Summary: Though this scenario lists 1 US win, I cannot find it in the AARs - all are listed as a Japanese win. I agree this scenario makes it extremely improbable for the US to reach the 40m ridge crest, much less achieve victory if the Japanese player is playing with half a brain.

Japanese Plan: The Japs did not draw strong leaders. The plan was to dig-in and hide at the base of the ridge and decimate the US as it tried to cross the muskeg. If the Japs needed to reposition, they would be able to move parallel to any US movements. The 81mm would be used to harass the US, but with the terrain, there was little probability of doing any damage with indirect fire. The plan was to be able to use the 81mm and leave it exposed to spot the US and prevent force marching/strategic movement as best as possible. The Jap line was centered on 2 x HMGs in 1205 flanked by 2 x INF PLTs each hex with leaders. and the 81mm where it could spot an US attempt to enter the muskeg on the 04xx line.

US Plan: With a very strong CPT and LTs, the US decided to try to attack to seize the ridge line quickly across the muskeg to get to the ridge as quickly as possible with the expectation they had to get into the hills before cold weather set in for any chance at success.

Execution. The US formation seemed textbook as it set out across the muskeg. 3 PLTs abreast as a screen, followed by 6 PLTs with LTs who could combine hexes for a firing line, followed by 22PTs worth of HMG for fire support and a maneuver reserve. The US proceeded with only harassing mortar and artillery fire until 1915hrs when they spotted a part of the hidden Japanese defensive line. The Japanese decided to expose all hidden units and opportunity fire at maximum range on the US. They successfully demoralized the front three platoons and then contined to mass fires on one hex and causing the 1st US step loss through demoralization.

The US column was generally pinned until 2030 in the Muskeg until it was able to slightly suppress the northern Japanese flank as darkness fell, causing one Jap leader to dessert. To take advantage of the opportunity, the US had to split forces. Sending the bulk of forces Northwest, and 2 x PLTs southwest with a leader.

However, US forces could not get to the ridgeline fast enough as cold weather settled in and the Japanese interior lines were able to respond to the US movement and get opportunity fire on them each time they came to the base of the ridge.

In the south, 2 x Japanese platoons were able to completely destory the southern US company through two "12" rolls on direct fire and then a BANZAI into the remaining platoon. Killing 4 steps and a MAJOR. this decaptiation further delayed US efforts.

The last ditch effort to break the Jap line in the north and make it onto the ridge was thwarted with the Japanese decisively one initiative twice and cut down 2 more US steps and demoralized the front firing line.

By 2200, there was no chance the US could make it up the ridge to the 40m heights before the end of the scenario With that, the remaining hour was spent consolidating forces in muskeg and getting out of Japanese LOS until they could try again the next day with reinforcements.

Observations:

US. This is a scenario that might benefit from two-three separate efforts in order to cause a dilemma for the Japanese Player. One massed formation did not work once it ran up against the integrated defense of the Japanese. I DID fail to place the US 81mm on the board, but I don't think it would have made much of a difference.

Japanese: Don't hide all your units. Keep a unit exposed to either deceive the US as to where your concentration is, or to deny his ability to use strategic movement is key. Also, I believe being dug-in at the base of the ridge gives you maximum protection, while you should aim to engage him in the muskeg as far out as possible to disrupt his movement.

Results: 20 Japanese Victory Points ( 7 US eliminated steps (33% casualties), and eliminated senior US commander - no US on the ridgeline); 0 US Victory Points (no Japanese steps, 1 junior officer casualty).

DECISIVE JAPANESE VICTORY