August 17, 1950, 1500. After 2nd battalion 5 Marines had been repulsed in their assault of No-Name Ridge, 1st battalion was called upon to finish the job. Since progress along the southern section of the ridge had been halted, the Marines decided to attempt to seize the northernmost section of the ridge, comprising Hill 102 (main effort) and Hill 109. The sly North Koreans have opted for a reverse hill defense, so the overwhelming supporting fires of the Marines cannot play a direct role, other than not allowing any North Koreans up on the ridge summit.

The problem (taken from Scenario 5.2 1/5 to the Fore): As the Marine player, take and hold Hill 102 and if possible Hill 109 within 2 hours (to allow for further assaults later in the day). Casualties must be kept as low as possible to allow for a successful defense of these hilltops from night counterattacks by the 18 North Korean Regiment. Losing any tanks is frowned upon.

Marine setup: within 3 hexes of 12.10, not south of the xx.10 hex row, in any mode:

1/5 Marines (6xplt, 6xMG, 2x60mm Mortar, 3x81mm Mortar, 1xFAC, 1x AT Sec).
1 /Able/ 1 Armor Bn (4xM-26)
Artillery support: 25 HE, 1 smoke available
Air support: 2x F4U at 1500 and 1600.

North Korean set up: (all in fire mode):

AT-18 (2x45mm AT), AT 1/18 (2x45mm AT), Eng 4th Div (1xplt (-2)): 7.14
AT 1/18 (AT see), AT 4th Div (2x45mm AT): 6.13
1-1-18 (1xplt (-2)), 1xMG: 6.12
1-1-18 (1xplt (-2)): 5.12
1-1-18 (1xplt (-2)) 5.11
Artillery support: 3x 76mm, 1x 122mm
Mortar support: 8xStr. 4 fires, 4x Str. 6 fires
Step losses are given in parentheses. All NK units begin unrevealed.

Special rule: No Marine unit may enter a non-road hex that is in or south of hexrow xx.10.

Solutions

Detail your plans for your assault including movements, probable fires, use of mortars, intended assaults etc. You may assume that the North Koreans will simply hold in place and fire whenever prudent. Send entries to Lee Forester: e-mail them to forester@cs.hope.edu. If you like, you can e-mail graphics as .jpg or .gif files. Send text either as a text file or MS Word. The winner will receive $10.00 credit towards The Gamers products.

Deadline for contest entries: 3 August 1998.

Note: Only available to print subscribers, not MagWeb members--RL

Solution to tactical problem (Op32)