A View from the Top

Southwest of Bologna, Italy, February 23, 1945: As a prelude to the final offensive in Italy, 
it was vital that "Riva Ridge", a series of four peaks dominating Route 64 between Vergato and 
the city of Bologna, be cleared. Following successes on Mount Belvedere and Mount Gorgolesco, 
taken by coup-de-main on the 19th, U.S. 10th Mountain Division was ordered to press its luck and 
storm Mount Torraccia. But here the German resistance stiffened. After several days of heavy fighting, 
the 85th Mountain Infantry was unable to dislodge the emplaced defenders on the hill-top. The 2nd 
Battalion, which has been pinned down 400 yards short of the summit, was withdrawn after having suffered 
over 400 cassualties. General Truscott, in command of the 5th Army, demanded the peak be attacked again 
and promissed air support for the next attaempt. On the morning of the 23rd, the 3/86th was committed from 
divisional reserve.

Game Length: 8.5 turns

For the Americans to win they must capture the hill top of the Riva Ridge
For the Germans to win they must defend the summit 

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

Boards: #15, #25

Aftermath: Truscott made good on his promise, as Allied fighter-bombers struck the German positions 
atop Torraccia at dawn and continued their attacks throughout the morning's battle. Although the 
3rd Battalion moved quickly across the saddle between the peaks on Riva Ridge under cover of the air 
bombardment and strafing, heavy German fire slowed its further progress. For a time, it appeared that 
the attack would falter completely. But the German division was not as well-armed as others in the line, 
several key machinegun positions were destroyed by the bombing, and his own growing cassualties took a 
toll. Persistent efforts on the part of the American officers got the GI's to move forward right into 
the zone of the air attack. by mid-afternoon, a company had managed to fight its way to the top and 
capture the German command post on the summit. Resistance collapsed. With the Riva Ridge in American 
hands, a wedge had been driven into the Gothic Line. The April offensive would see the Allies break into 
the plain beyond.

Source: General magazine, Volume 27, Number 5, ASL Scenario G13, A View from the Top
