Marianas 1944, scenario #30: Hidden Fortress

Ok, my last scenario played in the Marianas and it seemed simple enough for the US Army, eliminate enemy units from three caves and one entrenchment, however, the 306th Infantry doesn’t really send enough units to do the job and the Japanese put two southern caves on map 100 in two location, which the American coming on map 83 decide to attack as collective group instead of splitting their forces. The first two objective took forever to take and caused a number of step loses as the Japanese continue to roll nice on the dice.

Round two, the American regather their scattered forces and head for the more open hill top on the northern map of map 100, where the Japanese have put together a nicer supporting defensive line, including one cave, one entrenchment supported by the big 120mm gum, 37mm AA gun, a higher direct fire Casemate of 6-5, 1 x HMG, 3 x full strength Infantry and good leadership with a great view of the approaching Americans from the south. The American’s attack stalled with heavy casualties and their time ran out. Like in real life they will have to wait until the next day with better armor and artillery support. A Japanese Victory.

My major problems for the Army was; little off-board artillery, a bad start, Japanese great dice rolls but also the approach. I think instead of attacking from the south and moving north, they should have attacked from the east where the terrain gave them more cover. Still this is an interesting scenario if the Japanese get a few good dice rolls early, the Americans will be hard pressed to conquer all four victory objectives. In my game I lost 9 American steps and 1 leader trying and only conquered 2 victory objectives, while the Japanese only lost 4 steps and two leaders, which is kind of unusual compared to my previous game plays. The Americans were desperate in the latter turns and took more unsupported chances to try and win but lost badly.