Lead Adventure Forum
Miniatures Adventure => The Conflicts that came in from the Cold => Topic started by: Hammertime on May 25, 2021, 01:03:58 PM
-
Much like the rest of you, I used my pandemic time to work on a new Vietnam project. I finally had my first game!
Just finished my first mission in a Vietnam War campaign using "The 'Nam: The Way it Was" by Wayne Bollands.
(https://i.imgur.com/FQreDro.jpg?1)
The rules let you use a campaign system and take a platoon through a series of missions with the soldiers surviving from one mission to the next.
Here's the platoon roster:
(https://i.imgur.com/tDDyfo0.jpg)
Having deployed as a platoon straight from training, all of the platoon is rated as veteran infantry (elite airborne infantry - its a mental thing). As we start getting replacements we will start to see trained troops filter in.
Each soldier is numbered to randomize any hits while playing.
3rd Platoon, Bravo Company, 1/503rd Infantry:
(https://i.imgur.com/Q2kxmWw.jpg)
(Not pictured, Forward Observer team and Dog Team)
MISSION
UH-1D call sign "Lancer 11" was shot down vic An Loc Dong. 3rd Platoon, B Company will secure the crash site and rescue any survivors. Intel reports minimal VC / NVA presence in the area.
(https://i.imgur.com/9dXKcl1.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/XnFkBvd.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/tKlwoV1.jpg)
US Forces deploy - negative enemy contact.
(https://i.imgur.com/hvYE7lR.jpg)
From left to right, front row: 3rd Squad, M60 Team B, 2nd Squad, M60 team A, 1st Squad. Second row: PSG, Medic, Tiger, Dog Team, FO, PL
The rules as written use a card deck for activation where each side has an assigned suite and each unit an assigned card (ex: 1st Squad, A Team is a 4 of hearts). I instead made a token for each unit from extra 28mm round bases with a national flag on one side and the specific unit on the other.
(https://i.imgur.com/rPlIJUu.jpg?1)
The first pull:
(https://i.imgur.com/bYDe0Zs.jpg?1)
(https://i.imgur.com/qafBBfO.jpg?1)
Darn.
Using a random number generator (1-47) I rolled a 44. SGT Currie and the dog team tripped a booby trap! (What kind of terrible nose does this dog have?!)
(https://i.imgur.com/9rbO6B7.jpg)
It was right now that I realized I clumped my platoon headquarters VERY closely, with the dog team, PL, and FO caught in the blast zone. (Within 3")
(https://i.imgur.com/cM9IJJB.jpg)
Rolling for hits, the dog gets knocked down and will miss its next turn (maybe it will get its head in the game now), SGT Currie is uninjured, the Lieutenant and his RTO are unscathed. Sadly, the good luck ends there and the FO team takes the brunt of the blast.
SGT Jones and PFC Ciesielski are both killed.
The next few turns are uneventful, with the US forces advancing across the rice paddies with negative contact.
(https://i.imgur.com/sESE20i.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/lY5FjHk.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/yl2hv99.jpg)
Once 2nd Squad starts to cross the final rice paddy, the NVA make an appearance (of course Army Intel was wrong!).
(https://i.imgur.com/vaI106g.jpg)
A fireteam and MMG open up on 1st Squad from a paddy dyke and a log bunker.
(https://i.imgur.com/5IpSkXe.jpg)
PV2 Bracewell is wounded and out of the fight!
(https://i.imgur.com/1tX1NPp.jpg)
Luckily, the next token was for a US Mortar barrage. The platoon leader called it in and dropped some steel on target.
(https://i.imgur.com/hluyXmk.jpg?1)
(https://i.imgur.com/Ve62Neu.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/Geqsk8E.jpg)
This killed 2 NVA and suppressed both teams.
On the next token one of the US M60 teams sprays the jungle and inflicts a lucky hit on the MMG gun team.
(https://i.imgur.com/tAnbyLv.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/MPGLgOd.jpg)
With the only NVA on the field suppressed. 2nd Squad advances into the paddy field towards Lancer 11's crash site.
(https://i.imgur.com/dYNQaMI.jpg)
But quickly trigger more of the ambush with 2 additional NVA fireteams deploying.
(https://i.imgur.com/wGcmyu2.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/xKfHXrJ.jpg)
The incoming fire fails to cause any US casualties, but 2nd Squad is pinned down in the mud.
The next turn sees another US Mortar token pulled, and 2LT Shull adjusts fire on to the NVA fireteam occupying Lancer 11's crash site.
(https://i.imgur.com/1YKeeBZ.jpg)
This kills one of the NVA infantrymen and suppresses the team (I would also assume this destroys Lancer 11 ... so mission failed?).
(https://i.imgur.com/DXw7I8f.jpg)
Just when 2nd Squad thinks they are safe, an NVA MMG bunker opens up from their left flank hitting the RTO, SPC Hodges, in the neck, inflicting a severe wound.
(https://i.imgur.com/if9CafH.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/R3fJ2Z1.jpg)
(Interestingly, SPC Hodges was the only out-of-uniform soldier in the squad, being shirtless under his flak jacket. He probably was wearing white socks and had his hands in his pockets too.)
On the US right flank, M60 Team A opens up on the original NVA MMG Bunker, gets another lucky hit, and takes the team out of action.
(https://i.imgur.com/BwDN7Xj.jpg)
Trying to flank the bunker hammering away at 2nd Squad, 3rd Squad advances towards the jungle, and promptly triggers another NVA fireteam.
(https://i.imgur.com/DcwFAYV.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/iAomF4R.jpg)
Things are looking grim for 2nd Squad - pinned down in a rice paddy with 3 fireteams and an MMG bunker firing at them, casualties are about to mount. Luckily, the next token pulled is for the A4-B Skyhawk.
(https://i.imgur.com/jFuho9L.jpg?1)
The Skyhawk is on target, and drops a load of napalm on the bunker.
(https://i.imgur.com/KOh29H6.jpg)
The napalm also catches 3 of the NVA infantrymen in the fireteam along the paddy dike. Napalm in this game is lethal, if you get hit you are dead. At this point, the surviving NVA infantrymen decide enough is enough and bug out to Cambodia.
(https://i.imgur.com/AhJYLEK.jpg)
No longer pinned down, 2nd Squad advances by fire towards Lancer 11's crash site.
(https://i.imgur.com/tk46Hz4.jpg)
They inflict a casualty on the NVA fireteam, but it is not enough to suppress the NVA. The NVA's return fire sees SPC Novak take an RPK burst in the neck, killing him and pinning 2nd Squad's Bravo Team.
(https://i.imgur.com/Lx9aJwM.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/ae4vcbX.jpg)
However, after this exchange of fire the remaining NVA decide to call it a day and retreat into the jungle.
(https://i.imgur.com/c1FUUYr.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/qC5CCau.jpg)
The final tally is:
US:
3 KIA (Jones, Ciesielski, Novak)
2 WIA (Bracewell, Hodges) - Bracewell's wound is severe enough to be sent back to the States, but Hodges will return after the next mission.
NVA:
10 KIA (5 to the Napalm strike!)
6 WIA
Naturally, the US forces report a body count of 10, with 276 probables. (Westmoreland math at its best)
Being the first mission, 3rd Platoon isn't eligible for any replacements. "Luckily", the FO team are not organic to the platoon and will be replaced by battalion, but we are down 2 permanently from the organic platoon structure, with 1 missing the next mission.
(https://i.imgur.com/OlGv9TR.jpg)
The new, reorganized platoon looks like this:
(https://i.imgur.com/5vlpfji.jpg)
The PSG's RTO (Maxwell) will replace Hodges while he is recovering, while Allen and Ruiz from the Weapons Squad will fill in as riflemen. Bonilla will pick up Novak's M79 and continue as the team's grenadier.
Overall, this was a fun game and a great introduction to the rules. I would recommend the ruleset to anyone interested in a persistent Vietnam wargame, at least until Warwick Kinrade's 'Nam 68 comes out.
-
A great first post - welcome to LAF
Lovely looking setup 8)
-
Great AAR Hammer! I've been putting off getting these rules. I might have to remedy that.
I particularly like your use of the canteen "cup" to draw from! Well done! lol
-
Looks a good game. ;)
-
Excellent looking game! I love the napalm explosion!
-
Great game, great minis, and great scenery!
I, for one, like Mr. Bollands' rules. I use Wild Geese and The Zone quite a bit with my modern(ish) games. I also tried The 'Nam, and enjoyed it (albeit our test game was a smaller one than yours).
-
Hey Everyone!
Thank you for the warm welcome and all the comments. I'm a long-time lurker and finally feel like I have a LAF-worthy project to share!
That being said, 3rd Platoon has completed its second mission!
With the NVA breaking contact at the end of Mission 1, 3rd Platoon secured Lancer 11's crash site, evacuated their casualties, and resupplied. Once complete, 3rd Platoon was tasked with a new mission:
MISSION
3rd Platoon, B Company will advance to contact following the enemy survivors from mission 1. Once found, 3rd Platoon will destroy the enemy force.
Here's the platoon roster after the losses suffered on mission 1:
(https://i.imgur.com/UJPhDJ8.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/AfrsrGs.jpg)
The terrain has moved to the east, with Lancer 11's crash site serving as the new jump off point for 3rd platoon:
(https://i.imgur.com/RJLrAs5.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/p0YqHdO.jpg)
1st Squad and M60 Team B are on the left.
(https://i.imgur.com/W9kJCYW.jpg)
3rd Squad, M60 Team A, the Dog Team, and the Platoon Leader are in the center.
(https://i.imgur.com/cHLy5iS.jpg)
2nd Squad and the Platoon Sergeant are on the right.
(https://i.imgur.com/PHJRx6M.jpg)
Hoping for a better result with the dog team, SGT Currie and Ralph take point.
(https://i.imgur.com/DMwemLJ.jpg)
The first token drawn results in an NVA sniper opening up on 2nd Squad!
(https://i.imgur.com/6BGCykE.jpg?1)
PFC Hansen takes the shot between his eyes and is killed.
(https://i.imgur.com/CMHv4vJ.jpg)
2nd Squad's return fire is both swift and deadly, and the NVA sniper crashes to the earth.
(https://i.imgur.com/8VrBzPy.jpg)
We are off to a great start.
The next token pulled is a booby trap! The random number generator again targets the dog team, who promptly fail their chance to spot the device before detonating.
(https://i.imgur.com/brkXyyU.jpg)
Astonishingly, their luck holds and the are both knocked down, but otherwise unhurt. I'm starting to think this dog is working for the other side!
3rd Platoon continues their cautious advance without any further mishaps (once I pull a sniper or booby trap token I remove it from the pool. With my luck the Americans would be hit by a booby trap each turn) and begin to take positions at the edge of the jungle overlooking the rice paddies.
(https://i.imgur.com/xYwY3Uu.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/IArNSuJ.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/WI81szM.jpg)
Its at this point that the far tree line erupts with fire, as 4 NVA fireteams and an MMG bunker open up on the lead elements of 3rd Platoon (this was the result of a series of NVA tokens being pulled without a US response).
The MMG bunker targets 3rd Squad's Alpha team and inflicts a severe hip injury to SPC Himel, taking him out of the fight.
(https://i.imgur.com/Z18mMck.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/wegKWD6.jpg)
An NVA squad emerges from the bamboo thicket and targets 3rd Squad's Bravo team and hits the grenadier, PV2 Runyon in the left hand and knocks him out of the fight as well. Also caught in this fire is SGT Currie and Ralph the dog. SGT Currie is missed, but Ralph takes a round in the tail, sending him scampering back to the landing zone and out of the fight (I didn't bother rolling for the wound on Ralph the dog. I'm not a monster).
(https://i.imgur.com/OjvZsa9.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/3Z8wqMG.jpg)
Things are starting to look grim when the next token pulled brings the American artillery into play. The spotting round is right on target
(https://i.imgur.com/YEy5U4J.jpg)
Fire for Effect!
(https://i.imgur.com/aSahvXf.jpg)
While not as deadly as I hoped, the artillery barrage manages to take two NVA out of the fight (one KIA, one WIA) and suppresses both teams.
Forced out of their hiding places by the artillery, a 5th NVA fireteam advances into the paddy field in an attempt to flank 1st Squad.
(https://i.imgur.com/PrRrn6X.jpg)
Not to be outdone by the American artillery tubes, the NVA Mortar team springs into action and targets 1st Squad's Alpha team.
(https://i.imgur.com/J0OJeI3.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/RgBjPOt.jpg)
(A quick aside for the rules, each miniature and weapons team has a troop quality ranging from militia to elite. In this case, the NVA mortar team is rated as veteran and rolls to shoot with a d8. One of my favorite things about this rule set is that there are no die-modifiers. Instead, the die will shift up or down from d8 down to a d6 or up to a d10 / d12. In order for the mortar team to hit the target they need to roll higher than the defense die of the Americas, in this case a d8 (the Americans are also veterans). However with the distances involved, the mortar team shifts down 2 die to a d4. So the NVA roll a d4 to hit and the Americans roll a d8 to defend. If the NVA have the high roll the round hits the aiming point - in this case SPC Bradford. If the Americans have the high roll the mortar round will scatter and impact somewhere else.)
The NVA Mortar team rolls to hit on a d4 and rolls a 2. Obviously I can roll higher than a 2 on a d8, right?
(https://i.imgur.com/yKyh17R.jpg)
NOPE!
The round impacts on SPC Bradford and catches all of 1st Squad Alpha team as well as part of M60 Team B in the blast.
(https://i.imgur.com/JqqsnBr.jpg)
SPC Bradford is killed with an abdominal wound from 1st Squad Alpha team, and SPC Whaley is wounded in the lower right leg. 1st Squad Alpha team is suppressed.
The fire isn't all going one way, however, and the Americans manage to kill another two NVA infantryman with a well placed M79 Blooper round
(https://i.imgur.com/fOKZ7mH.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/LjgqERx.jpg)
The next two tokens pulled go hand in hand. First SFC Stevenson, the platoon sergeant of 3rd Platoon is activated, immediately followed by our favorite token, the A4-B Skyhawk. I like to picture this as SFC Stevenson grabbing a radio and bringing the heat!
(https://i.imgur.com/teD0a3Q.jpg)
The Skyhawk rolls in
(https://i.imgur.com/oImw7Oe.jpg)
and drops its Napalm right on target, incinerating the MMG bunker, 2 fireteams, and the NVA Platoon leader
(https://i.imgur.com/LOr8wXg.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/m54HFyN.jpg)
With this last explosion, the NVA fade back into the jungle, leaving a battered but unbroken 3rd Platoon to secure the area, police up abandoned weapons, and count the dead.
(https://i.imgur.com/xyiM8Gr.jpg)
Mission 2 is in the books. Up until the last moment when the Skyhawk saved the day, I thought 3rd Platoon was going to be wiped out. Even surviving, our platoon is still full of holes
(https://i.imgur.com/WPiD0Ia.jpg)
Our losses this mission are:
2 KIA (Hansen, Bradford)
3 WIA (Himel, Runyon, Whaley), plus 1 dog
After two missions we have:
5 KIA (3 from the organic platoon structure)
5 WIA (Luckily SPC Hodges returns next mission)
I created the below table to add another layer to the post-mission clean up and roll a d10 for each WIA:
(https://i.imgur.com/UjD0kCa.jpg)
Whaley - 7
Runyon - 4
Himel - 10
Whaley is out of Vietnam and heading back to the States. Runyon will miss the next 2 missions, while Himel didn't make it.
With the losses we've suffered the platoon sees some extensive reorganization.
First, PFC Wallace and SPC Dikic swap their M16s for M79 grenade launchers.
Second, M60 Team B is folded into 1st Squad's Alpha team.
Third, SPC Hodges returns from his light wounding and takes his place as 2nd Squad's RTO, allowing PFC Maxwell to bring his radio back to the platoon headquarters.
(https://i.imgur.com/h7DHzPv.jpg)
If you made it this far, thanks for reading!
Up next I'll be painting some more US Army replacements, some foxholes from Ironclad Miniatures, and some elevated ground. You can't have a Vietnam war game without some worthless hills to fight over.
-
That is a great AAR
-
Great stuff!
I love the miniatures-eye-view pics.
T.
-
Great report, good too see those rules played out.
-
Brilliant report , Love the explosion/ napalm markers. :-*
Poor Ralph :o
However I am left with the vision of you running around the room with a model plan on a selfie stick lol
-
Great AAR
way too many cool threads on here persuading me my next project needs to be a tour
-
Asa I am intending to use the rules ,too. Could you elaborate a bit more on the tokens you use . Especially how you use them for mortarfire or air support?
-
Asa I am intending to use the rules ,too. Could you elaborate a bit more on the tokens you use . Especially how you use them for mortarfire or air support?
Good question! I'm interested in that, too...
-
WoW, outstanding in every way.
Look forward to the next mission.
PS
Love the canteen cup for your counters
-
Brilliant report , Love the explosion/ napalm markers. :-*
Poor Ralph :o
However I am left with the vision of you running around the room with a model plan on a selfie stick lol
Thanks, Paul! The Napalm markers are from Bud's Blast Markers. I would heartily recommend them. Also, don't forget the jet noises and "whooshes" as I fly around the room!
Asa I am intending to use the rules ,too. Could you elaborate a bit more on the tokens you use . Especially how you use them for mortarfire or air support?
So for the tokens, I have a token for each leader, fireteam, weapons team, and off-table assets (artillery, air support, etc.) Each token has either a US or NVA flag on the back.
(https://i.imgur.com/cYwTSUP.jpg)
Before a game, I make sure each unit has a token and drop them into my canteen cup and will pull one token at a time for the rest of the game. Pulling a team token (ex: US - 1st Squad, A Team) gives 1st Squad's A Team a turn to move, shoot, take cover, etc. On the team is complete, the token is placed on the board next to them signifying their move is over. For a leader's token (ex: PL / 1SL), that gives the specified leader a turn to move, shoot, or order any team from their squad who has not moved to complete their action at the same time. For example, if I pull the token for 2nd Squad Leader, he can order his entire squad to take their turn with him. The squad leaders can only give orders to their own squads, while the PL / PSG can give orders to any squad.
The off-table tokens represent mortars, artillery, smoke, or air support becoming available. Once pulled, any leader who has yet to take their action (and has an accompanying RTO) can attempt to call in indirect fire / air support. This adds a bit of random chance to when indirect fire / air assets become available and would stop one side from calling artillery in every turn. These also aren't forced to be used and can be set aside when drawn. I put limits on the number of times these tokens can be played (ex: the air support token is removed after an airstrike is called in, while an artillery token is removed after 1+ fire missions).
There are a few tokens that would be represented by Jokers in a playing card deck. These are the booby trap and end turn token. The booby trap token makes a booby trap attack a random US soldier who first has a chance to spot and avoid the booby trap per the rules in the book. If the spotting test is failed, the soldier triggers the trap. I remove the booby trap token from the game once a booby trap (or two) are triggered, as I don't want the US player to hit a booby trap every turn.
The end turn token ends the current turn regardless of units that have yet to move. All of the tokens on the board are returned to the canteen cup, shaken around, and the drawing for the next turn begins.
Hope this helps!
-
Hi Hammer,
Thanks for picking up a copy of the rules (I'm the author) and excellent battle reports and photographs.
Would you be willing to post these to Facebook on the current page please? https://www.facebook.com/The-Nam-The-Way-It-Was-102385661909183
I'm still prepping to start work on 'Falling Dominoes', the first supplement, but have been caught up in other things. Basically, I'll be focussing on the ANZACs, South Koreans and Royal Thai Army as new forces to be used, plus a little on the Hill Tribesmen (Montgards) who fought the North and a quick pass on Cambodia. I'll also be adding new Helo Operations rules, dabbling with rules for the Riverine Forces and some more scenarios, some of which will be inspired by real actions.
I've decided that the French Indo-Chine War and Britain's 1945 Vietnam War would probably be better off having their own supplement, but will see how things progress.
Meantime, I've become fascinated by the ARVN and the early part of the American War, so I'm hoping that Empress will be releasing plenty of US Marines with M14's soon, especially as I'm having a re-think on the combat performance of the M14, M16, M1 Garand and the other weapons used. As I also now own a miniatures company, I'm thinking of offering some unique sculpts based upon one of the first inspirations for my interest in the wars in Vietnam.
Thanks for the AARs, and let's hope enough of the Grunts survive their Tour of Duty in one piece to make it back to The World!
-
The Nam rules sound very interesting.
Where can one pick up a copy?
-
Grimjack - thanks for making such great rules! I have had a blast every time I've played!
Marine - I picked the rules up from On Military Matters from the US: https://onmilitarymatters.com/dfcatalog.php?period=0900
-
Hammer thanks for explaining your tokens. That is a wonderful idea to use instead of playing cards. I will try that out myself.
Grimjack. Could you make your future figure line compatible with the Empress one? That would be great. I am really looking foreward to the new Helo rules in the supplement.
-
Thanks, Paul! The Napalm markers are from Bud's Blast Markers. I would heartily recommend them. Also, don't forget the jet noises and "whooshes" as I fly around the room!
Once got caught doing that by the wife. I got a weird stare. They just do not understand >:D
-
Hammer thanks for explaining your tokens. That is a wonderful idea to use instead of playing cards. I will try that out myself.
Yes - thanks for that explanation. I may be forced to steal your idea for the all of Grimjack's rules that I play. Speaking of which:
Grimjack - thanks for making such great rules! I have had a blast every time I've played!
Ditto from me!
-
Hammers,
Thanks for the information on ordering the rules.
I ordered them this evening.
-
Hammers,
Thanks for the information on ordering the rules.
I ordered them this evening.
You won't regret it!
Yes - thanks for that explanation. I may be forced to steal your idea for the all of Grimjack's rules that I play.
Steal away!
Grimjack. Could you make your future figure line compatible with the Empress one? That would be great. I am really looking foreward to the new Helo rules in the supplement.
Same here! I would LOVE some additional leader poses for both the NVA and US!
-
After consolidating into their night defensive position (NDP) following Mission 2, 3rd platoon receives a new tasking:
MISSION 3
3rd Platoon, B Company will conduct a squad-level ambush in the vicinity of An Loc Dong in order to interdict enemy movement. 2LT Shull has tasked 2nd Squad with the ambush, and will accompany SSG Panza with the medic and an M60 team. SFC Stevenson and the balance of 3rd Platoon will remain in their NDP.
I decided to change things up on this mission and use just a reinforced squad instead of a platoon. This will let me play more on an individual-basis and give me an excuse to create some more tokens.
(https://i.imgur.com/WhlkjlA.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/ABZSItN.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/ryhgC92.jpg)
The above rosters show the soldier, his quality, his shoot value, his defend value, his morale, his weapon, and any special add-ons. I went a little grenade-happy with the Americans, and this would later prove to be a bad idea.
2nd Squad gets in position along a trail leading into the village. SSG Wallace sets a claymore (red square). It isn't long before 2nd Squad hears the sounds of movement.
(https://i.imgur.com/dO8z4Dl.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/FEtyetd.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/r8m3gaN.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/axJt1jV.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/TvafEPq.jpg)
A reinforced NVA squad is moving down the trail towards An Loc Dong.
Picking up the detonator, 2LT Shull blows the claymore and starts the ambush.
(Instead of drawing a token after each activation, I decided to give all of the US troops 1 free activation as their ambush action. The standard turn order will restart after the opening salvo).
The claymore (the red d4) goes off and kills 1 NVA infantryman and wounds a second.
(https://i.imgur.com/zBYWqBQ.jpg?1)
(https://i.imgur.com/hTApwQT.jpg?1)
On the right flank, SPC Baldwin throws a grenade at the NVA Point Element and kills one. SGT Miller's shots are ineffective. Nelson opens up with his M60 and wounds two NVA, one of whom is carrying an RPD.
(https://i.imgur.com/UKN9o0P.jpg?1)
SSG Panza throws a grenade and kills two more NVA, including the RPG gunner
(https://i.imgur.com/gTmSo0F.jpg?1)
On the left flank, SGT Clock and PFC Bonilla are able to kill one of the NVA Trail Element.
The first onslaught of US fire is deadly and sees 5 NVA KIA, 3 NVA WIA, and a number of NVA suppressed.
(https://i.imgur.com/FgUbBkU.jpg?1)
The first token pulled following the ambush is for PFC Allen who promptly guns down the NVA survivor of the trail element.
(https://i.imgur.com/ocUYzhE.jpg?1)
Following up on the success of the claymore, 2LT Shull takes out his grenade, pulls the pin, and throws it towards the NVA Squad Leader. However, he fails to check for overhead obstruction. The grenade bounces off a branch and lands at his feet where it explodes, sending shrapnel into the lieutenant's chest and SPC Dooley's lower left leg. The RTO, SPC Kauffman, is unhurt but suppressed.
(https://i.imgur.com/MElz3cT.jpg?1)
(https://i.imgur.com/MDd8FY8.jpg)
(I have been lucky so far with my area fire weapons and have not had any catastrophic misses. My luck must have run out. In order to throw a grenade you take 2LT Shull's shoot value (d8) and roll it against the defender's d8. If 2LT Shull's roll would be higher than the NVA Squad Leader, the grenade would have been on target. In this case, the NVA Squad Leader won the roll, making the grenade scatter d8 inches in a random direction. Naturally the scatter was directly back at 2LT Shull and I rolled 5'' - making the grenade land almost in his lap. Oops.)
Enraged by the botched grenade, SPC Baldwin charges from cover and subdues the surviving NVA point man in hand to hand combat.
(https://i.imgur.com/qBO4Cw5.jpg)
The NVA Squad Leader then activates and takes cover behind the paddy dike. He then readies his one grenade and throws it at SPC Nelson and the M60 team.
(https://i.imgur.com/h32m6lk.jpg)
His aim is off, and the grenade goes wide to the right landing next to the wounded SPC Dooley. The ensuing blast sends shrapnel into the medic's chest, killing him.
(https://i.imgur.com/Wo0mYAo.jpg)
In an act of revenge, PFC Allen then moves onto the road and throws a grenade at an SKS-armed NVA infantryman behind the paddy dike. In his haste, he miss-judges the throw, and the grenade lands at the feet of the NVA MMG team. The ensuing blast kills the NVA RTO.
(https://i.imgur.com/nEi21Bd.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/40PwQsL.jpg)
Recovering from the multiple grenade blasts, SPC Kauffman blasts the M79-armed NVA with his shotgun, taking him out of the fight.
(https://i.imgur.com/XR6fiJJ.jpg)
At this point, 2nd Squad begins to advance into the road to hunt down any surviving NVA.
(https://i.imgur.com/Vh477EE.jpg)
SPC Baldwin, continuing his one-man assault, fires his M79 at the NVA Squad Leader behind the paddy dike. The 40mm grenade is on target and kills the NVA Squad Leader.
(https://i.imgur.com/xT7S0km.jpg)
With this last act, the few surviving NVA fade away into the jungle.
This mission was a blast to play. In hindsight, I should have had some NVA reinforcements arrive, or given the Americans a set number of activations instead of the entire squad firing off on the first ambush round. The NVA really had no chance to respond after the opening salvo. If it wasn't for 2LT Shull's botched grenade throw, the end result would have been even more in favor of the Americans.
The final results:
US - 1 KIA (SPC Dooley)
- 1 WIA (2LT Shull) - moderate wound, will return after 2 missions
NVA - 8 KIA
- 7 W/C
- 1 C
(https://i.imgur.com/4AYrOa0.jpg)
2nd Squad itself is unscathed, but the platoon headquarters will need some reorganization.
With the platoon leader out of action for 2 missions, SFC Stevenson will become the acting platoon leader, while SSG Wallace will become the acting PSG. His first action as acting platoon sergeant will be to contact Bravo 6 and request a new medic to replace SPC Dooley.
On the painting front I have almost finished a batch of US infantry replacements (I currently have just about enough for two full-strength US infantry platoons with no signs of stopping). I received an order for Vietnamese hooches from Paint and Glue Miniatures (https://www.paintandglue.co.uk/vietnam - excellent service, would recommend), and my foxholes came from Ironclad Miniatures (https://www.ironcladminiatures.co.uk/ourshop/cat_870021-Field-Positions-28mm.html - again, excellent and would recommend).
Once those are all painted I will start some work on some hills for 3rd Platoon and the NVA to fight over in the future.
Finally, the current 3rd Platoon roster:
(https://i.imgur.com/fWZHagy.jpg)
Thanks for reading!
-
Very nice new AAR. Reflects the feel of the rulesery well!
-
Excellent AAR, thanks for sharing.
Really impressed by the terrain as well, especially those paddy fields
:)
-
Superb stuff buddy 👏
-
:-* :-* :-* :-*
Love how the NVA officer is the first to go into cover lol
-
Thanks for the great battle reports and inspirational photos, do you make the counters yourself or have them custom made?
-
Thanks guys!
The terrain was definitely a labor of love. I used 5-6 different shades of green spray paint on the plants and used oregano as the leaf litter on the jungle floor. It looks good now, but my basement had an overpowering oregano smell for WEEKS. The wife was NOT amused.
I made the tokens myself. I used word to create the circles, laminated them using my wife's laminator, then cut them to size and used rubber cement to fix the flag and token to the 25mm mdf base.
I added the word documents I used to the 28mm Vietnam Gaming Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/832798573741865/files
-
Another great AAR.
As usual, 2nt Lt messes up.
I will end my comments about 2nd LTs. ::)
Have to be nice. :)
-
Another great AAR.
As usual, 2nt Lt messes up.
I will end my comments about 2nd LTs. ::)
Have to be nice. :)
Um, is now a bad time to mention I used to be a 2LT? 8)
-
CapnJim,
Can you say, "I put my foot in my mouth." :-X
All jokes aside I have a lot of respect for all officers.
Was almost one once, three different times.
-
I was also a 2LT back in the day. Glad my mistakes never included fragging my platoon HQ!
-
Fab thread, absolutely inspirational!
Just a quick one on the rules, do they make any distinction between Army and Marines? I have a growing collection of the latter but none of the former!
Cheers!
-
CapnJim,
Can you say, "I put my foot in my mouth." :-X
All jokes aside I have a lot of respect for all officers.
Was almost one once, three different times.
No worries! I don't take myself all that seriously... :D
I was also a 2LT back in the day. Glad my mistakes never included fragging my platoon HQ!
Me neither. But as a tanker, my f***-ups would have been way more dramatic... :o. And I was enlisted for 4 years prior to getting my commission, so that I think helped me not do s**t like that.... :)
-
Fab thread, absolutely inspirational!
Just a quick one on the rules, do they make any distinction between Army and Marines? I have a growing collection of the latter but none of the former!
Cheers!
Thanks, Cypher!
The rules don't make a huge difference between Army and Marine units, they mostly have organizational differences.
There are company-level organizations for USMC, US Army, US Airmobile, US Navy SEALs, Viet Cong, NVA, and ARVN forces, with Free World Forces coming in a later expansion. You can select the troop quality level for your formation based on the time period you are playing.
For example:
1958 - 1964 recommends veteran NVA, Trained ARVN, with Elite / Veteran US advisors
1965 - 1968 recommends veteran or trained NVA, and trained US troops
The above is a guide, as I am playing my 173rd Airborne platoon as veterans to represent the Airborne spirit of my troops. As replacements filter in I'll have them start off as trained and eventually become veterans after a random number of missions.
-
My copy of 'The Nam' came in.
Just a quick look at, I like what I see.
The rules have lots of excellent photos of Empress figures.
I like that a lot.
I know you pay extra for all the photos but I really like that in a rule book.
My Nam stuff is on a back burner right now as I am working on WWII.
And waiting for Empress ARVN figures.
-
Brilliant, thanks. These rules sound exactly what I've been looking for, even more so with your tweaks.
Off to find the credit card to order a copy...
-
Thanks Hammertime for the word documents. T started my own tokens at the weekend and hope to have a first game coming weekend.
-
Brilliant, thanks. These rules sound exactly what I've been looking for, even more so with your tweaks.
Off to find the credit card to order a copy...
You won't regret it!
Thanks Hammertime for the word documents. T started my own tokens at the weekend and hope to have a first game coming weekend.
Happy to help! I hope the VC flags will work for you as well!
My copy of 'The Nam' came in.
Just a quick look at, I like what I see.
The rules have lots of excellent photos of Empress figures.
I like that a lot.
I know you pay extra for all the photos but I really like that in a rule book.
My Nam stuff is on a back burner right now as I am working on WWII.
And waiting for Empress ARVN figures.
The pictures are really nice. I'm very happy with the rules!
-
We rejoin 3rd Platoon after the prisoners and casualties from mission 3's ambush are medevac'd out.
Arriving on the first resupply bird are 3 new soldiers:
PFC Garcia, the new platoon medic
CPL Metzger, the new FO
PFC Clemens, the new FO RTO
(https://i.imgur.com/4lQKFLO.jpg)
While not replacing all of our losses, it is nice to have some fresh meat for the grinder.
Capturing the live prisoner in mission 3 gave our intelligence officers a chance to interrogate an NVA and discover where the nearby basecamp is located. Our mission will be to destroy that base camp.
MISSION 4
B Company will airlift to LZ AIRBORNE in the vicinity of An Loc Dong and occupy positions at phase line BIG DOG no later than 0400Zulu. At 0415Zulu B Company will advance on line to objective HAMMER where it will capture or destroy the NVA basecamp.
3rd Platoon will be the main effort, with 2nd Platoon to the West and 1st Platoon to the East. As the main effort, 3rd Platoon will have priority of fires from organic mortars as well as 105mm howitzers. Air support is on standby.
The AO from the South looking North:
(https://i.imgur.com/ZmxIWOA.jpg)
From the West looking East:
(https://i.imgur.com/UPh5b45.jpg)
Initial flyover from the cavalry's OH-6s show civilians in the area, it doesn't look like we are expected.
(https://i.imgur.com/JtVlhqc.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/DooGgCc.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/VAn7NK0.jpg)
3rd Platoon will start the mission as follows:
(https://i.imgur.com/p26OYAY.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/DAkF6eA.jpg)
Upon crossing Phase Line BIG DOG, 3rd Platoon deploys on line:
(https://i.imgur.com/xkRjBtE.jpg)
Immediately, the civilians begin to run into the jungle:
(https://i.imgur.com/IceELPy.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/Y6XcAJI.jpg)
Cautiously, 3rd Platoon continues to advance:
(https://i.imgur.com/0xOKoxC.jpg)
Until the sound of AK47s shatter the silence! The NVA are dug in on the hill. Looks like this isn't going to be a surprise after all.
(https://i.imgur.com/R6DLMiW.jpg)
The entrenched NVA fireteam opens up on 3rd Squad's Bravo Team, hitting SGT Daniels in the right shoulder with an AK47 round.
(https://i.imgur.com/gnsbkb8.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/j801joQ.jpg)
Without warning, an NVA mortar round lands in the rice paddy with SFC Stevenson, thankfully landing wide of any US troops.
(https://i.imgur.com/ypq2eFK.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/lJUARrj.jpg)
(This could have been bad, SFC Stevenson was the aiming point and if hit, the mortar would have affected the entire platoon HQ.)
A second NVA fireteam opens up on 2nd Squad's Bravo Team from a paddy dike, thankfully missing their shots:
(https://i.imgur.com/ztauSez.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/bjc9Vao.jpg)
A third NVA fireteam moves forward in the jungle and heads towards 1st Squad:
(https://i.imgur.com/n3l95L4.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/tiJXZeh.jpg)
CPL Metzger shows his experience and calls in an A4 Skyhawk to drop some napalm on the entrenched NVA fireteam on the hill. The Skyhawk pilot is right on the money and vaporizes the NVA fireteam in their foxholes.
(https://i.imgur.com/hUtpsrU.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/N49R9J1.jpg)
Advancing under fire, 2nd Squad's Bravo Team takes cover at the next paddy dike:
(https://i.imgur.com/vimelTu.jpg)
While 3rd Squad's Alpha Team advances towards the now empty NVA foxholes:
(https://i.imgur.com/7450Z6J.jpg)
The NVA mortar continues to try and get the range, missing wide to the left:
(https://i.imgur.com/IfhYyLL.jpg)
As they approach the edge of the rice paddy, 3rd Squad's Alpha team comes under point-blank fire from an NVA machinegun bunker
(https://i.imgur.com/VTsdPh4.jpg)
SGT Tabor is hit in the face and taken out of the fight, while the rest of the team is pinned down.
(https://i.imgur.com/d9yrWeg.jpg)
Moving towards a better firing position, PFC Smith from M60 Team A steps on a mine and is killed.
(https://i.imgur.com/E2cpUb1.jpg)
(Dang booby traps)
On the far left flank, 1st Squad's Bravo Team is pinned down by a fresh NVA fireteam firing from the jungle:
(https://i.imgur.com/GFc9OZF.jpg)
Directly across from 2nd Squad, an NVA Machinegun bunker opens up on 2nd Squad's Bravo Team:
(https://i.imgur.com/i9Pp2ra.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/j3IvrYI.jpg)
While a second NVA mortar drops a perfect first-round-hit on 2nd Squad's Alpha Team, blowing off PV2 Bobbit's left leg, killing him.
(https://i.imgur.com/Ysi2y8v.jpg)
The NVA platoon leader appears on top of the hill, clearly directing the mortar fire from his vantage point:
(https://i.imgur.com/vGTkk8P.jpg)
Eager to show the NVA the power of free-world artillery, SSG Panza calls in a mortar barrage right on top of the second NVA machinegun bunker and mortar team, destroying both:
(https://i.imgur.com/HnjLDeD.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/GN8d6XQ.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/MdZlED6.jpg)
On the left flank, PFC Wallace shakes off the suppression and kills two NVA infantrymen with his M79 grenade launcher. SSG Herod attempts to call in the Skyhawk again but cannot direct the pilot on to the target and the bombs miss the NVA, killing a family of monkeys.
(https://i.imgur.com/DARPjIs.jpg)
In revenge, the western NVA squad fires on both teams from 1st Squad, wounding PFC Binning from 1st Squad Alpha Team in the lower left arm, and wounding PFC Hughet from 1st Squad Bravo Team in the chest.
(https://i.imgur.com/C8zf8wx.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/JIAAcKi.jpg)
Trying to take the pressure off of 3rd Squad's Alpha Team, SGT Lawrence fires his M60 and suppresses the NVA machine gunners.
(https://i.imgur.com/zKfIYAv.jpg)
CPL Metzger continues to be on the ball, calling in an artillery fire mission where SSG Herod failed. The rounds land right on target and wipe out one of the NVA fireteams and leaving behind a moonscape in the jungle.
(https://i.imgur.com/CgmZDAq.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/efjifc8.jpg?1)
Without warning, a 73mm shell explodes amongst 2nd Squad's Bravo Team hitting PFC Bonilla in the right shoulder, SGT Clock in the right upper leg, and PFC Allen in the neck. PFC Bonilla is killed instantly, SGT Clock and PFC Allen are both seriously wounded, Leaving PV2 Ruiz as the only member of his team remaining. An NVA Recoilless Rifle has entered the game.
(https://i.imgur.com/y2AyVx2.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/3EITEJz.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/gMotAsu.jpg)
With the remaining NVA MG Bunker still suppressed, 3rd Squad Alpha Team is able to advance close enough to bring effective fire on the bunker and wipes out the crew.
(https://i.imgur.com/JYEIz2K.jpg)
In an attempt to minimize the incoming fire on his squad, SSG Panza of 2nd Squad calls for the Skyhawk to drop its remaining ordnance on the NVA fireteam closest to him. The Skyhawk pilot is right on target and blasts the NVA fireteam, killing two and pinning the rest of the team.
(https://i.imgur.com/k7WZwAg.jpg)
On the hill, a second entrenched NVA fireteam opens up on 3rd Squad's Alpha Team. Fortunately, their shots only cause the Americans to duck.
(https://i.imgur.com/ZGKTOrM.jpg)
The RPG gunner, however, takes aim at SFC Stevenson and launches a rocket. Continuing to live his charmed life, the RPG misses and explodes harmlessly in the paddy field.
(https://i.imgur.com/6OBStjt.jpg)
The remaining NVA mortar again fires on SFC Stevenson and the platoon HQ. This time his aim is right on the money and the mortar bomb lands right at SFC Stevenson's feet.
(https://i.imgur.com/oe0h88O.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/3E8qLoG.jpg)
However, once the dust settles SFC Stevenson and the platoon HQ are shaken up, but unscathed.
(https://i.imgur.com/Rzq9VgP.jpg)
In an attempt to cover the platoon HQ, SPC Miles from 3rd Squad Alpha Team fires his M79 at the entrenched RPG gunner's foxhole. His 40mm grenade lands right on target, blasting the NVA occupying the hole and killing them.
(https://i.imgur.com/Oy1BOZr.jpg)
Spotting SPC Hodges' radio antenna, the NVA recoilless rifle targets 2nd Squad's command team. The 73mm shell is right on target and hits SSG Panza in the head, killing him instantly. SPC Hodges is unhurt, but is left suppressed.
(https://i.imgur.com/mMAkxth.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/ap0aOIf.jpg)
With this last casualty, 3rd Platoon breaks contact, dragging their dead and wounded back to LZ AIRBORNE, where they will reorganize, regroup, reinforce, and try again.
Mission End
This mission was an absolute bloodbath on both sides. Again, the US artillery, mortars, and air support inflicted the majority of the enemy casualties, with the riflemen seemingly only being there to identify targets for their supporting arms.
Overall, the US forces lost 4 KIA (Panza, Bobbit, Smith, and Bonilla) and 6 WIA (Binning, Hughet, Clock, Allen, Daniels, and Tabor). The NVA suffered even more, losing over half of the defending platoon.
(https://i.imgur.com/xSeINax.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/JPmdtoi.jpg)
After rolling for the fate of the wounded we have:
PFC Binning - Light wounds, miss 1 mission
PFC Hughet - DOW
SGT Clock - Severe wounds, return to USA
PFC Allen - Moderate wounds, miss 2 missions
SGT Tabor - Moderate wounds, miss 2 missions
SGT Daniels - Moderate wounds, miss 2 missions
This brings our total to 5 KIA / DOW and 5 WIA. 3rd Platoon is hurting!
On the plus side, PV2 Runyon returns for the next mission, having recovered from his wounds. We are also hearing rumors about possible replacements, but until they actually show up we will have to make do with a severely understrength platoon for the next mission:
(https://i.imgur.com/75ynkDL.jpg)
After 4 missions we have lost:
(https://i.imgur.com/yTzEpNg.jpg)
SPC Hodges and PV2 Runyon have both returned, and we might be able to have 2LT Shull sneak out of the aid station early, but that always runs the risk of the lieutenant accidentally fragging his own men!
Again, if you made it this far, thanks for reading! And I will catch you next time.
-
Ugh, that was a meat grinder.
-
Lovely report again! Makes me want to try a game !
One question, why has your platoon only 2 fireteams per squad ? Is that an airborne thing?
When using a blooper gun does that count against the numbers of grenades you are allowed to use during the game? Or can you shoot the M79 as often as you like?
-
Great report again. Seems like good ol' 3rd Platoon has seen the elephant for sure now! :o
-
great report
love the napalm markers - any advice on recreation would be appreciated - would make a great smoke grenade effect
-
Ugh, that was a meat grinder.
I agree. Naming the soldiers may have been a mistake. I'm getting attached to them.
great report
love the napalm markers - any advice on recreation would be appreciated - would make a great smoke grenade effect
I can't take credit for making them. I picked them up from Bud's Blast Markers here: https://www.budsblastmarkers.com/product-page/napalm-explosion-with-fiber-optics
Great report again. Seems like good ol' 3rd Platoon has seen the elephant for sure now! :o
They've seen multiple elephants at this point!
Lovely report again! Makes me want to try a game !
One question, why has your platoon only 2 fireteams per squad ? Is that an airborne thing?
When using a blooper gun does that count against the numbers of grenades you are allowed to use during the game? Or can you shoot the M79 as often as you like?
The US Army differs from the USMC where Army squads are divided into 2 fireteams. USMC squads are organized into 3 fireteams.
-
The US Army differs from the USMC where Army squads are divided into 2 fireteams. USMC squads are organized into 3 fireteams.
Yup. The other difference is their different fire team concepts. The Marines had a SL and 3 formally organized fire teams, each with its own leader who reported to the SL. The Army split the squad in 2, with the SL taking 1/2, and the ASL taking the other 1/2. And squad and platoon leaders didn't always follow that organization, though, depending on the tactical situation and their units' SOPs.
The Army did countless studies after WW2 on how to organize its rifle platoons and squads. In spite of some of the studies recommending it (as well as recommending M60 MGs being part of the squad TO&E), t took until the mid-80s and the adoption of the M249 SAW for the Army to adopt formal fire teams a la the Marines, and then each squad only had 2 teams.
-
The Army did countless studies after WW2 on how to organize its rifle platoons and squads. In spite of some of the studies recommending it (as well as recommending M60 MGs being part of the squad TO&E), t took until the mid-80s and the adoption of the M249 SAW for the Army to adopt formal fire teams a la the Marines, and then each squad only had 2 teams.
Its an ammunition thing. The M60 could burn through a serious amount of ammo ( based on the MG42) which was a huge issue when tramping through the jungle. In the army they had one per section and spread the belts around. The Marines held them as a company asset so that they could place them in the best positions. Also remember that they also used M14/16's on full auto which were the 'fireteam LMG weapons'. However these proved unsatisfactory and by 1968 were fading away.
All armies go through these theories which become battle practised. Some work some do not. All decided by many considerations other than pure fire power.
-
Also remember that they also used M14/16's on full auto which were the 'fireteam LMG weapons'. However these proved unsatisfactory and by 1968 were fading away.
I've never fired a full auto M14. But you haven't lived until you've melted down the gas tube and/or barrel of an M16 firing full auto. They get a might warmish... :o
-
Great battle reports Hammertime! Giving the figures names really has a nice effect of "such and such got hit", rather than "we took two casualties." I think it adds to your enjoyment and certainly does to your reader's!
Is the rules set designed to be solo? It seems to be that you are playing it that way. Or is it designed to have player(s) for each side? Just curious...
Mike Demana
http://leadlegionaries.blogspot.com/
-
It is designed for two or more players. But I think the concept lends itself well for solo gaming.
-
I read that the rules also have in-between mission events. Have you been trying them out? Or am I mistaken?
-
Finally had time to read the AAR.
What a great one. :-*
Lovely photos and great story telling.
Thanks.
-
Great battle reports Hammertime! Giving the figures names really has a nice effect of "such and such got hit", rather than "we took two casualties." I think it adds to your enjoyment and certainly does to your reader's!
Is the rules set designed to be solo? It seems to be that you are playing it that way. Or is it designed to have player(s) for each side? Just curious...
Mike Demana
http://leadlegionaries.blogspot.com/
Thanks! I feel like adding names to the figures helps to keep some continuity between games. I named them after friends, coworkers, and movie / book characters so I'm attached!
Like Tomrommel1 said, the rules are intended for 2+ players, but using the random activation it works pretty well solo.
I read that the rules also have in-between mission events. Have you been trying them out? Or am I mistaken?
No between-mission events, unfortunately. Maybe in the upcoming expansion that adds free-world-forces? I think Warwick Kinrade's 'Nam 68 rules are supposed to have some between mission events.
Finally had time to read the AAR.
What a great one. :-*
Lovely photos and great story telling.
Thanks.
Thanks! I'm working on Mission 5 and will have it posted in the near future!
-
And we're back!
My wife gave me a very nice Father's Day present and agreed to take command of 3rd Platoon for Mission 5.
Before we begin I finished my M48A3 from Empress Miniatures. Lovely little tank and a joy to paint!
(https://i.imgur.com/glW9zHM.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/keoiA1F.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/wKDjnRI.jpg)
Previously, 3rd Platoon tried to secure Objective HAMMER but was unsuccessful after suffering heavy casualties. Seeing the opposition, 3rd Platoon has had an M48 (Deuces) attached for some additional firepower.
MISSION 5
3rd Platoon, B Company will again attack and secure Objective HAMMER.
(https://i.imgur.com/6QHbDQg.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/zkiONJE.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/FJ2k0Vi.jpg)
3rd Platoon's attack starts with SFC Stevenson leading the Platoon HQ forward towards Objective Hammer
(https://i.imgur.com/371cPpR.jpg)
This movement draws an immediate response from the NVA, who open up from the old foxholes on Objective Hammer.
(https://i.imgur.com/XlYZWGq.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/jWT8QtS.jpg)
Caught in the open of the rice paddy, PFC Garcia is hit in the right upper leg and wounded.
(https://i.imgur.com/uWXaH9S.jpg)
In revenge, CPL Metzger, the attached FO, calls in some fixed-wing support and has a Skyhawk drop a load of napalm directly on the NVA fireteam.
(https://i.imgur.com/w4OWN4X.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/yiZ3JZy.jpg)
Once the jet is gone, the sounds of an NVA mortar launching can be heard from the jungle.
(https://i.imgur.com/jQ6fLHH.jpg)
The mortar round lands right on top of M60 Team A, but through a sheer stroke of luck neither American is hit.
(https://i.imgur.com/uaCkxDj.jpg)
Seeing the Platoon HQ leading the way, 1st Squad also advances into the rice paddy heading towards the objective.
(https://i.imgur.com/3FvRTpp.jpg)
3rd Squad also starts to advance, but SPC Miles fails to see a booby trap buried in the paddy dike and sets off a massive explosion.
(https://i.imgur.com/TsvzCGn.jpg?1)
SPC Miles and SSG Workman are both killed in the blast, while PFC Ward is suppressed.
(https://i.imgur.com/ZiVuklE.jpg)
As the M48A3 "Deuces" clanks down the dirt road towards the objective, CPL Metzger calls in a mortar barrage on the NVA Mortar team, knocking both the gun and crew out of action.
(https://i.imgur.com/VUxTwCD.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/scjntCn.jpg)
Even with the losses in 3rd Squad, 3rd Platoon is determined to take Objective Hammer and continues to advance.
(https://i.imgur.com/0J7VWzZ.jpg)
However, "Deuces" advances too far beyond the accompanying infantry and is engaged by an NVA RPG team.
(https://i.imgur.com/geJiFaY.jpg)
The RPG is on target and blows the left track off the tank. "Deuces" is going nowhere.
(https://i.imgur.com/rawTPUU.jpg)
The RPG team doesn't get a chance to fire again, as SSG Wallace calls an artillery barrage on them and wipes the team out.
(https://i.imgur.com/YVi8CXC.jpg)
Sensing that the NVA are starting to crack, SFC Stevenson jumps to his feet and with a resounding cry ("Come on you apes, you want to live forever!?") advances towards the objective again. PFC Maxwell, motivated beyond belief jumps up to follow him and trips another booby trap.
(https://i.imgur.com/pwh3Oik.jpg)
When the dust clears, PFC Maxwell is suppressed, while SFC Stevenson is killed.
(https://i.imgur.com/qhVR7WR.jpg)
One final gunshot rings out as an NVA sniper takes aim at SSG Wallace, but the shot goes wide and the NVA platoon abandons the objective.
(https://i.imgur.com/82pJC5l.jpg)
3rd Platoon has taken and secured Objective Hammer, but the victory came at a cost. Again, US supporting arms made all the difference. I don't think a single American infantryman fired his weapon. Overall, the wife did an adequate job commanding 3rd Platoon.
(https://i.imgur.com/WBmOy5M.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/oTYzzBl.jpg)
After reorganizing, 3rd Platoon is as follows:
(https://i.imgur.com/rbkilWm.jpg)
2LT Shull has returned from his (self-inflicted) grenade wounds, while PFC Binning is back in 1st Squad.
SSG Wallace stays as the platoon sergeant, while SGT Skonieczny takes over as the 3rd squad leader.
3rd Platoon is now heading back to FSB Slayer where it will meet up with some replacements.
Thanks for reading!
-
Another great report. But 3rd Platoon is sure getting ground down...
And three cheers to the Mrs. for enabling your habit... :D
-
Loving this thread Jimbo, you are smashing it mate
-
Loving this thread Jimbo, you are smashing it mate
Another Jim? Very good! As we used to say when playtesting for Force on force, you can't have too many Jims... ;)
-
I am really loving your battle reports, Jim. These make me want to do Vietnam, as well - and I don't have a single fig painted up for that theater!! :o
Mike Demana
http://leadlegionaries.blogspot.com/
-
A cracking good thread! Excellent minis and tables. I particularly like your effects markers. Brilliant narrative to the games. Sounds like you are having great fun.
-
Brilliant reports :-*
-
very good report !
-
Very interesting thread!
-
Isn’t it great when you find a well established topic that you’d missed? This one is a great read even though I have no interest in gaming the subject myself, the topic has my interest all the way through. Congratulations on a really interesting and enjoyable read.
Doug
-
Thanks everyone!
I have some time off work coming up, I might have to get the board out again and continue the adventures of 3rd platoon!
-
Outstanding. Looks like a fun set of rules.
-
And we are back!
I finally was able to have a real, honest-to-god game with real people in my house since the world got sick! What better way to inaugurate the return to in-person gaming than with another adventure with 3rd Platoon?
3rd Platoon, having secured Objected HAMMER, returned to Firebase Slayer where a whole group of replacements were waiting to be assigned to their squad. Captain Hammertime, seeing how reduced his company has become, also combed out the rear detachment units and scrounged up all the unnecessary cooks and admin clerks and have them ready for assignment as well. (I normally wouldn't expect 13 replacements to show up, but having my dad and cousin over for a game I didn't want them to suffer through a mission with a platoon sitting at 50% strength).
Our new and improved 3rd Platoon roster follows (Replacements are blue, temporary attachments are in green):
(https://i.imgur.com/WurmmkR.png)
We are back to a near-full strength platoon, and all of our wounded have returned. We'll see how long this lasts.
Mission 6
3rd Platoon, Bravo Company will conduct a Search and Destroy mission North East of Firebase Slayer. 3rd Platoon is to engage and destroy any NVA / VC forces found in the area
Our AO:
(https://i.imgur.com/WTbikoz.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/R58kGHi.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/rKJerCG.jpg)
(The village was finished literally minutes before the game started)
The new and improved(*) 3rd Platoon:
(https://i.imgur.com/5IYhImm.jpg)
* Not necessarily improved
And our commanders for the mission:
(https://i.imgur.com/G2YxYdDt.png?1) Ben, assuming the role of the PSG and commanding 1st and 2nd Squads, M60 Team A, and "Deuces"
(https://i.imgur.com/YBpWomFt.jpg?1) Gerry, assuming the role of the PL and commanding 3rd and 4th Squads, M60 Team B, M60 Team C, and the FO
3rd Platoon deploys in the bottom left corner of the map:
(https://i.imgur.com/sABzY7y.jpg?1)
The first few turns see the Americans marching through the rice paddies. Wet, miserable, and covered in leaches.
The relative silence of the jungle is violently interrupted by an NVA mortar round landing the the rice paddy in front of 1st Squad's A Team. Luckily, the round landed short (I fired the mortar before looking at the on-table range of 48''. Oops).
(https://i.imgur.com/lS0Q2N1.jpg)
3rd Platoon takes its first casualty as PV2 Aubrey, walking on a paddy dike to avoid getting his feet wet, is hit in the chest by a sniper round and taken out of the fight with a serious wound.
(https://i.imgur.com/1RaJhTh.jpg)
Hoping to avoid his fellow replacement's mistake, PV2 Warren steps only where the veterans in front of him step. Unfortunately, he spots a child's toy in the grass, picks it up, and triggers a booby trap - the subsequent blast kills him, and sends all nearby troops into cover.
(https://i.imgur.com/2eyGsF1.jpg)
The booby trap that killed PV2 Warren must have been a single, as an NVA fireteam opens up on 2nd Squad in the paddy, while an MMG in a log bunker opens up from the village, firing on 1st Squad. Luck is with the Americans as, while seeing a number of near misses, no one is hit.
(https://i.imgur.com/D2VvY62.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/fuvSCfz.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/nas0UXx.jpg)
Reacting as only veteran soldiers can, SGT Miller orders 2nd Squad's A Team up to the dike where they open up an accurate fire on the NVA ambushers, killing 1 and suppressing the fireteam.
(https://i.imgur.com/iyDjEu5.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/i3T4PPk.jpg)
While reloading, 2nd Squad's RTO, PFC Sandbach, looks over the dike at the now suppressed NVA. Before SGT Miller can pull the FNG down, a solitary rifle shot echoes out, hitting Sandbach in the side of his head, killing him.
(https://i.imgur.com/eZeKAm4.jpg)
This time the sniper is spotted, and is quickly pinned down by the rest of 2nd Squad.
(https://i.imgur.com/KxS3ARh.jpg)
Deciding there is no point in waiting, the Recoilless Rifle team deploys and opens fire on "Deuces." Luckily, the M48's armor withstands the shot and the crew, while rattled, survives.
(https://i.imgur.com/XG3ctE5.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/gPxXth8.jpg)
Another NVA fireteam opens up on 2nd Squad's A Team, hitting SPC Baldwin in his lower left leg, taking him out of the fight.
(https://i.imgur.com/xXUDUxW.jpg)
Finally finding his location on the map, the platoon leader calls in a mortar fire mission on the NVA Squad that has been engaging in a firefight with 2nd Squad. The mortars are right on target and kill 4 of the NVA infantrymen and suppressing the survivors.
(https://i.imgur.com/5wFn0Rx.jpg)
While the mortar fire mission is impacting, a second NVA sniper fires at 3rd Squad, missing, and getting himself spotted and killed in the process.
(https://i.imgur.com/1DHpUHE.jpg)
2nd Squad again fires on the survivors of the NVA squad under mortar fire, kills 1, and causes the survivors to flee into the jungle.
(https://i.imgur.com/q5g2l59.jpg)
The NVA mortars continue their ineffective fire, dropping a mortar round near 1st Squad's A Team but inflicting no casualties.
(https://i.imgur.com/zG9m8CJ.jpg)
While the contact has been mostly on the American right flank, 3rd and 4th Squad have continued their advance on the American Left. Gerry, making a classic Lieutenant mistake, moves 3rd Squad away from cover, and triggers an ambush by an NVA 12.7mm HMG. The huge rounds are accurate, punches PV2 Fuchs off his feet with a massive chest wound, killing him and pinning the rest of the fireteam.
(https://i.imgur.com/2W2kaTg.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/QFaAY3u.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/uw3keHO.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/YBpWomFt.jpg?2): Oops!
The NVA MMG in the village opens up again on 1st Squad A Team, and hits PFC Wallace in his left shin, taking him out of the fight.
(https://i.imgur.com/sxam2XT.jpg?1)
Finally getting into the fight, the Forward Observer (CPL Metzger) calls an artillery barrage on top of the NVA HMG, scoring a direct hit on the bunker and wiping out the gun team.
(https://i.imgur.com/d62uSaV.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/84OWGTv.jpg)
At this point, my son wandered to the basement GAME ROOM and started pulling tokens for us. His first pull brought in a second NVA MMG and the boy deployed the gun team on the hill across from 3rd and 4th squad, perfectly enfilading the Americans in the open. The boy is a natural guerilla! The MMG opens up on 1st squad's B Team, gunning down Stuart (hit in the left hand) and Gonzales (taking off his left foot).
(https://i.imgur.com/3TdGIIF.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/HzWkDIw.jpg)
Not wanting the Americans to get any closer, the entirety of the NVA 2nd Squad deploys into an entrenched position and opens up on 4th Squad's A Team, wounding PFC Erinmore in the abdomen with an AK47 round. (Looks like he won't be sending two LCpls on a wild goose chase across France)
(https://i.imgur.com/VdJPhbj.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/EqgvV2a.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/EmZsgUN.jpg)
Things are looking pretty grim for 4th Squad, caught in the open with an entrenched NVA squad at belt-buckle range with an MMG bunker on their flank, 3rd Platoon needs a miracle. That miracle comes in the form of an A4-B Skyhawk token pulled at the perfect time:
(https://i.imgur.com/ufASgmr.jpg)
Luckily, the Skyhawk pilot is talked right onto the target and drops his napalm right on top of the entrenched squad, wiping out an entire fireteam.
(https://i.imgur.com/lqLdQLJ.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/DCFBfA2.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/Cw7Jvyl.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/JVXxzg1.jpg)
Trying to take advantage of the napalm strike, 4th Squad's B Team advances towards the remaining entrenched fireteam in a failed assault that sees SPC Teller killed and PV2 Dallas wounded in the left arm, while the survivors are suppressed.
(https://i.imgur.com/neEyWdU.jpg)
The Platoon Leader calls in a danger close mortar barrage on the remaining entrenched NVA, killing 2 and suppressing the rest:
(https://i.imgur.com/6CQke0k.jpg)
Not to be outdone, the NVA mortar drops a round on top of 1st Squad's A Team.
(https://i.imgur.com/8zmmR24.jpg)
When the dust settles, the entire team is somehow unharmed, though understandably suppressed.
SSG Herod, 1st Squad's squad leader next moves to rally the survivors of his B Team, but fails to move them into the cover of the paddy field. The NVA take this opportunity to drop a mortar round on the group of Americans, killing SSG Herod and inflicting a serious hip wound on SGT Daniels. 1st Squad is hurting!
(https://i.imgur.com/DsQVDmj.jpg)
The US Mortars now take revenge, and drop a perfect fire mission on top of the NVA MMG team in the hilltop bunker and blasts 2 NVA infantrymen out of their foxholes with direct hits. The MMG team is killed in their bunker while the survivors of the NVA 2nd squad retreat into the jungle.
(https://i.imgur.com/s6NPDpA.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/RuFmkwF.jpg)
Finally suppressing their panic, "Deuces" clanks towards the village and draws line of sight on the NVA mortar team. A simple gunnery command sees the M48 send a 90mm main gun round into the jungle, vaporizing the NVA mortar team.
(https://i.imgur.com/Xf2ypID.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/qYfetCC.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/z9JnMNI.jpg)
The main gun round acts as the single to end the engagement and the surviving NVA break contact and retreat into the jungle.
3rd Platoon suffered 13 casualties on this mission, 3 from the attached 4th squad (2 WIA, 1 KIA), and 10 from the organic platoon (5 WIA, 5 KIA) giving us 6 killed and 7 wounded. Most of the replacements were casualties (honestly, while historical, this was completely random), but a few of our veteran troops were also taken out of action. Some thanks to the brilliant leadership of Gerry.
(https://i.imgur.com/G2YxYdDt.png?2): Nice job LT.
We receive word on our casualties after returning to Firebase Slayer:
PV2 Aubrey's chest wound is less serious than it appeared and he will be back after the next mission (Light Wounds)
PFC Wallace and PV2 Stuart are both more seriously injured and will miss the next two missions (Moderate Wounds)
SPC Baldwin and PFC Erinmore are both badly injured and will return to the United States, their time in Vietnam is over (Return to the World)
SGT Daniels, suffering his second wound should also be heading back to the States, but died of his wounds on the dustoff (DOW)
(https://i.imgur.com/PmuhL92.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/3i2y28c.jpg)
Again it is time for some reorganization, with 4th Squad returning to Bravo Company's 2nd platoon, 1st and 2nd Squads consolidating into 1 (large) fire team each, and only 3rd Squad maintaining a 2 fireteam organization. Both M60 teams are back to 2 man teams. Having survived 6 missions, 2LT Shull has been promoted to 1LT and is transferred to a staff position. He's someone else's problem now! We also have some more deserved promotions, with SPC Hodges and SPC Ward pinning on Corporal chevrons as our upcoming team leaders.
(https://i.imgur.com/G2YxYdDt.png?2): Good riddance!
(https://i.imgur.com/Wad3Rz8.png)
After 6 missions 3rd platoon has suffered the following casualties (NOT including the attached units)
(https://i.imgur.com/cMzbkm6.png)
I'm running out of names for replacements, so if you want to be drafted into 3rd Platoon let me know!
-
That was simply awesome. Nicely painted miniatures, a beautiful table, and those delightful explosion effects. Above and beyond, all the way around. Also liked the way that you presented the AAR and the indepth tracking of all the models with the army rosters. A-1 presentation. Thanks for taking the time to share this with us, very appreciated.
-
Nice !
-
Stunning work.
You’ve put lots of time and effort into this.
Congratulations on some great AAR’s.
-
FANTASTIC!
Great write up and pictures. Love it :-* :-*
-
Wow! Now that's how US firepower can work! An expensive win for the US, though...
Anyhoo, well done! :D :D
-
Every time I read one of your reports, I want to get into this period. Awesome job on the details and effects of this series of games. I always look forward to your reports!
Mike Demana
-
Amazing stuff! I don't know how I haven't seen this thread before. I really love that first report you did, and intend to now read your entire thread. I love the idea of persistent gaming, tracking named troops etc, really adds a lot of context and immersion. Might have to check these rules out for my fledgling Vietnam collection (I bought a few packs at Partizan a few weeks ago).
-
Loving this thread. Some simply gorgeous terrain you've made there and some great photography.
I'm just wondering, are the paddy fields from Take Cover Scenics, and the civilians from Full Metal Miniatures, as I'm thinking of purchasing these same items from both manufacturers?
-
Hey Guys!
Loving this thread. Some simply gorgeous terrain you've made there and some great photography.
I'm just wondering, are the paddy fields from Take Cover Scenics, and the civilians from Full Metal Miniatures, as I'm thinking of purchasing these same items from both manufacturers?
The paddy fields are home made. on the smaller dykes I used Das modeling clay to make the embankments, with Styrofoam used on the higher banks.
Amazing stuff! I don't know how I haven't seen this thread before. I really love that first report you did, and intend to now read your entire thread. I love the idea of persistent gaming, tracking named troops etc, really adds a lot of context and immersion. Might have to check these rules out for my fledgling Vietnam collection (I bought a few packs at Partizan a few weeks ago).
Thanks! I'm having a fun time with a narrative game and really like adding the ongoing story of these characters/
Every time I read one of your reports, I want to get into this period. Awesome job on the details and effects of this series of games. I always look forward to your reports!
Thanks! The goal is always to get people interested into the period and rules!
Wow! Now that's how US firepower can work! An expensive win for the US, though...
Anyhoo, well done! :D :D
There is no easy win when I am in command! Murphy's Law is always ready
FANTASTIC!
Great write up and pictures. Love it :-* :-*
Thank's Paul! Your figures are to blame, inspiring me into a never-before time period!
Stunning work.
You’ve put lots of time and effort into this.
Congratulations on some great AAR’s.
Thank you!
Nice !
Thanks!
That was simply awesome. Nicely painted miniatures, a beautiful table, and those delightful explosion effects. Above and beyond, all the way around. Also liked the way that you presented the AAR and the indepth tracking of all the models with the army rosters. A-1 presentation. Thanks for taking the time to share this with us, very appreciated.
Glad you enjoyed it! Definitely a labor of love!
Thanks again for looking and commenting! I appreciate it!
-
Great stuff!
Remind me. What rules are you using?
-
An excellent advert for the period - love the figures, scenery and especially the artillery markers…v.effective.
Thank you for taking the time to post a detailed AAR 8)
-
An excellent advert for the period - love the figures, scenery and especially the artillery markers…v.effective.
Thank you for taking the time to post a detailed AAR 8)
Thanks!
Great stuff!
Remind me. What rules are you using?
Hi Dr. Zombie! I am using "The Nam - The Way It Was" by Wayne Bollands
(https://i.imgur.com/FQreDro.jpg?1)