American Campaign 1
SN1 Fog of War
23 Jul18:00 - 22:00 |
vs
| @ Westhausen
Having lost all communication, the 1 ID (Fwd) had to assume the First Armored Division (1 AD) was incapacitated. The American resistance, caught off guard and lacking reinforcements, was collapsing. German territories struggled against the swift-moving Soviet echelons, predominantly composed of Ukrainian forces operating in small, fast armored groups. These units frequently deviated from highways, spreading out over the Landstrasse, and bypassing strong points. The situation grew increasingly desperate as the enemy advanced rapidly and information became scarcer.
The 1ID(Fwd), the sole unit in the area with significant staying power, was still reeling from earlier chemical strikes on their bases. However, they couldn't reorganize quickly enough to deploy forcefully to their planned battle positions. Those who evacuated were largely separated from the main body, leaving the brigade-sized force scattered. C Troop of the 1st Squadron, 4th Cavalry (C/1-4 CAV), was dispatched to the vicinity of Westhausen to assess the size and direction of the advancing Soviet forces. The Soviets had recently turned south, seemingly with the intent of bringing their tanks close to Central Army Group (CENTAG) rear assets in Stuttgart.
Anticipating encounters with divisional reconnaissance forces, the mission was clear: deny the enemy information and buy time for the brigade to regroup. The local terrain, marked by well-spaced hills and valleys, offered ideal ambush opportunities. Conversely, the more open terrain on the eastern approach to the Autobahn 7 was advantageous for one surviving American asset that had proven deadly and resilient throughout the war – combat aviation in the form of attack helicopter squadrons. Eager for revenge and equipped with freshly replenished munitions, the pilots were enthusiastic about inflicting damage and clearing the persistent Fog of War.
Scenario by Stimpak, JohnO | Map by William van der Sterren
SN2 Tall Order
24 Jul04:00 - 08:00 |
vs
| @ Goeppingen
The adversary's identity soon became unmistakable—the Soviet 48 MRD. As Westhausen fell, the 4 CAV executed a skillful disengagement, slipping away into the wooded hills beyond the reach of the battered Soviet reconnaissance units. The Q/4-2 ACR trailed the Soviet elements with helicopters, striving to decipher their movements and intentions. However, rising fuel costs and persistent probing attacks by Soviet helicopters forced a withdrawal, allowing the enemy to evade capture once again.
Despite the elusive nature of the foe, the Soviets' overarching objective remained clear: to overrun the 1ID (Fwd), cross the Neckar River, and decimate the VII Corps' rear area just south of Stuttgart. The task the commander of 1ID (Fwd) faced, charged with thwarting potentially multiple divisions with his stretched-out brigade, was monumental.
Several days prior, the 4-16th Infantry Regiment (4-16 IN) had been abruptly awakened at Cooke Barracks by explosions near the Göppingen Air Force Base runway, followed by urgent alarms and the cry of "Gas, Gas, Gas!" Many soldiers found themselves caught off guard, lacking their MOPP gear. Those who did possess the gear were slow and clumsy in donning their protective suits.
Fortuitously, fortune smiled upon the 4-16 IN as the chemical strikes spared everything around them except the barracks. The battalion emerged unscathed but uninformed, aware only that the Soviets were advancing on the town of Göppingen, with imminent contact expected.
Scenario by Stimpak, JohnO | Map by William van der Sterren
SN3 Iron Rangers
24 Jul14:00 - 20:00 |
vs
| @ Aichelberg
Despite the intense pressure at the front, the retreat from the town of Göppingen displayed remarkable organization, largely due to the chaos encountered by the Soviet lead elements. The strategic placement of obstacles, chemical zones, and raging fires in both the woods and the town itself provided valuable time for the 4-16 IN to withdraw. The arrival of the Bundeswehr's 253rd Fallschirmjager Battalion (FschjgBtl 253) in the vicinity of the town of Kirchheim further bolstered defenses, determined to prevent the Soviets from crossing the Neckar River and gaining access to Stuttgart.
The Soviet 48 MRD advanced towards the Neckar River in disarray, with the previously bypassed 375th Tank Regiment (375 TR) now overtaking its former lead. Despite encountering heavy resistance from German forces on the flanks and a perceived collapse of the American units, the Soviet command believed they were making headway towards the town of Kirchheim along the Bundesstraßen 279 axis. Consequently, the Soviet Commander was granted additional artillery, helicopter, and fixed-wing support, and ordered to accelerate towards Kirchheim.
Diverging from the Bundesstraßen 279 route, the Soviets aimed to secure the Autobahn 8 highway to facilitate a rapid advance into Kirchheim and beyond. However, they encountered stiff opposition from the reorganized 1ID (Fwd), positioned strategically in the hilly terrain overlooking the Autobahn 8 approach. CENTAG was informed of the impending clash at the town of Kirchheim and swiftly pledged support, while the USAF prepared to regain control of the skies.
With their forces consolidated and morale high, the Iron Rangers readied themselves for the decisive battle ahead, taking positions in the hills overlooking the impending engagement.
Scenario by Stimpak, JohnO | Map by William van der Sterren
SN4 Percutio
25 Jul00:00 - 08:00 |
vs
| @ Kirchheim u Teck
The sky thundered with the roar of jets, a symphony of destruction painted against the darkness as missiles streaked and Soviet aircraft vanished in fiery demise. Cheers erupted from the ground troops witnessing each enemy aircraft's demise, a morale boost amidst the chaos. Yet, amidst the spectacle, the men remained vigilant, knowing their roles were critical in the unfolding battle.
Under cover of night, the 1ID (Fwd) silently shifted westward, absorbing remnants of the 3-34 AR along the way. With the arrival of Corps support, artillery, MLRS, and an aerial strike package from the Air Force, including Apache helicopters from the 1AD combat aviation, the stage was set for a decisive blow against the Soviet forces.
Near the town of Kirchheim, the FschjgBtl 253 had painstakingly fortified their positions, preparing for the impending onslaught. Despite orders against it, cigarettes glowed in the darkness as tense anticipation gripped the men. Trusting in the assurances of their American counterparts, they awaited the enemy's advance, ready to defend their ground.
Scenario by Stimpak, JohnO | Map by William van der Sterren
SN5 Deathmatch
25 Jul14:00 - 20:00 |
vs
| @ Neuffen
Despite the dramatic decimation of the 48 MRD, its intended impact was not realized once the dust settled. The leading units of the 1ID (Fwd) found themselves backpedaling after exhausting their ammunition, as additional waves of the Red Army swiftly arrived. The 31st Tank Division (31 TD) launched attacks on the German flanks while the 30th Guards Motorized Rifle Division (30 GMRD) patched up gaps in the advance, supported by the Czechoslovakian rearguard now pushing westward. Salvaging what remained of the 48 MRD, the Soviet rearguard reorganized the survivors into a battle-weary yet resolute battalion, tasked with completing their mission at any cost, assured of the full support of the entire Army Corps.
Despite the steadfastness of the FschjgBtl 253, they were eventually driven out of the town of Kirchheim and pursued across the Neckar River, suffering significant losses. Compounding their plight, the 20th Motorized Rifle Division (20 MRD) breached the German defenses in the north, effectively trapping the FschjgBtl 253. In response, a decision was made to reposition the 1ID (Fwd) southward to evade encirclement and establish a defensive stance in more challenging terrain.
As a Prepositioned Organizational Materiel Configured to Unit Sets (POMCUS) unit, the remaining forces of the Big Red One finally arrived in Mannheim, albeit belatedly, largely due to Soviet special operations and long-range strikes. The grim realization dawned on the Colonel that by the time the 1st Infantry Division could maneuver southward to reinforce their brigade, the Russians would likely have crossed the Neckar River and engaged them before they could establish a cohesive defense. Consequently, they had no alternative but to retreat southwestward, seeking refuge with the Canadian forces.
Scenario by Stimpak, JohnO | Map by William van der Sterren