Jason Petho
Posts: 15009
Joined: 6/22/2004 From: Terrace, BC, Canada Status: offline
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Campaign Series Vietnam: ALPHA Graphics: SCENARIO DESIGN New scenario: A New Plan - The Hill Fights 28 April, 1967 [Khe Sanh, Quang Tri Province, South Vietnam]: [SIDE A][HIS][CSL]: The intense fighting and heavy losses sustained around Khe Sanh convinced the leadership of 3rd Marines to commit even more combat power to the remote outpost in the hills. The presence of large enemy forces with machine guns and mortars indicated that they indeed intended to make a major effort to take Khe Sanh. On April 27th, Company B, 1st Battalion, 9th Marines, and Company K, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marines, depleted by heavy casualties, were pulled out of the fight for much-needed rest and rebuilding. In their place was sent Company K and M, 3rd Battalion, 9th Marines. After the heavy fighting for Hill 861, it was decided to send a second battalion, 2nd/3rd Marines, to Khe Sanh, as well as another artillery battery. While all this firepower was being assembled, the Marines made plans for a new attack against the formidable PAVN forces in the hills. The commanding officer passed down broad outlines for a two-battalion operation that would capture the hill mass to the northwest of Khe Sanh. After two days of artillery and airstrikes against the hills, the two battalions would conduct their assault. Planners designated Hill 861 as objective one, while Hill 881 South would be objective two and Hill 881 North identified as objective three. 2nd/3rd Marines would seize Hill 861, while 3rd/3rd Marines would follow and then swing west to Hill 881S. Once both of the hills were secured, the 2nd/3rd Marines, as 3rd/3rd Marines protected their flank, would continue the advance and capture Hill 881N. After the preparatory fire lifted, where bombs and artillery had stripped most of the vegetation, leaving only charred and splintered trees, the 2nd/3rd Marines assaulted Hill 861 with two companies abreast . The Marines moved up the hill against sporadic mortar fire, but met no other determined resistance; the NVA had withdrawn. The elements of the PAVN 18th Regiment had withdrawn in an orderly fashion, leaving behind no equipment or anything else with intelligence value. The 18th Regiment didn't plan on giving up the other two hills so easily. [ALL][CSEE, Variable Objectives][1.00]
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