Wild Bill
Posts: 6821
Joined: 4/7/2000
From: Smyrna, Ga, 30080
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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.
_____________________________
 In Arduis Fidelis Wild Bill Wilder Independent Game Consultant
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