113th v 25.PzGd

Map: "Raids" (Edited)



CASUALTY CHARTS
Allies - 3 Killed in Action, 1 Wounded in Action

Pfc. Colt - KIA
Pfc. Bailey - KIA
Pvt. Jones - KIA
Pvt. Saunders - WIA


Material Seized
2 MP40s
2 MG-42
Assorted Mauser rifles seized
1 German surrendered to advancing forces near the conclusion of the battle.

REPORT OF ACTIONS
14JUL2011

Vital river crossing assigned as objective to 1st Platoon, C Troop, 113th Cavalry Squadron. Troopers dismounted and left their vehicles to the rear to attack like their counterparts in the infantry - no fire support is provided. Bridge and surrounding area must be captured and held intact to facilitate further operations in area. Enemy forces are believed to be dismounted elements of an unknown subunit of the 25.PanzerGrenadier division.

Expecting to take heavy fire from the trenches and village as they attempt to advance over open ground, the Platoon prepares to gain fire superiority and deploys its squads in a skirmish formation along a fenced berm, ready to give cover fire. Scanning with binoculars and scouting shows no enemy in sight; a confused 1st Squad advances into the trenches over the open ground. 2nd Squad holds its position and covers the platoon's flank; Headquarters lightly barrages the village with HE and Smoke mortars to cover the advance of the rifle squads.

However, 1st Squad secures a foothold in the town without so much a shot fired from its defenders. The Platoon leader asks them to hold their position and set up a defensive perimeter and orders scouts to patrol forwards to gain contact with the enemy. Soon, a platoon scout spots an enemy MG team - who promptly falls back out of view upon being spotted. Confident that they have just disrupted an attempted ambush, the Platoon resumes its attack with speed; 2nd Squad now moving forward to occupy a position adjacent to 1st.

As this movement is being conducted, the enemy MG is sighted once more and a sharp firefight develops between 2nd Squad and the MG team. The enemy MG is quickly suppressed and again falls back into a building. 2nd Squad moves quickly to surround the building and ensure the enemy does not "shoot and scoot" again. 2nd Squad then proceeds to lay down suppressing fire and keep the cut-off enemy pinned. Meanwhile, 1st Squad, reinforced by Platoon Headquarters, swings widely to the right flank, clearing out the village and eliminating several enemies in room-to-room fighting. With plenty of ammunition and low on losses, HQ orders 1st to ford the river and clear out a Church on the opposite bank. At the same time, 2nd is preparing to enter and clear the house and the trapped enemy.

The assault on the house results in two casualties, but the building is quickly secured regardless. The church is likewise cleared with swiftness, an enemy in the tower is dislodged by bazooka fire and the enemy rearguard caught off guard at the Troopers bursting into the church. Only one man is lost in this fast attack.

Reporting their trouble spots clear, the squads quickly reorganize and sweep their respective objectives, the enemy is driven from the area of operations winning a speedy, cheap and resounding victory. Of the 20 men brought forward to the attack, only 4 are made casualties.

2nd Lt. Rinaldi
Platoon Leader, 113th Cavalry Squadron