Scenarios with strongpoints can often turn on the selection of those strongpoints and this one was no exception. The Americans knew immediately upon their setup that the strongpoint in the closer town was actually a "strong"point. The opportunity fire from that location caused some substantial disruption to the American advance. The strongpoint in 0412 was also strong (a 3-4) that also was effective is slowing the American advance.

The paratroopers then hid in the hedgerow southeast of 0412 and waited for the later turns to advance on the objective in order to avoid losses through a continued assault. The Germans advanced a platoon to the southeast to come adjacent to the hedgerow to see the location, block a direct advance on 0412 and still have a strong opportunity fire possibility.

the American reinforcement showed up adjacent to this German platoon and the American chose to assault this location as a stepping stone to attack the town. This was partially successful as the Americans eventually killed three German steps but lost two of their own in the process.

On the greater issue, this assault tied up the Americans, caused significant losses and morale issues and blocked the American advance on the objective thus resulting in a full German victory.

The Americans were very close to being able to enter the hex and establish a draw but it just wasn't possible. This is a very tense scenario which should come down to a final die roll or two. I give it a "3" but a very high 3. The American play is very technical and timing is everything. Assault the objective too soon and be whittled down to nothing by the end of the game (the German firepower is dramatic) or assault too late and not get close to the objective. It's a tightrope.