Korean War: Counter-Attack, scenario #37: Marine Ambush

This scenario lived up to its name; Marine Ambush. This scenario is about eliminating enemy steps. The North Koreans have the advantage of setting up first and being dug-in, while the Marines enter from the east edge of the map. I figured it would be safer to lead the attack with my M26 Marine tanks but as what happened historically the North Koreans got the first shot in with their T34/85 half step knocking out a step of M26s and on the full step counter to make sure the Americans would no longer have armor efficiency as half step tanks do not receive that benefit. As would be the second group of M26s fired but had no effect on the dug-in T34s but the return fire of the T34’s did have another result.

After losing two steps of M26s, counting double in victory conditions caused the American to go all out in assaulting the NKPA positions in a rather reckless manner, as the North Koreans are all dug-in at a higher elevation causing many more Marine step loses. The Marines have a nice dose of off-board artillery which did cause a few North Korean step loses but all said in done, the Marines had to disengage their attack with heavy casualties. In fact they lost 12 steps, as the tanks steps were double points to the North Koreans 3 steps lost. I guess it really was a Marine ambush.

I think after the Marines lost 4 points of armor, they risked trying to get their victory back but paid an even worse price. Next time I try this scenario I’ll lead the attack with my Infantry units and it should be a closer result, as the NKPA did have some nice dice rolls.