Attack on Schmidt

Attack on Schmidt
- Attack on Schmidt
Setup order
1
x2
2
x4
3
x1
4
x1
5
x1
6
x1
7
x3
8
x2
9
x2
10
x8
11
x9
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x10
13
x8
14
x4
Based on one of WW2's heaviest artillery battles
This phase concentrated on the town of Schmidt, astride an important German
supply route, within the southern part of the forest.
The engagement began on 19 September 1944, with a probe by the U.S. 60th
Infantry Regiment that entered the Hürtgen Forest, but was beaten back by the
terrain and opposition.
15
x4
Conditions of Victory
16
x4
17
x1
Schmidt
Kall Trail
Vossenack
Historical Background
19 September 1944,
This phase concentrated on the town of Schmidt, astride an important German supply route, within the southern part of the forest.
The engagement began on 19 September 1944, with a probe by the U.S. 60th Infantry Regiment that entered the Hürtgen Forest, but was beaten back by the terrain and
opposition.
On 5 October, the U.S. 9th Infantry Division attacked the town of Schmidt using the 60th and 39th Infantry Regiments while the 47th held a defensive position. The
Monschau-Düren road was quickly cut, but both regiments were slowed by defenses and suffered significant casualties: the 60th's 2nd battalion was reduced to a third
after the first day. The 39th was halted at the Weisser Weh Creek; there were problems with narrow paths, air bursts in trees, and fire breaks which were blocked or
enfiladed. Evacuation and supply was difficult or impossible.
The slogging match continued. By 16 October, 3,000 yd (2,700 m) had been gained at the cost of 4,500 casualties. The U.S. 28th Infantry Division?a Pennsylvania National
Guard unit arrived on 16 October, to relieve the battered 9th.
The 28th Division was reinforced with armor, tracked M29 Weasel transport and air support. Of its three regiments, one was deployed to protect the northern flank,
another to attack Germeter, and the third to capture Schmidt, the main objective. The area had terrible terrain with the Kall Trail running along a deep river ravine. The
terrain was not suited to tanks, despite the need for armor to support the infantry.
A track from a U.S. armored vehicle that was hit and burned in the Kall Valley. The track section has melted into the road.
The attack by 28th Division started on 2 November; the defenders were expecting it and were ready. The U.S. 109th Infantry Regiment was impeded after 300 yd (270 m)
by an unexpected minefield, pinned down by mortar and artillery fire and harassed by local counterattacks. Just one mile was gained after two days, after which the 109th
dug in and endured casualties. The U.S. 112th Infantry Regiment attacked Vossenack and the neighboring ridge, which were captured on 2 November. The 112th was then
halted on the Kall by strong defenses and difficult terrain. The U.S. 110th Infantry Regiment had to clear the woods next to the River Kall, capture Simonskall, and maintain
a supply route for the advance on Schmidt: again, these were very difficult tasks due to weather, prepared defenses, determined defenders, and terrain. The weather
prevented tactical air support until 5 November.
The 112th finally captured Schmidt on 3 November, cutting the German supply route to Monschau, but no American supply, reinforcement or evacuation was possible, as
the Kall Trail was blocked. A strong German counter-attack by tanks of the 116th Panzer Division and infantry from the 89th Infantry Division rapidly expelled the
Americans from Schmidt, and they were unable to counter-attack. For two days, the 112th remained hard-pressed to hold its positions outside Schmidt.
From Wikipedia
Briefing
7 medals
Special Rules
Kall is a temporary medal for axis
Allies have air drop
Allies extra medal for clearing left section
Some Allies US Rangers
Blitz rules not in effect
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