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As the Sherman goes up in flames (top center), the Germans begin pushing infantry across the road, looking to get into the village (left, bottom center).<br />
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The German MG team on Hill 65 (bottom left) engages the US MG team on Hill 33 (top right).<br />
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The Germans are moving more troops up to reinforce their position on Hill 50 (top left), so the Americans push their lead team onto the 2nd floor of the objective building (bottom right), where they take the Landser under fire.<br />
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With the US MG team on Hill 33 engaged (top center left), the German infantry on Hill 50 (bottom left) move up and engage the US squad trying to move around the flank (right).<br />
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The US MG team (bottom left) returns fire (top right).<br />
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And the US left-flank squad pushes up to the base of Hill 50 (left), firing as they go.<br />
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And things are heating up in the village as German infantry move between the buildings (top right), drawing fire from the US rifle team in the objective building (bottom left).<br />
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But the Germans manage to make it into cover and return fire.<br />
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The German Panzerschreck team (far right) fires in support of them (left), popping a rocket into the objective building (top left).<br />
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It hits (top right) and the German MG team on Hill 65 (bottom left) fire on the objective building as well.<br />
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*But it's all for naught; like I said, lots of hits, but lots of saves. I decide to lower the save values, make it a little harder, and it immediately pays dividends.<br />
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The German infantry atop the objective Hill 50 (bottom center) continue pouring fire on the US left-flank squad (top center)...<br />
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Pinning a team and forcing it to fall back (yellow bead at far left, from top right)!<br />
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Lt Danny orders his bazooka team to cross the street, up to the objective building (top right), as he pushes more infantry forward (bottom left).<br />
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The bazooka team launches a rocket of its own, into the German-held building.<br />
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Pinning the rifle team there.<br />
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Prompting the US rifle team in the objective building to rush them!<br />
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There is a short, sharp melee on the second floor of the building, with the US victorious!<br />
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The US MG team (bottom left) on Hill 33 continues to pour fire into the objective Hill 50 (top right).<br />
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While the US team on the far left-flank moves into cover and fires uphill, too.<br />
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But back in the village, the German Panzerschreck team fires another rocket, pinning the American team in the building.<br />
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Who are trying to hold on (top right) as reinforcements move up (bottom left).<br />
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The German MG team on Hill 65 (bottom left) continues firing on the US MG team on Hill 33 (top right), pinning them.<br />
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And with the US MG team (bottom left) pinned, the German infantry on Hill 50 (top right) gets froggy, firing on the US left-flank team (top left)...<br />
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Before pushing their rifle team downhill, looking to move into close combat.<br />
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Further east, the Panther has recovered and is back in action, immediately pulling onto the road and advancing west.<br />
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Before raking the US team in the building with its coax MG.<br />
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With the Panther providing cover fire, German infantry move toward the building.<br />
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As US reinforcements arrive in the village: a team moves into the objective building (left) and another into the nearby field (center bottom), as the bazooka pushes right (far right), looking to get onto the Panther's (top right) flank. But can they rescue the pinned team in the eastern building (right)?<br />
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Back on the German right, the men on Hill 50 continue their textbook display of fire and maneuver, with the LMG team (top right) laying down fire on the Americans (top left) as the rifle team presses downslope (left)...<br />
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And into close combat!<br />
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*It occurs to me that you may be questioning why this US team has an M-1919 machine gun; again, please remember, I'm using US paras in place of 'regular leg infantry,' this is representing a BAR team.<br />
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But in a miraculous turn of events, the pinned US rifle team somehow manages to wipe out the German rifle team in close combat!!!<br />
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*Yeah, I know you want to say I'm cheating, but let me kindly remind you, gentle reader, I'm not playing this game solo. In fact, I'm not playing at all, I'm simply umpiring between the two boys, and the little one just ripped out the big one's still-beating heart.<br />
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Back in the village, the Panther continues laying down fire...<br />
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As the German infantry move up to the house.<br />
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Where they promptly defeat the pinned US team there (right). The Germans then take up positions to face the US teams in the objective building (left) and field (bottom left).<br />
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The Germans winning the close combat and destroying an American team forces the US to pull another chit...<br />
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And it appears the bazooka team has detonated a landmine, though no one is seriously injured!<br />
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The US MG team on Hill 33 (bottom left) has rallied and is back in action, firing on the German team on Hill 50 (top right), pinning them, so the US LMG team on the left-flank (top left)...<br />
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Pushes on up the hill alone (bottom center, from off camera to right). They don't reach the enemy team, but there is some serious pressure on the pinned German team on the objective!<br />
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Back in the village, the American bazooka team recovers and launches another rocket, pinning the German team in the building.<br />
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Causing the Americans to immediately pounce!<br />
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And when they defeat this German team in close combat, it forces the Germans to pull yet another morale chit...<br />
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Which causes the Germans to break and run, ending the fight! Lt Danny and his American infantrymen are victorious!<br />
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So, in the final tally, the Germans lost three infantry teams while the Americans lost two infantry teams and a tank, but the early seizure of two objectives by the Americans and the Germans having to pull a chit to rally the Panther early on really started racking up losses to their Battle Rating. The Germans ultimately pulled six chits, one of which was a mine strike, but the other five took them from 18 to 0, while the Americans pulled five chits, but two of them were mine strikes, and they were much luckier, only taking them from 18 down to 10, so it wasn't even really close in terms of force morale.<br />
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As I said, early on the fire was extremely ineffective, with save values making it so that hits were easily racked up, but were always taken off by making the saves. Even after I 'relaxed' things a bit, the fire still only resulted in pins, no units were destroyed by fire, they were all pinned units destroyed in close combat. The boys really enjoyed the game, though it did drag a bit due to the ineffectual fire. I think we ended up playing for about three hours, which could have been halved if we'd have played firing 'relaxed' the entire way.<br />
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I really enjoyed this, the first time I've really had both boys playing a game against each other. I liked the rules, particularly the 'Battle Rating' piece (though I laughed at how we somehow drew three mine strikes out of twelve total chit pulls!), but I feel like I still need something a bit more pared down to play with the boys and keep their interest.<br />
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I'd love to slim these rules down a bit and come back to them, but I can tell you we've already planned our next game together: Osprey's "Black Ops," coming soon.<br />
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V/R,<br />
Jack<br />
<br />Just Jackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03552962741823929433noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8660216775038377627.post-57816883331814146822019-09-29T20:06:00.000-07:002019-09-29T20:13:21.100-07:00Charge of KG Peiper #3<br />
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All,</div>
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On to the Meuse!</div>
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0900</div>
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19 December 1944</div>
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Kampfgruppe Peiper, a German SS Panzer formation, moved out as part of 'Wacht Am Rhein," AKA, "The Battle of the Bulge," in the evening of 16 December, reaching Losheim at approximately 2200. Fighting through traffic as they pushed west on the 'rollbahns,' Peiper grabbed a battalion of German Fallschirmjaeger sitting idly by the road (setting the stage for the iconic photo of the German paratroopers riding atop King Tigers), and, continuing their push west, the kampfgruppe overran a column of retreating American troops at approximately 0600 on 17 December. At approximately 0745 on 17 December the kampfgruppe, having finally defeated a token platoon of Americans that had held them up for hours, got on the move. They pushed north towards Bullingen and west towards Ligneuville, running into some issues due splitting their forces, making the questionable decision to have a company of Panthers push through some hilly, heavily forested terrain, and their artillery having a hard time finding the range. And while both Panther companies and a Panzer Grenadier company suffered substantial casualties, the Germans were ultimately able to secure both villages and continue their push westwards. Then, at 0600 on 18 December, the Germans found themselves in severely constricted terrain, with rivers, urban areas, hills, and heavy forest everywhere the eye could see, not to mention a few companies of American infantry, and that pesky Tank Destroyer company from the previous fight, as they attempted to blitzkrieg their way through the villages of Stavelot, Trois Ponts, and La Gleize. Again the fighting was heavy, with American infantry putting up a desperate defense at a heavily wooded roadblock, though finally the Germans were able to break through. Charging through the broken US defensive in the south, the German panzers rushed to La Gleize where they quickly overran a US mechanized company still mounted in their halftracks! This collapsed the American right flank, forcing the remainder of the Yanks in the area to fall back.</div>
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It is now 0900 on 19 December and the push to the Meuse continues. The Germans find themselves facing the Americans' last line of defense anchored on a quartet of villages: Stoumont, Cheneaux, Targnon, and Habiemont. This line consists of a company of US infantry manning a roadblock, a company of Engineers, and, once again, that pesky company of Tank Destroyers. But the Germans are hard pressed; they've lost their heavy King Tigers, and their infantry have taken heavy casualties, with only half of the remainder still mechanized. Aside from that, they must strike fast as the US commanders have finally responded to the German thrust and reinforcements in the form of an armored combat command and infantry from the 82nd Airborne Division are on the way. Oh, and the skies are beginning to clear, which means those pesky Jabos will soon be about.</div>
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So, what's going on here, you ask? Well, this is a mini-campaign, and an unplanned one, at that! This is to keep up my end of a bargain I made online; my buddy Thuseld, over on The Wargames Website, has been working on getting 6mm WWII forces together for awhile, just like me. He'd posted pics of his lovely troops and vehicles, lamenting that he wasn't sure when he'd ever get them on the table. I replied that I, too, had been working on getting 6mm WWII forces ready, and I, too, was unsure when they'd actually see the table. Then I made an off-hand comment that sealed my fate: I jokingly suggested he and I enter a pact, to ensure we got our 6mm WWII forces on the table ASAP. Well, he not only accepted, he played some games and posted them that very next weekend! So I'm already late, but late is better than never, so here I am, keeping up my end of the deal! My plan is to play a three-game mini-campaign, and it's not just serving to get my 6mm WWII stuff on the table. I'm also going to test out the Blitzkrieg Commander IV rules, and I'm also, for the first time ever, going to play some winter games. So here we go! </div>
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Wanting to play some winter games and having late war German and US/UK kit, I began searching the internet for scenarios. Twasn't long before I came across a free PDF from Battlefront, called "Peiper's Charge, Running the Gauntlet in the Ardennes, 16-25 December 1944." It's not perfect, but it's pretty damn useful, and it was perfect for what I was trying to do: three fights in the snow between late-war US and German kit. Sure it's built for Flames of War, revolving around platoon-sized units, but I just bumped each of those up to a company-sized unit, no problem. In any case, the PDF outlines a mini-campaign with the Germans attacking across the three maps, ending with the Americans counterattacking on the third map. Worked like a charm.</div>
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Overview, north is up. The villages are: Stoumont (center right top), Cheneux (center), Habiemont (bottom left), and Targnon (top left). The hills are, clockwise from top center: Hill 57, Hill 81 (far right), Hill 63 (center bottom), and Hill 70 (far left). There is a river running east (far right) to southwest (bottom left), with a fork splitting off to the northwest (top left); it is cold, fast-moving, and deep, so may only be crossed at the bridges in Cheneaux and Habiemont. There is a decent road network, and it needs to be used as cross country movement is penalized in the deep, snowy fields, heavy, dark forests, and slick, steep slopes.<br />
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The opposing forces, Americans up top and Germans on the bottom. This is done in 6mm, with all vehicles from Heroics and Ros, while the infantry and US anti-tank guns (ATGs) are from GHQ.<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br />
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The US forces will begin the game with the top row on the table; from top left to top right, they are the Tank Destroyer Company (M-10 Wolverines), a rifle company (with 57mm ATG detachment), and an engineer company (with 90mm AA detachment).<br />
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The middle and bottom rows are reserves: two airborne rifle companies, and two tank companies. Air support, in the form of a P-47 Thunderbolt, will be available from the end of Turn 3 on. In order to simplify the process, to carry out an attack the P-47 must pass two command rolls on a CV8, one to mark/identify the target, one to carry out the attack, and he can only carry out a single attack per turn. And as I'm writing this I realize I failed to give the Germans any of my spiffy, new AAA units...<br />
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And the Germans, all of whom start of table and enter using 'mobile deployment.' The Germans have three tank companies, one with Panthers and two with Panzer Mk IVs. Then they have two rifle companies, one comprised of panzergrenadiers with halftracks and a PaK-40 detachment, the other comprised of Fallschirmjaeger on foot, with a FlaK-36 88mm AT detachment. Lastly, the Germans have artillery available in the form of a battery of 'Grille' 150mm self-propelled guns.<br />
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I'm a bit different in that, when I play BKC, I prefer to have my arty on the table, rolling for them to act just like any other unit. This helps keep things simple, which makes life easier for me 1) when I'm playing solo, and 2) when I'm playing with my boy (he's 10).<br />
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And that ain't it: a little frustrated with the fact I've been playing relatively small games that are taking 3.5 to 4 hours, I decided to change some things up. Previously I playing as per the rules, where a battlegroup of six tanks was commanded by an HQ and when it fired each individual tank fired. In an effort to speed things up, I'm treating each 'battle group' as an autonomous unit (no HQ, it basically 'orders' itself, and I found out I don't really need the HQs anyway, though I do still use a CO) that moves and fires as a single unit, so instead of firing with six tanks' worth of dice, it fires with one tank's worth of dice, and can only take as many hits as one tank. Regarding hits, at the end of each turn we had one hit fall off (not all), so it really brought up some interesting dynamics dealing with trying to shield units so they'd have time to recuperate or do you push them as you try to break through? It really worked well for us.<br />
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Overview again, this time with troops. The US Rifle Company has setup a roadblock just west of Stoumont, on the road below Hill 57 (top center left), and the Tank Destroyer Company has set it's M-10s amongst the buildings in Targnon (top left), while the Engineer Company has dug-in to the village of Habiemont (bottom left). The Germans have split their forces, with 1st Panzer Company (Panthers), 2nd Panzer Company (Pz IVs), and the FJ Company arriving in the northeast (top right), while 3rd Panzer Company (Pz IVs), the PzGren Company, and the SP Arty are arriving in the southeast (bottom right).<br />
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This fight looks to be an easy win for the US, so I actually flipped sides and took the Germans in this fight, while "the boy" manned the Yanks.<br />
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The US Rifle Company manning its roadblock on and around Hill 57.<br />
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The Tank Destroyer Company set up in Targnon.<br />
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And the Engineer Company in Habiemont, with their heavy dual-purpose 90mm guns looking straight east (right) down the road they expect Germans to start flowing down.<br />
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The German southeastern force: 3rd Pz Co, PzGren Co, and the SP Arty.<br />
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The German northeast force: 1st Pz Co, 2nd Pz Co, and the FJ Co, with attached 88mm AT detachment.<br />
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I put the German CO in the center, he can decide to come on at either entry point.<br />
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While the US Co is between the Rifle Company's roadblock (top right) and the TDs in Targnon (bottom left).<br />
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The US reserve of 1st and 2nd Tank Companies, and 1st and 2nd Airborne Rifle Companies.<br />
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The game is afoot, with Germans up first.<br />
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And it begins in the northeast, where 1st Pz Co brings its Panthers onto the battlefield.<br />
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The anti-tank gunners at the US roadblock (bottom left) sight in and fire on the massive Panthers (top center); casualties are light, but 1st Pz Co is suppressed!<br />
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2nd Pz Co moves up behind the stalled 1st Pz Co, then pushes off road and passes them to the right (top center, from far right), as the footsloggers of the FJ Company move up, ever so slowly.<br />
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In the southeast, 3rd Pz Company's commander is experiencing a traffic jam and has a hard time getting them moving (he failed his command roll), so the German CO grabs them and pushes them forward (left, from top right) at the double-time!<br />
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But the US 90mm guns in Habiemont (bottom left) has spotted the Pz IVs (top right) and open fire; again casualties are light, but again the fire is effective enough to sow confusion in the ranks of the German tankers (1 hit, suppressed).<br />
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And the PzGren Co, in their halftracks, follow in the tracks of the Pz IVs. The German SP Arty battery attempts to move up, but apparently they're stuck in the same traffic jam that bedeviled 3rd Pz Company's commander...<br />
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Thus ends the German phase of Turn 1.<br />
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The US Engineers in Habiemont immediately set about continuing to fire on 3rd Pz Co, scoring a hit (its first, since the earlier hit and suppression fell off at the end of the German phase), but not suppressing the German tankers...<br />
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Which allows them to return fire on the stout, stone buildings of Habiemont (top left), causing light casualties (1 hit).<br />
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This will sound funny, but I'm saving loads of time simply not having to count out 24 dice to roll, then count up hits, then roll saves, then roll for suppression. Life is easier rolling four dice (three for AP in this case, actually), then saves, then unsaved for suppression.<br />
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The US Rifle Co at the roadblock (sort of just visible at top right) wants to fire its AT guns, but can't get organized (failed command roll).<br />
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And then the first US reinforcements arrive! 1st Airborne Rifle Company arrives in Targnon, where the TD Co is camped out.<br />
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So, with reinforcements arriving (bottom left), the US TD Co moves off road, up to support the roadblock infantry (center top, from bottom left).<br />
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With the Rifle Company at the roadblock (bottom left) seeming a bit confused, the US CO moves up and takes charge, and very quickly the 57mm ATGs are pounding rounds out at 1st Pz Co (top right, with FJ Co behind them and 2nd Pz Co at top center), but it's very difficult for the 57mm rounds to penetrate the thick hides of the Panthers (1 hit, 1 save).<br />
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So the Panthers return fire on the roadblock ATGs, but the Americans (top right) are well camouflaged and the German rounds are unable to find their targets (0 hits!).<br />
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The American CO throws his hands up: "Well I'll be damned, no one can hit anything! I give up!" (he failed his next roll)<br />
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But things are looking up for the Yanks as more reinforcements arrive: 1st Tank Company arrives and begins climbing Hill 70 (bottom left, with US TD Co and roadblock at top center), but the slope is steep and slick and they don't get very far.<br />
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And then, lo and behold, 2nd Airborne Rifle Company shows up in support of the Engineers in Habiemont! Hell, the only ones that didn't arrive was 2nd Tank Company, and thus ends Turn 1.<br />
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Turn 2 begins with 1st Pz Co unable to get itself organized (failed roll), so 2nd Pz Co (far right, with 1st Pz Co at bottom center) begins pounding the US roadblock (top center), but like their brethren in the Panthers, they don't have a solid lock on where the US positions are and don't hit anything...<br />
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But the US anti-tank gunners at the roadblock (bottom left) are tenacious, and immediately return fire, accurately, though they fail to brew any German tanks up (2 hits, 2 saves).<br />
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The German 2nd Pz Co (top right) tosses another couple volleys into the wood (far left), suppressing the US Rifle Co, so the way is clear for the FJ Co to move up, but they can't get their stuff together (off camera to far right, failed command roll)!<br />
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In the southeast, the German SP Arty battery finally gets into position, after the CO intervenes (local commander failed roll), and he's pondering whether to have them stonk the roadblock or Habiemont. Probably smarter to hit the roadblock, but it's just such a juicy target (with 2nd Abn Rifle Co on the road and the US Engineers in the buildings) in Habiemont that he decides that's the target to go with, but then he can't get them set up quick enough to be useful (failed command roll)! <br />
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I guess it really is the 'Battle of the Bulge,' and the Germans really are out of gas...<br />
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So 3rd Pz Co, on the road (bottom right), picks up the slack and begins shelling Habiemont (far left), but they don't hit anything...<br />
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And return fire from the 90mm guns in Habiemont (bottom center) roughs up the German tankers (top right, getting a 2nd hit and), suppressing them.<br />
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And with the arty (top center right) not engaging any targets, the CO practically beside himself at his inability to get anything done, and the tankers (bottom left) getting pasted by AT fire, the German PzGren commander (far right) decides to just sit tight and see how things develop (failed roll).<br />
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Thus ends the Germans' 2nd phase of the game.<br />
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The US Rifle Co at the roadblock (center top) is suppressed and can't do anything while they rally and reorganize, so 1st Abn Rifle Co moves up to support them, out of Targnon (just visible at bottom left) and towards Hill 57 (far left), as the TD Company moves up, into the woods on the Rifle Company's right (top right)...<br />
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But this movement (top left) draws the attention of 2nd Pz Co (bottom right), who immediately open fire, causing some light casualties and suppressing the US tank destroyers!<br />
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As the TD Co (center top) is getting pounded, 1st Tk Co tries to get up Hill 70 (bottom left), but nothing doing (failed command roll).<br />
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Down in Habiemont, the 90mm guns of the Engineer Co open fire on the German Pz IVs in the south (top right)...<br />
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They (top left) don't accomplish anything, though, and the German tankers (bottom right) return fire, putting a couple hits on the Engineers and suppressing them!<br />
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But with the German tanks (off camera to right) busy roughing up the Engineers (bottom left) and their panzergrenadiers and artillery not doing much of anything, 2nd Airborne Rifle Company decides it wants to establish a defensive position atop Hill 63 (top right), so they take off, and that's exactly what they do! They hump it all the way from Habiemont (bottom left) to Hill 63, and get set up, all on foot!<br />
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*In an extraordinarily impressive series of dice rolls, the boy actually rolled snake-eyes twice, so two double moves, plus another pass (it was double move, pass once, then double move), to get them up there.<br />
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And if that weren't enough, the hearty paratroopers then get their 57mm ATGs into action, firing on 3rd Pz Co! They cause another two hits, putting three total on them, and Pz IVs only take four!<br />
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The US 2nd Tank Company again fails to come onto the table, and this ends Turn 2.<br />
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But the German artillerymen are finally in action, and they begin firing, over open sights, on 2nd Abn Rifle Co (far left) on Hill 63. The unfortunate American paras are in nothing but shell scrapes and take heavy casualties (three hits) and are suppressed by the ferocious artillery barrage. The German arty commander smiles at the view through his field glasses, right on target. Good enough, he thinks, then orders his men to shift fire to Habiemont, but they fail to get it done in a timely fashion (failed command roll)… <br />
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3rd Pz Co is suppressed on the road (bottom left), but no matter, the panzergrenadiers (far right) need to get off their ass and take that hill! The German PzGren commander extolls his men to move forward, but they don't really manage to get anything done, so the CO hops in and begins screaming and kicking ass...<br />
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But even he can't get them moving particularly quick, either!<br />
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So, back to the north, then.</div>
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1st Pz Co finally gets moving again, and they rush their Panthers into Stoumont (top left, from stand of trees at right center, with 2nd Pz Co at top center and the FJ Co at far right).<br />
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But the US tank destroyers (bottom center) in the woods spot them (top center) and open fire...<br />
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The US gunners score a hit, but the Panthers return fire, scoring two hits and suppressing the M-10s.<br />
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With combat joined in Stoumont (far left), 2nd Pz Co (top center) needs to get into the fight, but they can't see any targets and aren't sure enough of the situation to advance (failed command roll). The FJ Company finally gets going (center top right, from far right)...<br />
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But the US infantry at the roadblock (bottom center) spot them (top center) and immediately begin pounding them with mortar and machine gun fire, causing heavy casualties (three hits) and suppressing the hapless German paratroopers, stopping them in their tracks. This ends the German phase of Turn 3, and the US ATGs at the roadblock immediately begin firing on 2nd Pz Co (top left)...<br />
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But they (top center) fail to score, as does the German tanks' (bottom right) return fire.<br />
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The US CO wants 1st Abn Rifle Co up on top of Hill 57, and when their commander fails to make it happen, he grabs the reins himself and makes it happen (top left, from bottom left).<br />
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But the German FJ (far right) spot the US paratroopers taking up position on Hill 57 (top left) and open fire with their own mortars and machine guns, though they fail to connect.<br />
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And then the paratroopers (bottom left) manhandle their 57mm ATGs into position and begin shelling 2nd Pz Co (top center), not really causing any casualties, but the German tankers are feeling the pressure (1 hit and suppressed, which really hurts as this means the Panzer IVs will not be able to act during their next phase, and if suppressed again, they'll be forced to fall back. I thought about making a 'rally' roll where a CO could attempt to lift the suppression, but ultimately I left it as is).<br />
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And a big moment for the Yanks when 1st Tk Co is finally able to take up position on the dominating heights of Hill 70!<br />
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The Germans are not at all happy with this development, and so their Panthers (bottom center) open fire on the Shermans (top center), and though they fail to score (2 hits, 2 saves!), the Yanks are shaken up enough that they don't get anything else done (failed command roll).<br />
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Meanwhile, back in the south, the Engineers in Habiemont (bottom center) use their 90mm guns to continue their merciless pounding of 3rd Pz Co (top right, with the panzergrenadier halftracks at top center right)...<br />
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Several Panzer IVs are brewed up (bottom left), breaking the German tank company and sending the survivors streaming to the rear (far right)!!!<br />
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Ruh-roh.<br />
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The Engineers (bottom center) look to get their mortars and MGs into action against the panzergrenadiers, but they're too busy cheering at the demise of 3rd Pz Co (failed command roll), and 2nd Airborne Rifle Co is ensconced atop Hill 63 (top right), but suppressed, so they can't do anything, but I'll be damned if that isn't the time where 2nd Tank Company arrives and pushes up to aid their comrades (center right, from bottom left, making good time on the road, with no AT threat).<br />
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And being the end of Turn 3...<br />
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Here comes the fly-fly boys...<br />
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Ha! Just in tie for the game's first blunder!!! No, we're not about to have a friendly fire incident; instead, the FAC's UHF radio is broken for five turns, and close air support cannot be called in until it's fixed, so it looks like the Americans shall be fighting without air support this game.<br />
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Turn 4 begins with the German SP Arty (bottom center, with PzGren Co above and to their left) again pounding the 82nd Airborne troopers atop Hill 63 (top center), causing hellacious casualties and again suppressing them (three more hits, bringing their total to four, out of six they can take).<br />
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And then it's the Germans' turn to blunder: the weather, hills, and forests are playing hell with German radio communications, and the Allies may even be jamming them, and/or making ghost calls (Allied operators pretending to be German units on the net, calling out fake contact reports, situation reports, and/or instructions from higher HQ). German commanders on the ground are intensely confused and frustrated, so all command rolls are -1 to CV for this turn...<br />
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Nevertheless, the time to act is now: the German panzergrenadiers roll right up to the base of Hill 63 (top left)...<br />
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The German commander fires a flare to signal their artillery to shift fire, as the veteran German infantry hop out of their halftracks...<br />
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And head straight into close assault with the US 2nd Airborne Rifle Company...<br />
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It's not really a fight; the German panzergrenadiers have no problem seeing the US paratroopers off after their twice being thrashed by German artillery.<br />
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Ya know, it's kind of a wargaming dream of mine that, someday, rather than roll dice to decide the close combat, I actually bust out my 10mm troops and play a game of 5Core Company Command to determine what the results of the close combat are. And during that game, if there's close combat, I bust out the 15mm singly-based troops to play out a squad-sized game of 5 Men at Kursk to determine the outcome. Someday...<br />
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The panzergrenadiers (who took only one hit in the close combat) consolidate their positions atop Hill 63...<br />
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Where they immediately get their PaK-40 anti-tank guns into action, opening fire on 2nd Tank Company, practically at point-blank range! They cause some casualties (two hits) and suppress the American tankers.<br />
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The Engineers, back in Habiemont (bottom center), return fire on the new occupants of Hill 63 (top center) with their mortars and machine guns, to no effect.<br />
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Up in the north, the German Fallschirmjaegers get their 88mm ATGs set up and ready for action. Then decide that that's enough work for now (failed command roll)...<br />
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With the FJ Company (off camera to far right) finished doing anything productive, and 2nd Pz Co (top right) suppressed, it falls to the Panthers of 1st Pz Co (in Stoumont, bottom right) to get something done. Worried about ATGs on Hill 57 (top left), tank destroyers in the nearby wood (bottom left), and the appearance of Shermans on Hill 70 (off camera to bottom left), they balk (failed command roll)!!!<br />
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So, over to the Amis.<br />
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The Engineers in Habiemont (bottom left), seeking to relieve pressure on their buddies in 2nd Tk Co (on the road, at center), pour mortar and machine gun fire into the panzergrenadiers atop Hill 63 (top right), causing some casualties (two hits), but not suppressing them.<br />
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The Germans (bottom right) return the favor, the two exchanging fire, but the Americans very much getting the better end of the deal as the Germans now have four total hits (of a possible six) and are suppressed!<br />
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While in the north, the paratroopers of 1st Abn Rifle Co (bottom left) continue to use their ATGs to pound 2nd Pz Co (top center), handling the Panzer IVs rather roughly, almost knocking them out of the fight (three hits out of four, and suppressed)!<br />
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While the US Rifle Company at the roadblock (bottom center, with 1st Abn Rifle Co at bottom left and the TD Co at bottom right) opens fire on the Panthers of 1st Pz Co in Stoumont (top center). They cause some light casualties...<br />
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But then they (top right) are taken under mortar and machine gun fire from the German FJ Company (bottom left), which causes a couple hits and suppresses them!<br />
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*The FJ suppressing the roadblock was absolutely key, as the Panthers can't afford to get beat to hell by repeated bouts of anti-tank fire from the roadblock, but they also need to retain their react fire for when the US tank destroyers get froggy.<br />
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The Americans at/near the roadblock (top center) really want 1st Tank Company (bottom left, atop Hill 70) to engage the Panthers in Stoumont (top right), but 1st Tk Company's gunners can't seem to pick any targets out of the fire, smoke, and buildings (failed command roll), so the US tank destroyers (in woods at center top) decide to go it alone. They open fire with their 76mm guns...<br />
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And they cause some casualties (scoring two hits, for three total on 1st Pz Co, that's what the red bead at bottom right shows), but the Panthers hang in there and return fire, causing minimal casualties but suppressing the Wolverines!<br />
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Four more turns until CAS is available...<br />
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Turn 5 begins with the German SP Arty battery (bottom right) opening fire on 1st Tank Company (top left), atop Hill 70, hoping to suppress them in order to allow 1st Pz Co (in Stoumont, top center) some freedom of maneuver (remember, the US Tank Destroyer Company is suppressed already). But their commander can't get them talked onto target (failed command roll)… So the German CO steps in and gets the gunners working out, and they score two hits and suppress the American tankers on Hill 70, so he orders them to shift fire to the roadblock (top center left), but they can't get it done (failed command roll).<br />
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Good grief...<br />
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Back in the south, the PzGren Co atop Hill 63 (far right) is about to take a swing at 2nd Tank Company (far left) with their PaK-40s, but then I remember that the panzergrenadiers are suppressed and can't do anything this phase...<br />
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No, really, I grabbed the command dice, rolled, passed, took a photo, then realized my unit was suppressed and can't do anything. So back to the north...<br />
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The German paratroopers, still camped out in the open, on the road (bottom center), open fire with their mortars and machine guns on the US roadblock (top center)...<br />
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But they (top center) don't really accomplish anything and the US troops return fire, suppressing them.<br />
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Once again 2nd Pz Co (far right) is suppressed so it's all on the Panthers of 1st Pz Co (center left). They open fire on the US Tank Destroyer Company (far left), but don't really accomplish anything, and then they fail, so that's it for the Germans...<br />
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I am flummoxed, these Germans just can't get anything done! But don't misunderstand, we're having a blast! The game has been super fun, and the boy knows he's got me on the ropes, while I'm holding out hope that I can pull off some sort of Christmas miracle.<br />
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Down in Habiemont, the US Engineers continue pounding Hill 63 and its panzergrenadier residents with mortar and machine gun fire, causing heavy casualties (four total hits, can only take six) and keeping the German infantrymen suppressed.<br />
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But though the nearby German infantry are suppressed, the US 2nd Tank Company commander (far right) still ain't budging! His tanks are buttoned up and can't see any targets, and they sure as hell ain't charging up Hill 63 without infantry support (failed command roll)!<br />
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In a bold move, the US commander decides to have the 1st Airborne Rifle Company (on Hill 57, bottom left) leave 2nd Pz Co (far left) alone and open fire with their mortars and machine guns on the German FJ Company (top center), and it works, they're suppressed.<br />
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The Panzer IVs (far right) actually react, returning fire on the US paratroopers (top left), but they're buttoned up and having a hard time picking up good targets and so they only cause light casualties (one hit, not suppressed).<br />
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And, having done their job of suppressing the German paras, 1st Abn Rifle Co (bottom left) then resumes pounding 2nd Pz Company (top center) with their 57mm guns, scoring a couple hits and pushing 2nd Pz Company's wherewithal right to the threshold (three hits total!). They're hanging on by a thread...<br />
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When the US Rifle Company at the roadblock (bottom center) decides to take their shot, lighting into the Panzer IVs (top center)...<br />
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Knocking out several tanks and breaking the 2nd Panzer Company, sending its survivors streaming back east, past the Fallschirmjaeger Company!!!<br />
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*The US Rifle Company actually rolled a double action, fired once, didn't score a single hit (on 4+), then fired again, only scored one hit, but I couldn't save it, and that knocked them out.<br />
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The US Rifle Company (far left) tries to turn their ATGs on the Panthers in Stoumont (far right), but can't range in (failed command roll), and the tank destroyers (bottom left) are suppressed, so that does it for the Americans.<br />
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Oh, three more turns until the air comes back.<br />
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Turn 6 begins with, once again, the German SP Arty (bottom right) pounding Hill 70 (top left)...<br />
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And in a freakishly accurate barrage of fire, several Shermans are knocked out, breaking 1st Tank Company and sending them streaming for the rear!!!<br />
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The German Arty commander laughs so hard he nearly soils his pants (damned ersatz rations!), then orders his guns to shift fire to the woods near Stoumont, to pound the US tank destroyers...<br />
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And then this happens!!! And what is it? "Unit nearest enemy takes D12 attacks." Which unit is nearest the enemy, and what did I roll on the D12?<br />
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Well, looks like the Americans are getting some air support after all, because 1st Panzer Company is the German unit nearest the enemy, and it's about to receive a whopping eight (8) attacks! So...<br />
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The gray, overcast skies suddenly part, a ray of sunlight seeming to pour straight down on Stoumont, but on that ray rode a flight of P-47 Thunderbolts, and as they came down they began firing rockets into the town...<br />
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And those rockets pounded several Panthers into submission, sending the remainder scurrying for safety!!!<br />
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Meaning all the Germans have left are the Fallschirmjaegers parked in the open in the northeast (top right), the Panzergrenadiers beat up and clinging to life on Hill 63 (bottom left), and their nebulous, mercurial self-propelled artillery in the southeast (bottom right), having lost all three armored units. Which is enough to collapse the Germans' morale; they abandon their equipment and begin moving to the east, hoping to catch up to their panzertruppen.<br />
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Wow, what a fight! What a series of fights! It's true that I was a bit unhappy with how long the first two games were taking, but make no mistake, they were still fun, and this one was an absolute blast! I think I've found my BKC mojo, the changes we made fit our way of gaming pretty damn well, and I can see us (and me, solo) using these quite a bit with our 6mm stuff. The only issue is, now that I'm using 'battlegroups' as single entities, it really feels like I should re-base my 6mm stuff. Again. Actually, it would be the fourth time some of these bad boys have been based/re-based...<br />
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And the mini-campaign concept worked like a champ, gave us everything we needed for a great set of games. Even though I managed to go a perfect 0 for 3! It was well worth it ;)<br />
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So, lots to do, too many projects going on (as usual), but gotta pack this winter stuff up and get back to finishing up my Coral Sea dogfights and my "Platoon" (the movie) fights, then we'll see where we stand. As always, more to come.<br />
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V/R,<br />
Jack<br />
<br />Just Jackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03552962741823929433noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8660216775038377627.post-81487372164535757462019-09-22T18:50:00.000-07:002019-09-29T16:45:23.747-07:00Charge of KG Peiper #2All,<br />
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The Bridges<br />
0630<br />
18 December 1944<br />
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Kampfgruppe Peiper, a German SS Panzer formation, moved out as part of 'Wacht Am Rhein," AKA, "The Battle of the Bulge," in the evening of 16 December, reaching Losheim at approximately 2200. Fighting through traffic as they pushed west on the 'rollbahns,' Peiper grabbed a battalion of German Fallschirmjaeger sitting idly by the road (setting the stage for the iconic photo of the German paratroopers riding atop King Tigers), and, continuing their push west, the kampfgruppe overran a column of retreating American troops at approximately 0600 on 17 December. At approximately 0745 on 17 December the kampfgruppe, having finally defeated a token platoon of Americans that had held them up for hours, got on the move. They pushed north towards Bullingen and west towards Ligneuville, running into some issues due splitting their forces, making the questionable decision to have a company of Panthers push through some hilly, heavily forested terrain, and their artillery having a hard time finding the range. And while a both Panther companies and a Panzer Grenadier company suffered substantial casualties, the Germans were ultimately able to secure both villages and continue their push westwards. It is now 1630 on 18 December and the push to the Meuse continues. The Germans find themselves in severely constricted terrain, with rivers, urban areas, hills, and heavy forest every where the eye can see, not to mention a few companies of American infantry, and that pesky Tank Destroyer company from the previous fight. The Germans are approaching the villages of Stavelot, Trois Ponts, and La Gleize, looking to take them quickly in order to secure their bridges and continue their advance. The Americans facing KG Peiper are a motley mix of troops, weapons, and vehicles from 2nd, 28th, and 99th Infantry Divisions, various Cavalry Squadrons, and several Engineer groups.<br />
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So, what's going on here, you ask? Well, this is a mini-campaign, and an unplanned one, at that! This is to keep up my end of a bargain I made online; my buddy Thuseld, over on The Wargames Website, has been working on getting 6mm WWII forces together for awhile, just like me. He'd posted pics of his lovely troops and vehicles, lamenting that he wasn't sure when he'd ever get them on the table. I replied that I, too, had been working on getting 6mm WWII forces ready, and I, too, was unsure when they'd actually see the table. Then I made an off-hand comment that sealed my fate: I jokingly suggested he and I enter a pact, to ensure we got our 6mm WWII forces on the table ASAP. Well, he not only accepted, he played some games and posted them that very next weekend! So I'm already late, but late is better than never, so here I am, keeping up my end of the deal! My plan is to play a three-game mini-campaign, and it's not just serving to get my 6mm WWII stuff on the table. I'm also going to test out the Blitzkrieg Commander IV rules, and I'm also, for the first time ever, going to play some winter games. So here we go!<br />
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Wanting to play some winter games and having late war German and US/UK kit, I began searching the internet for scenarios. Twasn't long before I came across a free PDF from Battlefront, called "Peiper's Charge, Running the Gauntlet in the Ardennes, 16-25 December 1944." It's not perfect, but it's pretty damn useful, and it was perfect for what I was trying to do: three fights in the snow between late-war US and German kit. Sure it's built for Flames of War, revolving around platoon-sized units, but I just bumped each of those up to a company-sized unit, no problem. In any case, the PDF outlines a mini-campaign with the Germans attacking across the three maps, ending with the Americans counterattacking on the third map. Worked like a charm.<br />
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Overview, north is up. The Germans will attack from the southeast corner using mobile deployment rules (except one unit already on the table). There are serviceable roads running across the table, everything else is snow, though I knocked off the movement penalty (we played it in game 1, it was too much for our limited attention spans), but there are rivers seemingly everywhere, with a total of four bridges, and the river is not fordable. There are three villages: in the northeast (top center right) is Stavelot; in the northwest (top left) is La Gleize; and in the southwest (bottom left, though it's actually spread from left to bottom left in three little clumps of buildings, with some trees between them) is Trois Ponts. The hills, from top right, are: Hill 198, Hill 53 (bottom right), Hill 55 (bottom center), Hill 68 (center), and Hill 43 (top left). Please note that the village names are real (and in their correct, approximate locations), while the Hills are made up (the maps in the PDF don't show any elevation at all, but I know that can't be correct in the Ardennes).<br />
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The opposing forces, Americans up top and Germans on the bottom. This is done in 6mm, with all vehicles from Heroics and Ros, while the infantry and US anti-tank guns (ATGs) are from GHQ.<br />
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The US force: their CO is at far left (in a halftrack), all the M8 armored cars are HQs. The Americans have a rifle company with an HQ, four rifles, an MG, a mortar, and 76mm ATG with prime mover (should have probably been a 57mm ATG, but I need all the help I can get), an engineer company with an HQ, four rifles, an MG, a mortar, and a 90mm AA gun pulling anti-tank duty (with prime mover), an armored rifle company with an HQ, four rifles, an MG, a mortar, six M3 halftracks, and two 76mm ATGs with prime movers, and then we have our lone holdover, the Tank Destroyer Company that did so well last fight, consisting of a HQ and six M-10 Wolverines (or GMCs, whichever makes you happier). No arty or air support.<br />
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Ze Germans, with their commander at far left (in a Sdkfz 231 armored car), the Sdkfz 222 armored cars are their HQs. The Germans have two companies of Panzer Grenadiers (1st and 2nd), each with four rifles, an MG, and a mortar, and six Skdfz 251/D halftracks. The Germans then have a company of Panzer Mk V "Panthers," a company of Pz Mk IV (with long 75mm guns), a company of Pz Mk VI King Tigers, and a battery of four self-propelled 150mm howitzers. <br />
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I'm a bit different in that, when I play BKC, I prefer to have my arty on the table, rolling for them to act just like any other unit. This helps keep things simple, which makes life easier for me 1) when I'm playing solo, and 2) when I'm playing with my boy (he's 10).<br />
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Overview, this time with troops. The Germans don't start with any troops on the board, but will enter via the road at bottom right. The US forces are as follows: the Engineer Company is in Stavelot (top center), the Rifle Company is manning a roadblock on the road in the south, between Hills 55 (bottom center) and 68 (center), the Armored Rifle Company is loaded up in its halftracks, in reserve, just west of the northern end of Trois Ponts (far left), and the Tank Destroyer Company is in reserve, just north of La Gleize (top left).<br />
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The Rifle Company manning its roadblock between Hills 55 and 68.<br />
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The Engineers, dug into Stavelot.<br />
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The Armored Rifle Company, hanging out just west of the northern end of Trois Ponts.<br />
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The Tank Destroyer Company, hanging out just north of La Gleize. The American CO is there (on the road) as well.<br />
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Let's get ready to rummmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm-bulllllllll!<br />
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Turn 1, the German Panther Company comes storming onto the table. I could really be a punk and have them block the bridge if they don't pass another command roll, but I'll cut the boy some slack. A little ;)<br />
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But not too much: the 90mm AA gun in Stavelot (bottom right) spots the Panthers (top left) and takes a flank shot...<br />
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Seriously roughing up (three hits) and suppressing one of the German units, as the remainder of the company deploys on line.<br />
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The Panthers are still moving, and now the 76mm ATG at the roadblock takes them under fire.<br />
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But he only manages one hit, and the Panthers return fire...<br />
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Nearly knocking out a US rifle unit, suppressing it, too. <br />
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Pretty good looking troopies, eh? Those infantry are actually GHQ WWII US Marines. Maybe I'll them for Chosin someday ;)<br />
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But then there is confusion in the German ranks and the Panthers fall back (top right, from the explosion at far left)!!!<br />
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The boy rolled a blunder that made them fall back. I have no sympathy, he'd already passed four command rolls with them.<br />
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The Panzer IV company comes on and takes a right (right, from bottom right), heading overland towards Stavelot (top center).<br />
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And 2nd PzGren Co really kicks it in the ass, zooming past the Pz IVs (bottom right) and heading up Hll 198 (center right top, in the trees)!<br />
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And here come the heavies: the King Tiger Company pushes straight west, down the road (top left, from off camera to right).<br />
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And begin pounding the American roadblock with their 88mm cannons, but they don't get too much done (one hit, one save).<br />
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And as the King Tigers (center) are pounding the roadblock (far left), the 1st PzGren Co try to get moving, but they can't, until the German CO comes over and proceeds to open up a can o'whupass. Then they dash ahead (top left, from off camera to right), nearing Hill 68 with a quickness!<br />
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He's not causing any casualties, but he's sure as hell closing the distance...<br />
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1st PzGren pull up and kick out their crunchies...<br />
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But this draws some pretty effective reaction fire from the dogfaces at the roadblock (center bottom), roughing up a rifle unit (3 hits) and suppressing it.<br />
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The German mortar and MG units (bottom right) get into action and return fire, to no effect (2 hits, 2 saves).<br />
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And then the boy goes nuts...<br />
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I don't even know how many damn command rolls he's passed at this point, but he's killing me, and now he goes all in. He orders his three un-suppressed rifle units to charge the US MG unit! <br />
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Gun barrels are burnt out in the dark forest, muffled screams and cries in German and English are heard, hand grenades are lobbed, pistols are emptied, entrenching tools are swung... Ultimately the US MG unit is knocked out of the fight, though he put two hits on a German rifle unit, and suppressed it.<br />
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The German artillery arrives on the field of battle (center, from off the map at bottom right). They lay out their stakes, break out their ammo, crank the guns up...<br />
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Then fail their next command roll, ending the German turn. <br />
I like how things are going so far, seems faster.<br />
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The US ATG at the roadblock ignores the King Tigers (far right), opting instead to take a flank shot on the German self-propelled guns (top right). They score two hits and a suppression...<br />
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But the King Tigers return fire, suppressing the US ATG and nearly knocking it out.<br />
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It's not going to last long anyway, with those damned German infantry (in the woods at top center) hanging around...<br />
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The roadblock mortar unit (bottom left) begins pounding 1st PzGren Co's rear echelon (top right), knocking out a rifle unit, then fires again and suppresses the German MG (1 hit, too).<br />
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It took a couple hits and suppressed him, but he was already suppressed and had to fall back more than 10cm, so KO. But now that I'm thinking about it, he shouldn't have been suppressed because the suppression should have fallen off when the German phase ended. I hate when I forget/screw up rules...<br />
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But now I decide that I gotta get crazy, too.<br />
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Trying to save my almost assuredly doomed ATG, and my almost assuredly doomed roadblock position, I gather up all the rifle units I can and hurl them across the road, into the woods (center, from left) to try and push the German infantry (top right) out of their lodgment. The German infantry see my boys coming and open fire...<br />
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And that German (left) react fire is nasty: they put three hits on a US rifle unit (bottom right) and suppress it, but the other two US units move on the Germans, now finding themselves in a 2 vs 3 fight, though one of the German rifle units (top left, with yellow and white beads) is suppressed.<br />
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The two lines of infantry clash in the deep snow, and it's nasty: the Americans score nine hits, so three hits per unit, and all three are suppressed, with the one that's already suppressed having to fall back more than 10cm and so he's KOed! The Germans score six hits, so three each, but don't score a single suppression on 6D6 (needing 5+)!<br />
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Again, I didn't take the suppression marker off like I was supposed to. And I was so proud of the results, didn't realize I was cheatin' until I'm writing the batrep...<br />
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Having lost the close assault, the remaining two German rifle units fall back (top center right, from center bottom left). The Americans plan to pursue...<br />
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But I roll a double action (snake-eyes), and so I say 'to hell with chasing'em, just shoot the bastards!" My two rifle units (bottom left) open fire on two remaining German rifle units...<br />
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Both German rifle units are knocked out, which is enough to cause the 1st PzGren Co to pass their breakpoint and run for the hills (top right, running back over the bridge, from bottom left, where their CO is still sitting)!!!<br />
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Heroes, every one! With a little help... <br />
But let's not be confused about the situation, the roadblock forces are absolutely beat to hell, and the King Tigers are about to pound them into submission, of this I have no doubt...<br />
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*Each of those red beads is three hits, the yellow bead is two hits, the white bead means suppressed. So three rifle units have three out of six hits, the ATG has three out of four hits, one of the rifle units has five out of six hits, the MG unit is already out, and two of the rifle units and the ATG are suppressed. These guys are a hair away from breaking.<br />
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With his roadblock force (top right) on the verge of being overwhelmed, the US commander orders the Armored Rifle Company to move to the southern end of Trois Ponts (far right), occupy the town, establish defensive positions, and deny the enemy (off camera to top center left) the bridge. They don't get very far (bottom center, from bottom left).<br />
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And that would come back to bite them in the ass...<br />
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Meanwhile, the Engineers in Stavelot are becoming a bit concerned, what with a German artillery battery and Panzer IV company staring them down (both off camera to top right) and a PzGren Co moving up on their left flank (top center). The Engineers engage with their MG and mortars...<br />
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Knocking out a German halftrack, which disgorges its infantry, suppressed.<br />
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And then the 90mm AA gun (bottom left) opens fire on the Pz IV Co (top center, with German arty at top right and German PzGren at top left), but he doesn't get much accomplished (1 hit, suppressed).<br />
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The German tankers return fire, causing some casualties and suppressing the ATG unit!<br />
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Dammit!!!<br />
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Engineer rifle units open fire on the dismounted PzGren, knocking them out.<br />
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And as Stavelot (top right) is finding itself engaged and in danger of being flanked, the American CO orders his trusty Tank Destroyer Company forward (center, from far left), taking up positions in a stand of trees.<br />
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Where they (bottom center left) set about taking the German Pz IV Company (top center right) apart!<br />
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The Germans see a whopping four (FOUR!) of their Pz IV units knocked out (far right), causing the remaining two to run for the hills (bottom left)!!!<br />
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It was amazing, I rolled to fire, passed, then rolled again, got a double action, so two more rounds of fire, wiped the floor with them! In the event, I only needed two rounds of fire to do the Pz IVs in, so I still have one left...<br />
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So why not? The US Tank Destroyers (bottom left) shift fire, and engage the lone Panther (top right) that was left behind when he was suppressed and the others fell back...<br />
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Yeah, you knew where that was going, pretty much inevitable given how hot my dice have been.<br />
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They scored a total of 13 hits, and he was able to save 7. Valiant effort... Thus ends Turn 1.<br />
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Turn 2 begins with the German artillery (bottom right) pounding Stavelot (top left), though they only manage one round of fire. The US Engineer MG unit takes four hits and is suppressed.<br />
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The boy's having a rough time with the dice; keep in mind he just rolled 24 dice, hitting on 5+.<br />
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With their Pz IV Company hors de combat, the boy decides to push firepower right in support of 2nd PzGren Co (off camera to far right, closing in on Stavelot, which is off camera to top right). The King Tigers wheel right and advance (center, from left).<br />
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The roadblock ATG opens fire on the flanks of the King Tigers, at close (not point blank) range, but still the rounds bounce!!! But the King Tigers, under fire and in deep snow, bog down...<br />
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Four hits, four saves!<br />
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But the German Panther Company has got its marbles back, and charges up (center, from bottom right, with the King Tigers above them) to get back in the action. But then they stall out...<br />
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Man, he just can't pass his damn command rolls. One round of fire there from those Panthers would surely have seen the US roadblock force off. Just like one round of fire on Stavelot from the King Tigers would have done a lot to help their remaining panzer grenadiers (and their impending assault) out.<br />
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The boy can't wait, another super bold move! 2nd PzGren Co comes rushing down the slope of Hill 198 (far right you can see a burning halftrack) and rolls straight up tot he gates of Stavelot (left top center)!!!<br />
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The German infantrymen dismount, straight into close assault!!! Again bayonets cross in close quarters, vulgar, guttural shouts, grunting, and muffled explosions reverberating off the stone walls of the village...<br />
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The US MG unit and two rifle units are knocked out of the war, while the Americans really didn't do particularly well, managing only to put one hit on every German unit, except one rifle unit that took two hits and was suppressed.<br />
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Wow, a big turn of fortune with the dice, the Germans cleaned the floor with the Yanks in Stavelot. I guess the Engineers were taken aback by the boy's violence of action.<br />
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The Engineers quickly pack their stuff and run (left, from right), done for the day!<br />
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The US roadblock ATG gives up on the King Tigers and sights in on the approaching Panthers, but still doesn't get anything done (two hits, two saves).<br />
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I actually considered trying to have the US infantry (bottom left) charge the King Tigers (top left).<br />
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The Panthers immediately return fire, knocking out the US anti-tank gun.<br />
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An odd turn of events there: the US ATG gets two rounds of fire and can't get any hits, then the Panthers roll 15 dice, but only manage a single hit, but it knocks out the ATG because he only had one hit left to give.<br />
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The roadblock's mortar unit (bottom left) starts dropping 81mm HE rounds on the German SP arty (top right), but can't find the range (1 hit, 1 save).<br />
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What the hell is going on here???<br />
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The US CO is still screaming on the radio at the Armored Rifle Company to get their asses into Trois Ponts (bottom right) and into position before the roadblock breaks and the Germans come pouring through! They continue moving up the road, but apparently they're icy, or there's not enough air in the tires, or something, because they only just reach the village, unable to get in and get established.<br />
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The American CO (halftrack at bottom center) is getting nervous: the roadblock is going to crash at any moment, the Armored Rifle Company is not yet in Trois Ponts, and the Engineers just went streaming past on their way out of Stavelot (top center). Wary of the German panzer grenadiers pushing up on them, the CO orders the Tank Destroyer Company to refuse their flank, so they peel two M-10s left to keep an eye on the town.<br />
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While the remainder begin sending 76mm armor-piercing rounds out towards the encroaching King Tigers (top right)… And they do alright, beating one of the giant beats up (3 hits) and suppressing it!<br />
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One King Tiger is in position to return fire, and does, putting two hits on one of the M-10s.<br />
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The boy is in trouble: the way he advanced, the King Tigers are entering the fight piecemeal, so that one of them can't see, and one of them is suppressed, so only one gets to fire.<br />
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But the American tank destroyers are ruthless in their execution, loading and firing and loading and firing as fast as they possibly can (two more rounds of fire). Rounds are slamming into the German behemoths, and some bounce, but some are penetrating, too: the previously suppressed King Tiger is knocked out, and then another takes two hits and is suppressed!<br />
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This is the first time I wondered to myself if I should have beefed this company up to more than three vehicles. I mean, it seems kind of fair that they only have three vehicles, as King Tigers are pretty amazing in the game (and real life, too). Besides, I only have three King Tigers. But I could have thrown JagdPanthers, or 'regular' Tigers out there to beef them up. It hadn't really occurred to me until the US tank destroyers started ripping them limb from limb.<br />
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In any case, Turn 2 is now in the books, and the game is up for grabs.<br />
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Turn 3 begins with the German Panther Company facing off with the US roadblock, and it's time to pay the piper. The German HQ fails, but the CO picks it up, ordering them to attack. The 75mm high-velocity guns roar, blasting the GIs to hell.<br />
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As the Panthers push forward, going off road to close with the roadblock. <br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">The American forces resignedly throw their hands in their air in surrender and are sent marching to the German rear. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Not knowing there were but hours left in their lives...</span><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br />
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And the German CO has got those Panthers around the roadblock (center bottom), back on the road, and screaming west (far left), on the very outskirts of Trois Ponts!!!!<br />
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The Germans spot the US Armored Rifle Company, still mounted and on the road, but they can't get a shot off!<br />
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The boy got them all the way up, then failed. Which was to be expected, I mean, that was a helluva action for the Panther Company. I've got a real bad feeling about this...<br />
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Now spotted, the German SP artillery (bottom right) begins sending 150mm HE rounds into Trois Ponts, onto the heads of the mounted American infantry...<br />
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So, here we go: the first halftrack takes two hits, the next one, the next two and is suppressed, the ATG takes two hits and is suppressed, the next three vehicles are missed altogether (or save their hits), and the last halftrack takes one hit.<br />
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That is the first time we've done that. Usually we count up hits and put them all towards one vehicle, but we tried it this way (assigning dice to multiple targets, then rolling 'to hit' and saves, then suppressions. It takes a bit longer, but I wanted to do it as I figured it would be in his best interest to not try and knock out a single vehicle or maybe two (which is what happened), instead try to hit as many vehicles as possible in the hopes of suppressing them so they couldn't do anything and would have to have their infantry remain mounted. He got a lot of hits (eight), but did very poorly with the suppression rolls.<br />
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The German 2nd PzGren Co, still in Stavelot (right), is looking to get back in its halftracks, then zoom up the right side (top), then get atop Hill 43 (top left), threatening the flank of the US Tank Destroyer Company (far left) and forcing them to fall back.<br />
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But they roll another blunder...<br />
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American artillery begins falling on Stavelot...<br />
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The blunder was 'nearest unit to enemy takes 4 attacks.'<br />
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The arty doesn't hit anything, but it does convince the panzer grenadiers to hurry their butts back into their tracks!<br />
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With one of his brothers knocked out (far right) and the other suppressed, the remaining King Tiger in action decides to move up, wending his way through the forest (far left)...<br />
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Where he (bottom left) opens fire on the US tank destroyers (top center right)...<br />
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And one of the M-10s brews up.<br />
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The tank destroyers return fire on the lone King Tiger, only managing to chalk up a single hit, but then it's enough to shake the crew up (they failed their next roll, ending the German phase).<br />
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With that, the US tank destroyers (for some reason, still not sure what it was, need to have a talk with that American commander) push east, towards Stavelot. I get that maybe they saw the German infantry mount up in their halftracks, but still, are you really going to charge tanks (much less open-topped tank destroyers) into an urban area, unsupported!?<br />
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Just kidding, here's what happened: the M-10s were rolling to fire on the King Tigers, the HQ failed. The CO picks up the reins, but he rolls a blunder, which cause the Wolverines to go charging out into the open, at Stavelot, exposing their flanks to the two King Tigers (the one that was suppressed is suppressed no longer)!<br />
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The King Tigers (sorry, you can only see one, bottom center) open fire on the hapless M-10s (top center)...<br />
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Another M-10 bursts into flames, and a hit is put on the next guy in line.<br />
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The US tank destroyers beat a hasty retreat, back to the treeline.<br />
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Where they, quite amazingly, are still able to get a round of fire in on the King Tiger!<br />
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Knocking him out!!!<br />
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Nine hits were scored, and he only saved three, needing only a 3+!!!<br />
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And sending the sole survivor packing!!!<br />
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But back in Trois Ponts, a disaster is unfurling...<br />
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The Armored Rifle Company in Trois Ponts is still not in position, still has its infantry mounted, is getting beat up by German artillery, and has Panthers (top right) knocking on the door. Their commander really needs to get the infantry out and the guns unlimbered, or at least take off back up the road, to the north (top left), but he's panicking too, and can't get anything done! And the US CO is up there with the US tank destroyers, way too far away to help!<br />
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I can't believe I just failed that roll. This should be curtains for the Yanks...<br />
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The German artillery (bottom center left) is receiving targeting information from the Panther Company CO, and they're licking their chops! They begin pumping out 150mm HE rounds again...<br />
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And the barrage is pure hell on earth, knocking out almost every single one of the Armored Rifle Company's vehicles, and one of the anti-tank guns. The infantry are forced to dismount, dazed and confused...<br />
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The Panthers begin rolling over the bridge at Trois Ponts...<br />
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And the armored infantry take to the hoof, getting out of Dodge!<br />
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@#$%ing Army...<br />
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Once again, the US Tank Destroyer Company is forced to fall back as they are the last remaining US unit in the fight.<br />
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The German panzer grenadiers push into La Gleize...<br />
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As the Panthers roll through Trois Ponts, another victory for the Germans! On to fight number three, the US counterattack, enough of this getting my butt kicked!<br />
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Man, another great fight, came right down to the very end again. If I could just have gotten the Armored Rifle Company out of their vehicles and into those buildings, just hang on for a turn until the tank destroyers could come down and beat those Panthers. But, 'twas not to be, and boy got me again, by the skin of his teeth. But the game still took almost four hours, and that's just too much. Earlier I wrote that it felt like the game was going faster, but, in the end, it wasn't, so I'm looking to figure out some ways to speed this bad boy up.<br />
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So also understand that I'm a bit unhappy that the games are taking so long, but that I don't really have that many units on the board and it's taking so long! The Germans had six units (three armor, two infantry, and one arty), and the American only had four (three rifle and one armor)! So (and I already floated this on the Pendraken forum), I'm wondering how this would work if I handled each unit as one stand, that essentially orders itself. <br />
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I'm already not really using HQs (just the CO), no -1 modifier for the units being more than 20cm away, and I let the HQ move with the unit when it moves, not wait until the end of the phase. So that should be easy, and then what I'm thinking is, I've been putting out tank 'companies' of six tanks, but when they roll, they're rolling per each vehicle, and when they hit, they're taking hits per vehicle. So an M-10 fires with 4 dice, and can take four hits, so for one round of fire I'm rolling 24 dice, then rolling saves against all those hits, and then when they get shot at, each vehicle takes 4 hits to knock out. So I'm thinking to treat the whole 'company' with the stats of a single stand, so that the whole 'company' fires with four dice, the whole company can only take four hits before being knocked out. And what I'd like to do is then bump up the number of units on the table, maybe get the attacker to nine units and the defender to five or six. And do all that and be faster ;)<br />
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In any case, KG Peiper is rolling towards Stoumont, and the defenders, while threadbare, just gotta hold on until the 82nd Airborne Division gets there.<br />
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V/R,<br />
Jack<br />
<br />Just Jackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03552962741823929433noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8660216775038377627.post-8103286544073116542019-09-15T19:07:00.000-07:002019-09-15T19:07:59.623-07:00Charge of KG Peiper #1All,<br />
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Breakthrough<br />
0745<br />
17 December 1944<br />
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Kampfgruppe Peiper, a German SS Panzer formation, moved out as part of 'Wacht Am Rhein," AKA, "The Battle of the Bulge," in the evening of 16 December, reaching Losheim at approximately 2200. Fighting through traffic as they pushed west on the 'rollbahns,' Peiper grabbed a battalion of German Fallschirmjaeger sitting idly by the road (setting the stage for the iconic photo of the German paratroopers riding atop King Tigers), and, continuing their push west, the kampfgruppe overran a column of retreating American troops at approximately 0600 on 17 December. It is now 0745 on 17 December; the kampfgruppe has finally defeated a token platoon of Americans in Lanzerath, and is preparing to jump off to take Bullingen to the northwest, and then follow the road southwest to Ligneuville. The Americans facing KG Peiper are a motley mix of troops, weapons, and vehicles from 2nd, 28th, and 99th Infantry Divisions, various Cavalry Squadrons, and several Engineer groups.<br />
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So, what's going on here, you ask? Well, this is a mini-campaign, and an unplanned one, at that! This is to keep up my end of a bargain I made online; my buddy Thuseld, over on The Wargames Website, has been working on getting 6mm WWII forces together for awhile, just like me. He'd posted pics of his lovely troops and vehicles, lamenting that he wasn't sure when he'd ever get them on the table. I replied that I, too, had been working on getting 6mm WWII forces ready, and I, too, was unsure when they'd actually see the table. Then I made an off-hand comment that sealed my fate: I jokingly suggested he and I enter a pact, to ensure we got our 6mm WWII forces on the table ASAP. Well, he not only accepted, he played some games and posted them that very next weekend! So I'm already late, but late is better than never, so here I am, keeping up my end of the deal! My plan is to play a three-game mini-campaign, and it's not just serving to get my 6mm WWII stuff on the table. I'm also going to test out the Blitzkrieg Commander IV rules, and I'm also, for the first time ever, going to play some winter games. So here we go!<br />
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Wanting to play some winter games and having late war German and US/UK kit, I began searching the internet for scenarios. Twasn't long before I came across a free PDF from Battlefront, called "Peiper's Charge, Running the Gauntlet in the Ardennes, 16-25 December 1944." It's not perfect, but it's pretty damn useful, and it was perfect for what I was trying to do: three fights in the snow between late-war US and German kit. Sure it's built for Flames of War, revolving around platoon-sized units, but I just bumped each of those up to a company-sized unit, no problem. In any case, the PDF outlines a mini-campaign with the Germans attacking across the three maps, ending with the Americans counterattacking on the third map. Worked like a charm.<br />
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Overview, north is up. The Germans will attack from the southeast corner using mobile deployment rules (except one unit already on the table). There are serviceable roads running across the table, everything else is snow, which causes a movement penalty (I played the penalty in game 1, it was too much, so I knocked it off), and there is a river at bottom center/bottom left, which is not fordable. There are three villages: in the southeast (bottom right) is Lanzerath; in the north (top center left) is Bullingen; and in the southwest (bottom left) is Ligneuville. The hills, from top right, are: Hill 208, Hill 150 (far right), Hill 34 (bottom center), Hill 76 (far left), Hill 200 (top left), and Hill 102 (center). Please note that the village names are real (and in their correct, approximate locations), while the Hills are made up (the maps in the PDF don't show any elevation at all, but I know that can't be correct in the Ardennes).<br />
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The opposing forces, Americans up top and Germans on the bottom. This is done in 6mm, with all vehicles from Heroics and Ros, while the infantry and US anti-tank guns (ATGs) are from GHQ.<br />
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The US force: their CO is at far right (in a halftrack), all the M8 armored cars are HQs. The Americans have two rifle companies (A Company and B Company), each with an HQ, four rifles, an MG, a mortar, and 76mm ATG with prime mover (should have probably been a 57mm ATG, but I need all the help I can get). Then they have a tank company consisting of two M4 76s and four M4 75s, and a tank destroyer company consisting of six M-10 Wolverines. No arty or air support.<br />
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Ze Germans, with their commander at far right (in a Sdkfz 231 armored car), the Sdkfz 222 armored cars are their HQs. The Germans have a company of Fallschirmjaegers (top left) and a company of Panzer Grenadiers, each with four rifles, an MG, and a mortar, the only difference being the PzGren have Skdfz 251/D halftracks and the FJ are foot mobile. The Germans then have two companies of Panzer Mk V "Panthers" (1st Company and 2nd Company), a company of Pz Mk IV King Tigers, and a battery of four self-propelled 150mm howitzers. I'm a bit different in that, when I play BKC, I prefer to have my arty on the table, rolling for them to act just like any other unit. This helps keep things simple, which makes life easier for me 1) when I'm playing solo, and 2) when I'm playing with my boy (he's 10).<br />
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In this game I am playing the Americans and the boy is playing the Germans.<br />
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Overview, this time with troops. All German units start off table except the FJ Company, which is in Lanzerath (bottom right). Meanwhile, the Americans have A Company in Bullingen (top center left) and B Company in Ligneuville (bottom left), with both tracked companies in reserve at top left. The US plan is to try and have the infantry stay towns, plinking away at halftracks and panzers with their ATGs (and even with their mortars vs the halftracks), and bleed the Germans by making them come dig my infantry out. I'll keep the tanks and tank destroyers back until I can see where the boy commits his whopping three companies of tanks, then rush in, no fear!<br />
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The set up in and around Lanzerath, where the FJ company has moved into a small wood in order to get out of the way of KG Peiper's mechanized elements. The boy's plan... well, he made the classic mistake of dividing his forces. He decided to send his PzGren and a Panther Company up the road towards Bullingen, with the FJ and the other Panther Company travelling cross country, straight west towards Ligneuville. He planned on using the King Tigers and SP Arty to assist the assault on Bullingen, and then support the assault on Ligneuville, but once things started breaking down he panicked and threw the plan out the window. Like a damn Army guy...<br />
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The US A Company in/around Bullingen, awaiting the onslaught of KG Peiper.<br />
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B Company, dug in/around Ligneuville. Note that my troops are oriented northeast as I didn't figure he would send forces cross country (I'd warned him about the snow movement penalty), that he would stick to the road.<br />
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In the northwest, near Hill 200, the US Tank Company, Tank Destroyer Company, and CO.<br />
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Let's get it on!<br />
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The German portion of Turn 1 sees both Panther companies move onto the board (sitting side by side on the road), the King Tigers moves off the road (just right of the Panthers), the SP arty move left off the road (far left), the FJ sit tight (in the woods at left), and, due to the luck of command rolls, the PzGren lead the way up the road (center right) to Bullingen (off camera to top right, with Ligneuville at top left). Probably not a good idea to lead with your halftracks...<br />
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On cue, the US mortar team in Bullingen (bottom left) begins pumping out rounds at the German hafltracks (top right), scoring one hit.<br />
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*I'm playing that hits stay on, not fall off at the end of the turn.<br />
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I roll a blunder and the mortar has to make a half move towards the enemy (center, from left bottom), but it's really no big deal, and I keep pressing.<br />
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So the mortar (bottom left) gets off two more rounds of firing at the PzGren (top right).<br />
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The fire (combined with the hit I scored with the first round of fire) knocks out one halftrack, causing its infantry to dismount (though they're suppressed), and another hit is scored on the second halftrack in line.<br />
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The Ligneuville mortar team tries to get in on the act, but fails.<br />
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The US Tank and TD companies begin moving up slowly, and that's the end of Turn 1.<br />
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Turn 2 begins with the German SP arty (bottom right) dropping some 150mm HE on Ligneuville (top left). Why he didn't use them to pound Bullingen (off camera to top center right), I have no idea... In any case, his arty got two rounds of fire in, knocking out one American rifle stand and putting two hits on the mortar team (though they were not suppressed).<br />
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Then his PzGren fail, but his panzers get moving: 1st Panthers goes left, 2nd goes right. 1st Pz Co is trailed by the FJ on foot (left, nearing Hill 34), while 2nd Pz Co actually passes the PzGren on the road (top center right).<br />
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The Bullingen ATG (in the trees at bottom left) opens fire on 2nd Pz Co (top right), putting a hit on the lead Panther.<br />
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But then 2nd Pz Co HQ rolls a blunder and has to fall back 12cm (bottom right, from top center left)!<br />
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Then the boy decides to move the biggest, heaviest, slowest tanks on the battlefield off road, at serious penalty. Having said that, if he can get them on line, they're in position (center right, between the road and Hill 150) to pound Bullingen (top left).<br />
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The German CO moves up (left bottom, from off camera to right) and tries to get the PzGren moving, but he fails, too!<br />
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*I'm pretty loose with HQs and COs. I let them move with their units (so they never get the over 20" penalty), and I let the CO go in the middle of the turn, don't end that side's turn when he fails.<br />
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The US Bullingen (far left) mortar AND anti-tank gun fail... The Ligneuville mortar team (bottom right) gets into the action, dropping 81mm HE rounds on the German PzGren (top center right), scoring a second hit on a halftrack.<br />
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And the US armor moves up, the Tank Company arriving on the outskirts of Bullingen (left) and the TD Company moving up to the woods on the west side of Hill 102.<br />
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The US CO moves into Bullingen (top center left), but even he can't get the ATG or mortar team to fire...<br />
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Turn 3 begins with the boy trying to activate his self-propelled artillery again (he was so happy, getting two rounds of fire out of them last time, for a total of 48 firing dice), but he rolled another blunder and the HQ runs off the table! He was able to come back on, but then failed before they got to fire...<br />
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The FJ Company's mortar team (bottom center right) goes to work on Ligneuville (top left, but the fire is ineffectual.<br />
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Back on the German right, the King Tigers move cross country, pulling even with the PzGren Company bogged down on the road...<br />
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Once there, they (bottom center) begin pounding the treeline just east of Bullingen (top center), seeing as that's where anti-tank gun fire was coming from. The fire is effective, scoring a couple hits and suppressing the American cannoneers there.<br />
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Then, out of the blue, Field Marshall Nikki gets a wild hair up his ass! Instead of ordering 2nd Panther Company forward to begin pounding Bullingen (off camera to top left) in preparation for the Panzer Grenadiers (bottom right, with King Tigers above them) to come and mop up, he gets spooked by the appearance of American armor (off camera to left), so he orders a company full of Panthers to cut a hard left and climb Hill 102 and establish themselves in position to pin the American armor in place while the 1st Panzer Company and the King Tiger Company conduct a double envelopment. <br /><br />But they only manage to make it up on top of the hill (far left, from on the road, just to their right). Apparently the snowy slope was pretty slick ;)<br />
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While on the German left, 1st Panzer Company deploys around Hill 34 (far left), pulls up, and begins pounding Ligneuville (top left)...<br />
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The US machine gun unit there was forced to fall back (bottom center, from building at right), and some hits were scored on a rifle platoon (far left).<br /><br />Everybody says how hard it is to dig infantry out of built up areas, but that didn't seem so hard to me, after only two rounds of firing! Five total hits were recorded, suppressing a rifle unit and suppressing, then forcing the MG unit back. Was I doing something wrong? The Panthers were hitting on 5+ and the grunts were saving on 5+.<br />
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As 1st Panzer Co (bottom right) pounds Ligneuville, the PzGren manage to move a short ways up the road towards Bullingen (left).<br />
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In Liegneuville, the ATG unit tries to limber their guns but fail, too shook up by all the tank fire slamming into nearby buildings, I guess. The handy-dandy mortar team (bottom left) begins thumping 81mm HE rounds out at the German Panzer Grenadiers again (top right).<br />
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The lead halftrack is destroyed and its infantry spill out, suppressed, while the halftrack behind it takes two hits and suppressed! Nice shootin', fellas!<br />
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With the dastardly German commander having rolled a company of Panthers up on Hill 102 (center left), and me not wanting to see if I could charge up there with them to get into a knife-fight in the woods, as well as having his other Panther company (top right) getting nearer (I'm not really scared of his King Tigers, top center), they're too far away and too slow, particularly in the snow), I decided to consolidate. The American tank company and tank destroyer company both fall back and tie in on a defensive line between Hill 76 (bottom center, with Ligneuville off camera to bottom right) and Bullingen (just visible at far left), and await the arrival of the Germans. <br />
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Just then, the US mortar in Bullingen (bottom center left) opens fire on the German PzGren Company (top center, on road)...<br />
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Scoring a third hit on a halftrack and forcing it to fall back (red bead at far left, from center).<br />
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And thus ends Turn 3.<br />
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Turn 4 begins with the PzGren Company dismounting their mortar (left) and getting it set up to start pounding Bullingen (off camera to top right, with 2nd Pz Co on Hill 102 at top center), though they're unable to get the tubes into action just yet.<br />
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The German artillery (bottom right) continues pounding Ligneuville (top left), knocking out a US rifle unit.<br /><br />That's cool, but I'll never understand why he didn't go after Bullingen with them first, or, if he was suddenly scared by my armor (which is, conveniently for artillery, all clustered in one place, just off camera to top center), why not hit them and see if you can suppress some of them before moving your Panther companies out to whoop up on them? But he just kept grinning and telling me he had a plan...<br />
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1st Pz Co (center) revs its engines, preparing to move.<br />
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And they dash west, between Hill 34 (bottom center) and Hill 102 (top center left, where their Panther brothers are stumbling around in the snowy woods)...<br />
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While 2nd Pz Co (just visible atop Hill 102 at top left) can hear the commotion, they can't see anything and, of course, the movement of 1st Pz Company's Panthers (top right) has drawn the attention of the US gunners in their M-10 Wolverines (bottom left). They immediately open fire (exercising their opportunity fire)...<br />
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Knocking out a Panther unit! The German tankers attempt to return fire, but they're too confused, apparently unaware the Amerikaners had armor in the area.<br /><br />They failed their command roll. The boy has had a nasty streak here; he pretty much passes the first one and then fails the second. Not good if you're trying to sustain a mechanized attack...<br />
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While up on Hill 102, the Panthers of 2nd Pz Co swing north (right) to engage Bullingen (off camera to right), rather than push ahead to engage the US armor (off camera to top center)!<br /><br />He's scared of my opportunity fire and he doesn't know what to do. Don't blame me, I talked to him about using his arty to try and suppress the US vehicles before rushing his tanks out there, plus he knows they only get to fire once in opportunity fire, but he's not happy with his inability to keep making his command rolls and he knows I still have my Shermans fresh up there (only the M10s opp fired).<br />
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The ATG in Bullingen (bottom left, in the trees) opportunity fires on the German 2nd Pz Co (top right), recording a single hit.<br />
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But then FJ, who are, unfortunately, foot mobile, double time it up to Hill 34 (left, from center). <br /><br />He passed three command rolls, but they're on foot, moving through deep snow. The boy can't catch a break...<br />
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Meanwhile, the King Tigers (bottom right, with the PzGren still stalled out on the road at left center and 2nd PzCo lost in the woods on Hill 102 farther left) continue pounding Bullingen (top left), getting another hit on the ATG unit, but not suppressing it.<br />
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The US mortar (bottom left) in Ligneuville shows the Panzer Grenadiers (top right) no mercy, continuing to pound them, getting several hits and suppressing a halftrack in two rounds of fire.<br />
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But then the real killing starts as the US tank destroyers (bottom left) go to work on 1st Pz Co (top right). 76mm armor piercing rounds zoom out as fast as the guns can be reloaded. A second Panther is knocked out, and four hits are put on a third, suppressing him!<br />
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The US ATG in Bullingen (bottom left) fires on the 2nd Pz Co on Hill 102 (top right), but it's largely ineffective. <br /><br />He actually got a double action, but only scored a single hit, though he did suppress a Panther.<br /><br />The Bullingen mortar attempted to hit the PzGren (on road at top right), but apparently they've burned through all their ready ammunition and gotta go find some more (failed their command roll).<br />
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And as their ATG (far left) bangs away, the US tank commander decides it's time to get his Shermans into the fight (center, from a little lower, in the snow)!<br />
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Several Panthers open fire at near point blank range on the Shermans...<br />
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Knocking one out!<br />
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The remaining Shermans return fire...<br />
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Knocking one Panther out and nearly putting a second one under (five hits and suppressed).<br />
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The US overall Commanding Officer heads into Bullingen with more mortar ammo, and gets the mortar unit there back in the game, firing on the PzGren (top right), beating up another halftrack.<br />
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Here we are at the end of Turn 4, 3 1/2 hours into the game. I don't believe it's looking so hot for ze Germans. Both their Panther companies (2nd on Hill 102, center top, 1st in the clearing at center bottom) are getting beat up, their King Tigers (right) aren't really in the fight, their PzGren Co (on road at center) are getting pounded mercilessly by the US mortars, their FJ Company (center bottom right) is doing all it can just to keep up, and their artillery, while powerful, hasn't been used as well as it could have been (both in terms of passing command rolls and target selection).<br />
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Turn 5 begins with the German artillery (bottom right) absolutely pasting the US Tank Company (top left)...<br />
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Two rounds of fire sees a second Sherman knocked out and three (of four) hits put on another, suppressing it!<br /><br />Now he's getting it! Now get 2nd Pz Co into action. Ad that's what he does. Or tries to do.<br />
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Several of 2nd Pz Co's Panthers are in position to open fire on the US Shermans (off camera to bottom left), but all are not. The ones that can see the US tanks fail to carry out their orders, so he orders the ones that can't see to move over...<br />
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They do (top right), but they are then subject to opportunity fire from the Shermans, who notch three hits, but don't suppress anyone...<br />
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The newly arrived Panthers (bottom right) return fire...<br />
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They knock a third Sherman unit out!<br />
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This causes the US Tank Company to break and leave the fight (bottom left, from explosions at top right)!!!<br />
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The German Panzer Grenadiers (bottom center right) finally get their mortars into action, firing on Bullingen (top left), but they only score one hit.<br /><br />Then he rolls another damn blunder, and the friendly unit nearest the enemy immediately takes 8 attacks!!!<br />
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The clouds suddenly part for a moment, and out of the ray of blue dives a US P-47 Thunderbolt, sliding down and firing rockets into the top of Hill 102, occupied by the German 2nd Pz Co. But apparently the trees threw off the pilot's aim, or he was worried about hitting friendlies, or something, but definitely something, because not a single hit was scored!!!<br />
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Meanwhile, the three unsuppressed halftrack units move up (far right), along with one rifle unit on foot, but they halt in the open, dangerously exposed...<br />
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Or rather, they (top right) are halted by US fire from Bullingen, racking up a healthy five hits on the German Panzer Grenadiers.<br />
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The King Tigers (far right) need to help the Panzer Grenadiers (top center), but they can't. First their commander is unable to get them off their asses, and then the overall commanding officer tries and fails!!!!<br /><br />I don't worry about the CO having to go last, or turning over initiative if he fails. Doing it this way helps with the batrep narrative.<br />
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The German Fallschirmjaegers are able to leg it up to 1st Pz Co, but their commander can't get them into action!!!<br /><br />Another fail, and it couldn't have come at a worse time, the US tank destroyers (top left) are licking their chops...<br />
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But first, US troops in the woods on the outskirts of Liegneuville (center) spot the German paratroopers (top right) and open fire, but the fire is mostly ineffective. As an added benefit for the Germans, it kept the US mortar unit in Ligneuville from pounding the Panzer Grenadiers, too. The US MG (red bead on the road at bottom left) decides to get back in the fight...<br />
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So they move back up in the nearby building (far right)...<br />
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And get their MGs back into action, firing on the FJ (top right), hitting and suppressing a rifle unit.<br />
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The ATG unit in Ligneuville limbers up and moves into the nearby forest (top center, from far left), looking to get into the action.<br /><br />And then it's show time.<br />
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The US Wolverines (bottom left) are back at it, pounding 1st Pz Co (top right) with their 76mm guns...<br />
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A third Panther unit is knocked out of the fight!<br />
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Which means they've broken and it's time for 1st Pz Co to leave town (right, from far left).<br />
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Having seen off the enemy Panthers in the south (right), two of the M-10s turn (center bottom) and fire on the lead halftracks of the German PzGren Co (top left), getting several hits and suppressing one halftrack.<br />
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The mortar unit in Bullingen again can't get their act together, but the MG unit and two rifle units open fire, knocking out a German rifle unit.<br />
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The US CO (far left) pulls up and begins kicking the mortar gunners (center) in the ass. They fire on the German Panzer Grenadiers, to no effect (one hit, one save).<br />
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Turn 6 begins, predictably, with the German artillery (bottom right) clearing their throats. The boy is picking this up, he's getting it now, and it's working. The German guns roar for two rounds of fire, and they knock out a rifle unit, then suppress another and the MG unit!<br />
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And he hasn't gotten the King Tigers (bottom right) moving, but at least he's got them pounding Bullingen too, and it can't be long before the US defenders wilt in the face of this overwhelming fire.<br />
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The King Tigers actually push forward. A little bit.<br />
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And then they (bottom left) continue pounding Bullingen (top right), racking up a couple hits and suppressing another defender.<br />
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But the damn Panzer Grenadiers can't get a damn thing done, failing three consecutive rolls (mortar to fire, troops in rear to move up, troops at front to dismount)!!!<br /><br />I missed a picture: the Panthers of 2nd Pz Co, atop Hill 102 (far left), lay into Bullingen again...<br />
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The fire knocks out another US unit, breaking the infantry company in Bullingen (right) and causing them to withdraw (far left)!<br />
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And then the Panthers come down off Hill 102 (top, from bottom).<br /><br />I'm not sure why he moved them there, instead of straight ahead (left), scared of the US tank destroyers (off camera to bottom right), I guess? But then he did it anyway.<br />
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2nd Pz Company comes 'round the mountain, right into the guns of the US tank destroyer company. Well, at least two of them (bottom center, the rest can't see), who opportunity fire.<br /><br />See, now I'm betting he won't pass another set of orders to have the Panthers fire. He should have moved straight there (though it would have been a flank shot, so there is that), but then when he passed the current set of orders he would have been firing, instead of moving. But, he's got his frontal armor in the right spot.<br />
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The two M-10s manage to knock out a Panther, and now 2nd Pz Co is dangerously close to breaking!<br />
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Further south, the German FJ Company's mortar and MG units (bottom right) focus in on the US MG unit (top left) and cut loose, knocking it out.<br />
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As the rifleman push forward, up to the treeline (left, on the right edge of the woods, just left of the burning Panthers).<br />
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The US mortar in Liegneuville (bottom left, supporting its riflemen in the woods, center) fires on the German FJ (top right), hitting and suppressing a rifle unit.<br />
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BUT....<br />
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Then I realize that the death of the US MG unit in Ligneuville brought them below their breaking point, so they haul ass outta town, too!<br />
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The US Tank Destroyer company (center left, just below the road) looks around and realizes they're suddenly all alone, the only US unit still on the table...<br />
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So they haul ass, too!<br />
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The German Panzer Grenadiers finally get their asses in gear and flood into Bullingen, securing it.<br />
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As the German FJ do the same in Ligneuville.<br />
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Which allows the German armor to form back up on the road and continue their push west!<br /><br />
The Germans win, there will be a second fight (without me having to resort to any shenanigans to make it so), and they boy is overjoyed! The fight was a lot of fun, if a bit long, but that's going to happen when I'm playing rules I haven't touched in about ten years, I'm playing with the boy (actually, both boys, ten and five, were there, helping out and having fun), and it's got a lot of moving parts. For all you Blitzkrieg Commander lovers and purists out there, please don't hate on me; yes, I changed some things, but I think I've stayed true to the core of the rules, with activation rolls, blunders, firepower-hit-save-save-suppress-knock out, all that stuff staying true. The only things I changed was to loosen things up for HQs and COs to make it simpler to remember, and to put arty on the board so that we could treat them just like any other unit, keeping it simple, rather than messing with calling for off-table arty.<br /><br />So we had fun, but we've got to get faster. I don't have any problems with the BKC unit stats, but I'm seriously considering treating each whole 'company' (I was using six Panthers, Shermans, or M-10s, but only three King Tigers) as a single 'unit' (still have six vehicles to look like a company, but the whole Sherman unit rolls 5 dice, saves on 5+, and can take four hits, rather than each vehicle doing that), in order to get the game moving faster. Though I will have more units on the table, if that is the case (the Germans had three tank, two infantry, and one arty, the US had two tank and two infantry). I won't do it in the next game, I'm going to give this another try, play it exactly the same, then see where we stand.<br /><br />In terms of the mini-campaign, Kampgruppe Peiper continues to march, moving west to take Stavelot, La Gleize, and Trois Ponts, in order. Coming right up!<br /><br />V/R,<br />Jack<br />
<br />Just Jackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03552962741823929433noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8660216775038377627.post-13110272655597007112018-12-01T07:28:00.000-08:002018-12-01T07:28:24.909-08:00My Apologies, A Blog ChangeAll,<br />
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My most humble and sincere apologies, but you may have seen this coming. I started this blog, "The Hakuna-Matata Wars,' full of piss and vinegar to go and start a modern African "imagi-nations" project in 3mm. Well, I started it, but, alas, my passion was unsustainable. So I apologize, but "Hakuna-Matata" is no more; I will continue to play 3mm wargames, but I honestly can't see myself coming back to this form of modern African imagi-nations. The biggest reason for this is that I'm already getting my fill of African imagi-nations via one of my other blogs, "Cuba Libre" (https://cubalibrewargame.blogspot.com/), and I simply have too many other passions to pursue.<br /><br />So, what am I doing with this blog, then? One thing we can be sure of is that I'll never get tired of gaming WWII! I've been playing WWII since I started wargaming, and I'll keep playing until I die. Matter of fact, I already have a WWII blog for the Pacific (https://oldleadbreed.blogspot.com/), which already has 27 battle reports on it from the Philippines and Dutch East Indies. And I've already played a lot of WWII games in Europe, with big plans for a whole lot more, so I've made the choice to change this blog from modern Africa to WWII in Europe.<br /><br />I've already played a tremendous amount of games in this arena: my Operation Jupiter series of fights, All Americans (following US 82nd Airborne), Hell on Wheels (following US Armored troops), The Last Fifty Yards (following a Brit rifle platoon), and Blood and Guts (following US infantry, tank, and tank destroyer platoons). Hell, one of my most popular has been Kampfgruppe Klink, following a German battlegroup. I've decided to move a lot of that stuff over to this blog, and move the modern Africa stuff over to my original blog (https://blackhawkhet.blogspot.com/), and most of the WWII stuff over here. But not all; KG Klink will stay on Blackhawkhet, this blog is dedicated to the good guys of WWII.<br />
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So where am I going from here? I'm working on some stuff for All Americans, Blood and Guts will definitely continue, I can see coming back to Hell on Wheels, I'll definitely get back to Operation Jupiter at some point, not sure about The Last Fifty Yards. But there are two huge projects I'm getting ready for:<br /><br />1) I'm currently amassing forces in 6mm from Heroics and Ros to fight out the campaign in Normandy, then maybe Market-Garden. I've already got about 20-25 fights planned in and around Caen, really licking my chops for all the various British/Canadian operations (Goodwood, Epsom, Totalize, etc...), with a heavy focus on the Canadians vs 12th SS Pz Division (there's a wealth of scenarios out there for them, particularly the Fire and Fury website).<br /><br />2) I'm currently painting up aircraft for The Battle of Britain, which I plan to play in its entirety, every single day, with one dogfight per day, following an RAF fighter 'group' of two squadrons, one flying Spitfires and one flying Hurricanes. I've already play-tested the rules (in seven fights in the Pacific) and got the gear, just gotta get it finished up.<br />
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The coolest thing about those two gaming concepts is that I'll not be playing solo, I'll be going head to head against my 9-year old!<br /><br />
*KG Klink will continue, but it will stay on the Blackhawkhet blog, so don't fret if you're a fan.<br /><br />So, that's where we're at and where we're going, I hope you stick around and enjoy the ride!<br /><br />V/R,<br />Jack<br />
<br />Just Jackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03552962741823929433noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8660216775038377627.post-22630474939262611602018-05-28T12:44:00.000-07:002018-12-09T18:30:51.175-08:00Blood & Guts, Tunisia, Fight #12<div style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
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<span style="color: white;">It's now 0700 on 18 April<span style="background-color: transparent; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"> 1943, eight days since the battalion turned back a German armored counterattack. Everyone can see the enemy in Tunisia is defeated; everyone, except the Germans, apparently. The Yanks, now blooded, just can't see why the enemy won't give up. Ultimately, about a month from now, they will, but at this point they continue to fight desperate rear-guard actions to allow as many of their comrades to escape as possible. Yesterday the battalion came up against a stiff defensive line. After heavy artillery barrages and air strikes, infantry supported by tanks went in, three times, getting their butts handed to them each time. And each time they pushed a little further right (south), though no one could find the end of the enemy line. Every American attack saw the Germans channelize them, companies separated from each other, then platoons, until ultimately it was jus squads of men doing what they could to advance, unsupported.<br /><br />Ultimately the battalion pulled back for the evening, while air and arty pounded the enemy-held ridge all night. The pounding continued into the morning as the squad moved up to the line of departure, but as soon as they stepped off, about 0630, the terrain and enemy mortars began channelizing them. SGT Cherry, back from convalescing, led the squad forward. They ended up in a rare, cultivated field surrounded by wooden fencing, a German machine gun atop Hill 45 sending occasional burst their way, enough to keep them pinned down. SGT Cherry kept the boys in cover as he scanned, and it didn't look good: "Men, it looks like all the air and arty either hit further north, or on the back side of the ridge, these positions are untouched! And it's not just a machine gun position, I see rifle trenches to the north and south. I'm gonna call for help." Several minutes went by with SGT Cherry conversing on the Walkie-Talkie: "Sorry boys, no tank are available for this section of the line, but the battalion gonna toss some 81s up there on the hill, and when they're done we're going over the top!"</span></span><strike><br /></strike></div>
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<span style="color: white;">Overview, north is up. Hill 45 is at top right, with the MG position at the very top right, rifle trenches at top center and far right. The squad is sheltering in the field at bottom left, waiting for the battalion mortars to hit.</span><br />
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<span style="color: white;">The opposing forces, with Americans at left and Germans at right. The Germans had been getting screwed with not very many troops in each fight (I'm using a version of Joe Legan's "Platoon Forward," using blinds to determine who and what shows up to each battle for the bad guys), but not this time! These photos are actually staged after the game is over because before the Americans hit the table I don't know how many enemy troops will show up, or where they'll be.</span></div>
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<span style="color: white;">The figures are all 15mm troops from Battlefront, and I've graduated from using Ivan Sorensen's "Five Men in Normandy" rules (used for the first couple/few gunfights in this campaign) to his "Five Men at Kursk." No real reason other then 5MAK is a bit faster paced than 5MIN, and I've grown accustomed to it. And love it ;)</span></div>
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<span style="color: white;">The Yanks, led by SGT Cherry (bottom right), his assistant, CPL Hackett (to his left), the BAR gunner and his assistant (next two guys to left), PFC Burress and PVT McGovern, then the grenadier (top right), PVT Porter, and three riflemen (right to left), the heroes CPL Saxon and PFC Graham, and PVT Eatman.</span><br />
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<span style="color: white;">And the damn Germans have almost as many men as the attacking Americans! They have a Leutnant (bottom right) and MG-42 team on the bottom row, and four rifleman in the top row.</span><br />
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<span style="color: white;">The map, with troops. You can see the squad pinned down at bottom left, waiting on the battalion mortars, while the German Leutnant and MG team are at top right, supported by two riflemen each in the north and south trenches.</span><br />
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<span style="color: white;">The squad, from left: Eatman, CPL Hackett, McGovern, SGT Cherry (inset), Burress (top right, then working down), Porter, CPL Saxon, and Graham.</span><br />
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<span style="color: white;">Looking from behind the German position. The Germans do have a couple problems, which are 1) I didn't give their MG position enough room, so negative morale results can cause guys to run straight off the map, and 2) it's going to be very, very difficult for the German positions to support each other, or the Leutnant to do so, by rallying each other, due to all the open ground between the three German positions. This would turn out to have a big impact on the game, with indecision costing the Germans severely.</span><br />
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<span style="color: white;">That damn MG-42 (top right) is raining fire on the squad...</span><br />
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<span style="color: white;">Until the battalion 81mm mortars come in, each tube dropping two rounds, fired so quickly that all eight rounds land almost simultaneously.</span><br />
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<span style="color: white;">And with that, a sudden quiet descends suddenly over the battlefield! SGT Cherry and his battle-tested men waste no time in jumping into action. The base of fire element (McGovern, Burress, and Porter) sit tight in the center, while CPL Hackett and Eatman circle left (far left) and SGT Cherry leads CPL Saxon and Graham right (far right).</span><br />
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<span style="color: white;">In retrospect, the Americans should have gone for an envelopment, rather than a double envelopment, and simply sought to isolate one of the trenched by fire, rather then simply butt straight up against both of them. C'est la guerre...</span><br />
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<span style="color: white;">The German MG team, spurred by their officer, shake out of their mortar-induced stupor. They can't see too much due to all the smoke, debris, and head-fog caused by the explosions, but the traverse and elevation is already locked in on the field (top center left), so the gunner simply begins squeezing off bursts, pinning Burress, the BAR gunner.</span><br />
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<span style="color: white;">On the German right, the rifleman pop up and spot CPL Hackett and Eatman dashing their way (top center). They begin firing as fast as they can work their bolts...</span><br />
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<span style="color: white;">Suppressing CPL Hackett and felling PVT Eatman!</span><br />
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<span style="color: white;">Then those same bastards turn on the base of fire element (top center) and open fire...</span><br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eB3lGBItpbg/Wwnw0FiJ17I/AAAAAAAAjRQ/R10x8olN-N45doS_UMBvQ1rAS4GL0f5bwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1903.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: white;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eB3lGBItpbg/Wwnw0FiJ17I/AAAAAAAAjRQ/R10x8olN-N45doS_UMBvQ1rAS4GL0f5bwCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1903.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="color: white;">They (top left) miss, and McGovern (bottom center, next to the pinned Burress) returns fire, missing too.</span><br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CWxjRIl5rfs/Wwnw3YQsFtI/AAAAAAAAjRU/eTfW0YiMhHYCvy2iw47uXdbS6q_bSx5BgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1904.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: white;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CWxjRIl5rfs/Wwnw3YQsFtI/AAAAAAAAjRU/eTfW0YiMhHYCvy2iw47uXdbS6q_bSx5BgCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1904.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="color: white;">On the German left, CPL Saxon and Graham have made it behind the hill at center left, but the Germans can still see SGT Cherry (top center) and they open fire on him...</span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-28U5d0BYqas/Wwnw6k3gNMI/AAAAAAAAjRY/vX_VJK1Jl_gqnggpkeh_1yWFEBKwQHXjACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1905.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: white;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-28U5d0BYqas/Wwnw6k3gNMI/AAAAAAAAjRY/vX_VJK1Jl_gqnggpkeh_1yWFEBKwQHXjACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1905.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="color: white;">SGT Cherry goes down (again, bottom right), as Porter (bottom center left) opens up, suppressing one German rifleman and pinning the other (top right)!</span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ct1vbKHMDsQ/Wwnw-8f4KaI/AAAAAAAAjRg/A988wqbQxfIKaz1bpYNqBgsOY-htz9lyACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1906.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: white;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ct1vbKHMDsQ/Wwnw-8f4KaI/AAAAAAAAjRg/A988wqbQxfIKaz1bpYNqBgsOY-htz9lyACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1906.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="color: white;">Being dashing and brave a Prussian aristocratic, the German Leutnant sees his left set of riflemen (far left) in trouble, so he immediately vaults out of the MG position (bottom right) and begins sprinting downhill to help them (in the trees at left).</span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-egxp2Xrp1fo/WwnxGkVislI/AAAAAAAAjRw/gigGo-c1bn8OeegtJ944sqsm227awSoPwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1908.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: white;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-egxp2Xrp1fo/WwnxGkVislI/AAAAAAAAjRw/gigGo-c1bn8OeegtJ944sqsm227awSoPwCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1908.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="color: white;">Just as Porter (bottom left) sends a rifle grenade up the hill...</span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QmeR-jsF_dU/WwnxJXjDcTI/AAAAAAAAjR4/4IMfrgPWTikYCiEwPrQ487vLA8uV5ZHNQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1909.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: white;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QmeR-jsF_dU/WwnxJXjDcTI/AAAAAAAAjR4/4IMfrgPWTikYCiEwPrQ487vLA8uV5ZHNQCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1909.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="color: white;">The grenade smashes right into the German MG position, knocking down both the gunner and his assistant!!! </span><br />
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<span style="color: white;">This should be a piece of cake, now! Not only was that a helluva shot, but being knocked down means those two Germans can only get back in the fight by a non-knocked down comrade coming over into base-to base contact to rally them, and Herr Leutnant just left!</span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ur2I8_yyisA/WwnxMbiDjiI/AAAAAAAAjR8/4P_9ov8FVVw6jDKCphp99TiyqfHZFqMhgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1910.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: white;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ur2I8_yyisA/WwnxMbiDjiI/AAAAAAAAjR8/4P_9ov8FVVw6jDKCphp99TiyqfHZFqMhgCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1910.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="color: white;">Burress (yellow bead at bottom left, with Porter to his right and McGovern to his left) turns the BAR on the trench. He can't see anything, but he wants to keep their heads down for CPL Saxon and Graham (off camera to right, where you can just see the casualty figure for SGT Cherry).</span><br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2hs-sVXlkKo/WwnxQ8r8xFI/AAAAAAAAjSA/JsKtL-rT_iMKcOJOZ6cgHE3RI0AKzSxHwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1911.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: white;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2hs-sVXlkKo/WwnxQ8r8xFI/AAAAAAAAjSA/JsKtL-rT_iMKcOJOZ6cgHE3RI0AKzSxHwCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1911.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="color: white;">CPL Hackett (red bead at far left) is able to get his marbles back as McGovern (bottom center) continues popping away at the left trench with his Garand...</span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qOVCtWEHC48/WwnxVVqvW3I/AAAAAAAAjSE/hBk5zG1N7tcHIMwd9kZphj54iUfII098gCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1912.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: white;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qOVCtWEHC48/WwnxVVqvW3I/AAAAAAAAjSE/hBk5zG1N7tcHIMwd9kZphj54iUfII098gCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1912.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="color: white;">S<span style="background-color: transparent; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">uppressing both enemy riflemen there!</span></span><br />
<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Look at this, all three German positions are out of the fight! And I thought this was gonna be a tough fight...</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wKJvfr7sNiQ/WwnxXr9qsoI/AAAAAAAAjSM/uvhYp4F1PwMTcbiPwel6lxLMVTPttWEigCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1913.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: white;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wKJvfr7sNiQ/WwnxXr9qsoI/AAAAAAAAjSM/uvhYp4F1PwMTcbiPwel6lxLMVTPttWEigCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1913.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="color: white;">McGovern slides over and rallies his gunner, no sweat.</span><br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Bg_HULdcQu0/WwnxZYoY_nI/AAAAAAAAjSU/sk3QIrTCc3ciRhVLHb6UL5vfbK8EYrKrACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1914.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: white;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Bg_HULdcQu0/WwnxZYoY_nI/AAAAAAAAjSU/sk3QIrTCc3ciRhVLHb6UL5vfbK8EYrKrACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1914.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="color: white;">As McGovern is doing that (bottom left), CPL Saxon moves up (far right, with Graham below him).</span><br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fFc4GbzgJcg/WwnxdrBdkPI/AAAAAAAAjSc/zqMXI4UxE5cV6FugsSdrykbRZOCMFFsxgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1915.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: white;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fFc4GbzgJcg/WwnxdrBdkPI/AAAAAAAAjSc/zqMXI4UxE5cV6FugsSdrykbRZOCMFFsxgCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1915.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="color: white;">The bad guys fire at CPL Saxon and miss...</span><br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JLJau4lFo0Y/Wwnxjl1fruI/AAAAAAAAjSg/xM986f6_xFE9-ucuj71nL6Kzvz72LPM9ACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1916.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: white;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JLJau4lFo0Y/Wwnxjl1fruI/AAAAAAAAjSg/xM986f6_xFE9-ucuj71nL6Kzvz72LPM9ACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1916.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="color: white;">While Graham dashes over and joins CPL Saxon, where they both cut loose with their M-1s...</span><br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-loPyjretYNM/WwnxkhF_TNI/AAAAAAAAjSk/nOdnM6XTd5kzs5CTrsREWXniHcF7PDcZACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1917.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: white;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-loPyjretYNM/WwnxkhF_TNI/AAAAAAAAjSk/nOdnM6XTd5kzs5CTrsREWXniHcF7PDcZACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1917.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="color: white;">Knocking one of the riflemen down! The pinned guy (yellow bead) crawls over to check his friend, but he's still unconscious.</span><br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Zj1KK5Tdz0U/WwnxlnTtkOI/AAAAAAAAjSo/KY_VT4vGMKUE9lyPEj3J8RnSR8E9WDSJgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1919.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: white;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Zj1KK5Tdz0U/WwnxlnTtkOI/AAAAAAAAjSo/KY_VT4vGMKUE9lyPEj3J8RnSR8E9WDSJgCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1919.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="color: white;">Back on the German right, both suppressed enemy rifleman manage to rally themselves. But back on the left, the German officer is frazzled: what does he do? Does he continue down the hill to help the two men in the trench that are seemingly about to be overrun by CPL Saxon and PFC Graham, or does he dash back up the hill to help the knocked down machine gun team???</span><br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-12usVVtVQoc/WwnxrIpiDKI/AAAAAAAAjSw/EDNP82BPUpUX4PVcOOMPuOr9aGXUR-91gCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1921.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: white;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-12usVVtVQoc/WwnxrIpiDKI/AAAAAAAAjSw/EDNP82BPUpUX4PVcOOMPuOr9aGXUR-91gCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1921.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="color: white;">Of course, he needs to get the machine gun back in action, he should have never left to begin with. He begins running back uphill, but as soon as he breaks the cover of the stand of trees...</span><br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0jtTvDkjmWs/WwnxxOZN4aI/AAAAAAAAjS4/zBZjFpaQ1lUtcrPcDTqL0E4ueSzUCtm-wCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1922.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: white;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0jtTvDkjmWs/WwnxxOZN4aI/AAAAAAAAjS4/zBZjFpaQ1lUtcrPcDTqL0E4ueSzUCtm-wCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1922.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="color: white;">Porter (bottom center right) spots him (top left) and begins hammering away with his Garand, knocking the Leutnant down!!!</span><br />
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<span style="color: white;">Now the Germans have both guys of the MG team AND the Leutnant knocked down, and there is absolutely no way in hell any of the four guys from the trenches can get all the way back up there to check those guys, so I decide to start cheating for the Germans. This is the last fight of the campaign in North Africa, it can't be no pushover! I will roll each turn to see if the German officer comes to, and if/when he does, I'll just say he was only wounded and he can crawl the rest of the way into the sandbagged position to help the downed gunner and assistant. I'm largely a solo gamer, gotta be flexible ;)</span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4ohpX_aQ4rE/Wwnxybpb2cI/AAAAAAAAjS8/g4jKehM3BRECmEKP-na8qeRwEPr2tH9gQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1923.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: white;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4ohpX_aQ4rE/Wwnxybpb2cI/AAAAAAAAjS8/g4jKehM3BRECmEKP-na8qeRwEPr2tH9gQCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1923.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="color: white;">On the US far right, with the Germans in the trench to their front hugging the dirt (top right), but the Germans in trench on the other side recently rallied (top left), Graham (bottom right, with CPL Saxon at bottom center) begins popping away with his Garand.</span><br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x0DpBhElQHg/Wwnx5Hxz3SI/AAAAAAAAjTE/5x25MeXTqRk7oBO8ikTqdADCi-q-AjykgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1924.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: white;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x0DpBhElQHg/Wwnx5Hxz3SI/AAAAAAAAjTE/5x25MeXTqRk7oBO8ikTqdADCi-q-AjykgCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1924.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="color: white;">Dropping a German rifleman with his enfilading fire!</span><br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ALY7m4utejE/Wwnx8daaUII/AAAAAAAAjTM/LLyQ06aXdPQxtpU_UGcOXbMtpDMGZ0VgwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1925.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: white;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ALY7m4utejE/Wwnx8daaUII/AAAAAAAAjTM/LLyQ06aXdPQxtpU_UGcOXbMtpDMGZ0VgwCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1925.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="color: white;">CPL Hackett (bottom left) sees the German go down, so he decides now's the time to move. He leans in and opens fire with his Tommy Gun...</span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lMhxy58n2uE/Wwnx8-Tay-I/AAAAAAAAjTQ/f_u-Eq0exPwxScOCBKBwkOU5oUhmXUuQgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1926.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: white;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lMhxy58n2uE/Wwnx8-Tay-I/AAAAAAAAjTQ/f_u-Eq0exPwxScOCBKBwkOU5oUhmXUuQgCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1926.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="color: white;">The remaining enemy soldier is pinned (top center), and while CPL Hackett moves left (far left), McGovern moves up (bottom center, from the field), firing as he goes.</span><br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tEuVOAzb3pQ/WwnyDReYb6I/AAAAAAAAjTY/th81y0IGPi8YkMIYsukiX5rQJYM9XlH_gCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1927.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: white;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tEuVOAzb3pQ/WwnyDReYb6I/AAAAAAAAjTY/th81y0IGPi8YkMIYsukiX5rQJYM9XlH_gCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1927.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="color: white;">Burress (bottom left, with Porter to his right) continues laying down suppressing fire on the right-hand trench, in support of CPL Saxon and Graham (far right).</span><br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WTnumv_suKg/WwnyJwlDJWI/AAAAAAAAjTg/bWzE8o-b8Tk1EBClbD_ORx68BsSTAH6CgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1928.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: white;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WTnumv_suKg/WwnyJwlDJWI/AAAAAAAAjTg/bWzE8o-b8Tk1EBClbD_ORx68BsSTAH6CgCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1928.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="color: white;">Graham (far right) covers as Burress (far left), Porter (just to his right), and CPL Saxon (right) move up to clear the right-hand trench.</span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xObDtxo0cjw/WwnyI0qCm-I/AAAAAAAAjTc/rgXtoxpd4FgiXP0Wd4k9j20KSnKDzojHgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1929.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: white;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xObDtxo0cjw/WwnyI0qCm-I/AAAAAAAAjTc/rgXtoxpd4FgiXP0Wd4k9j20KSnKDzojHgCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1929.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="color: white;">In all the confusion, somehow the German in the left-hand trench (bottom left) manages to take off uphill at a sprint (top center, just left of the sandbagged position). Will he make it??? Meanwhile, I roll to see if the German Leutnant comes to, turns out he bled out (casualty figure just right of the sandbagged position)!!! </span><br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d3q6hCpmjdg/WwnyOAZF5-I/AAAAAAAAjTs/6TivtgH8kPUxsfqAMoa9RBb742_otX-jwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1930.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: white;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d3q6hCpmjdg/WwnyOAZF5-I/AAAAAAAAjTs/6TivtgH8kPUxsfqAMoa9RBb742_otX-jwCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1930.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="color: white;">Back on the US right, the GIs continue pouring covering fire at the trench, while the pinned German rifleman again tries to check his knocked down buddy, and again the knocked down guy stays knocked down as CPL Saxon (bottom right) creeps closer.</span><br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Nqz7VVDMdqM/WwnyUO0iMuI/AAAAAAAAjT0/9_zfLeJoSzg6RBNm4yF-sc6C4MPsj7b6ACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1931.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: white;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Nqz7VVDMdqM/WwnyUO0iMuI/AAAAAAAAjT0/9_zfLeJoSzg6RBNm4yF-sc6C4MPsj7b6ACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1931.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="color: white;">On the left, McGovern (bottom center) spots the German left-hand rifleman running up the hill. He takes a knee, calmly sights in, and fires one round. And guess what happened? Yep, the guy was knocked down!</span><br />
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<span style="color: white;">The poor Germans can't catch a break ;) Now I decide to let the German machine gunner roll each turn to see if he comes to. But it turns out that's not where the problem would be...</span><br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Fsaaa2DRS2c/WwnyUo9RG4I/AAAAAAAAjT4/df1ZMV5w_cwF9mh-ZLxibOOSYpbKD4fswCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1932.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: white;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Fsaaa2DRS2c/WwnyUo9RG4I/AAAAAAAAjT4/df1ZMV5w_cwF9mh-ZLxibOOSYpbKD4fswCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1932.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="color: white;">McGovern (bottom right) keeps firing as CPL Hackett dashes forward and clears the left-hand trench!</span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4IwAqZlXumA/WwnyZTh0MpI/AAAAAAAAjT8/8DmuT2w9OKMGIXRF94J0PCGu-xWALgLyQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1933.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: white;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4IwAqZlXumA/WwnyZTh0MpI/AAAAAAAAjT8/8DmuT2w9OKMGIXRF94J0PCGu-xWALgLyQCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1933.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="color: white;">And everyone else is focused on clearing the right-hand trench; one German soldier is already knocked down in the trench, and Burress and Porter (bottom left) continue pouring fire into the trench, suppressing the other guy. The time is ripe, right?</span><br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1VtF0GZsz_g/WwnydsGHEFI/AAAAAAAAjUE/9cgKYEAx4PcyvK_2mazhLpkrQVY6TIOfACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1934.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: white;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1VtF0GZsz_g/WwnydsGHEFI/AAAAAAAAjUE/9cgKYEAx4PcyvK_2mazhLpkrQVY6TIOfACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1934.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="color: white;">CPL Saxon preps a frag, dashes up, hits the deck (bottom right), and rolls the grenade (blue bead) into the German trench...</span><br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d_Hb8lVSULU/WwnyfXDokiI/AAAAAAAAjUI/bICjQyT_iCc4SswWBRTSgtcSPhgP7ja7ACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1935.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: white;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d_Hb8lVSULU/WwnyfXDokiI/AAAAAAAAjUI/bICjQyT_iCc4SswWBRTSgtcSPhgP7ja7ACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1935.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="color: white;">But the suppressed German tosses it back out. CPL Saxon just has time to realize his own grenade came back to him...</span><br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pH_fNRbZCic/WwnykfhkvfI/AAAAAAAAjUQ/gtFDcsZERoYYLDBCsE3M1e_noQzrNENdQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1936.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: white;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pH_fNRbZCic/WwnykfhkvfI/AAAAAAAAjUQ/gtFDcsZERoYYLDBCsE3M1e_noQzrNENdQCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1936.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="color: white;">Before it detonates, killing him instantly!!!</span><br />
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<span style="color: white;">When the grenade went in, I rolled 2K 3S, and didn't get a single damn result!!! So that means it has to go somewhere else, and it came back to CPL Saxon, killing him on 1K 2S...</span><br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eFjluccPmmE/WwnymxGIW-I/AAAAAAAAjUU/ayeAFmIYCWckxGG3EbUXgCo2_RS6GwomgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1937.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: white;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eFjluccPmmE/WwnymxGIW-I/AAAAAAAAjUU/ayeAFmIYCWckxGG3EbUXgCo2_RS6GwomgCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1937.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="color: white;">"Nooooooooooo!!!!!" Graham screams, dashing forward (far right) with tears in his eyes, blazing away with his Garand.</span><br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bABrAgLzyLc/WwnyosbWxOI/AAAAAAAAjUY/AlYGjVTblBUMPh2Auj64GOAwOg_gP4fpACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1938.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: white;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bABrAgLzyLc/WwnyosbWxOI/AAAAAAAAjUY/AlYGjVTblBUMPh2Auj64GOAwOg_gP4fpACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1938.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="color: white;">The suppressed German is no longer suppressed and he raises up (bottom right) and fires on Graham (top center), the two exchanging fire at point blank range without hitting anything...</span><br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--XKeB_rKMlU/Wwnyv5NJSiI/AAAAAAAAjUc/f2WB3poei4Is_u2sA9GpbY5arr52FklQwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1939.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: white;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--XKeB_rKMlU/Wwnyv5NJSiI/AAAAAAAAjUc/f2WB3poei4Is_u2sA9GpbY5arr52FklQwCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1939.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="color: white;">Meanwhile, back up the hill, the German assistant gunner is wounded, but comes to....</span><br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bh1-CZjcyO8/WwnyzX6zaJI/AAAAAAAAjUg/GvrLHvJSVaQ7ILpQd6LIH4dm8CDz-K_QgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1940.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: white;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bh1-CZjcyO8/WwnyzX6zaJI/AAAAAAAAjUg/GvrLHvJSVaQ7ILpQd6LIH4dm8CDz-K_QgCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1940.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="color: white;">Back in the trench, the German rifleman fires to his right, missing Burress and Porter...</span><br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S2SjD5r2lp4/Wwny00kQjGI/AAAAAAAAjUo/dhQIEyTB4_siSsUtktqohXHeiCfkPePSgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1941.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: white;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S2SjD5r2lp4/Wwny00kQjGI/AAAAAAAAjUo/dhQIEyTB4_siSsUtktqohXHeiCfkPePSgCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1941.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="color: white;">They (bottom left) return fire, missing too...</span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7NgPi_1H-Q4/Wwny4JrI1oI/AAAAAAAAjUw/vdCB3ptQZOI2onrTJxqW4xU0UJ_E5GswwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1942.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: white;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7NgPi_1H-Q4/Wwny4JrI1oI/AAAAAAAAjUw/vdCB3ptQZOI2onrTJxqW4xU0UJ_E5GswwCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1942.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="color: white;">The German manages to crawl over to his buddy and check him, but for the third time in a row they roll a '1' and he's still 'man down'!!! "Helmi, wake up, I need you!!!!"</span><br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F8-6gZNBLkM/Wwny-m6xgrI/AAAAAAAAjU0/sbp648SyvRoX8mwX9Y_cm-SSDQHwj60lQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1943.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: white;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F8-6gZNBLkM/Wwny-m6xgrI/AAAAAAAAjU0/sbp648SyvRoX8mwX9Y_cm-SSDQHwj60lQCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1943.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="color: white;">He's still sobbing as PFC Graham runs up and jumps in the trench with them!</span><br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sA1s3IC4Knc/WwnzAidAwsI/AAAAAAAAjU4/6WPbAT461846h3acpd1sWmYlW4qNgNjmACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1944.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: white;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sA1s3IC4Knc/WwnzAidAwsI/AAAAAAAAjU4/6WPbAT461846h3acpd1sWmYlW4qNgNjmACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1944.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="color: white;">But the German busts out his E-tool and hammers Graham into a bloody pulp! Now it's Porter's (left, with Burress to his left) turn to scream: he keeps firing his rifle, missing...</span><br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t5uydf-ciqQ/WwnzEhdLwYI/AAAAAAAAjU8/WfXS-0gQdNQTXYpTAoKuylJAcqcI5rWGQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1945.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: white;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t5uydf-ciqQ/WwnzEhdLwYI/AAAAAAAAjU8/WfXS-0gQdNQTXYpTAoKuylJAcqcI5rWGQCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1945.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="color: white;">As he (top center) jumps into the trench. The German fires his Mauser...</span><br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--xSt4CQFbzI/WwnzLL04FOI/AAAAAAAAjVE/mMlNgybh_3UD715uLf_z8k9taFi4nXD7QCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1946.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: white;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--xSt4CQFbzI/WwnzLL04FOI/AAAAAAAAjVE/mMlNgybh_3UD715uLf_z8k9taFi4nXD7QCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1946.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="color: white;">But misses, rending a hole in Porter's fatigue jacket as the 29-year old aspiring novelist reaches the enemy soldier. They tussle and fall to the floor of the trench...</span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TYzI0HsCDLQ/WwnzMXc9q8I/AAAAAAAAjVI/-PSn9_LF_ZQ9aZKZnXynXJF-VBPvna6HgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1947.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: white;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TYzI0HsCDLQ/WwnzMXc9q8I/AAAAAAAAjVI/-PSn9_LF_ZQ9aZKZnXynXJF-VBPvna6HgCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1947.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="color: white;">But only Porter gets back to his feet, after finishing off the German rifleman that killed CPL Saxon and wounded PFC Graham, then finishing off his knocked down buddy!</span><br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CteE61lSADs/WwnzPfe8SDI/AAAAAAAAjVM/FuzGFRGbbgAMdkuGNjcttHDI7PI8d622wCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1948.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: white;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CteE61lSADs/WwnzPfe8SDI/AAAAAAAAjVM/FuzGFRGbbgAMdkuGNjcttHDI7PI8d622wCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1948.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="color: white;">The German assistant gunner has come to in the machine gun position (top right), but he so far hasn't been able to help his gunner or the nearby rifleman, as the Americans begin to close the noose. With both trenches secured, CPL Hackett (top center, just under the trees), McGovern (left), Burress (center), and Porter (right) begin moving up the hill, as it's strangely quiet.</span><br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rya5Ew3Q6_Q/WwnzWN78GDI/AAAAAAAAjVY/sKkCYio6tNIx6URo5bDn8CiEeQ8vy-7TQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1949.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: white;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rya5Ew3Q6_Q/WwnzWN78GDI/AAAAAAAAjVY/sKkCYio6tNIx6URo5bDn8CiEeQ8vy-7TQCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1949.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="color: white;">CPL Hackett (bottom left) spots the assistant gunner (top right) moving to help the gunner, and cuts loose with his Thompson SMG...</span><br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Oot5HdDgpjU/WwnzX-OTsHI/AAAAAAAAjVc/67wCdL-2pOMw0fOyufFP1YnhvK-mVc5DACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1950.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: white;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Oot5HdDgpjU/WwnzX-OTsHI/AAAAAAAAjVc/67wCdL-2pOMw0fOyufFP1YnhvK-mVc5DACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1950.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="color: white;">The assistant is pinned (yellow bead), but he's able to rouse the knocked down gunner from his slumber!</span><br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CdyxvP-bD1U/WwnzcaDy0tI/AAAAAAAAjVk/wQ1e3MR7b6YauS7X9C1VXd7_PGnEhormQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1951.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: white;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CdyxvP-bD1U/WwnzcaDy0tI/AAAAAAAAjVk/wQ1e3MR7b6YauS7X9C1VXd7_PGnEhormQCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1951.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="color: white;">Burress (center) gets the BAR going, suppressing the assistant gunner (top center).</span><br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yjcDYwT9LcM/WwnzhwZD8jI/AAAAAAAAjVo/4tzEQXXX5VQtwKLcmV7P5mu9MtioMaZLwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1952.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: white;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yjcDYwT9LcM/WwnzhwZD8jI/AAAAAAAAjVo/4tzEQXXX5VQtwKLcmV7P5mu9MtioMaZLwCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1952.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="color: white;">As Porter (bottom center) adds his rifle to the mix...</span><br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nb1ZXMAUwj8/WwnzkCKbS1I/AAAAAAAAjVs/m6KS445HVKg7hEbfJmHSHhu9TNHaftcwACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1953.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: white;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nb1ZXMAUwj8/WwnzkCKbS1I/AAAAAAAAjVs/m6KS445HVKg7hEbfJmHSHhu9TNHaftcwACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1953.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="color: white;">Causing the assistant, already suppressed, to run off the map!!! Shaking out the cobwebs, the enemy gunner pulls the MG-42 off the tripod and swings left, opening fire on Porter, suppressing him (top center left).</span><br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cNdOajRJgC0/Wwnzp_LJbnI/AAAAAAAAjV4/S1jM07Mzo1US_iJcVLzUVrS8fK-lI4jDQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1955.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: white;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cNdOajRJgC0/Wwnzp_LJbnI/AAAAAAAAjV4/S1jM07Mzo1US_iJcVLzUVrS8fK-lI4jDQCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1955.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="color: white;">With the German machine gunner (far right) otherwise preoccupied, CPL Hackett moves up on the far left, eliminating the knocked down German rifleman from the left-hand trench (top left)...</span><br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dOMaGhikMkE/WwnzrbirmfI/AAAAAAAAjV8/fqgRuEyFZVgQxWp1EqpfmzvEeXcjFfTmQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1956.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: white;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dOMaGhikMkE/WwnzrbirmfI/AAAAAAAAjV8/fqgRuEyFZVgQxWp1EqpfmzvEeXcjFfTmQCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1956.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="color: white;">Then hopping into the machine gun position...</span><br />
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<span style="color: white;">And machine-gunning the occupant.</span><br />
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<span style="color: white;">The remaining Americans swarm over the German machine gun position, consolidating their defense, counting noses, and redistributing ammo before, dispatching men back down the hill to check the casualties and report back to 2nd Lieutenant Pelluer.</span><br />
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<span style="color: white;">PVT Porter was awarded the Silver Star for his gallantry in clearing the right-hand trench after CPL Saxon and PFC Graham went down, while CPL Hackett was awarded the Bronze Star with 'V' for clearing out the German machine gun position. But the fight was very costly: CPL Saxon and PVT Eatman were both killed in action, while PFC Graham, beat to hell by a big German with a shovel, was wounded bad enough to be out of the line for over a month. Oddly enough to the men, SGT Cherry, who went down almost as soon as the battalion mortar barrage ended, was found to be without a scratch, though you could definitely tell something was not right with the man.</span><br />
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<span style="color: white;">Whatever it was, it certainly wasn't going over well with the remaining members of the squad. SGT Cherry had talked plenty aboard ship, before the Torch landings, about how he was going to get revenge for what the Nazis did to Czechoslovakia, but so far he wasn't really holding up his end of the bargain. In the first fight he chickened out. In the second fight he did very well, but in the third fight he was hit, nothing you can do. So he missed a couple fight, then comes back for the last fight in North Africa and lays an egg. Not only are the boys not happy, the good Sergeant, himself, is rather in a doubting mood about his own abilities.</span><br />
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<span style="color: white;">But that was it, the last fight. Less than a month later the Germans would surrender Tunisia, thus ending the vaunted Afrika Korps. <span style="background-color: transparent; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">All the survivors of North Africa were promoted, except SGT Cherry. Seems the Lieutenant wasn't impressed by the Sergeant's performance either, and so non-rec'ed him for promotion, which made things kinda strange in the squad. The Army changed its structure, so the squad was now supposed to be led by a Staff Sergeant, but SGT Cherry wasn't promoted, and CPL Hackett was, so now the squad had two Sergeants. On a side note, McGovern, the salty old Private, was promoted to PFC, but got caught drinking and fighting with the Mess Sergeant in Morocco, and busted back down to Private. Also, the boys weren't too happy with old Private Lowery, who was hit in the first fight and never made it back for any of the later ones. The boys felt like he was dodging, should have been back in the line. The Lieutenant didn't promote him either.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: white;"><b><br /></b>The battalion immediately moved back to Morocco for a little R&R, then took on replacements, and set about training up for its next action: Operation Husky, the invasion of Sicily!</span><br />
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<span style="color: white;">V/R,</span><br />
<span style="color: white;">Jack</span></div>
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Just Jackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03552962741823929433noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8660216775038377627.post-2153960125316187492018-05-28T10:53:00.000-07:002018-12-01T07:51:02.353-08:00Blood & Guts, Tunisia, Fight #11<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "quot"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">All,</span><br /><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "quot"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">It's 1310 on 10 April 1943, and another clash of tanks is looming. Earlier this morning the squad climbed Hill 475 (bottom left, in the picture below) and established an Observation Post (OP). They subsequently spotted enemy armor moving north to south near Point 33 (off camera to top center right in the photo below) and reported it. SSG Smith, acting platoon leader for the attached Tank Platoon, led his vehicles north to intercept. At Point 33, SSG Smith and CPL Grunhard engaged three Panzer 4s, knocking out all three of them, but at the cost of CPL Grunhard's vehicle and crew, which won the Silver Star posthumously. Now SSG Smith has moved south, rejoining the other two tanks of his platoon (under SGT Ross and SGT Snow, respectively), and they are moving east to engage a pair of panzers moving west.</span><br /><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;" /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y8QL4CjByec/WwsHjp2X44I/AAAAAAAAjWo/4ksGfy_7YhU1QTWfvbbimCRWaYEdHlCMQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1991.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y8QL4CjByec/WwsHjp2X44I/AAAAAAAAjWo/4ksGfy_7YhU1QTWfvbbimCRWaYEdHlCMQCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1991.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Overview, north is up. This is trackless desert, broken only by scrub and looming hills. The squad's OP is atop the peak at bottom left, while the Shermans are at top left and the panzers at far right.<br /><br /><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">The troops are all 6mm (1/285) from GHQ, and I'm using the new "What a Tanker!" rules from Too Fat Lardies. I'm having so much fun, I need to put another order in with GHQ to get some more troops. I'm going to order a couple 76mm turrets for my Shermans, a pack of M-10 Wolverines, a pack of Stug IIIs with skirts, a pack of Marders, a pack of Panthers, and a single Tiger hull and turret (the separate hull and turrets is why I need to order direct from GHQ), and I figure that could actually take me through the whole rest of the war. I suppose I should buy some Pz IVHs with skirts, but might just try and get by with the Pz IVGs I'm using in these games. I played the first two What a Tanker games with my older boy, but he was playing with his little brother so I actually played the next two solo...</span><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br /><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cBW7s4340-w/WwsHiLWzASI/AAAAAAAAjWk/BujfoYfnzy0BxSXGoIXXcAA4SboEOnYYQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1992.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cBW7s4340-w/WwsHiLWzASI/AAAAAAAAjWk/BujfoYfnzy0BxSXGoIXXcAA4SboEOnYYQCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1992.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>The squad (bottom right) looks on; "go get'em, boys!" exhorts CPL Saxon. From top to bottom: SGT Ross (with one tank kill already), SSG Smith (two tank kills), and SGT Snow (zero tank kills).<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uvqR7rf_vp8/WwsHhg1tILI/AAAAAAAAjWg/XnzizsDJaSsBBKez1G-bDuJsnXrxaV6oACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1993.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uvqR7rf_vp8/WwsHhg1tILI/AAAAAAAAjWg/XnzizsDJaSsBBKez1G-bDuJsnXrxaV6oACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1993.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "quot"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">And the Germans: Panzer 1 at top, Panzer 2 at bottom.</span><br /><div><br /></div><div>Time to make the doughnuts!<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "quot"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span></div><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "quot"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "quot"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9yltm-Yjh9M/Wwwg1K7w8dI/AAAAAAAAjZ4/YNyph-Y4lm4zoPaxVh1OMSAQrsOsIB_gACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1994.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9yltm-Yjh9M/Wwwg1K7w8dI/AAAAAAAAjZ4/YNyph-Y4lm4zoPaxVh1OMSAQrsOsIB_gACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1994.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "quot"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><div>SSG Smith has spotted dust clouds to the east and charges straight in (far right)...</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H__r2oPMz_Y/Wwwg1iQeF6I/AAAAAAAAjZ8/YHNDTyVKqFokC794Qp7IPgsXJ_5mPbAywCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1995.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H__r2oPMz_Y/Wwwg1iQeF6I/AAAAAAAAjZ8/YHNDTyVKqFokC794Qp7IPgsXJ_5mPbAywCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1995.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>His tank (bottom center) acquires Panzer 1 (top center left), halts, and fires! SSG Smith watches the round throw up sand, and decides he'd better button up.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iV_RvKBKGUg/Wwwg3WYQsbI/AAAAAAAAjaA/uNs2tVtNxiQVpOw3PgINRXmBuRR77XqwACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1996.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iV_RvKBKGUg/Wwwg3WYQsbI/AAAAAAAAjaA/uNs2tVtNxiQVpOw3PgINRXmBuRR77XqwACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1996.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>While SGT Snow, surprising in his aggressiveness and impressive in his ability to maneuver, pushes his Sherman up two contour lines to get a better look (bottom right)...</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BLxEyLz2P6I/Wwwg8vkXmDI/AAAAAAAAjaE/6r5K9P2E6qkDOVVJJhpMiUjRZhBbkX7pwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1997.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BLxEyLz2P6I/Wwwg8vkXmDI/AAAAAAAAjaE/6r5K9P2E6qkDOVVJJhpMiUjRZhBbkX7pwCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1997.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>They (bottom left) spot Panzer 2 (top right) and fire. The round misses, but hits close enough to shake up the crew (actually a non-penetrating hit that cost the Germans one Command Dice).</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JGL4nBgSeMY/WwwhEK3MarI/AAAAAAAAjaM/5EsTCPLyyq4xHCDOUwWxu2HX7p259Z-ZgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1998.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JGL4nBgSeMY/WwwhEK3MarI/AAAAAAAAjaM/5EsTCPLyyq4xHCDOUwWxu2HX7p259Z-ZgCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1998.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Panzer 2 acquires SGT Snow's tank (top center), then moves left to cover (at bottom of hill at left), and buttons up, while Panzer 1 (bottom center) acquires SSG Smith's Sherman (center top, with SGT Ross's tank behind them) and returns fire. The round hits the Sherman's hull, damaging the running gear (-2 pips of movement and permanent -2 Command Dice)! The Panzer reloads and fires again, but the round ricochets off, though a piece off armor spalls off and hits SSG Smith in the upper back.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p3Hzeu_xveA/Wwwg_x2VRtI/AAAAAAAAjaI/J7o2ix6v1DIXESkTyMiHk9PSIKB-Uh3gwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1999.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p3Hzeu_xveA/Wwwg_x2VRtI/AAAAAAAAjaI/J7o2ix6v1DIXESkTyMiHk9PSIKB-Uh3gwCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1999.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>With his boss in trouble, SGT Ross pushes his tank up alongside SSG Smith's damaged Sherman (bottom center) and returns fire on Panzer 1 (top center left). The round skips off, severely shaking the crew (temporary -2 Command Dice). SGT Ross's tank reloads...</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Tn4p4TJ3POw/WwwhJX5yRfI/AAAAAAAAjaY/9mCXOCZGBY0rnoJ2KFMvms8KGBX48-4NACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Tn4p4TJ3POw/WwwhJX5yRfI/AAAAAAAAjaY/9mCXOCZGBY0rnoJ2KFMvms8KGBX48-4NACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_2001.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>As Panzer 1 (bottom right) holds position and returns fire, missing SSG Smith's tank (top right) but shocking the crew (temporary -1 Command Dice, bringing SSG Smith's vehicle down to three!). Panzer 2 (left)...</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bKlTK61aTrM/WwwhLEwbx1I/AAAAAAAAjac/WOmLGa51OokGYdGyLTY9PLnHef3c14InACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bKlTK61aTrM/WwwhLEwbx1I/AAAAAAAAjac/WOmLGa51OokGYdGyLTY9PLnHef3c14InACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_2002.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Moves up (bottom center left) and fires on SGT Snow's tank (top center, with SSG Smith and SGT Ross at top right). The round ricochets off, shocking the crew (temporary -2 Command Dice). The panzer reloads.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rxmSppoPnHU/WwwhNVG31OI/AAAAAAAAjak/sg_TN2APAOEYTE9zwwDugadSuENavrarQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rxmSppoPnHU/WwwhNVG31OI/AAAAAAAAjak/sg_TN2APAOEYTE9zwwDugadSuENavrarQCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_2003.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>But SGT Snow's boys (left) hold firm and return fire. <span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: "quot"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">The enemy tank is also hit in the hull, damaging the running gear (costing two pips of movement and two Command Dice)! </span></div><div><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RuwRdPwQ9X4/WwwhTITNGYI/AAAAAAAAjao/aysTGleq6J8Pd6nYSc-jT20Nvu84BPIIgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RuwRdPwQ9X4/WwwhTITNGYI/AAAAAAAAjao/aysTGleq6J8Pd6nYSc-jT20Nvu84BPIIgCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_2004.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: "quot"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">SSG Smith's crew (bottom left) is too shook up to do anything (down to only 3 CD, they roll crap and can't even return fire, even though they're already acquired, aimed, and loaded), and they can't even move (I think I rolled three 'acquires')... SGT Ross pushes his Sherman forward (just ahead of SSG Smith's vehicle, with SGT Snow's at bottom center) and fires on Panzer 1 (top center, with Panzer 2 just below it), missing. </span></div><div><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kSY1mzgr5wI/WwwhWBb9zvI/AAAAAAAAjaw/1EJgUWN_Y2wC1HbHMYvgJSzGkCkB80yUACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kSY1mzgr5wI/WwwhWBb9zvI/AAAAAAAAjaw/1EJgUWN_Y2wC1HbHMYvgJSzGkCkB80yUACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_2005.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Panzer 2 (bottom left) fires on SGT Snow's vehicle (top center, with SGT Ross and SSG Smith at top right). The round misses, but shakes up the crew (another actual non-penetrating hit that temporarily takes away a Command Dice).</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mSpcowDb7QM/WwwhYTykFWI/AAAAAAAAja0/RvIx-GQNCuM47R-_4zPUy3GLbUqgeZ8FACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mSpcowDb7QM/WwwhYTykFWI/AAAAAAAAja0/RvIx-GQNCuM47R-_4zPUy3GLbUqgeZ8FACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_2006.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>SGT Snow's boys (bottom center) continue to stand fast, returning fire but missing.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aBVH3GewOZI/WwwhcUV1zlI/AAAAAAAAja4/9s-hil49Jn4pxiC_W13XGJZNgf3ugOTZwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aBVH3GewOZI/WwwhcUV1zlI/AAAAAAAAja4/9s-hil49Jn4pxiC_W13XGJZNgf3ugOTZwCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_2007.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>And then moving up (center bottom) as SSG Smith's crew (far left) finally shakes off the cobwebs enough to return fire on Panzer 1 (top right), missing.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4tvd8Gs72O8/WwwhnL1tmEI/AAAAAAAAjbM/o5qkT9I3KrwIS1-bUl_WrX3EHyIB0_5OwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4tvd8Gs72O8/WwwhnL1tmEI/AAAAAAAAjbM/o5qkT9I3KrwIS1-bUl_WrX3EHyIB0_5OwCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_2008.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Panzer 1 rallies (regains a temporarily lost Command Dice) and moves up (right, from bottom right, which throws off the aim of SSG Smith and SGT Ross, a good idea in these times when everyone is down on Command Dice)!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NSpZfba_EFM/Wwwhl5hCYBI/AAAAAAAAjbI/XoKD2-gKU7A-oW19JubxKHex8VE6zyRTACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NSpZfba_EFM/Wwwhl5hCYBI/AAAAAAAAjbI/XoKD2-gKU7A-oW19JubxKHex8VE6zyRTACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_2009.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Panzer 1 continues pushing forward (center top, with Panzer 2 at far left) as it rallies again and reloads.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2h_EAdk8yDs/WwwhoLz17dI/AAAAAAAAjbU/CbgCuFe-6cMnmjjpxw3krSlWFg6GkqCuwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2h_EAdk8yDs/WwwhoLz17dI/AAAAAAAAjbU/CbgCuFe-6cMnmjjpxw3krSlWFg6GkqCuwCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_2010.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>But SGT Ross pushes his tank to point blank range (center), and fires on Panzer 1 (top center, with Panzer 2 at top right, SSG Smith at bottom left, and SGT Snow at bottom right)...</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MPZ6koL2RcM/WwwhskaBS8I/AAAAAAAAjbc/dzo5Rg8iAP8bHbiMUXxy1RsXRygiakRPwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MPZ6koL2RcM/WwwhskaBS8I/AAAAAAAAjbc/dzo5Rg8iAP8bHbiMUXxy1RsXRygiakRPwCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_2011.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>KA-BOOM!!! Another German tank sent to the boneyard! SGT Ross unbuttons to try and find that other panzer as his crew reloads.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vDIKJZdfbWA/WwwhxevzcAI/AAAAAAAAjbg/ICB50aeIuLQfRxk4ohPWzQgsdeyAR8tGgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vDIKJZdfbWA/WwwhxevzcAI/AAAAAAAAjbg/ICB50aeIuLQfRxk4ohPWzQgsdeyAR8tGgCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_2012.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>But he (center, with SSG Smith at top center right) can only hear the report of the shot as Panzer 2 (far left) fires again at SGT Ross's vehicle (top left), missing!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rmFmTZpJNSE/WwwhzhDOwII/AAAAAAAAjbk/XIbPpxG3jrElfft5eEKPRh2vy_HSWuKJACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rmFmTZpJNSE/WwwhzhDOwII/AAAAAAAAjbk/XIbPpxG3jrElfft5eEKPRh2vy_HSWuKJACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_2013.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>SGT Snow pushes his vehicle downhill (bottom center), moving within 100 yards of Panzer 2 (top right, with SGT Ross's vehicle at top left), but his crew can't line up a shot.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VhM2Eh6xLTA/Wwwh3RX7sJI/AAAAAAAAjbs/FX_AsH_Ey4c0TvVXk4mPJrcQbuP3g7J6wCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VhM2Eh6xLTA/Wwwh3RX7sJI/AAAAAAAAjbs/FX_AsH_Ey4c0TvVXk4mPJrcQbuP3g7J6wCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_2014.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>And Panzer 2 (center bottom left), all alone (Panzer 1 burring at bottom right) and being surrounded (SGT Snow at top left, SGT Ross at center) sees the writing on the wall. The German tank commander pops smoke...</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DuJzNqHGJGo/Wwwh5OIYxkI/AAAAAAAAjb0/ALnz11cmCdoxe6GsGo42xReGvoQYhMjwACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DuJzNqHGJGo/Wwwh5OIYxkI/AAAAAAAAjb0/ALnz11cmCdoxe6GsGo42xReGvoQYhMjwACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_2015.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>And heads for home (far right, from left)! SGT Ross's crew got its second kill of the war, SSG Smith got a Purple Heart, and though SGT Snow's crew didn't get a kill, they did a good job of actually getting in the fight (they missed the last fight with 'mechanical problems') and roughing up Panzer 2. Of course, if they're gunnery had been a bit better, maybe Panzer 2 wouldn't have gotten away...<br /><br />In any case, these actions served, along with several other similar actions further south, to blunt the German counterattack. With that, the battalion would continue pushing north-northeast for another eight days without seeing any resistance stronger than the odd artillery shell. But on 12 April 1943 the squad would see its last fight of the campaign in North Africa, and it was a real bastard.</div><div><br />V/R,<br />Jack</div><div><br /></div></span><br /><div><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "quot"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "quot"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "quot"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "quot"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "quot"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"></span><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike><br /></strike></div><br />Just Jackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03552962741823929433noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8660216775038377627.post-85432458875919699932018-05-28T10:13:00.000-07:002018-12-01T07:51:02.383-08:00Blood & Guts, Tunisia, Fight #10<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">All,</span><br /><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: &quot; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">It's 1220 on 10 April 1943, and following the Platoon Sergeant, SSG Thomas, leading the squad up to an Observation Post atop Hill 475 (off camera to bottom left in the picture below), the acting platoon leader for the battalion's attached Tank Platoon, SSG Smith, is leading CPL Grunhard up near Point 33, an unnamed collection of Arab huts. The squad's OP had spotted enemy tanks moving north to south, so SSG Smith split the platoon, taking his and CPL Grunhard's tanks up to Point 33, and sending SGT Ross and SGT Snow's tanks further south. Rolling in from the west, SSG Smith immediately spotted dust clouds from the incoming panzers; he quickly directed his two-tank section to take up hull-down positions on a nearby hill.</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span><br /><div><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"></span><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike><br /></strike></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MAKED6ErB5Y/WwsIEfQOr0I/AAAAAAAAjXA/bjq5dsTd2HsqcyUQyxJf3_HVorQm0F8GQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1959.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MAKED6ErB5Y/WwsIEfQOr0I/AAAAAAAAjXA/bjq5dsTd2HsqcyUQyxJf3_HVorQm0F8GQCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1959.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Overview, north is up. There's a few hardball roads running through Point 33, and mud huts scattered across the battlefield, as well as a smattering of low hills and scrub. The two US tanks are at top left, the three panzers at top right.<br /><br />The troops are all 6mm (1/285) from GHQ, and I'm using the new "What a Tanker!" rules from Too Fat Lardies. I'm having so much fun, I need to put another order in with GHQ to get some more troops. I'm going to order a couple 76mm turrets for my Shermans, a pack of M-10 Wolverines, a pack of Stug IIIs with skirts, a pack of Marders, a pack of Panthers, and a single Tiger hull and turret (the separate hull and turrets is why I need to order direct from GHQ), and I figure that could actually take me through the whole rest of the war. I suppose I should buy some Pz IVHs with skirts, but might just try and get by with the Pz IVGs I'm using in these games. I played the first two What a Tanker games with my older boy, but he was playing with his little brother so I actually played the next two solo...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-peNQ4KASkJg/WwsIDyoVvpI/AAAAAAAAjW4/7Frvj9sSBNkB8-0wEMdK0Lqpa-UjVkArgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1960.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-peNQ4KASkJg/WwsIDyoVvpI/AAAAAAAAjW4/7Frvj9sSBNkB8-0wEMdK0Lqpa-UjVkArgCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1960.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>The two M4 Shermans, commanded by SSG Smith (bottom) and CPL Grunhard (top), looking to get into hull-down positions on that nearby hill.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0yQ5MobDj2Y/WwsIEC82fHI/AAAAAAAAjW8/_AC0oMGlFAY0ncDtjlDebIHXumviNziUQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1961.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0yQ5MobDj2Y/WwsIEC82fHI/AAAAAAAAjW8/_AC0oMGlFAY0ncDtjlDebIHXumviNziUQCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1961.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>The three German Panzer IVGs, moving north (right) to south( left) at speed, blissfully unaware of any nearby Americans on account of the squad having taken out their patrol in the last fight. Let's get to work!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jZuhYk58B9Q/WwsIKPQwdgI/AAAAAAAAjXE/apUWOJS1wdUD1E2y9_0kOQ-Fq-aI05YDQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1962.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jZuhYk58B9Q/WwsIKPQwdgI/AAAAAAAAjXE/apUWOJS1wdUD1E2y9_0kOQ-Fq-aI05YDQCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1962.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>The Yanks push ahead, rather lethargically...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vJU37QjxCtY/WwsIQFI-YbI/AAAAAAAAjXM/TLORAKIMhX0qTr4LOwE_lT1EYf56yNVkACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1963.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vJU37QjxCtY/WwsIQFI-YbI/AAAAAAAAjXM/TLORAKIMhX0qTr4LOwE_lT1EYf56yNVkACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1963.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>The German tanks push ahead, but their leader, Sgt Kamp (bottom right) slows as he sees something off to the right (top right is where the Americans are raising dust, from behind the hill).<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zkh9bRU8RiA/WwsIPcTzn3I/AAAAAAAAjXI/Hkn5YHfb2Oo74xVM4nKsDAAwGrAPQ3evACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1964.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zkh9bRU8RiA/WwsIPcTzn3I/AAAAAAAAjXI/Hkn5YHfb2Oo74xVM4nKsDAAwGrAPQ3evACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1964.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>CPL Grunhard pulls his tank forward into some scrub, "CONTACT!!!"<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UirZMxYU_IQ/WwsIS8VfSxI/AAAAAAAAjXQ/lDmH5tEywf0rF4KhcPHzgYHyXxERESLHQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1965.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UirZMxYU_IQ/WwsIS8VfSxI/AAAAAAAAjXQ/lDmH5tEywf0rF4KhcPHzgYHyXxERESLHQCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1965.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>CPL Grunhard's tank (bottom center) has acquired Panzer 2 (top center, with Panzer 3 just right of it, and Sgt Kamp's panzer at top left). "Target, panzer four at five hundred yards, moving right at 90 degrees, load AP, fire!" "On the way!"<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cRR3i1Ty52w/WwsIXl0cz3I/AAAAAAAAjXY/MY8vEy07h_sNMNP2iXZF45PnYKQhpowNwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1966.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cRR3i1Ty52w/WwsIXl0cz3I/AAAAAAAAjXY/MY8vEy07h_sNMNP2iXZF45PnYKQhpowNwCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1966.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>The round is long (top right), but the loader immediately slams another round into the breech (far left) and the Sherman's 75mm gun roars again! The round is just short, but close enough to shake the crew up a bit (actually a hit that bounced, -1 Command Dice).<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k4twowc-Yvg/WwsIbX9SgOI/AAAAAAAAjXg/zynqauIKVsUQi1kp0qbdzNdt9aT3YymyACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1967.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k4twowc-Yvg/WwsIbX9SgOI/AAAAAAAAjXg/zynqauIKVsUQi1kp0qbdzNdt9aT3YymyACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1967.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Sgt Kamp (bottom center) looks on as the target, Panzer 2, pushes through (left, from the two shell bursts at bottom center left). Panzer 3 has acquired CPL Grunhard's tank (top right) and immediately cuts right (left), shudders to a halt, and fires, narrowly missing the Sherman!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0u8fhCtONvk/WwsIfRGVmWI/AAAAAAAAjXo/Xiz_QVjeYnoAea1euGpCWNZJUxjr6eJgwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1968.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0u8fhCtONvk/WwsIfRGVmWI/AAAAAAAAjXo/Xiz_QVjeYnoAea1euGpCWNZJUxjr6eJgwCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1968.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>With CPL Grunhard's Sherman under fire (top left), SSG Smith pushes his tank right (far left top), where he spots Sgt Kamp's panzer (far right top, with Panzer 3 at right and Panzer 2 at bottom right), just as the veteran German commander pulls to a halt and fires, missing SSG Smith's vehicle.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_zvE6OcQRhs/WwsImrlgbiI/AAAAAAAAjX0/rC8npPSci_gnESrcNia6qy1KOoRA3L1IQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1969.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_zvE6OcQRhs/WwsImrlgbiI/AAAAAAAAjX0/rC8npPSci_gnESrcNia6qy1KOoRA3L1IQCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1969.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Panzer 2's commander rallies his boys and pushes forward, not making it very far in some soft sand (bottom left), as Panzer 3 reloads (center bottom) and sends another round at CPL Grunhard's tank, but being hull-down is really paying off as another round misses! Sgt Kamp has his tank reload and push up to the cover of a nearby hill (far right).<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FxUlBiUdX9g/WwsImSolXAI/AAAAAAAAjXw/VnJRI8lyTA02cqOEV5AriVogZ98G1gF5ACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1970.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FxUlBiUdX9g/WwsImSolXAI/AAAAAAAAjXw/VnJRI8lyTA02cqOEV5AriVogZ98G1gF5ACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1970.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>CPL Grunhard (bottom center left) orders his gunner to fire on Panzer 3 (top center, with Sgt Kamp's tank behind the hill at top left and Panzer 2 behind the buildings at top center right), and the 75mm armor piercing round slams into the German tank, damaging its optics.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fjgepUEOrH0/WwsIoRzzheI/AAAAAAAAjX4/0XgrTAUv83I3Sdc78HeYo81tTQ2RfBHpgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1971.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fjgepUEOrH0/WwsIoRzzheI/AAAAAAAAjX4/0XgrTAUv83I3Sdc78HeYo81tTQ2RfBHpgCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1971.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>CPL Grunhard then pushes his tank down, off the shelf (far left), as SSG Smith's tank (bottom left) fires, reloads, and fires again at Sgt Kamp's panzer (top right), missing twice!!!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2yQ0KO6OZ7U/WwsIxNghqiI/AAAAAAAAjYA/lAHMv2TWlko-mf7MpOd3Upz1P39KosuFQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1972.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2yQ0KO6OZ7U/WwsIxNghqiI/AAAAAAAAjYA/lAHMv2TWlko-mf7MpOd3Upz1P39KosuFQCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1972.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>With his subordinate perhaps being overly aggressive (top left), SSG Smith follows suit, directing his tank forward, but it doesn't make it very far as the driver had to be very careful moving down the steep slope (center).<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w3SV2V8yd6Q/WwsIyOQDeJI/AAAAAAAAjYI/Mdk2Yoe2z4Q-vShfBHTsazTY-JNnWs7gACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1973.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w3SV2V8yd6Q/WwsIyOQDeJI/AAAAAAAAjYI/Mdk2Yoe2z4Q-vShfBHTsazTY-JNnWs7gACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1973.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Panzer 2 moves up on left (far right), while SSG Smith's tank reloads and dashes right (center left) to meet him. Panzer 3 reloads and creeps forward (far right), while Sgt Kamp pivots right and zooms around the flank, taking up position to use the hill as cover (top center right).<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uWRHbduUN-s/WwsIx-g4-9I/AAAAAAAAjYE/X0Crrfjmq1klRac2Hjirne4-veCXQIzrACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1974.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uWRHbduUN-s/WwsIx-g4-9I/AAAAAAAAjYE/X0Crrfjmq1klRac2Hjirne4-veCXQIzrACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1974.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>With Sgt Kamp's panzer (top left) concerned more with SSG Smith's Sherman (off camera to right) and out of the fight with CPL Grunhard's tank (bottom center), the American Corporal focuses on Panzer 3. The Sherman shakes to a halt, "Fire!!!"<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qSArQaorTRY/WwsI1DdjXzI/AAAAAAAAjYM/zULJsUu97awlvoKSS5FrZCrzGUdMBLL3wCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1975.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qSArQaorTRY/WwsI1DdjXzI/AAAAAAAAjYM/zULJsUu97awlvoKSS5FrZCrzGUdMBLL3wCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1975.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>And Panzer 3 is no more!!! CPL Grunhard's Sherman reloads.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RRlqT_X5Ah8/WwsI7HogKhI/AAAAAAAAjYU/fhIf7WCPWJEAG6XozSLuRVZ6jzuKoyboACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1976.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RRlqT_X5Ah8/WwsI7HogKhI/AAAAAAAAjYU/fhIf7WCPWJEAG6XozSLuRVZ6jzuKoyboACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1976.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Not exactly sure what happened, but hearing bits and pieces of what sounded like bad news from Panzer 3 (far left, burning just below the buildings), Sgt Kamp dashes his panzer forward (center right), where they acquire and fire on CPL Grunhard's Sherman (top right, with SSG Smith's tank at the crossroads at top left). The 75mm armor-piercing round misses, and the German crew reloads!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9NvsjTL7ffM/WwsI8IzBICI/AAAAAAAAjYY/cq9hMBqNhs4LM4tmGpvfwnnknr9xaQw9QCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1977.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9NvsjTL7ffM/WwsI8IzBICI/AAAAAAAAjYY/cq9hMBqNhs4LM4tmGpvfwnnknr9xaQw9QCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1977.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>They fire again, but this time the round ricochets off the front glacis of the Sherman!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RLpT2xe7mQk/WwsI_hCmNKI/AAAAAAAAjYc/5mpDnZS21aMHVdOD5AM41OsocRslROjcACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1978.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RLpT2xe7mQk/WwsI_hCmNKI/AAAAAAAAjYc/5mpDnZS21aMHVdOD5AM41OsocRslROjcACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1978.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>And while Sgt Kamp's panzer (top right, behind some scrub, just left of the hill) is engaging CPL Grunhard's Sherman (top left), Panzer 2 zooms onto the scene (bottom left), turns, and fires on the Corporal's tank. The round bounces off the <i><b>side</b></i> of the Sherman's turret and the crew reloads and fires again...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CspUxNlWjqs/WwsJGS1D8fI/AAAAAAAAjYo/DKJHkfXajkEj76VnimFLtSIbBF8J3gYCQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1979.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CspUxNlWjqs/WwsJGS1D8fI/AAAAAAAAjYo/DKJHkfXajkEj76VnimFLtSIbBF8J3gYCQCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1979.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>But the round is short, throwing sand and debris over CPL Grunhard's battle-scarred Sherman!!!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7Uh3oGgHy9Q/WwsJGsIrYII/AAAAAAAAjYs/d43O2-kdjwwpMS7SXA2GTb4kPTb9q8SOgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1980.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7Uh3oGgHy9Q/WwsJGsIrYII/AAAAAAAAjYs/d43O2-kdjwwpMS7SXA2GTb4kPTb9q8SOgCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1980.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Totally unfazed, CPL Grunhard pushes his Sherman forward (far left, from the hellstorm at bottom left), straight at Sgt Kamp's panzer (top left, just below the hill, with Panzer 2 at top right and SSG Smith's Sherman at far right). The Sherman's 75mm gun roars, but the round misses, throwing up a tall cascade of desert sand! As the crew reloads, CPL Grunhard is incredulous that his gunner missed a tank at 150 yards. "Fire, and don't miss this time!!!" CRACK!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OM4FiHnzmIU/WwsJHr8aKRI/AAAAAAAAjYw/WFqCTdVatoUP0KcDEWvMpF7hQsZY6KmKgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1981.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OM4FiHnzmIU/WwsJHr8aKRI/AAAAAAAAjYw/WFqCTdVatoUP0KcDEWvMpF7hQsZY6KmKgCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1981.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>BOOM!!!! Sgt Kamp's tank goes up in flames, CPL Grunhard's second victim of the day!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-La4f5aWmMss/WwsJPJELTrI/AAAAAAAAjY8/JtlfFg4iO-8R5Utf6PUUxxLIXhyfLS2AgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1982.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-La4f5aWmMss/WwsJPJELTrI/AAAAAAAAjY8/JtlfFg4iO-8R5Utf6PUUxxLIXhyfLS2AgCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1982.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>And while CPL Grunhard's tank (bottom left) is busy brewing up Germans (far left and top center left), SSG Smith's tank hauls ass right (far right), looking to get on Panzer 2's (top center right) flank. The turret swivels...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ateDdWLYtFk/WwsJNfmvP3I/AAAAAAAAjY4/Xl8QdS4HZegDD6v-XrbWCoHM_LIowOt8QCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1983.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ateDdWLYtFk/WwsJNfmvP3I/AAAAAAAAjY4/Xl8QdS4HZegDD6v-XrbWCoHM_LIowOt8QCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1983.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>And the Sherman fires at point blank range at the German's side armor, but the round bounces into the sky!!!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5tXvp0hlhIs/WwsJRVllnMI/AAAAAAAAjZA/ag0linViDGcy7E5OcXz3yQXylKJhcLadQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1984.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5tXvp0hlhIs/WwsJRVllnMI/AAAAAAAAjZA/ag0linViDGcy7E5OcXz3yQXylKJhcLadQCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1984.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>The commander of Panzer 2 (bottom right) is in an impossible situation, with Amerikaner tanks to both sides (CPL Grunhard at top center, SSG Smith at bottom left). His gunner is already lined up on CPL Grunhard's tank, so they fire...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-brKpdaGRIxY/WwsJXB4miCI/AAAAAAAAjZI/ASprCbrKBvY9tW77Bx4pohWKjXGPX5ANACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1985.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-brKpdaGRIxY/WwsJXB4miCI/AAAAAAAAjZI/ASprCbrKBvY9tW77Bx4pohWKjXGPX5ANACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1985.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Blasting CPL Grunhard and his crew straight to hell...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zGoWFNSWbcs/WwsJXakdZrI/AAAAAAAAjZQ/_TIQtYTXe3kkptdXVR9-KEe64rwgOybYwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1986.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zGoWFNSWbcs/WwsJXakdZrI/AAAAAAAAjZQ/_TIQtYTXe3kkptdXVR9-KEe64rwgOybYwCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1986.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>With CPL Grunhard's tank ablaze (top left), Panzer 2 pushes forward (center, from the white puff just right of it) and swings its turret left, towards SSG Smith's tank (bottom left)...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EojXMB98ENM/WwsJZvgKWwI/AAAAAAAAjZU/Paat2i08cioAyQPUKlCxJQgBhmfQdFgzgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1987.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EojXMB98ENM/WwsJZvgKWwI/AAAAAAAAjZU/Paat2i08cioAyQPUKlCxJQgBhmfQdFgzgCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1987.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>But it's no use: SSG Smith pushes his tank forward, getting on the German's rear, and fires...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZOtDfqZUX3Y/WwsJgwAwGFI/AAAAAAAAjZY/ZcJJmhTxNR8dpA3LkyOlBCp2OiwG6bbBwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1988.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZOtDfqZUX3Y/WwsJgwAwGFI/AAAAAAAAjZY/ZcJJmhTxNR8dpA3LkyOlBCp2OiwG6bbBwCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1988.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Knocking out the third German tank.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ldvWtoDrCTM/WwsJh_3DLCI/AAAAAAAAjZg/YXoLXmxCerU_wx_hUAlK8nIRD-Nf5twHwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1989.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ldvWtoDrCTM/WwsJh_3DLCI/AAAAAAAAjZg/YXoLXmxCerU_wx_hUAlK8nIRD-Nf5twHwCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1989.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>With panzers burning at top center, far right, and bottom left, SSG Smith orders his tank north (center left), to check CPL Grunhard's tank (top left) for survivors...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fkuc65Oc35w/WwsJh3G_txI/AAAAAAAAjZc/TqX6aSqithkdO8JjzTAgMUQUkGpldtX9QCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1990.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fkuc65Oc35w/WwsJh3G_txI/AAAAAAAAjZc/TqX6aSqithkdO8JjzTAgMUQUkGpldtX9QCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1990.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>But there are none. CPL Grunhard and his crew racked up two kills, and each man is awarded the Silver Star for gallantry, albeit posthumously. But there's no time to mourn; the battalion net comes over the radio, warning of more German tanks pushing south, east of Point 33. SSG Smith radios SGT Ross and SGT Snow to make sure they received the alert, then turns his tank and dashes south to meet them.<br /><br />For the next game of What a Tanker, coming right up!<br /><br />V/R,<br />Jack<br /><br />Just Jackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03552962741823929433noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8660216775038377627.post-10469923742203945382018-05-28T09:24:00.000-07:002018-12-01T07:51:02.414-08:00Blood & Guts, Tunisia, Fight #9<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: &quot; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">All,</div></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: &quot; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;" /></div></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: &quot; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">It's now 1200 on 10 April<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"> 1943, and aside from a lot marching and counter-marching, not much has happened to the squad. Sure there's been the odd Messerschmitt or string of enemy mortar rounds, but thankfully no one has been hurt. Just lots of hard-marching, digging in, and then falling back or pursuing, depending on how the German counterattacks went. But now, eight days after the Lieutenant led the attack to knock out the German panzer, the squad has been tasked with moving up to the crest of Hill 475 and establishing an Observation Post. Things are looking up: SGT Cherry is still out, so the Platoon Sergeant, Staff Sergeant Thomas, a large, corn-fed former school teacher from Iowa, is leading the squad. The boys are starting to question SGT Cherry's uneven combat performance, but SSG Thomas is solid, and good thing, too, because as soon as the squad crested the summit they came across a German patrol that was apparently intent on doing the same thing!</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Qw9JqmqtlO0/WwnssUbU-5I/AAAAAAAAjNE/zPj271P2uUIdXS1tPTxrGEJ0L5bB6S-ZACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1858.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Qw9JqmqtlO0/WwnssUbU-5I/AAAAAAAAjNE/zPj271P2uUIdXS1tPTxrGEJ0L5bB6S-ZACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1858.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Overview, north is up. The crest is at center, with Yanks coming from the southwest (bottom left) and Germans from the northeast (top right). This whole thing is simply showing the various peaks on a very large hill, with some scattered scrub and trees, and some loner's mud hut at bottom left.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5961X1R2AeM/WwnspvkezNI/AAAAAAAAjNA/hgR8vZB79SIWCVRya-zlDi_34HzMABJ7QCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1859.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5961X1R2AeM/WwnspvkezNI/AAAAAAAAjNA/hgR8vZB79SIWCVRya-zlDi_34HzMABJ7QCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1859.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>The opposing forces, with Americans at left and Germans at right. The Germans keep getting screwed with not very many troops (I'm using a version of Joe Legan's "Platoon Forward," using blinds to determine who and what shows up to each battle for the bad guys). These photos are actually staged after the game is over because before the Americans hit the table I don't know how many enemy troops will show up, or where they'll be.<br /><br />The figures are all 15mm troops from Battlefront, and I've graduated from using Ivan Sorensen's "Five Men in Normandy" rules (used for the first couple/few gunfights in this campaign) to his "Five Men at Kursk." No real reason other then 5MAK is a bit faster paced than 5MIN, and I've grown accustomed to it. And love it ;)<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VMPQCd_N05k/WwnsplX8etI/AAAAAAAAjM8/OC8nIGTFLOkQj6m9fl4qdZxU0ifXRsj8ACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1860.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VMPQCd_N05k/WwnsplX8etI/AAAAAAAAjM8/OC8nIGTFLOkQj6m9fl4qdZxU0ifXRsj8ACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1860.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>The American patrol is led by SSG Thomas (bottom right), then has PFC Burress (bottom center) on the BAR, his assistant (bottom left), PVT McGovern, the platoon runner, CPL Birden (top left), and three riflemen (top center left to top right): PVT Eatman, PFC Graham, and CPL Saxon. Graham and CPL Saxon have really been the backbone of the squad, their heroics leading to a Bronze Star with 'V' and Distinguished Service Cross, respectively.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XhjOKz0OyM0/WwnsyIlAlwI/AAAAAAAAjNI/ZzCmXpiGRyEq7hDmd4vTgE_slpIvs-JkgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1861.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XhjOKz0OyM0/WwnsyIlAlwI/AAAAAAAAjNI/ZzCmXpiGRyEq7hDmd4vTgE_slpIvs-JkgCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1861.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>The German patrol, veteran Afrika Korps members, beatdown and footsore. They have a Corporal with MP-40, a rifleman with Mauser 98K, and an MG-42 team.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tKSkizeK8KA/Wwns32_izcI/AAAAAAAAjNM/T2aVJ2yLc5g-St3X5ck19L1YD2OXNYMgQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1862.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tKSkizeK8KA/Wwns32_izcI/AAAAAAAAjNM/T2aVJ2yLc5g-St3X5ck19L1YD2OXNYMgQCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1862.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Overview, this time with troops. You can see the two sides reaching up the crest, with the doughboys having won the race to the top, and only now becoming aware of the other's presence.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CWwccucU-aA/Wwns4WQojmI/AAAAAAAAjNQ/muG5YUuR8186y03VPSewVtna51QQkzCrACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1863.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CWwccucU-aA/Wwns4WQojmI/AAAAAAAAjNQ/muG5YUuR8186y03VPSewVtna51QQkzCrACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1863.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>The US, from left to right: CPL Birden, PFC Graham, CPL Saxon, SSG Thomas, PVT McGovern, PFC Burress, and PVT Eatman.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eiQ_UbxRxuk/Wwns7lBimqI/AAAAAAAAjNY/4F8wR_UHkDoskzsAZ9C1PduxeF3w1JI4QCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1864.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eiQ_UbxRxuk/Wwns7lBimqI/AAAAAAAAjNY/4F8wR_UHkDoskzsAZ9C1PduxeF3w1JI4QCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1864.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>The Germans, looking east to northwest: their MG gunner has hung back (bottom center), while his assistant has split out right (top center), the rifleman is scouting ahead (top left), and the Corporal is at center.<br /><br />Time to fight!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cDnHHtCMNFY/WwntDV8iNwI/AAAAAAAAjNk/ptutiR9xREguO8fhDk4KgedGrJakgTuXwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1865.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cDnHHtCMNFY/WwntDV8iNwI/AAAAAAAAjNk/ptutiR9xREguO8fhDk4KgedGrJakgTuXwCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1865.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>The hillside is steep, and Eatman is sweating like a... well, let's just say he's sweating pretty bad as he pulls himself up onto the crest. He reaches up to wipe the sweat from his brow when he notices movement. It takes his eyes a moment to focus, but when they do he realizes he's staring down on several German helmets moving up. He quickly raises his M-1 Garand and jerks the trigger as fast as he can, pinning the enemy Corporal (top center).<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jq3RvU9dOOo/WwntF0zsG6I/AAAAAAAAjNo/n23kdxRJv5Qf-eMbEsDitAhCetuVxLjjQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1866.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jq3RvU9dOOo/WwntF0zsG6I/AAAAAAAAjNo/n23kdxRJv5Qf-eMbEsDitAhCetuVxLjjQCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1866.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>With Eatman blazing away (top center), the BAR team (Buress and McGovern) dash right to get the automatic rifle into action.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ll5dCuJwtsQ/WwntGXWO-UI/AAAAAAAAjNs/aMGCDkMBV38MCt8K16jajMEDjCWl5yHJQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1867.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ll5dCuJwtsQ/WwntGXWO-UI/AAAAAAAAjNs/aMGCDkMBV38MCt8K16jajMEDjCWl5yHJQCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1867.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>But the enemy scout (right) spots them and begins banging away with his Mauser...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u4xNByFxtWY/WwntNUMDpyI/AAAAAAAAjN0/QfB4T5ani_E--yKmqUnlW-SIIJmK6DvcACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1868.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u4xNByFxtWY/WwntNUMDpyI/AAAAAAAAjN0/QfB4T5ani_E--yKmqUnlW-SIIJmK6DvcACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1868.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>McGovern dives for cover (red bead at bottom left), while Burress (center) blindly returns fire with the BAR, hitting nothing.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4_cAKX-DAn8/WwntPy4KP3I/AAAAAAAAjN4/ARKAz5Wru1cqwcjvisPdVtWSEVBL3zZ7wCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1869.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4_cAKX-DAn8/WwntPy4KP3I/AAAAAAAAjN4/ARKAz5Wru1cqwcjvisPdVtWSEVBL3zZ7wCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1869.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Graham dashes right and rallies McGovern (red bead at right).<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sCnhcKwWpWY/WwntQw8i0YI/AAAAAAAAjN8/K63e-1K8zNQHMqUcZZ8DramFQN962-lpACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1870.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sCnhcKwWpWY/WwntQw8i0YI/AAAAAAAAjN8/K63e-1K8zNQHMqUcZZ8DramFQN962-lpACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1870.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>While CPL Saxon dashes left (top left) to get on the other flank.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zr6WYFwgKXE/WwntXfm5siI/AAAAAAAAjOI/z3U-S5cgpbUGJMnGhpsF8rU79KdW46AIwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1871.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zr6WYFwgKXE/WwntXfm5siI/AAAAAAAAjOI/z3U-S5cgpbUGJMnGhpsF8rU79KdW46AIwCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1871.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>He (left) and the German assistant gunner spot each other and exchange fire...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f3hdUy9d7FE/Wwnu_co6f5I/AAAAAAAAjQA/w9QAr56f2iA3faoZLLHsmBFItZLr0cpkgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1872.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f3hdUy9d7FE/Wwnu_co6f5I/AAAAAAAAjQA/w9QAr56f2iA3faoZLLHsmBFItZLr0cpkgCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1872.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>That drops the German (top left, with pinned NCO at right).<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rtv__KEs9P4/WwntcBFfbSI/AAAAAAAAjOQ/9DPvtv7wfiMixOjCNkBbZyUVYmHtx-ckgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1873.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rtv__KEs9P4/WwntcBFfbSI/AAAAAAAAjOQ/9DPvtv7wfiMixOjCNkBbZyUVYmHtx-ckgCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1873.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>While that's going on (top right), the Germans get their MG-42 into action (bottom right), and the gun immediately begins spitting led at the American right (top left)...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CVhgqEkjGJE/WwnthkrigvI/AAAAAAAAjOY/SGZZGnv44xM--pI2Qr6FhhoN260yzv8dACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1874.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CVhgqEkjGJE/WwnthkrigvI/AAAAAAAAjOY/SGZZGnv44xM--pI2Qr6FhhoN260yzv8dACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1874.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Dropping McGovern and suppressing Burress and Graham!!!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kota-7YuWNY/WwntmvzsbaI/AAAAAAAAjOc/5xjnh5pVSnk4Ehcr9CHPW1aYU8enPTOYACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1875.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kota-7YuWNY/WwntmvzsbaI/AAAAAAAAjOc/5xjnh5pVSnk4Ehcr9CHPW1aYU8enPTOYACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1875.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>With the enemy machine gun (top right) putting the serious hurt on his buddies, Eatman (bottom left) redirects his fire at the MG-42, but the volume of incoming fire is just too much, causing his to be ineffective.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hHlHrPU5Op8/WwntmycQWoI/AAAAAAAAjOg/qS4VpWmVhoY0IVvZRylhfIkrxfVAqGwzwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1876.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hHlHrPU5Op8/WwntmycQWoI/AAAAAAAAjOg/qS4VpWmVhoY0IVvZRylhfIkrxfVAqGwzwCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1876.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>The German scout (bottom right) turns his rifle on Eatman and fires...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Kg6NnoHnftE/WwntrNFM6bI/AAAAAAAAjOk/HefkmRUZabM9zMn-bMg_RoU2gnSD2z_CACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1877.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Kg6NnoHnftE/WwntrNFM6bI/AAAAAAAAjOk/HefkmRUZabM9zMn-bMg_RoU2gnSD2z_CACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1877.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Eatman is pinned and the burly German infantryman pulls himself up the peak, intent on finishing off the 17-year old high school dropout from Virginia...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hbKcEYxNb74/WwntwG-H3DI/AAAAAAAAjOs/aj63gall2MESFdnuqisx0rhPkrqF9-JowCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1878.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hbKcEYxNb74/WwntwG-H3DI/AAAAAAAAjOs/aj63gall2MESFdnuqisx0rhPkrqF9-JowCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1878.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>But CPL Saxon (bottom center left), on the American far left flank, spots the encroaching enemy rifleman (top center) and pops away with his Garand...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0cH5n7AswCQ/Wwntxh6YO7I/AAAAAAAAjO0/b8YxOGCgmbQec0R64Bn-EOATVflZuQwcgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1879.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0cH5n7AswCQ/Wwntxh6YO7I/AAAAAAAAjO0/b8YxOGCgmbQec0R64Bn-EOATVflZuQwcgCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1879.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Driving the enemy soldier back, suppressed (red bead at far left), and while he probably just saved Eatman's (top left) life, CPL Saxon (top center) has draw the attention of the enemy Corporal (bottom right), who opens up with his MP-40...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0P14TZQDV1Y/Wwnt2AZlWUI/AAAAAAAAjO4/GDE4R7pGiucorUB4WZ_ntT2d525wAyBdwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1880.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0P14TZQDV1Y/Wwnt2AZlWUI/AAAAAAAAjO4/GDE4R7pGiucorUB4WZ_ntT2d525wAyBdwCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1880.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>The rounds snap by CPL Saxon's head, dropping shreds and bits of leaves and branches, pinning him, but he's able to duck down, reload, pop back up (bottom left), and return fire, knocking the enemy NCO (top right) down!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H5mVHcNUUzM/Wwnt72jpkdI/AAAAAAAAjPI/_HmCzd6UrV8VC7_7fDYTkDA6yThYNxbHQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1881.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H5mVHcNUUzM/Wwnt72jpkdI/AAAAAAAAjPI/_HmCzd6UrV8VC7_7fDYTkDA6yThYNxbHQCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1881.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>The enemy MG (top center) has to stop to reload (his assistant is dead), and Eatman (bottom center) is able to raise up and fire, suppressing the enemy gunner!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IjLGD0mizeQ/Wwnt-KCRjNI/AAAAAAAAjPM/sgeyqEeRSrI_oFH6u7F-UAMhwwjmUKfegCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1882.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IjLGD0mizeQ/Wwnt-KCRjNI/AAAAAAAAjPM/sgeyqEeRSrI_oFH6u7F-UAMhwwjmUKfegCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1882.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>While Eatman (top center) is blazing away, SSG Thomas dashes up to PFC Burress (center, from bottom left) and rallies him.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RTxQn-H-Om0/WwnuDA-FpLI/AAAAAAAAjPQ/q6E5MfJ1sOEVmAuRo4w7TIy6NpWsIrlOgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1883.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RTxQn-H-Om0/WwnuDA-FpLI/AAAAAAAAjPQ/q6E5MfJ1sOEVmAuRo4w7TIy6NpWsIrlOgCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1883.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Burress (center left) then adds his BAR to the volume of fire on the enemy machine gun (top right), knocking the German down! Meanwhile, PFC Graham (bottom center left) self rallies. <br /><br />The Germans are pretty much finishes, with their assistant gunner dead, their scout suppressed, and their NCO and machine gunner knocked down.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EchtYNVtDVw/WwnuIwHVp9I/AAAAAAAAjPc/P9EiVts2ky4zJEJ-S0NZeTSclHAJZy6YwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1885.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EchtYNVtDVw/WwnuIwHVp9I/AAAAAAAAjPc/P9EiVts2ky4zJEJ-S0NZeTSclHAJZy6YwCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1885.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>And then SSG Thomas quickly forms skirmish line and pushes the squad forward, down the back side of the hill, where they capture the three remaining Germans.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--q0pE_t48pY/WwnuN9WeaGI/AAAAAAAAjPk/KeSncQvk6R0NxnuiND7O75IRL-01SAGdwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1886.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--q0pE_t48pY/WwnuN9WeaGI/AAAAAAAAjPk/KeSncQvk6R0NxnuiND7O75IRL-01SAGdwCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1886.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Graham watches the POWs (bottom left) while Eatman checks on McGovern (center): he's okay, just needs a little light duty for the rest of the week. Meanwhile, SSG Thomas, CPL Saxon, CPL Birden, and PFC Burress stand up the Observation Post (center top).<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JPz-drgHATE/WwnuRcTSQVI/AAAAAAAAjPs/hQFUVnypWHspapFc7R5iG7e7ZrqH06lPQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1888.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JPz-drgHATE/WwnuRcTSQVI/AAAAAAAAjPs/hQFUVnypWHspapFc7R5iG7e7ZrqH06lPQCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1888.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">And it's not a minute before SSG Thomas, peering through his field glasses, spots trouble. "CPL Birden, get yer ass back to the CP and let'em know we got enemy panzers on the way, moving north to south, 500 yards west of Point 33!" CPL Birden did as told, sprinting all the way. The battalion commander immediately went to SSG Smith, the acting platoon leader for the attached Tank Platoon, and sent them into action. SSG Smith quickly devised a battle plan: "SGT Ross and SGT Snow, I want you two to set up 1000 yards east of Point 33 and sit tight, let them come to you, while I take CPL Grunhard and we go scout up nearer Point 33. If this works out like a planned, we'll catch them in a vice."<br /><br />Which is the next fight, so stay tuned.<br /><br />V/R,<br />Jack</div></div><br />Just Jackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03552962741823929433noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8660216775038377627.post-22582913598015867632018-05-22T17:45:00.000-07:002018-12-01T07:51:02.445-08:00Blood & Guts, Tunisia, Fight #8<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">All,</div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;" /></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">It's now 1820 on 2 April<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"> 1943, and there's an enemy panzer on the loose! Okay, not so much on the loose, but an panzer that needs getting got! What's happened is the squad got the crap kicked out of it taking a machine gun position at the southwest end of the ridge, and then their platoon leader, Lt Pelluer, lead the rest of the platoon up to clear the rest of the ridge. But once they got up there they ran into an enemy tank, which chewed the platoon up pretty well. Lt Pelluer ordered the remaining dogfaces to dig in while he fell back to the rear to find a bazooka team. On his way back to the front he stops and grabs the remaining guys from the squad to help out. <br /><br />There are two things the good Lieutenant doesn't yet realize: the tank belongs to Leutnant Stransky, the one that got away from Staff Sergeant Smith's tank platoon in fight number four. Lt Stransky's tank was already damaged, low on fuel, and nearly out of ammo. Now it's out of fuel and ammo, and Lt Stransky has dismounted to find help and gas. So far he's rounded up a few stragglers from the ridge to help protect his tank while he searches for fuel, but now he sees more Americans moving up the ridge.</span><strike><br /></strike></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i4IaQrGE6Rw/WwIWX7jCBfI/AAAAAAAAi2k/wLdWODy_KK0lA9ihgVfTD3OpZG1eNn7dACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1780.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i4IaQrGE6Rw/WwIWX7jCBfI/AAAAAAAAi2k/wLdWODy_KK0lA9ihgVfTD3OpZG1eNn7dACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1780.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Overview, north is up. </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">This is beyond the eastern end of the Arab village of Al-Egheila, with a scattering of trees and buildings, a few hillocks, and a hardball road running east-west across the top. The objective is the out of fuel and ammo tank at top center (Lt Stransky's tank was a Panzer IV, but I'm using a Panzer III 'cause that's all I got!). The GIs enter at bottom left, while the Germans are spread across the top right half, trying to protect their tank.</span><br /><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Sres-b5p8p4/WwIWVrrJCOI/AAAAAAAAi2c/D21GupKcaV0oVapP0wHhinWD8OO8mnVswCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1781.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Sres-b5p8p4/WwIWVrrJCOI/AAAAAAAAi2c/D21GupKcaV0oVapP0wHhinWD8OO8mnVswCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1781.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">The opposing forces, with doughboys on the left and Afrika Korps on the right.</span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;" /></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">I played the first few skirmishes with Five Men in Normandy, but now I've returned to my favorite, Five Men at Kursk, and the games were a blast (got four in this past weekend). I'm playing in 15mm with Battlefront/Flames of War troops, Warzone hills, Wargamer's Terrain roads and rivers, and Crescent Root buildings.</span></div><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2b1-DpA2pvY/WwIWWgzT3xI/AAAAAAAAi2g/w5GABPh3EbsoTWbfzVsB4obGb5sweVf5wCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1782.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2b1-DpA2pvY/WwIWWgzT3xI/AAAAAAAAi2g/w5GABPh3EbsoTWbfzVsB4obGb5sweVf5wCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1782.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>The dogfaces, led by 2nd Lieutenant Pelluer (top right). Across the bottom are the 'regular' members of the squad that are left: PFC Graham, PVT McGovern, and CPL Saxon. At top left is the bazooka team: gunner, CPL Roberts, and assistant, PVT Maas. The guy at top center right is that bastard PVT Baldinger, the guy who ran in the face of the enemy (fight number one). He was scooped up and thrown in the 'brig,' which, in real terms for a unit at the front lines, meant that he was summarily court-martialed, fined three months' pay (couldn't be busted, he's already an E-1), and assigned to work details at/around the Battalion Command Post. But the squad is so beat up, and the Lieutenant needed help taking out the tank, so he grabbed Baldinger and brought him with. Lucky they don't strap a satchel charge to his ass and HE is the anti-tank weapon! ;)<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zQnv6_3N0Fc/WwIWfa1yIEI/AAAAAAAAi2o/hvUigkBRzZ4CXZ0aRbaP14ORjwt32mTmQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1783.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zQnv6_3N0Fc/WwIWfa1yIEI/AAAAAAAAi2o/hvUigkBRzZ4CXZ0aRbaP14ORjwt32mTmQCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1783.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>The German force, consisting of Lt Stransky (top right, with pistol), a machine gunner (bottom left, he'll be winging the MG-42), and two riflemen, all strays/stragglers from the machine gun nest on the ridge taken out by the platoon.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v15Cartzi_A/WwIWiYenAHI/AAAAAAAAi2w/o-NViLwjPp0CQ-p2UIvvFNdhN5RVyNG5gCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1784.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v15Cartzi_A/WwIWiYenAHI/AAAAAAAAi2w/o-NViLwjPp0CQ-p2UIvvFNdhN5RVyNG5gCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1784.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>The map, now with troops. The Americans have just double-timed onto the board, looking to move up and knock out that panzer! The Germans have, as usual, not many troops, but they seem to always get lucky with their placement. The German MG just happens to be on the 2nd floor of the building (top left), while there is a rifleman in cover at center, and another in cover at right, with Lt Stransky right behind him.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qIFVUSaUKp8/WwIWg8nZHbI/AAAAAAAAi2s/b2CYtFQ1PJ8XojhJXNigGvAuKG1anVP8gCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1785.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qIFVUSaUKp8/WwIWg8nZHbI/AAAAAAAAi2s/b2CYtFQ1PJ8XojhJXNigGvAuKG1anVP8gCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1785.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>The Americans, from left: PVT Baldinger (predictably bringing up the rear), PFC Graham, CPL Saxon, PVT Maas (bazooka assistant), PVT McGovern, CPL Roberts (bazooka gunner), and Lieutenant Pelluer (with his trusty .45 automatic).<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-49xksojE6tc/WwIWoRfEnXI/AAAAAAAAi28/zfQKioYPzJUIjaxl160hZcRns4zfuvibwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1786.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-49xksojE6tc/WwIWoRfEnXI/AAAAAAAAi28/zfQKioYPzJUIjaxl160hZcRns4zfuvibwCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1786.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>The German MG, looking out to the west (left), while the Americans approach from the south (bottom).<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pkBY6z2z4Fc/WwIWqS3oeBI/AAAAAAAAi3A/LFBrzybW33ggLTvPkDj3FiQ-_5bS8Y68QCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1787.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pkBY6z2z4Fc/WwIWqS3oeBI/AAAAAAAAi3A/LFBrzybW33ggLTvPkDj3FiQ-_5bS8Y68QCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1787.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Looking east to west at the top half of the board, you have the German Leutnant and rifleman at bottom left, a rifleman at center left, and the MG and tank at top right. The Yanks are just off camera to top left. Time to fight!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CnWbtIA80lM/WwIWr7n3KQI/AAAAAAAAi3E/4Fhh-0t-5kE9tkUgWw7ZXR8RrRh8AqBYgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1788.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CnWbtIA80lM/WwIWr7n3KQI/AAAAAAAAi3E/4Fhh-0t-5kE9tkUgWw7ZXR8RrRh8AqBYgCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1788.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>As always, the Germans got the drop on the Yanks: the rifleman on the knoll, with Lt Stransky right behind him, spots the GIs double-timing down the ridge and opens fire<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r4gzVqmg2Po/WwIWycZf4KI/AAAAAAAAi3M/TGwfEVhnUfMNNS4Xl4HW36eWDkehKr7TQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1789.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r4gzVqmg2Po/WwIWycZf4KI/AAAAAAAAi3M/TGwfEVhnUfMNNS4Xl4HW36eWDkehKr7TQCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1789.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>And right off the bat, McGovern goes down!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xtGVrN0QiMs/WwIWzStlXtI/AAAAAAAAi3Q/kVC7ovV1qKU2a6JTBAgeqkLtnLFGi0X7gCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1790.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xtGVrN0QiMs/WwIWzStlXtI/AAAAAAAAi3Q/kVC7ovV1qKU2a6JTBAgeqkLtnLFGi0X7gCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1790.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Further up, the other German rifleman aims and fires, knocking down Lt Pelluer!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--c_9gtET6bI/WwIW9lEwpEI/AAAAAAAAi3c/_eU28NYof-A6DJ9Frge8LubVj33-JX8wACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1793.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--c_9gtET6bI/WwIW9lEwpEI/AAAAAAAAi3c/_eU28NYof-A6DJ9Frge8LubVj33-JX8wACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1793.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>The German machine gunner is stirred by the racket his comrades are ginning up. He takes a quick puff on his cigarette and steps over to look: "Scheisse, Amerikaners!!!" He leans back over, grabs his MG-42, stuffs it into the window frame, and opens fire...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fpuLXggLWw4/WwIW-uYxJcI/AAAAAAAAi3g/bB3Q3Pkf0848f00QCAlzI3NzmvUeBum0wCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1794.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fpuLXggLWw4/WwIW-uYxJcI/AAAAAAAAi3g/bB3Q3Pkf0848f00QCAlzI3NzmvUeBum0wCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1794.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Baldinger is knocked down (white bead at bottom right, the other white bead is Lt Pelluer), while CPL Saxon (left most of the Americans) spins and returns fire, suppressing the enemy gunner (top left). The world is crashing down on the Americans, caught in a crossfire, but CPL Roberts does the first thing that comes to mind...<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D69eWBOafh8/WwIXGZxYCAI/AAAAAAAAi3s/f-F_3IrG-_EqaKpg58sG3SaO94mMobBjACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1796.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D69eWBOafh8/WwIXGZxYCAI/AAAAAAAAi3s/f-F_3IrG-_EqaKpg58sG3SaO94mMobBjACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1796.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>He launches a bazooka round a the knoll!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pgNeDQoLQVE/WwIXG-LlMqI/AAAAAAAAi3w/U-IOU6jm2-cup-6CtP_lXW9o6vqPDOPYgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1797.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pgNeDQoLQVE/WwIXG-LlMqI/AAAAAAAAi3w/U-IOU6jm2-cup-6CtP_lXW9o6vqPDOPYgCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1797.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>The rocket enters the trees and detonates, knocking Lt Stransky and his rifleman down!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HYcn7BE1oWk/WwIXHg1MChI/AAAAAAAAi30/PSJfqyXxZHAT_ys4_wiufasQa_0l2ZjCQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1798.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HYcn7BE1oWk/WwIXHg1MChI/AAAAAAAAi30/PSJfqyXxZHAT_ys4_wiufasQa_0l2ZjCQCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1798.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Maas moves up to check on the Lieutenant...<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jeS53RSdmNU/WwIXP2CwhEI/AAAAAAAAi4E/YUwOJxcqETM3E_yFD0dcPmt4gbjENn4TQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1800.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jeS53RSdmNU/WwIXP2CwhEI/AAAAAAAAi4E/YUwOJxcqETM3E_yFD0dcPmt4gbjENn4TQCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1800.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>But enemy fire drives him right back down, suppressed (red bead).<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FplClMe76G8/WwIXRVV8-5I/AAAAAAAAi4I/NK4sLRSP1AYAQbfvOMMlcU30xYFtGTXsACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1801.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FplClMe76G8/WwIXRVV8-5I/AAAAAAAAi4I/NK4sLRSP1AYAQbfvOMMlcU30xYFtGTXsACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1801.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Saxon (bottom center), having already suppressed the enemy machine gunner (top left) with his rifle fire, reloads and keeps firing, letting out a horrible rebel yell. And by horrible, I mean that he'd heard his grandpappy do it many times, and he was doing his best, but despite being a bona fide war hero, he's still scared and he's only 17, so his voice is uneven and cracking...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xv1Dz_Hrskk/WwIXWxehwBI/AAAAAAAAi4Q/Kpzk1g7ST00JpSl3LoBPsgWsVCLI8wHNQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1802.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xv1Dz_Hrskk/WwIXWxehwBI/AAAAAAAAi4Q/Kpzk1g7ST00JpSl3LoBPsgWsVCLI8wHNQCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1802.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Nevertheless, the gunfire and incessant moaning like a banshee/goat is enough to force the German back, out of the building!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MnvKWBPc9ZM/WwIXapT_FdI/AAAAAAAAi4c/CEZkYWdyb4EnCxyHga8zHddNL2Lb4ShqACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1805.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MnvKWBPc9ZM/WwIXapT_FdI/AAAAAAAAi4c/CEZkYWdyb4EnCxyHga8zHddNL2Lb4ShqACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1805.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Saxon then dashes up (top right), under fire, to check on the Lieutenant, and he's okay, back in the fight, while Graham (bottom left) moves back to check on Baldinger.</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GqXhXGMRgkI/WwIXgKmqVmI/AAAAAAAAi4k/Y6SVNZjLUTkndJHfr3_581UfYmh48Hx3gCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1806.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GqXhXGMRgkI/WwIXgKmqVmI/AAAAAAAAi4k/Y6SVNZjLUTkndJHfr3_581UfYmh48Hx3gCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1806.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>The Mafioso is dead. Despite their dislike for the young man, the GIs are still all a bit shocked...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qqSOKNp0_wg/WwIXi8kWqjI/AAAAAAAAi4w/cslIxXMfdfsjp2bWS_eygIPEuZ_OhJ0iwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1807.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qqSOKNp0_wg/WwIXi8kWqjI/AAAAAAAAi4w/cslIxXMfdfsjp2bWS_eygIPEuZ_OhJ0iwCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1807.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Which is enough of a break to allow the remaining German rifleman to dash back to help Lt Stransky and his comrade (top right, from bottom left, with Americans off camera to bottom right), both knocked down by the bazooka round)! In the north, the German machine gunner manages to rally himself 'up' to pinned.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CpQ9glTY5qI/WwIXqZVohcI/AAAAAAAAi40/o-G5raqNS90id45PyIr7Lqg6U-XrUACjgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1809.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CpQ9glTY5qI/WwIXqZVohcI/AAAAAAAAi40/o-G5raqNS90id45PyIr7Lqg6U-XrUACjgCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1809.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>CPL Saxon (bottom center, next to the Lieutenant and CPL Roberts, the bazooka man) spots the fleeing German rifleman and snaps off a few rounds from his Garand...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ztBbNeMpbFY/WwIXuxCC0bI/AAAAAAAAi48/R6lkkyulQ0wHV7cz30n35fQk34y_OlCRgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1810.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ztBbNeMpbFY/WwIXuxCC0bI/AAAAAAAAi48/R6lkkyulQ0wHV7cz30n35fQk34y_OlCRgCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1810.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>He doesn't hit the German, but he does convince him to dive down behind the knoll, suppressed (red bead).<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rsOzqgSP6zA/WwIXwVlNl1I/AAAAAAAAi5A/biJzzGd2ou4dtITqXTKmbAA5lXtZ3FWMwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1811.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rsOzqgSP6zA/WwIXwVlNl1I/AAAAAAAAi5A/biJzzGd2ou4dtITqXTKmbAA5lXtZ3FWMwCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1811.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>And with things suddenly quiet, CPL Saxon (center) and CPL Roberts (center left) move up, closing the distance on the tank.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LMFJSCFSCwU/WwIXz4n5KlI/AAAAAAAAi5M/p59i83ch_MIQm1SmrasqkNuN0oTF1y6MACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1812.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LMFJSCFSCwU/WwIXz4n5KlI/AAAAAAAAi5M/p59i83ch_MIQm1SmrasqkNuN0oTF1y6MACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1812.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>While Graham moves up to rally the assistant gunner, who quickly moves to join his team mate.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2Bk0A7LGV-Q/WwIX6hPsMnI/AAAAAAAAi5U/xOC-Qr8ZT_ktFQZIGbsUu7WNtrnWsNd7ACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1814.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2Bk0A7LGV-Q/WwIX6hPsMnI/AAAAAAAAi5U/xOC-Qr8ZT_ktFQZIGbsUu7WNtrnWsNd7ACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1814.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>On the right, the German rifleman manages to rally himself...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cZphtvVo-1A/WwIX8jitdeI/AAAAAAAAi5Y/qkVwWuegqfEqI3VGBxyN3CpbWizLHH-mwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1815.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cZphtvVo-1A/WwIX8jitdeI/AAAAAAAAi5Y/qkVwWuegqfEqI3VGBxyN3CpbWizLHH-mwCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1815.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>As does the enemy machine gunner.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4aT7xiIUR4c/WwIYDuZKyHI/AAAAAAAAi5g/0wsoEJcTz9wkm91H632mgoWP9mZSsq5igCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1816.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4aT7xiIUR4c/WwIYDuZKyHI/AAAAAAAAi5g/0wsoEJcTz9wkm91H632mgoWP9mZSsq5igCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1816.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>CPL Saxon can't see anything, but he keeps blasting away at the where the German rifleman disappeared...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lNcExKh9ZSc/WwIYE5zrZSI/AAAAAAAAi5o/kvZbkWMZw7web1uEcsjIz6HMdABQf8CBACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1817.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lNcExKh9ZSc/WwIYE5zrZSI/AAAAAAAAi5o/kvZbkWMZw7web1uEcsjIz6HMdABQf8CBACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1817.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Before dashing forward (center, from left) to investigate, as Graham (bottom center left, with bazooka team at far left) looks on.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JgFecktobyM/WwIYGdkQ9jI/AAAAAAAAi5s/z_9bz6ujBCoWyg6SZxM9vwS0ajjJGdeVACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1818.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JgFecktobyM/WwIYGdkQ9jI/AAAAAAAAi5s/z_9bz6ujBCoWyg6SZxM9vwS0ajjJGdeVACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1818.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>But the German machine gunner (bottom left, with the other Germans at top left) spots CPL Saxon (center right) and rips off a long burst...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Rc_6yrCMzxs/WwIYM4_qO6I/AAAAAAAAi50/z8ht9No1xcYPK3ANjmum_8Ibx2d_Z5ZegCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1819.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Rc_6yrCMzxs/WwIYM4_qO6I/AAAAAAAAi50/z8ht9No1xcYPK3ANjmum_8Ibx2d_Z5ZegCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1819.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>CPL Saxon dives for cover, suppressed!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TbrsYCIzU18/WwIYQBmkI0I/AAAAAAAAi54/GWkOFwQMVl8KJi7JV9pnu_KKAsRNAIjXACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1820.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TbrsYCIzU18/WwIYQBmkI0I/AAAAAAAAi54/GWkOFwQMVl8KJi7JV9pnu_KKAsRNAIjXACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1820.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Graham can't see the enemy MG (off camera to far left), so he (bottom right, with CPL Saxon at far left) firing on the enemy knoll (top left), laying down cover fire...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-snypNutSZcw/WwIYRI7z3GI/AAAAAAAAi58/LCtxRToZ_oYf9fztHBgJ9j0HywLrS5g1ACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1821.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-snypNutSZcw/WwIYRI7z3GI/AAAAAAAAi58/LCtxRToZ_oYf9fztHBgJ9j0HywLrS5g1ACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1821.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>For the Lieutenant and bazooka team to push up (left, with Graham at bottom right and CPL Saxon at center top right).<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IDSmUsBoFt8/WwIYWA6Rs-I/AAAAAAAAi6E/GmVBeNLO1mk7oFlHzB3dJTtAVAuG0_jUACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1822.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IDSmUsBoFt8/WwIYWA6Rs-I/AAAAAAAAi6E/GmVBeNLO1mk7oFlHzB3dJTtAVAuG0_jUACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1822.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Behind the knoll (CPL Saxon is visible at top center), the German rifleman crawls over to check Lt Stransky. "Sir, wake up. Sir, wake up! Sir" -SMACK- "wake up!" "I'm awake you fool, and don't ever slap me again!" The Leutnant is back in the fight.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qCfS-tcBxwQ/WwIYZcfAKXI/AAAAAAAAi6Q/o4F8g259QnslpBL5gDKiimgDBoj1uadvgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1823.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qCfS-tcBxwQ/WwIYZcfAKXI/AAAAAAAAi6Q/o4F8g259QnslpBL5gDKiimgDBoj1uadvgCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1823.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>In the north, the enemy gunner moves into the first floor of the building, setting off a ferocious firefight at point blank range!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nVi86dZ2m98/WwIYYyK4iBI/AAAAAAAAi6M/6O4IdMHkvG8Lyx6osUFTUGEVtQSywUpMQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1824.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nVi86dZ2m98/WwIYYyK4iBI/AAAAAAAAi6M/6O4IdMHkvG8Lyx6osUFTUGEVtQSywUpMQCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1824.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>The bazooka team is double-timing towards the building when Maas (the assistant) see the door open; he immediately raises his M-1 Carbine and begins blasting away...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d4AD1soMkrA/WwIYfWd713I/AAAAAAAAi6U/X1Dw7JMZfEk_b3BKJRhGj6Tp1E-_pHvqwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1825.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d4AD1soMkrA/WwIYfWd713I/AAAAAAAAi6U/X1Dw7JMZfEk_b3BKJRhGj6Tp1E-_pHvqwCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1825.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Rounds thud into the heavy, wooden door as the German rips off a long burst from the MG-42, but he's "assault firing" it (firing from the hip) and rounds are spewing everywhere except where he wants them.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TZ5sRLWLgb4/WwIYhn1zc8I/AAAAAAAAi6c/IGYy7ATppXgtub0PvGgCka-6RTRM7OyWACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1826.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TZ5sRLWLgb4/WwIYhn1zc8I/AAAAAAAAi6c/IGYy7ATppXgtub0PvGgCka-6RTRM7OyWACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1826.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>CPL Roberts hits the deck, suppressed...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ANZi5Q4dc4E/WwIYjmVzNvI/AAAAAAAAi6g/m3GWJf3DLyodSsUN1PxUlK7x9zNreMYZACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1827.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ANZi5Q4dc4E/WwIYjmVzNvI/AAAAAAAAi6g/m3GWJf3DLyodSsUN1PxUlK7x9zNreMYZACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1827.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>But Maas keeps popping with his carbine, and the Lieutenant joins this duel to the death with his pistol!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f27xkoKa8QI/WwIYnxPDfMI/AAAAAAAAi6k/qO12lMmXmXI0iezKix0KoaT0mBtcbU3AwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1828.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f27xkoKa8QI/WwIYnxPDfMI/AAAAAAAAi6k/qO12lMmXmXI0iezKix0KoaT0mBtcbU3AwCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1828.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>The German machine gunner continues hosing down the local area, filling the air with hot lead but hitting nothing...<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rTgcNOKtq30/WwIYuqZ2T2I/AAAAAAAAi6s/0U6DKzh_n_cVzfyR6kO_8z0ktu8jUE3MQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1830.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rTgcNOKtq30/WwIYuqZ2T2I/AAAAAAAAi6s/0U6DKzh_n_cVzfyR6kO_8z0ktu8jUE3MQCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1830.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>While the Yanks stand cheek to cheek, blazing away! They send countless rounds into the wooden door and the thick, stone walls, but the German remains just as unfazed as they are. Truly both sides are on death ground!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QZI_DwVVFDE/WwIYzEvcJXI/AAAAAAAAi64/uy-7VqmrTG47SyDz-DjCte4SNM75PnUJwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1831.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QZI_DwVVFDE/WwIYzEvcJXI/AAAAAAAAi64/uy-7VqmrTG47SyDz-DjCte4SNM75PnUJwCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1831.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>The German MG continues to spit, but then suffers a malfunction!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aXUbZ05tdmM/WwIY2O36BrI/AAAAAAAAi7A/omeECwLqIs83bafCeIWw0X2S87Z9S13wwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1832.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aXUbZ05tdmM/WwIY2O36BrI/AAAAAAAAi7A/omeECwLqIs83bafCeIWw0X2S87Z9S13wwCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1832.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Lt Pelluer (right) continues firing his .45 as CPL Roberts and PVT Maas dash forward...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x0SQip35m5k/WwIY7bfyHfI/AAAAAAAAi7I/Zrm-4iqQ3k8_8-hjO5f4DMhxBfoI0NRPACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1833.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x0SQip35m5k/WwIY7bfyHfI/AAAAAAAAi7I/Zrm-4iqQ3k8_8-hjO5f4DMhxBfoI0NRPACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1833.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">On the run, Maas rips a fragmentation grenade off his webbing, pulls the pin with his teeth, and slings it at the house. Somehow the grenade bounces in front of the door and into the room!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IKwSCS5SH7c/WwIZFSgvoAI/AAAAAAAAi7Y/MSyBzuMcAaIH_eDkIvoTs9MWQ6LLdIRnQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1836.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: #0066cc; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IKwSCS5SH7c/WwIZFSgvoAI/AAAAAAAAi7Y/MSyBzuMcAaIH_eDkIvoTs9MWQ6LLdIRnQCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1836.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>The young German soldier is too preoccupied with fixing the jammed MG-42 to notice the grenade that has joined him in the room. The building rocks with the concussion from the grenade, putting the enemy machine gunner out of the fight.<br /><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WtjsClCu9rQ/WwIY-xXHBxI/AAAAAAAAi7Q/r0_PP8OjcRo_82jYgKsYhxxVZwBaNWM3QCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1834.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WtjsClCu9rQ/WwIY-xXHBxI/AAAAAAAAi7Q/r0_PP8OjcRo_82jYgKsYhxxVZwBaNWM3QCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1834.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Back on the right, Graham keeps firing on the knoll.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YN2TBIDV1C0/WwIZA8OibtI/AAAAAAAAi7U/XEmTRxIms3cbxdSyRK9Hp_BG3VZtx2HdQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1835.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YN2TBIDV1C0/WwIZA8OibtI/AAAAAAAAi7U/XEmTRxIms3cbxdSyRK9Hp_BG3VZtx2HdQCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1835.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>He doesn't hit anything, but he keeps firing as he moves up (center, from bottom left). Seeing Graham coming at him is enough to rally CPL Saxon red bead) back into the fight.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Uhc2zz-g_VY/WwIZHVG-51I/AAAAAAAAi7c/jTiiVs8G8fERqjavN9BMxM8Qbk_D42zugCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1837.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Uhc2zz-g_VY/WwIZHVG-51I/AAAAAAAAi7c/jTiiVs8G8fERqjavN9BMxM8Qbk_D42zugCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1837.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>The explosion in the building draws the attention of the rifleman at the knoll (bottom center, with the other rifleman knocked down at bottom left, the German Leutnant just off camera to bottom center left, CPL Saxon at far left, and Lt Pelluer at top left), who spots the American bazooka team (top center) running across the street. He raises his rifle and fires, but apparently the two GIs of the bazooka team are truly leading charmed lives! The German's rounds sail by harmlessly.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Mp1YmCMdH1w/WwIZI1KtR6I/AAAAAAAAi7g/jT7cjw8mu58Q9Pqi9LnTXSI-TK4X0KnOgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1838.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Mp1YmCMdH1w/WwIZI1KtR6I/AAAAAAAAi7g/jT7cjw8mu58Q9Pqi9LnTXSI-TK4X0KnOgCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1838.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>As Lt Stransky moves up to check on the other rifleman.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qkVnUz1A048/WwIZNddVLfI/AAAAAAAAi7o/TdLRPz761KsYLCRzvMpJq9uwKTrO3FlaQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1839.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qkVnUz1A048/WwIZNddVLfI/AAAAAAAAi7o/TdLRPz761KsYLCRzvMpJq9uwKTrO3FlaQCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1839.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>But CPL Saxon spots the German officer and begins firing his M-1...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AhZCm7pRvv8/WwIZP1-8DFI/AAAAAAAAi7w/AK5U1Nz-AqY8cX0yDx6iOe3YTtupLIOQACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1840.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AhZCm7pRvv8/WwIZP1-8DFI/AAAAAAAAi7w/AK5U1Nz-AqY8cX0yDx6iOe3YTtupLIOQACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1840.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>With rounds zipping by his head, Lt Stransky shows a little crazy himself. He stands tall, levels his Luger, and begins returning fire on CPL Saxon!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6VsBLP92HqU/WwIZSuU1XII/AAAAAAAAi70/z4hENFXQJ4smDlcjSoDMbDYfm2KT__UIQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1841.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6VsBLP92HqU/WwIZSuU1XII/AAAAAAAAi70/z4hENFXQJ4smDlcjSoDMbDYfm2KT__UIQCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1841.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>The rounds pin the young American (yellow bead), while Graham (bottom center) opens fire...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FeZZC16vFT0/WwIZWFVLBEI/AAAAAAAAi74/cEA17zRzDa4dcvchFFBhweq-vKOHAqzXwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1842.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FeZZC16vFT0/WwIZWFVLBEI/AAAAAAAAi74/cEA17zRzDa4dcvchFFBhweq-vKOHAqzXwCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1842.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Lt Stransky drops to the ground, pinned, but leans over and checks the rifleman, and he's back in the fight.</span><br /><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3-AUR5_fUuY/WwIZafXvRjI/AAAAAAAAi8A/5uNsOs_w0dUaEyDexk_fhd4SL9C7FJgkwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1843.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3-AUR5_fUuY/WwIZafXvRjI/AAAAAAAAi8A/5uNsOs_w0dUaEyDexk_fhd4SL9C7FJgkwCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1843.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>CPL Saxon (yellow bead at bottom left) raises up and fires, as Graham readies a grenade (blue bead at bottom right).<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pnuQgviDXos/WwIZgv44btI/AAAAAAAAi8M/5DlckiYSdGAt_AFcg_WhfncslAoF09CZgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1845.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pnuQgviDXos/WwIZgv44btI/AAAAAAAAi8M/5DlckiYSdGAt_AFcg_WhfncslAoF09CZgCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1845.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>CPL Saxon (far left) keeps laying it down as Graham dashes ahead (blue bead at center)...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WynTZU4SJWY/WwIZk6vgykI/AAAAAAAAi8U/LKZqxLiIZiEaZHpJ_JrCMi4C44ROiuM8QCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1846.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WynTZU4SJWY/WwIZk6vgykI/AAAAAAAAi8U/LKZqxLiIZiEaZHpJ_JrCMi4C44ROiuM8QCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1846.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>And lays the frag up there next to Lt Stransky!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lZT-Mnevb2o/WwIZmCXYRII/AAAAAAAAi8Y/_6yImt_rh2M46fVeUKKhjseV6aCiEujIACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1847.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lZT-Mnevb2o/WwIZmCXYRII/AAAAAAAAi8Y/_6yImt_rh2M46fVeUKKhjseV6aCiEujIACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1847.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Lt Pelluer (bottom left) spots the enemy officer (top center, with CPL Saxon at center and Graham at center top right) and opens fire with his pistol. And just as the German officer is reaching down to flick the American grenade away...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GnUa3S3pGWU/WwIZsWtvqJI/AAAAAAAAi8k/6ZaI-8pHQhsXY6CmKMsGUbmta4QxAsrvQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1848.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GnUa3S3pGWU/WwIZsWtvqJI/AAAAAAAAi8k/6ZaI-8pHQhsXY6CmKMsGUbmta4QxAsrvQCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1848.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>He gets knocked down by Lt Pelluer's pistol fire (white bead!)!!!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G950jSJYoUk/WwIZvn5O1MI/AAAAAAAAi8o/Wv8DqDY4VEkSSWGXhNniNbdJ0ANORZGkACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1849.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G950jSJYoUk/WwIZvn5O1MI/AAAAAAAAi8o/Wv8DqDY4VEkSSWGXhNniNbdJ0ANORZGkACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1849.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Which is immediately followed by the grenade detonating, killing the nearest rifleman and suppressing the other!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3JAh6Asy95M/WwIZw20KqqI/AAAAAAAAi8s/NJQ6IfUyytgmGIJmYlRSQ_hpk6aJ6fbbQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1850.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3JAh6Asy95M/WwIZw20KqqI/AAAAAAAAi8s/NJQ6IfUyytgmGIJmYlRSQ_hpk6aJ6fbbQCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1850.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>LT Pelluer then moves up and rallies CPL Saxon (far right, from center...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O8ppVFAs0qo/WwIZ3IZCygI/AAAAAAAAi84/NWkvgjC-FaoGrmh38vL99q52lwJJPrUagCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1851.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O8ppVFAs0qo/WwIZ3IZCygI/AAAAAAAAi84/NWkvgjC-FaoGrmh38vL99q52lwJJPrUagCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1851.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>As the bazooka team creeps up to the wall and reloads.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B8w4Je3FSK4/WwIZ80tX00I/AAAAAAAAi9A/cR4vc4hri2AsoHjXx_yAVvIeItTQd7piQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1854.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B8w4Je3FSK4/WwIZ80tX00I/AAAAAAAAi9A/cR4vc4hri2AsoHjXx_yAVvIeItTQd7piQCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1854.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>LT Pelluer and CPL Saxon (bottom left, with Graham at far right) continue pumping rounds at the knoll.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DEsXA3HKLrA/WwIaETaNmJI/AAAAAAAAi9M/cR4HCm60_XQ3OzHYtxC-chuAW9sYWB_GgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1855.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DEsXA3HKLrA/WwIaETaNmJI/AAAAAAAAi9M/cR4HCm60_XQ3OzHYtxC-chuAW9sYWB_GgCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1855.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Keeping the Germans suppressed...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bZB3WXye3_w/WwIaFunqblI/AAAAAAAAi9Q/mexlomeRSUQgTAPnMHJ_lR76DY_Dm_fgACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1856.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bZB3WXye3_w/WwIaFunqblI/AAAAAAAAi9Q/mexlomeRSUQgTAPnMHJ_lR76DY_Dm_fgACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1856.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>And allowing PFC Graham to sprint up and capture Lt Stransky and his remaining rifleman. Back on the left...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iYESCEGLTyU/WwIaGa2S2UI/AAAAAAAAi9U/knUjhrOkf6YGPTrseAsknNiUzgiGuBAAwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1857.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iYESCEGLTyU/WwIaGa2S2UI/AAAAAAAAi9U/knUjhrOkf6YGPTrseAsknNiUzgiGuBAAwCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1857.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>It's game over as the bazooka team takes the top off of Lt Stransky's panzer!!!<br /><br />The doughboys quickly consolidate their positions, send back word for reinforcements to be brought up, and check their casualties. PVT Baldinger is, indeed, dead, the squad's first KIA, but McGovern turns out to be okay, he was just knocked out. CPL Saxon again performed admirably, as did PFC Graham, who seemed to snap out of whatever it was that happened to him during the fight to take out the German MG position. PVT Maas was meritoriously promoted to PFC and awarded the Bronze Star with V for charging the enemy machine gun in the building and taking it out.<br /><br />And with that, the horrible fighting of 2 April 1943 is over for SGT Cherry's squad. But there's still more infantry and tank fights to come before the campaign in Tunisia is wrapped up!<br /><br />V/R,<br />Jack<br /></div>Just Jackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03552962741823929433noreply@blogger.com4