Back in Business!

[Wild Bill]

I'll check the mortars. They should not be but its worth checking. US forces were, as you say, green and unfamiliar with what a real fight was all about. There were some vets in the outfit, but by and large they were kids who enlisted after WW2, with a false sense of confidence.

That 1949 date is one I should have changed and thought I did. When I do that, I can't pick units for any pre-release changes. Perhaps I forgot to change it back.

Good points and I will check them all.

A draw is acceptable in this one. This was a rough time for the Allies and victories were few and far between. Just holding your ground is enough to be considered a personal victory if nothing else. Korea brought the birth of the famous phrase, "Bugging out." There was a lot of that during the summer of 1950.

WB

[Terminus]

I think I'll have to have another go at "The Wolfhounds". Two T-34's just appeared in the bottom left corner of the map and blew three of my Shermans to hell in one turn[X(] That was enough to break the morale of my force. One hell of a fight you've presented here, Colonel Wilder, Sir![:)]

I've had my respect for the soldiers of the Korean War renewed by these battles. I read a quote from a US Marine somewhere, who'd fought both in the Pacific and Korea; he said that fighting the NK's and Chinese was actually WORSE than fighting the Japanese. There's just so MANY of them!

[Wild Bill]

Before you start, you might want to download again. I fixed the things you mentioned, Terminus and posted it under the same title.

You better watch out, I might enlist you as a tester. You've got a great eye for detail.

WB

[Terminus]

Got it (both on downloading and serving as tester)! It would be a privilege!

[Wild Bill]

If I might offer advice, watch your left flank. I'd keep at least one platoon to the south to cover the south road. Knock out tanks as quickly as you can. Once they pile up on you, they have too many shots. Keep your tanks out of infantry fire. They can demoralize your tank crews and keep them from being accurate.

Your right flank can be used to your advantage, firing on the enemy as they move south. Enfilade fire can hurt the NKPA. They are mean and angry and hard to stop.

Thanks for the kind words.

Hang on, ya'll. Its gonna get better!

WB

[Wild Bill]

Send me your e-mail address. I don't let an opportunity like this pass. Or better still, send me an e-mail. I'll respond at once. I'd love to get you involved in this, my friend.

bwilder@bellsouth.net

WB

[Terminus]

ORIGINAL: Wild Bill

Hang on, ya'll. Its gonna get better!

WB

I'll hold you to that! [;)]

[Terminus]

E-Mail sent!

[junk2drive]

I thought my "draw" was pretty good. I think I would've been happy with a defeat.
Early Korea was Hell for the Allies.
When WB gets to Chongju, things will be different. [;)]

[Terminus]

Well, I got through "The Wolfhounds" but in a pretty battered state. The key to this scenario seems to be to advance quickly and take Wild Bill's advice and secure the right flank of the map so you can catch the NK's in a crossfire as they storm south.

And take out the T-34's QUICKLY! They can hurt you very badly if you let them.

Here are the numbers:

US Army -> 99 KIA, lost 2 trucks, 3 halftracks and 4 Shermans. Final score 7948 points, Marginal Victory.

NKPA -> 369 KIA, lost 3 mortars and 9 T-34's. Final score 1848 points, Marginal Defeat.

[Wild Bill]

It can be done, Terminus, but it is very tough. Medal of Honor winner Sgt. Koumas, commanding a M-24 Chaffee is coming up this week. "The Highest Honor." It should be out Friday at Wargamer, Games Depot.

[Wild Bill]

I'm finishing up the second set of Korean scenarios, "Breakout to the Yalu." I have one more to do. THere will be five scenario in this batch, dealing with Inchon and to the north.

Ken "Orzel" Baran did an excellent map on the island of Wolmi-Do. Its a classic!

I just finished testing the capture of Yongdungp'o, the key to taking Seoul. It was a bloody fight all right and I was lucky to secure a marginal.

If you will, gamers, let me know if you are interested in these scenarios. I need to hear from you. A lot of time and effort from me and the testers is going into this. Sound off for me, please!

WB

[Alby]

By the number of downloads at the Wargamer, Im sure people luv them!!
Over 900 Downloads!
They have always loved your work Bill. It is much appreciated.
Alot of the players dont post at the various forums as much as some of us[:D]
keep up the great work!

[parusski]

Bill I have enjoyed all your work, current scenario's included. Please don't stop, the Korean War in too neglected.

Good work.

[Wild Bill]

Thank you gentlemen. I certainly hope so. You know, I enjoy doing it just from the creative standpoint. I even enjoy playing them after designing them. I do feel that Korea is often neglected but it does have a lot to offer from the wargaming and historical perspective.

WB

[Wild Bill]

I like the Sherman quote, Parusski! I never saw that before! Nixon would have loved it (G)!

[Wild Bill]

The last of the four scenarios, titled, "The Long Hard Summer," will be posted Friday. This is a smaller, fairly quick play scenario dealing with some of the fighting along the Pusan perimeter. US Chaffee tanks are supporting infantry along the Naktong River.

Then comes the second series, dealing with the breakout from Inchon, called, "On to the Yalu!"
THE HIGHEST HONOR

NK Assault vs. US Army Defend
Naktong River Crossing, South Korea
0100, August 31, 1950
Turns: 10

Scenario Size: Small
Estimated Playing Time: 45 Minutes*
One Player Scenario (US) only

Design: Wild Bill Wilder
bwilder@bellsouth.net

Testers: "Steeler" Gallagher, "Mad Italian" Rocca, "Goblin" DiNicola, "Mosh"

Skukko,"Razz"

Your Orders:

As the US commander, your task is to hold the high ground south of the Naktong River. You have tank support and it will save the day for you. Use them carefully. The enemy has some confiscated US bazookas along with some satchel charges. A mobile defense and a willingness to give some ground will help you to achieve a victory.

Historical background:

By the end of August Allied forces had been pushed into a tiny corner of Korea, which came to be known as the Pusan Perimeter, also known as the Naktong Perimeter This area stretched approximately from the sea about 100 miles to the north, and some 50
miles east to west.

Helping hold the line at the Naktong River positions was Company A, or the 82nd Tank Battalion, part of the 2nd Infantry Division. Sergeant First Class Ernest R. Kouma of the 2nd platoon commanded one of the M-24 Chaffee tanks in support of the soldiers
there. At about midnight on August 31st, a strong North Korean force over 500 men crossed the narrow river under the cover of darkness and smashed into Allied lines.

A limited Allied withdrawal was ordered and the tanks were instructed to cover it, until a secondary defensive position could be established. Kouma and the other three Chaffee tanks placed themselves on or around the highway leading south.

The enemy assault quickly overran two of the American tanks, which seemed to disappear under a wiggling, firing mass of oriental humanity. The crews of both tanks were overwhelmed and killed on the spot. The other tank withdrew with its turret
facing backward, firing as it moved.

Now only his tank remained in position to stop the onrushing enemy. Kouma coolly ordered his crew to keep the firing up. In a matter of minutes the enemy surrounded his tank. Instead of buttoning up, Sgt. Kouma leaped from the protection of the turret. Manning the .50 caliber machine gun mounted on the rear deck, he fired point blank into the swarming North Korean soldiers. In a matter of moments the gun jammed and he drew his pistol and continued to kill the enemy. Out of bullets, he reached through the hatch, pulled out grenades and hurled them into the attackers, killing even more of them.

After fighting for over two hours and being wounded three times, Kouma allowed his crew to withdraw the tank. It was estimated that he and his tank crew had killed over 100 of the attackers. This magnificent stand gave the infantry time to consolidate new defensive positions and drive the enemy back. Rejoining what was left of his company, he attempted to refuel and rearm his tank. He was so badly wounded, however, that it was not possible.

Even while being evacuated for medical treatment, Kouma asked to be “fixed up and sent back” to his unit. For his courage in the face of such impossible odds, he would be the first tanker in Korea to receive the Medal of Honor.

[Terminus]

I picked up HyperSnap, which I actually do remember from the old days. Let's see if I can get the thing to work...[:)]

[Wild Bill]

It works fine for me. Be sure your Number Lock and Caps Lock are off. Open Hypersnap. Minimize it. Open SPWAW. When ready to take a shot, press the Scroll Lock key, then minimize SPWAW (Alt-tab) and your picture should pop up. You can then crop it (Using scissors) and save it. Good luck.

WB

[parusski]

Yeah Wild Bill I love the Sherman quote myself. I first heard it on the Ken Burns "Civil War" series on PBS. I came across it again a few years later in a book of quotes and felt like I had to use it. I feel the same way about most reporters...

Anyway, keep it up. I love you man.