"US Marines vs Japanese in the Philippines, Fight #2" Topic

All,

It's 0930 on 20 December 1941 and another fight is brewing for the Marines of 1st Platoon. After the fight in Dadangan on 13 December, the platoon has been on a series of marches to shore up supply lines, avoid being cut off, avoid Japanese patrols, then find and occupy a defensible position. The platoon has reached its assigned defensive position, what they're calling "Horseshoe Ridge," but as the platoon makes its approach from the east, they find it's actually occupied. The Japanese are behind them! Captain Moon and Sgt Carlson call a halt, then come up with a quick plan of attack. Sgt Carlson will take 1st Squad and move left, take up supporting positions with the MG team and mortar team, while the Captain takes 2nd and 3rd Squads right, with 3rd Squad being the assault element to take the east end of Horseshoe Ridge. Ready, break!

Overview of map, north is to top right. Horseshoe Ridge is at top center/top left, and the Marines are advancing from the east (right). Once again the table is 6' x 4', and my boy and are playing co-op against the Japanese in 15mm using Ivan's rules, "No End In Sight," and running the Japanese on blinds as per Joe's "Platoon Forward."

The Marine Platoon. Or what's left of it.

The Japanese will be on 'blinds', so I don't have any idea what's going to show up. But I know what they have available: four 9-man rifle squads (each has an LMG and a knee mortar), three 7.7mm Type 92 machine gun teams, a 70mm howitzer, two snipers, two officers (complete with Samurai swords), and a Type 95 tank. Some, none, any, or all could show up on the table, I have no idea.

Japanese 'knee mortars' bracket the US M-1917 machine gun team (bottom left), but it and the 60mm mortar team pound Horseshoe Ridge (top right).

As Captain Moon leads 3rd Squad to the crest of the ridge. Will the Marines take Horseshoe Ridge? Check the blog to find out:
link

Next fight, coming right up.

V/R,
Jack

I'm digging the teddy bear fur for the tall grass!

Ouch, rough outing for 1st Platoon. Will Captain Moon get away or is it off to a POW pin for him? Not pretty!

Thanks, Din, I'm loving it myself.

TGunner – Yeah man, so close, yet so far away. NEIS breaks my heart, takes me right to the verge, then leaves me there ;) Will the good Captain get away? You'll probably have to wait until Monday to find out ;)

V/R,
Jack

Jack,
Great stuff. Unusual period as well.

Cheers

Joe

Thanks Joe.

V/R,
Jack

Yeah, a sadly unusual period. I love it personally! The M3 Light (Stuart) was a tank to be feared and the 37mm ATG was murder. Lots of light infantry action with interesting troop types (US) and weapons against regular Japanese troops who actually can compete effectively with the usually vaunted American firepower.

But for me its the uniform and the helmets! Gotta love all the khaki uniforms and Brodie helmets!!!

Cool pics, man, and that painting with the Stuart and the Corporal with the Tommy Gun has always been one of my favorites. Meant to tell you: of course I've seen Wake Island! And Bataan, and Back to Bataan, They Were Expendable, Guadalcanal Diary, Gung Ho, Objective Burma, all among my favorites, and used a lot of the same actors!

V/R,
Jack