Recon in Force

Porto Empedocle, Sicily, July 16, 1943: As the Allied beachhead in Sicily expanded, the impatient 
General Patton demanded better facilities for supplying his troops. Under orders not to launch 
an offensive Patton hit upon the subterfuge of calling his advance a "Reconnaissance in Force." 
Pushing up from Gela, the job of seizing the docks at Porto Empedocle fell to the 3rd Ranger Battalion, 
even as the U.S. 7th Infantry Division seized the high ground to the west. Stepping off when darkness 
fell, an all night advance - which brought three brief firefights - saw the Rangers near the town at dawn. 
After a short rest, the Rangers pushed over several small hills until they looked down over the port 
and the sea to the South. In an almond grove a mile north of town, Col. Dammer split his force and launched 
a two prong attack along two parallel avenues.

Game Length: 7 turns

For the Americans to win they must capture two main buildings in the town
For the Germans to win must defend the buildings

Americans: Squads, HMG, MMG's, BAZ's, MTR's
Germans: Squads, MMG's, LMG's, AA Guns

Boards: #21, #22 

Aftermath: The attack began in 1420 Hrs. The three Ranger companies in the west group were stopped by stubborn 
resistance from German troops manning coastal defenses and anti-aircraft positions. Determined fire from a walled 
cemetary stymied any movement. But Dammer's men in the east continued to make headway. While one company covered 
their rear and left, the other two overcame the mild Italian resistance and moved into the town toward the dock 
area. The Germans surrounded on three sides, realized the futility of their position. By 1600 Hrs, the fight was 
over and the Rangers had captured or killed 657 Italians and 91 Germans, almost twice the battalion's own number 
of soldiers.

Source: General Magazine, Volume 25, Number 5, ASL Scenario G8, Recon in Force
