King's Castle


Frenzenberg, Germany, November 26th, 1944: The Americans continued to forge deeper into Germany, the
infantry often reduced to providing support for the armored hammering of the heartland of the enemy.
On this day, the town of Frenzenberg was designated as the objective for the 47th Infantry Regiment
of the 9th Infantry Division. Company F was mounted on tanks of the 3rd Armored to strike frontally, 
while Company K was to swing southeast of the town to protect the flank of the advance. The attack
got off at 1045 Hrs, but accurate long range antitank fire halted the armor and Company F almost
immediately. However, "King" reported good progress along its route, and reached Frenzenberg at 1300
Hrs. Penetrating the outskirts, the GI's suddenly encountered devastating fire from the feudal castle
which dominated the "old town". The castle, a landmark in the region, was being held by the green troops 
of the newly resuscitated 917th Parachute Regiment. And spotters in the castle towers were directing heavy 
artillery fire onto the road behind Company K. The American position was untenable; it was decided to storm
and take the castle at all costs, although it was a 2nd Battalion objective. With a ringing rebel battle
cry, the survivors of "King" rose and charged across the open ground toward the castle moat.

Game Length: 11 turns

For the Americans to win they must capture the castle
For the Germans to win they must defend the castle

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

Boards: #1, #6

Aftermath: During the thousand yard charge, the two buildings outside the moat were cleared and the German
paratroopers holding the grounds swept away. But a fierce firefight developed betwen the 35 men of "King" Company 
- all who remained unijured - and the castle's defenders (approximately 70 teenaged troopers). The ancient
fortress was solidly constructed of stone and surrounded by a deep, muddy moat; the sole entrance to the castle was
beyond a draw bridge leading to a barred oaken door. PFC Sheridan, the lone surviving bazooka gunner, realized
that his weapon was the only one with sufficient punch to open a breach. With complete disregard for his own
safety, he dashed across the fire swept outer yard to a wall that bordered the moat. There under fire from the 
parapet above, Sheridan cooly fire two well aimed rounds into the door. As the last rocket exploded, he drew
his pistol and charged across the drawbridge; the others followed him through the splintered doorway. Sheridan
was killed moments later within the castle, but the remnant of Company K now held a corner of the huge structure.
Reinforced by Company G, "King" cleared Frenzenberg Castle the next morning. PFC Sheridan was awarded the
Congressional Medal of Honor, the only man of the 47th Infantry Regiment to receive this highest decoration for
valor.

Source: ASL Annual '90, SL Scenario A4, King's Castle
  