Pacific Armor, scenario #13: First Clash at Lupao

I wish Pacific Armor had it’s own maps without the terrain exceptions but once you hang your head around them, you get use to it and we get to play these scenarios that get overlooked in history. The 20-meter level hexes are still in play.

In my gameplay, the American tried to enter in several areas to flank the Japanese but the Japanese were well positioned, and the American ran into a hornet’s nest and barely achieved one of their three victory objectives, have a slight edge over the Japanese in casualties, thus giving the Japanese a minor victory.

I’ll tackle this again in scenario #14, with more American, Infantry, Armor and Artillery. The same victory objects exist, so kind of a reset. These were changed from my submitted ones. Scenario #14 looks very interesting however, so if you didn’t do well in #13, #14 gives you a better chance. I guess more experienced player can swap the two sides in these two scenarios.

Side notes:

Lupao was another town in the Japanese defensive triangle that like Munoz and Umingan that was blocking the American offensive progress. It was also defended by elements Japanese 2nd Tank Division that divided up to defend in several areas and like Munoz, they were dig-in to give them some sort of advantage over the heavier American armor but none of this was good news for the American foot soldiers who would have to engage entrenched Japanese soldiers and equipment.

Original Victory Conditions The American player must control more town hexes/village on map 83 free from undemoralized units than the Japanese do by the end of the scenario OR eliminating 25 or more Japanese steps to win, tanks count double. The Japanese win by preventing the American victory conditions OR by eliminating 16 or more American steps, tanks count double. Tie results or less is a Draw.

Conclusion: The 35th Infantry was stopped by a wall of lead coming from Japanese artillery, mortar and machine gun fire. Attempts to maneuver only drew more enemy fire and the battalion withdrew for the night and would attack again the next morning after better artillery and mortar support could work over the area but the next morning brought similar results and like Munoz and Lupao, American troops took a beating on the open approaches to these towns and were stopped cold. But on a better note the town of San Jose was taken without opposition on February 4th which came as a pleasant surprise to American command.