This scenario shows a fully mechanized German force trying to take the town on board 12 from an American force with a bit of punch to it. That being said, the Germans still have a lot more of it. The Germans, however, do not have any OBA, so cracking the town, while crossing the river at bridges only becomes a bit more costly for them. Because VCs dictate the the Germans not receive 10 or more step losses to win, they have to play patiently, and get the most out of their tank units.

The Americans deploy with their AT guns in the lone town hex on the eastern side of the river, along with an INF unit and a LT with a combat modifier. The MGs guard the southern bridge with their M4s and the M16 guards the northern bridge. The remaining INF is spread throughout the town ready to fire on oncommers and deny easy crossings.

The Germans begin onboarding their units and are able to take the eastern town hex with their PzrIVs with GREN support. Their Panthers swing around to the north and force the M16 to pull back, but it is caught between the 2 tank bodies and is destroyed a couple turns later. The M4s share a similar fate. This opens up the approach to town for the SPWs which begin to fire on the Americans guarding the bridge approaches. Aggressive INF play from the Americans is able to eliminate a Panther step, and tie the unit down for most of the game. American reinforcing tanks begin to fire on the remaining Panther step to no effect, and are eventually brought down once the assaulting infantry finally give way.

The Americans got a couple "2" roles from their OBA which was able, in the long firefight, to bring the German step losses to 10. The Germans eventually take the majority of the town hexes for a draw.

This scenario presents an interesting problem, you can either make a quick run on the town, necessitating extravagant casualties but "making up the time line" or one can take longer to take the town but miss the time line. SINCE the "timeline" was NOT a prerequisite for the scenario, the Germans chose to try to take the town early anyway. About the neatest thing the Germans did was to stage a double pronged attack across both bridges at the same time. About the best one could do. (P.S. I AM learning how to stage a decent defense in the face of overwhelming odds.)

We recently started to play more regularly PG by email. This was the second mission we played this year, I had played in previously face to face with another opponent. I noticed then, playing the American side, how hard you could hit the Germans with the M16. This time however, I played the German side, and was able to dispatch the M16 with a lucky shot from the other side of the river. That, combined with a blown up M4 north of the road, to the east of the town, set the pace for the rest of the game. After that, it becomes a very hard game for the Americans. The Germans basically deployed in a semi circle around the town, always grouping leaders troops and a vehicle in a mix of 2-3 units per hex. Then I pounded on one specific hex in the south and another one in the north until casualties were inflicted and and assault could be mounted. At that stage is was clear there was no way for the Americans to turn the tide and we called it a day. Fact is, the Germans have 2 Pz IV and a Panther on their side, while the Americans have to make do with 3 M4's, 2 of which come on the table in reserves, and one needs to leave the table or the game is lost for them. Very, VERY hard one to win for the Americans I'm afraid, but still an enjoyable mission. 3/5