US Infantry Division in Normandy & Brittany, June - Flames of War

US Infantry Divisions in Northern FranceJune-August 1944By Mike Haught

US Infantry Forces In FranceAt their height, the battles for Normandy and Brittanyincluded 14 American infantry divisions. These arrivedbetween D-Day on 6 June 1944 through the end of August,just as the battles for northern France were coming to a close.Obviously there are too many divisions for each to be featuredin Overlord, however as luck and American efficiency wouldhave it, you can easily adapt the simple Rifle Company tofield these divisions in Flames Of War.Below are all of the US infantry divisions that played animportant part in the Normandy fighting. We’ve included abrief history about the division, motivation and skill ratings,special rules if applicable, and a Rifle Company Diagramto use, which represents that division between June andSeptember 1944.It is important to remember that not all of the following divisionsare created equal. The options available to these RifleCompanies represent what was available to that divisionduring its campaign in France. Between all of these variants,you are sure to find one that suits your play style.Overlord Infantry DivisionsDon’t forget about the Infantry Divisions in the Overlordcompilation book, which includes the 1 st , 2 nd , 4 th , and29 th Infantry Divisions. Together with this briefing youshould have all of the Infantry divisions involved in thebattles of Normandy and Brittany between June and earlySeptember 1944.US Infantry Divisions in Northern FranceSymbol Division & Nickname Arrived1 st Infantry Division 6 June‘Big Red One’2 nd Infantry Division 7 June‘Indianhead’4 th Infantry Division 6 June‘Ivy’5 th Infantry Division 9 July‘Red Diamond’ or ‘Red Devils’8 th Infantry Division 4 July‘Pathfinder’9 th Infantry Division 10 June‘Old Reliable’28 th Infantry Division 22 July‘Keystone’ or ‘Bloody Bucket’Symbol Division & Nickname Arrived29 th Infantry Division 6 June‘Blue and Gray’30 th Infantry Division 10 June‘Old Hickory’35 th Infantry Division 11 July‘Santa Fe’79 th Infantry Division 14 June‘Cross of Lorraine’80 th Infantry Division 3 August‘Blue Ridge’83 rd Infantry Division 18 June‘Thunderbolt’ or ‘Ohio’90 th Infantry Division 8 June‘Tough Hombres’

Rifle Company5 th Infantry DivisionCombat Platoons HeadquartersHeadquartersRifle Company HQInfantryRifle PlatoonInfantry2324(Infantry Company)You must field one platoon from each box shaded black and may field one platoon from eachbox shaded grey.All of your platoons must be marked with or with no symbol at all.Weapons PlatoonsMachine-GunsMachine-gun PlatoonMachine-Guns25Support PlatoonsArmourIndependent Tank PlatoonArmour46ArtilleryField Artillery BatteryArtillery31Rifle PlatoonInfantry24Machine-gun PlatoonArtillery25Tank Destroyer PlatoonTowed Tank DestroyerPlatoon3434Field Artillery BatteryField Artillery Battery (155)Chemical Mortar Platoon313236Rifle Platoon24Mortar PlatoonInfantry26TransportArtilleryMachine-guns &ArtilleryWeapons Platoon25Ammunition & PioneerPlatoonAnti-tank26Truck SectionInfantry29Field Artillery BatteryCorps Field ArtilleryBatteryCorps Field ArtilleryBattery (155)313838Anti-tank Platoon27Engineer Combat Platoon29AircraftRegimental Support PlatoonsAnti-tankAnti-tank PlatoonReconnaissanceIntelligence & ReconPlatoonArtillery2727ReconnaissanceCavalry Recon PlatoonAnti-aircraftAnti-aircraft ArtilleryPlatoonAnti-aircraft Artillery(Self-Propelled) Platoon303636Air SupportAOPAir Observation Post4141Cannon PlatoonAssault Gun Platoon2847Armored Mortar Platoon47

Rifle COmpany8 th Infantry DivisionCombat Platoons HeadquartersHeadquartersRifle Company HQInfantryRifle PlatoonInfantry2324(Infantry Company)You must field one platoon from each box shaded black and may field one platoon from eachbox shaded grey.All of your platoons must be marked with or with no symbol at all.Weapons PlatoonsMachine-GunsMachine-gun PlatoonMachine-Guns25Support PlatoonsArmourIndependent Tank PlatoonTank Destroyer Platoon4634ArtilleryField Artillery BatteryArtillery31Rifle PlatoonInfantry24Machine-gun PlatoonArtillery25Bunker Buster Platoon(155 Gun SP)Transport40Field Artillery BatteryField Artillery Battery (155)Chemical Mortar Platoon313237Rifle Platoon24Mortar PlatoonInfantry26Truck SectionInfantry29ArtilleryMachine-guns &ArtilleryWeapons Platoon25Ammunition & PioneerPlatoonAnti-tank26Engineer Combat PlatoonReconnaissance29Field Artillery Battery (155)Corps Field ArtilleryBattery (155)Corps Armored FieldArtillery Battery323839Anti-tank Platoon27Cavalry Recon Platoon30ArtilleryRegimental Support PlatoonsAnti-tankAnti-tank PlatoonReconnaissanceIntelligence & ReconPlatoonArtillery2727Anti-aircraftAnti-aircraft ArtilleryPlatoon36Field Artillery BatteryCorps Field ArtilleryBatteryCorps Field ArtilleryBattery (155)Corps Field ArtilleryBattery (155 Gun SP)Air SupportAircraft3138384041AOPCannon Platoon28Air Observation Post41

The 9 th Infantry Divsiion was activatedon 1 August 1940. After a period oftraining, the division the first of itsregiments, the 39 th , deployed overseason 17 September 1942 to Englandwhere it joined the Eastern Taskforcefor Operation Torch, the Allied‘Old Reliable’invasion of North Africa. The 47 th and60 th followed in October as a part of the Western Taskforcehitting the Moroccan Atlantic coastline.Operation TorchAll three regiments eventually came together after OperationTorch. The Allies defeated the pro-German Vichy Frenchin Morocco and were soon moving east toward Tunisia.However, the 9 th was left behind on guard detail until17 February 1943 when Rommel’s offensive sliced throughthe American lines at Kasserine Pass.The division’s artillery was sent forward first as their helpwas needed the most in stopping the German spearheads.The batteries braved snow and ice in the high altitudes, andrain and mud in the lower areas to get into position 777miles (1250km) away in just three and a half days. The restof the division came up and joined the line on 27 Februaryand took up the line next to the 1 st Infantry Division at ElGuettar. After several bloody battles there, the division joinedthe Allied assault north, completing the Tunisian campaignin May 1943. The division returned to Algiers and preparedfor their next invasionSicilyOn 1 August 1943, the Old Reliable Division landed atPalermo harbour, Sicily. The invasion of the Italian islandpropelled the division to Troina where it invasion was completedby other units. The 9 th returned to reserve, and thenleft North Africa for England on 8 November 1943.D-DayThe 9 th landed in Normandy on 10 June as one of only twoveteran American infantry divisions. They played a key rolein the battle for the Cotentin Peninsula, cutting it off at thebase and sealing in the German defenders of the peninsula.The division then turned north and helped reduce the portof Cherbourg.To field a Rifle Company from the 9 th Infantry Division,use the Rifle Company diagram on the following page. Usethe column marked . It uses all of the normal Americanspecial rules found in the rulebook on pages 236-240.Old ReliableThe 9 th Infantry Division9 th Infantry Division39 th Infantry Regiment47 th Infantry Regiment60 th Infantry RegimentDivisional Support26 th Field Artillery Battalion (105mm)60 th Field Artillery Battalion (105mm)84 th Field Artillery Battalion (105mm)34 th Field Artillery Battalion (155mm)9 th Reconnaissance Troop (mechanized)15 th Engineer Combat BattalionAttachments746 th Tank Battalion899 th Tank Destroyer Battalion (SP)The division moved south and on 9 July the Old Reliablewas back in action during the St. Lô breakthrough. On 25July the division participated in the breakout operations andwas credited with the furthest advance in the push. Theythen helped close the Falaise Gap before turning east duringthe pursuit of the German army across France and intoBelgium.While in Normandy, the 9 th Infantry Division is recognizedas one of the first divisions to successfully integrate combinedarms tactics, relying on supplementary firepower to helptheir infantry regiments.Fielding the 9 th Infantry DivisionThe Old Reliable foughtin Tunisia and Sicilybefore Normandy. Assuch, a Rifle Companyfrom the 9 th InfantryDivision is ratedConfident Veteran.ReluctantConfidentFearlessConscriptTrainedVeteran9 th InfantryDivision

Rifle COmpany9 th Infantry DivisionCombat Platoons HeadquartersHeadquartersRifle Company HQInfantryRifle PlatoonInfantry2324(Infantry Company)You must field one platoon from each box shaded black and may field one platoon from eachbox shaded grey.Your Company HQ must be from the 9 th Infantry Division (marked ). All platoons with thissymbol must be from the 9 th Infantry Division as well. You can field Support platoons that aremarked with or no symbol at all, if there is no 9 th Infantry Division option available.Weapons PlatoonsMachine-GunsMachine-gun PlatoonMachine-Guns25Support PlatoonsArmourIndependent Tank PlatoonArmour46ArtilleryField Artillery BatteryArtillery31Machine-gun Platoon26Rifle PlatoonInfantry24ArtilleryMortar Platoon26Veteran Tank DestroyerPlatoonTransport33Field Artillery BatteryChemical Mortar PlatoonCorps Armored FieldArtillery Battery313739Rifle Platoon24InfantryTruck Section29ArtilleryMachine-guns &ArtilleryAmmunition & PioneerPlatoon26InfantryField Artillery Battery31Weapons Platoon25Anti-tankAnti-tank Platoon27Engineer Combat PlatoonReconnaissance29Field Artillery Battery(155)Corps Field ArtilleryBatteryCorps Field ArtilleryBattery (155)Corps Field ArtilleryBattery (155 Gun SP)32383840Regimental Support PlatoonsAnti-tankAnti-tank PlatoonReconnaissanceIntelligence & ReconPlatoonArtillery2727Cavalry Recon PlatoonAnti-aircraftAnti-aircraft ArtilleryPlatoonAnti-aircraft Artillery(Self-propelled) Platoon303636AircraftAir SupportAOPAir Observation Post4141Cannon PlatoonAssault Gun Platoon2847Armored Mortar Platoon47

KeystoneThe 28 th Infantry Division‘Keystone’ or‘Bloody Bucket’The Keystone division, named for itsorigins as a Pennsylvania NationalGuard unit, landed in Normandy on22 July in the midst of First Army’spreparations for Operation Cobra.The division was committed to theSt. Lô battles. Fighting through thehedgerows they saw only modestadvances against dug in and determinedenemies. Individual heroism, careful planning, andteamwork helped see the Keystone men trough the bloodyhedgerow fighting.Closing the GapOn 1 August, the division took Percy and closed a key stagingpoint for German counterattack troops. The 109 th InfantryRegiment attacked and took Gathemo after four days ofbloody fighting. The rest of the division moved south andjoined the rapid Allied advance to trap the German army inFrance.On 14 August, the Keystone division got a new commander,Brigadier General James Wharton. However, no soonerhad he taken command, than he was fatally wounded. Inhis place Brigadier General Norman Cota, who landed onOmaha Beach on D-Day, took command after returning toduty having been wounded in St. Lô.After weeks of slow progress through hedgerows and cities,the Keystone men found themselves in a fast advance east,liberating towns as fast as they could move forward. Theyencountered the occasional German resistance nest anddetach a regimental combat team or a battalion to deal withit and kept the rest of the division moving.By 25 August, the division’s 110 th and 112 th InfantryRegiments had placed themselves on the Seine River tocut off German forces retreating from the Falaise Pocket. Abattalion from the 109 th had formed Task Force D with the107 th Field Artillery Battalion, C Company of the 630 th TankDestroyer Battalion, and a small detachment of tanks. Thetask force took Le Neubourg after several days of fiercecombat. The rest of the 109 th Infantry Regiment capturedElbeuf on the Seine and cut off the last of the retreat routeof the German army in the area and the regiment took 500prisoners of war.28 th Infantry Division109 th Infantry Regiment110 th Infantry Regiment112 th Infantry RegimentDivisional Support107 th Field Artillery Battalion (105mm)109 th Field Artillery Battalion (105mm)229 th Field Artillery Battalion (105mm)108 th Field Artillery Battalion (155mm)28 th Reconnaissance Troop (mechanized)103 rd Engineer Combat BattalionAttachments744 th Tank Battalion630 th Tank Destroyer Battalion (Towed)After helping close the Falaise Pocket, the division joinedthe procession through the recently liberated streets of Parisbefore joining the race across France.The Keystone division reached and crossed the Meuse Riveron 6 September and prepared for the final assault into theReich. The battles in the Hürtgen Forest that were in storefor them were some of the most difficult the division wouldface. But they would fight hard and earn the nickname ‘theBloody Bucket’ by their German adversaries.Fielding the 28 th Infantry DivisionTo field a Rifle Company from the 28 th Infantry Division,use the Rifle Company diagram on the following page. Usethe column marked . It uses all of the normal Americanspecial rules found in the rulebook on pages 236-240.The Keystone menhave recently arrivedto fight the enemy. Assuch, a Rifle Companyfrom the 28 th InfantryDivision is ratedConfident Trained.ReluctantConfidentFearlessConscriptTrainedVeteran28 th InfantryDivision

Rifle COmpany28 th Infantry DivisionCombat Platoons HeadquartersHeadquartersRifle Company HQInfantryRifle PlatoonInfantry2324(Infantry Company)You must field one platoon from each box shaded black and may field one platoon from eachbox shaded grey.All of your platoons must be marked with or with no symbol at all.Weapons PlatoonsMachine-GunsMachine-gun PlatoonMachine-Guns25Support PlatoonsArmourIndependent Tank PlatoonArmour46ArtilleryField Artillery BatteryArtillery31Rifle PlatoonInfantry24Machine-gun PlatoonArtillery25Tank Destroyer PlatoonTowed Tank DestroyerPlatoon3434Field Artillery BatteryArtillery31Rifle Platoon24Mortar PlatoonInfantry26TransportField Artillery BatteryField Artillery Battery(155)3132Machine-guns &ArtilleryAmmunition & PioneerPlatoon26Truck SectionInfantry29AircraftWeapons Platoon25Anti-tankAir Support41Anti-tank Platoon27Engineer Combat Platoon29AOPReconnaissanceRegimental Support PlatoonsAnti-tankAnti-tank PlatoonReconnaissanceIntelligence & ReconPlatoon2727Cavalry Recon PlatoonAnti-aircraftAnti-aircraft ArtilleryPlatoon3036Air Observation Post41ArtilleryCannon PlatoonAssault Gun Platoon2847Armored Mortar Platoon4710

The Old HickoryThe 30 th Infantry DivisionThe 30 th Infantry Division is named inhonour of President Andrew Jackson whocommanded the Tennessee and Carolinasunit in the War of 1812. The 30 th InfantryDivision, along with the 2 nd Armoured, wasone of two divisions chosen by the Corpsof Engineers to test camouflage uniformsduring the Normandy Campaign. These‘Old Hickory’uniforms were removed by the end of thecampaign due to similarity with German uniforms and tokeep friendly fire to a minimum.30 th Infantry Division117 th Infantry Regiment119 th Infantry Regiment120 th Infantry RegimentMortainOld Hickory secured the Vire-et-Taute canal across theVire River on 7 July. The 30 th relieved the tired 1 st InfantryDivision on 5 August. The very next day the Germanslaunched Operation Lüttich, or ‘liege’, aimed at cuttingthrough the American supply lines supporting OperationCobra. This assault was aimed at Avranches via Mortain.The Germans threw the weight of the XLVII Panzer Corps,including one and a half SS-Panzer Divisions and two HeerPanzer Divisions, at the American lines. Their left flank hitthe 30 th Infantry Division at Mortain. The Germans achievedsurprise and managed to take the village, but were unable topush through Old Hickory’s positions.The following week, from 7 August to 12 August, the 30 thstopped every German attempt at breaking through toAvranches in vicious hand-to-hand combat. Commandposts fought on the front line merely a few hundred yardsfrom enemy tanks, artillery fired at point-blank ranges, andambushes, flanking marches, and individual acts of heroismwere the order of the day. The 30 th would not be moved.Hill 314Part of the 30 th ’s stand against the Mortain offensive,included holding the vital Hill 314, which had a dominatingview of the whole area. The hill was held by 2 nd Battalion,120 th Infantry Regiment, and despite being surroundedand cut off, the battalion’s 700 men held against everythingthe SS could throw at them. They were finally relieved onDivisional Support113 th Field Artillery Battalion (105mm)119 th Field Artillery Battalion (105mm)197 th Field Artillery Battalion (105mm)230 th Field Artillery Battalion (155mm)30 th Reconnaissance Troop (mechanized)105 th Engineer Combat BattalionAttachments743 rd Tank Battalion823 rd Tank Destroyer Battalion (Towed)12 August, losing 300 of their own, but holding the hillagainst the odds.By 13 August the Germans were driven from Mortain andafter a week of fighting, Old Hickory had halted the daringGerman attack and sent the enemy panzers packing straightinto the closing Falaise Gap.To field a Rifle Company from the 30 th Infantry Division,use the Rifle Company diagram on the following page. Usethe column marked . It uses all of the normal Americanspecial rules (except Truscott Trot) found in the rulebook.The men of the 30 thmay be untried, butthey are ready. A RifleCompany from the30 th Infantry Divisionis rated ConfidentTrained.Fielding the 30 th Infantry DivisionReluctantConfidentFearlessConscriptTrainedVeteran30 th InfantryDivisionOne Big MessThe regiments and supporting troops of the 30 th Infantrydistinguished themselves at Mortain through an intense trialby close combat where they simply refused to surrender orgive ground.A force from the 30 th Infantry Division does not use theTruscott Trot special rule. Instead, teams from the RifleCompany HQ, Rifle, Weapons, Machine-gun, Mortar,Ammunition & Pioneer, Anti-tank, Intelligence & Recon,and Cannon Platoons use the British Bulldog special rule (seepage 246 of the rulebook) as if they are British platoons.11

Santa FeThe 35 th Infantry Division‘Santa Fe’The 35 th Infantry Division’s nicknameand patch were created to commemoratethe men who built the old Santa FeTrail. The division landed in Normandyon 5-6 June 1944 and entered combaton 11 July. They held Emelie, just northof St. Lô, against twelve separate counterattacksby various German forces.35 th Infantry Division134 th Infantry Regiment137 th Infantry RegimentTask Force SIn late July the 35 th configured itself to adapt to the expectedfast-paced breakout. One of the regiments was selected as thedivision’s fast element, whilst the others served as follow upforces. The new unit was called ‘Task Force S’ for its commander,Brigadier General Edmund Sebree. It contained the137 th Infantry Regiment, the 219 th Field Artillery Battalion,and the entirety 737 th Tank Battalion, along with some supportingengineer, reconnaissance, and tank destroyer units.With the infantry riding atop the tanks, the unit was reasonablywell mechanised and ready for pursuit operations.After the breakout, Task Force S steam-rolled through thecountryside. When resistance was met, the task force reducedor contained the enemy before moving on, leaving the restto the division’s mop-up regiments. In this fashion, the taskforce continued south along the Vire River, finally contactingthe 29 th Infantry Division at La Touberie.MortainIn August 1944, the division was on its way to Brittany tojoin the Allied attack there when suddenly a German counterattackstruck Mortain. The Santa Fe division rushed tohelp the embattled 30 th Infantry Division. Time and supplieswere running out for the Old Hickory men trapped onHill 314, so the 35 th launched a bold rescue mission.While 2 nd and 3 rd Battalions of the 320 th Infantry Regimentattacked from the west, 1 st Battalion mounted its infantry onthe back of the 737 th Tank Battalion and attacked in a wideflanking move to the south. The two attacks met and tookthe base of the hill and successfully relieved the Old Hickorybattalion on Hill 314.With Patton320 th Infantry RegimentDivisional Support127 th Field Artillery Battalion (105mm)216 th Field Artillery Battalion (105mm)219 th Field Artillery Battalion (105mm)161 st Field Artillery Battalion (155mm)35 th Reconnaissance Troop (mechanized)60 th Engineer Combat BattalionAttachments737 th Tank Battalion654 th Tank Destroyer Battalion (SP)The 35 th joined the Third Army and supported Patton’sadvance across France. Its adaptation as a reasonably motorisedunit helped it keep pace with Patton’s advance to Lorraineand Belgium, where the division would once again be askedto help relieve an embattled US bastion in Bastogne.To field a Rifle Company from the 35 th Infantry Division,use the Rifle Company diagram on the following page. Usethe column marked . It uses all of the normal Americanspecial rules (except Truscott Trot) found in the rulebook.The 35 th has arrivedto start its fight withthe enemy. A RifleCompany from the30 th Infantry Divisionis rated ConfidentTrained.Fielding the 35 th Infantry DivisionReluctantConfidentFearlessConscriptTrainedVeteran35 th InfantryDivisionTask Force RidersEach infantry division had its own solution for keeping upwith the fast pursuit operations in France. While many GIsrode on the back of tanks to get places, the 35 th took it a stepfurther and incorporated it into their battlefield tactics.A force from the 35 th Infantry Division does not use theTruscott Trot special rule. Instead, Infantry Teams have a 3+Save while Mounted on a Tank team as Passengers, insteadof the normal 5+ Save (see page 101 of the rulebook).13

Rifle COmpany35 th Infantry DivisionCombat Platoons HeadquartersHeadquartersRifle Company HQInfantryRifle PlatoonInfantry2324(Infantry Company)You must field one platoon from each box shaded black and may field one platoon from eachbox shaded grey.All of your platoons must be marked with or with no symbol at all.Weapons PlatoonsMachine-GunsMachine-gun PlatoonMachine-Guns25Support PlatoonsArmourIndependent Tank PlatoonArmour46ArtilleryField Artillery BatteryArtillery31Rifle PlatoonInfantry24Machine-gun PlatoonArtillery25Tank Destroyer PlatoonIndependent Tank Platoon3446Field Artillery BatteryField Artillery Battery (155)Chemical Mortar Platoon313237Rifle Platoon24Mortar PlatoonInfantry26TransportArtilleryMachine-guns &ArtilleryWeapons Platoon25Ammunition & PioneerPlatoonAnti-tank26Truck SectionInfantry29Field Artillery BatteryCorps Field ArtilleryBatteryCorps Field ArtilleryBattery (155)313838Anti-tank Platoon27Engineer Combat PlatoonReconnaissance29Corps Armored FieldArtillery BatteryAircraft39Regimental Support PlatoonsAnti-tankAnti-tank PlatoonReconnaissanceIntelligence & ReconPlatoon2727Cavalry Recon PlatoonAnti-aircraftAnti-aircraft ArtilleryPlatoon3036Air SupportAOPAir Observation Post4141ArtilleryCannon PlatoonAssault Gun Platoon2847Armored Mortar Platoon4714

Rifle COmpany79 th Infantry DivisionCombat Platoons HeadquartersHeadquartersRifle Company HQInfantryRifle PlatoonInfantry2324(Infantry Company)You must field one platoon from each box shaded black and may field one platoon from eachbox shaded grey.All of your platoons must be marked with or with no symbol at all.Weapons PlatoonsMachine-GunsMachine-gun PlatoonMachine-Guns25Support PlatoonsArmourIndependent Tank PlatoonArmour46ArtilleryField Artillery BatteryArtillery31Rifle PlatoonInfantry24Machine-gun PlatoonArtillery25Veteran Tank DestroyerPlatoonTransport33Field Artillery BatteryArtillery31Rifle Platoon24Mortar PlatoonInfantry26Truck Section29Field Artillery BatteryField Artillery Battery(155)3132Machine-guns &ArtilleryAmmunition & PioneerPlatoon26InfantryAircraftWeapons Platoon25Anti-tankEngineer Combat Platoon29Air Support41Anti-tank Platoon27ReconnaissanceAOPRegimental Support PlatoonsAnti-tankAnti-tank PlatoonReconnaissanceIntelligence & ReconPlatoon2727Cavalry Recon PlatoonAnti-aircraftAnti-aircraft ArtilleryPlatoon3036Air Observation Post41ArtilleryCannon PlatoonAssault Gun Platoon2847Armored Mortar Platoon4716

Blue RidgeThe 80 th Infantry Division‘Blue Ridge’Originally comprised mostly frommen of the ‘Blue Ridge’ states ofPennsylvania, Virginia, and WestVirginia, the division served withdistinction in World War I. The80 th Infantry Division was reactivatedfor duty on 15 July 1942.The Blue Ridge Boys landed in France on 3 August 1944 andwere quickly dispatched to help the 30 th Infantry Divisioncontain the German counterattack at Mortain. However,they arrived too late to take part and were instead rushedforward to help seal the Falaise Gap.ArgentanTo help seal the Falaise Gap, the division was tasked withtaking Argentan and the high ground north of the city.The Blue Ridge Boys faced tough fighting against the116. Panzerdivision. A heavy and precise bombardmentfrom Div Arty on the 18 and 19 August helped seven battalionsof the 80 th Infantry Division to evict the Germanson 20 August. As the Blue Ridge Boys cleared Argentan, theAllies closed the Falaise Gap near Chambois. The 80 th thenjoined in the reduction of the enemy troops trapped inside.LorraineAfter mopping up in the Falaise Pocket, the Blue RidgeDivision joined the Third Army and were sent to train inarmor-infantry tactics for several days. They then teamed upwith the hard-charging 4 th Armored Division in the sweepacross France.The 4 th Armored and 80 th Infantry Divisions spearheaded theThird Army’s advance, fuel began to run dangerously low. The80 th Quartermaster Company was stretched over 165,000miles, keeping the division going. Just as the advance wasabout to grind to a halt the 80 th uncovered a German supplyof 80,000 gallons (64.4 million litres) of gasoline, and theadvance was on once more. They crossed the Meuse Riverand captured Commercy on 1 September.80 th Infantry Division317 th Infantry Regiment318 th Infantry Regiment319 th Infantry RegimentDivisional Support313 th Field Artillery Battalion (105mm)314 th Field Artillery Battalion (105mm)905 th Field Artillery Battalion (105mm)315 th Field Artillery Battalion (155mm)80 th Reconnaissance Troop (mechanized)305 th Engineer Combat BattalionAttachments702 nd Tank Battalion610 th Tank Destroyer Battalion (SP)The Blue Ridge Boys captured another gasoline store, whichenabled the spearhead to make it to the Moselle River beforethe petrol shortage finally stopped. Nevertheless, the resourcefulmen of the 305 th Engineer Combat Battalion constructeda crossing over the Moselle that the 80 th exploitedand established a sturdy bridgehead. This would serve theUS Army well in Patton’s upcoming Lorraine campaign.To field a Rifle Company from the 80 th Infantry Division,use the Rifle Company diagram on the following page. Usethe column marked . It uses all of the normal Americanspecial rules (except Truscott Trot) found in the rulebook.The men of the 80 thare ready to fight thiscampaign. A RifleCompany from the80 th Infantry Divisionis rated ConfidentTrained.Fielding the 80 th Infantry DivisionReluctantConfidentFearlessConscriptTrainedVeteran80 th InfantryDivisionHighscore GunnersDuring stateside training, the 80 th Div Arty scored thehighest in the US Army during the Army Ground Forces’Artillery Test. When the Blue Ridge boys went to war, DivArty’s skill devastated their German targets.A force from the 80 th Infantry Division does not use theTruscott Trot special rule. Instead, Field Artillery Batteries,and Field Artillery Batteries (155) from the 80 th InfantryDivision, Roll to Hit as if the battery’s teams are rated asVeterans.17

Rifle COmpany80 th Infantry DivisionCombat Platoons HeadquartersHeadquartersRifle Company HQInfantryRifle PlatoonInfantry2324(Infantry Company)You must field one platoon from each box shaded black and may field one platoon from eachbox shaded grey.All of your platoons must be marked with , or (in the case of your Field Artillery Batteries),or with no symbol at all.Weapons PlatoonsMachine-GunsMachine-gun PlatoonMachine-Guns25Support PlatoonsArmourIndependent Tank PlatoonArmour46ArtilleryField Artillery BatteryArtillery31Rifle PlatoonInfantry24Machine-gun PlatoonArtillery25Tank Destroyer PlatoonTowed Tank DestroyerPlatoon3434Field Artillery BatteryArtillery31Rifle Platoon24Mortar PlatoonInfantry26Independent Tank PlatoonTransport46Field Artillery BatteryField Artillery Battery(155)3132Machine-guns &ArtilleryAmmunition & PioneerPlatoon26Truck Section29AircraftWeapons Platoon25Anti-tankInfantryAir Support41Anti-tank Platoon27Engineer Combat Platoon29AOPRegimental Support PlatoonsAnti-tankAnti-tank PlatoonReconnaissanceIntelligence & ReconPlatoon2727ReconnaissanceCavalry Recon PlatoonAnti-aircraftAnti-aircraft ArtilleryPlatoon3036Air Observation Post41ArtilleryCannon PlatoonAssault Gun Platoon2847Armored Mortar Platoon4718

‘Thunderbolt’or ‘Ohio’ThunderboltThe 83 rd Infantry DivisionThe 83 rd Infantry Division was originallyformed during World War I fromOhio draftees. The division’s patch isthe letters that spell ‘Ohio’ imposedon top of each other. During WWII,the division was mixed and it took onthe new nickname ‘Thunderbolt’ afterits actions holding the Rhine riverseveral years later.The division landed at Omaha on 18 June and was immediatelythrown into the hedgerows south of Carentan. By25 July, they reached the St. Lô – Periers road and advancedeight miles into enemy lines during Operation Cobra.83 rd Infantry Division329 th Infantry Regiment330 th Infantry Regiment331 st Infantry RegimentDivisional SupportSt. MaloAfter Cobra, the 83 rd marched to Brittany to attack thefortress town of St. Malo on 5 August. The Germans hadspent years fortifying the town. Free French partisansreported that the city held 10,000 German troops, but theUS Army had learned the partisans’ numbers to be exaggerated,so they adjusted the French numbers to a more conservative3000-6000. In actual fact, the Germans had 8000troops garrisoned in St. Malo, and another 4000 in the townof Dinard, located directly across the Rance River!Originally, all of the division’s regiments were aimed at St.Malo, but the going got tough pretty quick. The 121 st InfantryRegiment was detached from the 8 th Infantry Division tohelp the 331 st Infantry Regiment deal with Dinard, while the329 th and 330 th went after the main objective of St. Malo.The street fighting in St. Malo was a sign of things to comein Brest, as the doughboys adopted assault formations armedwith pioneer equipment and flame-throwers to reduceGerman strongpoints. The battle came to a climatic fightover ‘the citadel’, an ancient structure in the centre of thecity. The citadel was immune to everything the Americanscould throw at it. In frustration, 8” guns were setup only1500 yards from the wall and opened fire. The terrorizingresult finally convinced the last of the Germans to surrenderthe city on 15 August.322 nd Field Artillery Battalion (105mm)323 rd Field Artillery Battalion (105mm)908 th Field Artillery Battalion (105mm)224 th Field Artillery Battalion (155mm)83 rd Reconnaissance Troop (mechanized)308 th Engineer Combat BattalionAttachmentsVarious Tank Battalion Elements802 nd Tank Destroyer Battalion (Towed)DinardThe fight for Dinard was much harder than expected and onebattalion from the 121 st got cut off and surrounded. Despiteseveral attempts to breakthrough to the ‘lost battalion’, theGermans held firm. It would take two regiments and thebetter part of VIII Corps’ artillery to finally break the Germanline and relieve the trapped battalion four days later.To field a Rifle Company from the 83 rd Infantry Division,use the Rifle Company diagram on the following page. Usethe column marked . It uses all of the normal Americanspecial rules (except Truscott Trot) found in the rulebook.‘Thunderbolt’ is readyto help deal withthe enemy. A RifleCompany from the83 rd Infantry Divisionis rated ConfidentTrained.Fielding the 83 rd Infantry DivisionReluctantConfidentFearlessConscriptTrainedVeteran83 rd InfantryDivisionAssault GroupsDuring the reduction of St. Malo, the 329 th InfantryRegiment formed assault groups to take care of Germanstrongpoints using flame-throwers and lots of explosives.A force from the 83 rd Infantry Division does not use theTruscott Trot special rule. Instead, teams from Rifle Platoonscount as Pioneer teams when attempting to cross or gapBarbed Wire Entanglements and when assaulting Bunkers.In addition, a Rifle Platoon may replace up to one Rifle teamper Rifle Platoon with a Flame-thrower team at the start of thegame before deployment.19

Rifle COmpany83 rd Infantry DivisionCombat Platoons HeadquartersHeadquartersRifle Company HQInfantryRifle PlatoonInfantry2324(Infantry Company)You must field one platoon from each box shaded black and may field one platoon from eachbox shaded grey.All of your platoons must be marked with or with no symbol at all.Weapons PlatoonsMachine-GunsMachine-gun PlatoonMachine-Guns25Support PlatoonsArmourIndependent Tank PlatoonTank Destroyer Platoon4634ArtilleryField Artillery BatteryArtillery31Rifle PlatoonInfantry24Machine-gun PlatoonArtillery25Towed Tank DestroyerPlatoonTransport34Field Artillery BatteryField Artillery Battery (155)Chemical Mortar Platoon313237Rifle Platoon24Mortar PlatoonInfantry26Truck SectionInfantry29ArtilleryMachine-guns &ArtilleryWeapons Platoon25Ammunition & PioneerPlatoonAnti-tank26Engineer Combat PlatoonReconnaissance29Field Artillery Battery (155)Corps Field ArtilleryBattery (155)Corps Armored FieldArtillery Battery323838Anti-tank Platoon27Cavalry Recon Platoon30ArtilleryRegimental Support PlatoonsAnti-tankAnti-tank PlatoonReconnaissanceIntelligence & ReconPlatoonArtillery2727Anti-aircraftAnti-aircraft ArtilleryPlatoonAnti-aircraft Artillery(Self-propelled) Platoon3636Field Artillery BatteryCorps Field ArtilleryBatteryCorps Field ArtilleryBattery (155)Corps Field ArtilleryBattery (155 Gun SP)Air SupportAircraft3138384041AOPCannon Platoon28Air Observation Post4120

The Tough ’OmbresThe 90 th Infantry DivisionThe 90 th Infantry Division’s insigniadates back to World War I when thedivision drew its members from Texasand Oklahoma. The ‘T’ and ‘O’ stood forthese two states, but quickly took on themeaning ‘Tough ’Ombres’ in WWII.‘Tough ’Ombres’ The 359 th Regimental Combat Team ofthe 90 th Infantry Division saw action on6 June at Utah Beach in support of the 4 th Infantry Division.The rest of the division saw action on 10 June as part of theeffort to cut the Cotentin Peninsula.Meredet RiverDuring the operations on the Cotentin Peninsula, the90 th Infantry Division was charged with attacking west. The357 th and 358 th regiments led the assault but recoiled whenthe Germans opened fire on the green troops. The assaultstalled and couldn’t get it moving again.US VII Corps’ commander, Major General Lawton Collinsrelieved the division’s commander, Brigadier General JayMacKelvie, and replaced him with Major General EugeneLandrum. The regimental commanders of the 357 th and358 th were also replaced. The division had to be sheparded bythe 82 nd Airborne Division for the rest of the campaign andfought reasonably well. However, serious damage had beendone to gain division an unenviable poor reputation.Saint-Germain-sur-SèvesIn late July, the Tough ’Ombres joined the fighting in theNormandy hedgerows. At Saint-Germain-sur-Sèves they raninto a counterattack by the German 6. Fallschirmjägerregiment (6 th Parachute Regiment) on 18 July. In the surpriseattack, the Germans took 265 of the Tough ’Ombresprisoner, killing or wounding another 400. The result wasdevastating and it stalled the US Army’s advance in the areafor nine more days.General George Patton was furious and sacked Landrum andreplaced him with Brigadier General Raymond McLain. Thedivision was removed from the line as the ‘top brass’ debatedabout what to do. The 90 th Infantry Division faced thepossibility of being dismantled and used for replacements.Fortunately for the Tough ’Ombres, this was never done.90 th Infantry Division357 th Infantry Regiment358 th Infantry Regiment359 th Infantry RegimentDivisional Support343 rd Field Artillery Battalion (105mm)344 th Field Artillery Battalion (105mm)915 th Field Artillery Battalion (105mm)345 th Field Artillery Battalion (155mm)90 th Reconnaissance Troop (mechanized)315 th Engineer Combat BattalionAttachments712 th Tank Battalion607 th Tank Destroyer Battalion (SP)Back on TrackBrigadier General Raymond McLain’s leadership and a desireto clear the record gave the ’Ombres a reason to live up totheir name and they’re fortunes soon improved. The 90 thmade an impressive stand at Sees and Bourg-Saint-Leonardon 15 August. They met up with the 10 th Polish Dragoons inChambois, effectively closing the Falaise Gap.Fielding the 90 th Infantry DivisionThere are two ways to field a Rifle Company from the 90 thInfantry Division. You may field them during their troubledperiod from 6 June-30 July, where the division is ratedReluctant Trained, using the column marked .Alternatively, you can field them after McLain takescommand, where the division is rated Confident Trained,using the symbol instead.Use the Rifle Company diagram on the following page. ARifle Company from the 90 th Infantry Division uses all ofthe normal American special rules found in the rulebook onpages 236-240.The Tough ’Ombreshave a tough roadahead of them. A RifleCompany from the90 th Infantry Divisionis rated ReluctantTrained.ReluctantConfidentFearlessConscriptTrainedVeteran90 th InfantryDivision (Early)21

Rifle COmpany90 th Infantry Division(Infantry Company)Combat Platoons HeadquartersHeadquartersRifle Company HQInfantryRifle PlatoonInfantry2324You must field one platoon from each box shaded black and may field one platoon from eachbox shaded grey.If you are fielding a 90 th Infantry Division (Early), your Company HQ, Combat, Weapons, andRegimental Support Platoons must be from the 90 th Infantry Division (marked ). All SupportPlatoons must be marked with , or no symbol at all.If you are fielding a 90 th Infantry Division after McLain takes command, all platoons in yourforce must be marked , or no symbol at all.Weapons PlatoonsMachine-GunsMachine-gun PlatoonMachine-Guns25Support PlatoonsArmourIndependent Tank PlatoonArmour46ArtilleryField Artillery BatteryArtillery31Machine-gun Platoon25Rifle PlatoonInfantry24ArtilleryMortar Platoon26Veteran Tank DestroyerPlatoonTank Destroyer PlatoonTowed Tank DestroyerPlatoon333434Field Artillery BatteryChemical Mortar PlatoonCorps Armored FieldArtillery Battery313739Rifle Platoon24InfantryTransportArtilleryMachine-guns &ArtilleryAmmunition & PioneerPlatoon26Truck Section29Field Artillery Battery31Weapons Platoon25Anti-tankInfantryField Artillery Battery(155)Corps Field ArtilleryBattery3238Regimental Support PlatoonsAnti-tank PlatoonAnti-tankAnti-tank PlatoonReconnaissanceIntelligence & ReconPlatoon272727Engineer Combat PlatoonParachute Rifle PlatoonGlider Rifle PlatoonReconnaissanceCavalry Recon PlatoonAnti-aircraft29353530Corps Field ArtilleryBattery (155)Corps Field ArtilleryBattery (155 Gun SP)Air SupportAircraftAOPAir Observation Post38404141ArtilleryAnti-aircraft ArtilleryPlatoon36Cannon Platoon2822

ReluctantConscriptReluctantConscriptReluctantConscriptConfidentTrainedConfidentTrainedConfidentTrainedFearlessVeteranFearlessVeteranFearlessVeteranUS InfantryDivision9 th InfantryDivision90 th InfantryDivision (Early)Motivation and SkillFor the majority of the US infantrymen, the battles in Normandy and Brittany is their first test of battle. A Rifle Company thatuses the US Infantry Division symbol (marked ) is rated as Confident Trained.The battles for northern France are not the 9 th Infantry Division’s first, which took place in North Africa and Sicily. A RifleCompany from the 9 th Infantry Division (marked ) is rated as Confident Veteran.The Tough ’Ombres have a tough road ahead of them. A Rifle Company from the 90 th Infantry Division (Early), marked ,is rated Reluctant Trained.HeadquartersHeadquartersRifle Company HQCompany HQ 10 points 15 points 10 pointsOptions• Add up to two Bazooka teams for +15 points perBazooka team.• Add up to two Bazooka teams for +20 points perBazooka team.• Add up to two Bazooka teams for +10 points perBazooka team.• Add up to three Sniper teams for +50 points per team.Company CommandCarbine team2iC CommandCarbine teamCompany HQRifle Company HQBazookateamBazookateamUS Infantry Divisions in Northern FranceSymbol Division & Nickname Arrived1 st Infantry Division 6 June‘Big Red One’2 nd Infantry Division 7 June‘Indianhead’4 th Infantry Division 6 June‘Ivy’5 th Infantry Division 9 July‘Red Diamond’ or ‘Red Devils’8 th Infantry Division 4 July‘Pathfinder’9 th Infantry Division 10 June‘Old Reliable’28 th Infantry Division 22 July‘Keystone’ or ‘Bloody Bucket’Symbol Division & Nickname Arrived29 th Infantry Division 6 June‘Blue and Gray’30 th Infantry Division 10 June‘Old Hickory’35 th Infantry Division 11 July‘Santa Fe’79 th Infantry Division 14 June‘Cross of Lorraine’80 th Infantry Division 3 August‘Blue Ridge’83 rd Infantry Division 18 June‘Thunderbolt’ or ‘Ohio’90 th Infantry Division 8 June‘Tough Hombres’23

AmericanPlatoonHQ Section with:Combat PlatoonsRifle Platoon3 Rifle Squads 155 points 200 points 120 points2 Rifle Squads 110 points 145 points -Rifle CompanyLieutenantThe GIs of the rifle companies are at the bottom of themilitary pecking order, but in the end it is they who do themost fighting and win the most battles. Without the humbleGI, the war would have been lost a long time ago.The core of the rifle platoon is the GI armed with an M1Garand Semi-automatic rifle, backed up by the BrowningAutomatic Rifle (BAR). Their automatic weapons allowthem to put down an immense volume of fire, especiallyat short ranges, making them particularly adept at fire andmanoeuvre.Rifle teamSergeantRifle teamRifle SquadLieutenantCommandRifle teamRifle teamSergeantBazookateamRifle teamSergeantRifle teamRifle SquadRifle teamRifle team Rifle team Rifle teamRifle Squadrifle platoon24

PlatoonWeapons PlatoonHQ Section with:Mortar Section and1 Machine-gun Section 90 points 115 points 80 pointsOption• Add Jeep with .50 cal AA MG for +5 points.• Add a Machine-gun Section for +30 points.LieutenantLieutenantA Weapons Platoon may make Combat Attachments toRifle Platoons (page 24).CommandCarbine teamJeep with.50 cal AA MGThe weapons platoon gives you a handy reserve of firepower.It can either form a base of fire when attacking or be handedout to the rifle platoons to strengthen their positions whendefending. While weapons platoons were only authorisedtwo machine-guns, many ‘lost’ them and requisitioned ‘replacements’to increase their firepower.SergeantM2 60mm mortarM2 60mmmortarM2 60mmmortarMortar SectionCorporalSergeantM1919 LMGM1919 LMGmachine-gunSectionM1919 LMGmachine-gunSectionM1919 LMGWeapons platoonWeapons PlatoonsPlatoonMachine-gun PlatoonHQ Section with:2 Machine-gun Sections 100 points 130 points 90 points1 Machine-gun Section 50 points 65 points -Options• Add a Bazooka team to any or all Machine-gun Sectionsfor +15 points per Bazooka team.• Add a Bazooka team to any or all Machine-gun Sectionsfor +20 points per Bazooka team.• Add a Bazooka team to any or all Machine-gun Sectionsfor +10 points per Bazooka team.• Add Jeep with .50 cal AA MG and Jeeps with trailers for+10 points for the platoon.Machine-gun Platoons may make Combat Attachments toRifle (page 24) or a Weapons Platoon (page 25).Although a battalion only officially had two machine-gunplatoons, many collected ‘replacement’ weapons to doubletheir strength so they could cover the entire front line.machine-gunSectionmachine-gunSection25

AmericanPlatoonHQ Section with:3 Mortar Sections 120 points 155 points 105 points2 Mortar Sections 85 points 110 points 75 points1 Mortar Section 45 points 55 points -Options• Add a Bazooka team to any or all Mortar Sections for+15 points per Bazooka team.• Add a Bazooka team to any or all Mortar Sections for+20 points per Bazooka team.• Add a Bazooka team to any or all Mortar Sections for+10 points per Bazooka team.• Add Jeep with .50 cal AA MG and Jeeps with trailers for+10 points for the platoon.Mortar PlatoonRifle CompanyMortar platoons are a critical component to infantry tactics.It’s their job to eliminate enemy’s guns and suppress hisinfantry. The size of the mortar platoon depends on what theinfantry were asked to do and what they were expected toencounter. If it’s a major break out, all of the platoon’s assetsmight be assigned to a single company. If its a diversionaryor small attack a pair might be sent to provide smoke coverfor the infantry.The mortar is a key weapon in defense as well. You can counton the Germans always counterattacking, and the mortarsare only a few dozen yards behind you, compared to the fieldartillery which can be miles back. The mortars will respondto the attack instantly and cause serious damage to enemyinfantry charging your lines.PlatoonHQ Section with:Ammunition & Pioneer Platoon3 A&P Squads 125 points 165 points 95 points2 A&P Squads 90 points 115 points 70 pointsOptionsLieutenant• Add up to two Bazooka teams to the platoon for+15 points per Bazooka team.Lieutenant• Add up to two Bazooka teams to the platoon for+20 points per Bazooka team.Command PioneerRifle teamBazookateamBazookateamPioneer Supply3/ 4-ton truck• Add up to two Bazooka teams to the platoon for+10 points per Bazooka team.• Add Pioneer Supply ¾-ton truck for +25 points.CorporalCorporalCorporalThe Ammunition & Pioneer platoon is a special unit, trainedin dealing with enemy fortifications and strongpoints. Theyare well stocked with explosives to blow up anything from alarge hedgerow to an enemy tank.Pioneer Rifle team Pioneer Rifle team Pioneer Rifle teamPioneer Rifle team Pioneer Rifle team Pioneer Rifle teamA&P Squad A&P Squad A&P SquadAmmunition & Pioneer platoon26

PlatoonHQ Section with:Anti-tank Platoon3 Gun Sections 70 points 90 points 60 points2 Gun Sections 45 points 60 points -Options• Add a Bazooka team to any or all Gun Sections for+15 points per Bazooka team.• Add a Bazooka team to any or all Gun Sections for+20 points per Bazooka team.• Add a Bazooka team to any or all Gun Sections for+10 points per Bazooka team.• Add Jeep with .50 cal AA MG and DUKW trucks for+10 points for the platoon.• Replace all DUKW trucks with 1 ½-ton trucks at nocost.M1 57mm gunCommandCarbine teamSergeantBazooka teamLieutenantLieutenantJeep with.50 cal AA MGM1 57mm gunSergeantBazooka teamThe riflemen are vulnerable to enemy tanks, so they bring uptheir anti-tank platoon as soon as they dig in. The anti-tankguns take up positions in defilade where the tanks can’t seethem until the last moment. Between their 57mm guns andthe infantry bazookas, they can handle most tank attacks.Gun SectionSergeantGun SectionM1 57mm gunBazooka teamGun SectionAnti-tank platoonRegimental Support PLATOONSPlatoonHQ Section with:Intelligence & Recon Platoon3 I&R Squads 65 points 85 points 60 pointsLieutenantAn Intelligence & Recon Platoon is a ReconnaissancePlatoon.LieutenantCommand .50 cal Recon JeepDismountBefore deployment you may choose to dismount all of yourjeeps. If you do this, all of the platoon’s vehicles are permanentlyremoved from the game. Replace each:••Recon Jeep with a Rifle or M1919 LMG team..50 cal Recon Jeep with a Rifle or .50 cal MG team.Designate one of the teams as the Platoon Command team.The platoon remains a Reconnaissance Platoon.SergeantI&R SquadSergeantI&R SquadIntelligence & Recon platoonSergeantRecon Jeep Recon Jeep Recon JeepI&R SquadThe regimental Intelligence and Recon Platoon (I&R)provided the unit’s HQ with information on the enemystrengths and weaknesses, as well as helping to select the bestroute for advances.27

AmericanPlatoonHQ Section with:Cannon Platoon6 M3 105mm 155 points 205 points 135 points4 M3 105mm 105 points 140 points 95 points2 M3 105mm 55 points 75 points 50 pointsOptions• Add Jeeps and DUKW trucks for +5 points for theplatoon.• Replace all DUKW trucks with 1½-ton trucks at nocost.CommandCarbine teamCaptainCaptainJeepObserverCarbine teamJeepRifle CompanyThe regimental cannon platoon fills the gap between thebattalion mortars and the divisional artillery.The M3 105mm howitzer is designed as a smaller and lighterweapon than the divisional M2A1 105mm howitzers toallow it to get closer to the action. Unfortunately, the lighthowitzer lacks a gun shield making it dangerous to use as aninfantry gun in the direct fire role.As a result, the cannon platoon is usually used as just anotherartillery battery equipped with shorter ranged guns thannormal.LieutenantM3 105mm light howitzerM3 105mm light howitzerLieutenantM3 105mm light howitzerM3 105mm light howitzerGun SectionLieutenantGun SectionM3 105mm light howitzerM3 105mm light howitzerGun SectionCannon platoon28

Infantry Divisional Support PLATOONSTruck SectionPlatoon8 DUKW trucks 30 points 35 points6 DUKW trucks 25 points 30 points4 DUKW trucks 20 points 25 points2 DUKW trucks 15 points 20 points8 2½-ton trucks 25 points 30 points6 2½-ton trucks 20 points 25 points4 2½-ton trucks 15 points 20 points2 2½-ton trucks 10 points 15 pointsCommandTech 5CorporalCorporalHQ SquadTech 5Option• Arm up to one DUKW or 2½-ton truck per TruckSquad with a .50 cal AA MG for +5 points pervehicle.A Transport Section follows the rules for Transport Platoonsfound on pages 47 and 48 of the rulebook.Truck SquadTech 5Truck SquadWhile US infantry had trucks to carry or tow all of itsheavy weapons, the GIs still had to march. If the corpscommander wanted the division to move faster than thedogfaces could march, they attached a truck platoon fromthe Quartermasters company.Truck SquadTruck SectionEngineer Combat PlatoonPlatoonHQ Section andWeapons Squad with:2 Operating Squads 150 points 195 points1 Operating Squad 110 points 145 pointsNo Operating Squads 70 points 100 pointsOptions• Add a D7 Bulldozer for +10 points, a turretless M4Sherman dozer for +15 points, or an M4 ShermanDozer for +70 points.• Add a D7 Bulldozer for +15 points, a turretless M4Sherman dozer for +20 points, or an M4 ShermanDozer for +90 points.• Add a Bazooka team to the HQ Section and any or allSquads for +15 points per Bazooka team.• Add a Bazooka team to the HQ Section and any or allSquads for +20 points per Bazooka team.• Add Pioneer Supply 2½-ton dump truck for+25 points.• Add a Jeep with .50 cal AA MG and a 2½-ton dumptruck to each Operating Squad for +10 points for theplatoon.2 ½-ton dump truckBazooka teamBazooka teamPioneer Supply2 ½-ton dump truckBulldozer2 ½-ton dump truckBazooka teamYou may replace all Pioneer HMG teams with Pioneer Rifleteams at the start of the game before deployment.2 ½-ton dump truck29Engineer Combat Platoon

AmericanInfantry Divisional SupportPlatoon3 Cavalry Recon Patrols 210 points 270 points2 Cavalry Recon Patrols 140 points 180 points1 Cavalry Recon Patrol 70 points 90 pointsOption• Equip any or all Jeeps with a Hull MG for +5 pointsper jeep.Cavalry PlatoonLieutenantLieutenantCommand M8 armored car Mortar Jeep Recon JeepCavalry Recon PatrolSergeantDismountBefore deployment you may choose to dismount your CavalryPlatoon. If you do this, all of the Cavalry Recon Patrolsfrom the same platoon operate as a single platoon.If you dismount, all of the platoon’s vehicles are permanentlyremoved from the game. Replace all of the vehicles in eachPatrol with any two of the following teams for each Patrol:• Carbine teams• M1919 LMG teams• up to one .50 cal MG team per Cavalry Recon Patrol• up to one Bazooka team per Cavalry Recon Patrol• up to one M2 60mm mortar team per Cavalry ReconPatrolDesignate any one of the teams as the Platoon Commandteam. The platoon remains a Reconnaissance Platoon.Command M8 armored car Mortar Jeep Recon JeepCavalry Recon PatrolSergeantCommand M8 armored car Mortar Jeep Recon JeepCavalry Recon PatrolCavalry platoonCavalry Recon Patrols operate as separate platoons, eachwith their own Command team.Cavalry Recon Patrols are Reconnaissance Platoons.Every infantry division has a cavalry squadron undercommand to keep an eye on the enemy. The cavalry troopskept well ahead of the infantry, looking for gaps in the enemyline. When resistance was encountered, the cavalry fell backand brought up the infantry and supported them as best theycould.30

PlatoonField Artillery BatteryHQ Section with:4 M2A1 105mm 140 points 185 points 155 points2 M2A1 105mm 75 points 100 points 85 pointsOptions• Add ¾-ton trucks to the HQ Section and 2½-ton trucksto both Gun Sections for +5 points for the platoon.• Replace all 2½-ton trucks with DUKW trucks at nocost.ObserverCarbine teamHighscore GunnersDuring stateside training, the 80 th DivArty scored the highest in the US Armyduring the Army Ground Forces’ ArtilleryTest. When the Blue Ridge boys went towar, their skill devastated German targets.A Rifle Company from the 80 th Infantry Division does notuse the Truscott Trot special rule. Instead, Field ArtilleryBatteries, and Field Artillery Batteries (155) in support ofa Rifle Company from the 80 th Infantry Division, Roll toHit as if the battery’s teams are rated as Veterans.M2A1 105mm howitzerTruckM2A1 105mm howitzerM2A1 105mm howitzerTruckM2A1 105mm howitzerEach infantry division has its own three battalions of M2A1105mm howitzers and one battalion of M1 155mm howitzers.These assets were then generally parcelled out one105mm battalion to each of the division’s regiments, whilethe 155 battalion is assigned when and where needed.The infantry regiment and the artillery battalion formed thecore of a regimental combat team, combining their effortsduring the campaign. When an infantry regiment wasTruckTruckField Artillery Batteryattached out to another division, its matching artillery battalionoften went with it. This preserved co-operation andquick tactical responsiveness in combat.Artillery In the Battle of BrestThe battle for Brest was one of extreme firepower. TheUS Army dedicated six artillery groups to the reductionof the critical port city. These included 333 rd FA Groupattached to the 29 th Infantry Division, the 202 nd and196 th FA Groups attached to the 8 th Infantry Division,and the 402 nd FA Group attached to the 2 nd InfantryDivision. The 174 th FA Group supported both the 8 thand 2 nd Infantry Divisions from its positions on thePlougstel Peninsula.While the super heavy guns targeted the German artilleryin counter-battery fire, the rest of the guns and howitzersof the artillery groups plastered the city with highexplosives. Then, suddenly there was an acute shortageof ammunition across the entire Allied front. Infantryattacks had to be delayed until the artillery stores couldbe built up again. Finally, on 6 September the shortagemostly behind them and the battle resumed.In the final days of the battle, US artillery pounded thecity in a 60-hour bombardment. Many guns were firingone round a minute to keep their guns from overheating,but maintain the steady mind-numbing barrage.In the end it was estimated that the artillery fired over22,500 tons of ammunition into Brest.Ammunition Expenditure at BrestWeapon Type Number of Guns Rounds Fired105mm Howitzer 138 270,493155mm Howitzer 84 91,547155mm Gun 24 18,618155mm SP 24 9,9554.5” Gun 24 14,8618” Howitzer 24 11,528240mm Howitzer 12 3,1538” Gun 12 1,60831

AmericanPlatoonHQ Section with:4 M1 155mm 210 points 275 points 230 points2 M1 155mm 110 points 145 points 120 pointsOptions• Add ¾-ton trucks and M5 high-speed tractors to thebattery for +5 points.• Arm any or all M5 high-speed tractors with a .50 cal AAMG for +5 points per tractor.The heavy guns of the division’s fourth artillery battalion wereextremely helpful in the tough bocage fighting. These guns,paired with corps’ artillery, were essential to the breakout ofOperation Cobra, which blasted open holes for the infantryto assault.Field Artillery Battery (155)ObserverCarbine teamInfantry Divisional SupportHighscore GunnersDuring stateside training, the 80 th DivArty scored the highest in the US Armyduring the Army Ground Forces’ ArtilleryTest. When the Blue Ridge boys went towar, their skill devastated German targets.A Rifle Company from the 80 th Infantry Division does notuse the Truscott Trot special rule. Instead, Field ArtilleryBatteries, and Field Artillery Batteries (155) in support ofa Rifle Company from the 80 th Infantry Division, Roll toHit as if the battery’s teams are rated as Veterans.M1 155mm howitzerM5 high-speed tractorM1 155mm howitzerM5 high-speed tractorM1 155mm howitzerM5 high-speed tractorM1 155mm howitzerM5 high-speed tractorField Artillery Battery (155)32

Corps SupportMotivation and SkillFor the majority of the US infantrymen, the battles in Normandy and Brittany is theirfirst test of battle. Unless otherwise noted, Corps Support Platoons are rated ConfidentTrained.ReluctantConfidentFearlessConscriptTrainedVeteranCorps SupportPlatoonsPlatoonSecurity Section andTank Destroyer Section with:4 M10 3” GMC 370 points2 M10 3” GMC 205 pointsOption• Fit up to half of the platoon’s tank destroyers withHedgerow Cutters for +5 points for the platoon.Veteran Tank Destroyer PlatoonLieutenantLieutenantCommand .50 cal Recon Jeep M20 scout car M20 scout carSecurity SectionLieutenantMotivationand skillThe 899 th and 813 thReluctantConfidentConscriptTrainedTank DestroyerFearless VeteranBattalions were NorthAfrica and SicilyVeteran Tank Destroyersveterans. A VeteranTank Destroyer Platoon is rated Confident Veteran.The first tank destroyer unit ashore in Normandy was the899 th Tank Destroyer Battalion, the veteran victors of ElGuettar. They stormed ashore on Utah beach, made contactwith the 82 nd Airborne Division, and then attacked up theCotentin Peninsula to help liberate the city of Cherbourg.The battalion joined briefly with the 90 th Infantry Divisionduring the Contentin campaign, and then returned tosupport the 9 th Infantry Division for the duration of theNormandy campaign during the push through Normandy’sdeadly hedgerow country.Command Tank DestroyerTank DestroyerTank DestroyerTank DestroyerTank destroyer SectionVeteran Tank destroyer PlatoonVeteran Tank Destroyer Platoons use the US Tank Destroyersspecial rules on page 238 of the rulebook.The 813 th Tank Destroyer Battalion landed in North Africain January 1943, armed with M3 75mm GMC half-tracks.The battalion supported US, British, and French units in thebattles for Tunisia.Re-equipped with M10 tank destroyers, the battalion wentback into battle briefly in Italy before being pulled out andreturned to England. The veteran tank-killers then teamed upwith the 79 th Infantry Division and participated in the attackon Cherbourg and the rest of the Normandy campaign.An M10 3” GMC in Northern France33

PlatoonHQ Section and Mortar Squad with:3 Rifle Squads 265 points2 Rifle Squads 205 pointsOption• Add an extra Rifle/MG team to all Rifle Squads for+30 points per Squad.Parachute Rifle PlatoonMotivationand skillReluctantConfidentConscriptTrainedAll paratroopers haveundergone some of themost intensive trainingFearless Veteranin the US Army and as82 nd Airborne Divisiona result they are veryprofessional soldiers. A Parachute Rifle Platoon is ratedFearless Veteran.master SergeantParachute missions are tricky and the loss of an officer canresult in the failure of the mission. Therefore platoon sergeantsare briefed on every detail of the mission in the eventtheir officer is separated from the platoon.Parachute Rifle Platoons use the German Mission Tacticsspecial rules (see page 242 of the rulebook).Gammon BombsGammon bombs were a British innovation that gaveAllied paratroopers ready explosives for tackling armouredvehicles.All Rifle/MG teams in a Parachute Rifle Platoon carryGammon Bombs giving them Tank Assault 3.PlatoonHQ Section with:3 Rifle Squads 155 points2 Rifle Squads 110 pointsDuring the battle for the Contentin campaign, it was essentialthat the base of the peninsula was cut off at the baseso that the Germans could not escape. The task was given tothe 90 th Infantry Division, which needed to pass through the82 nd Airborne Division’s lines to get at the enemy.The attack quickly bogged down and after some friendlyfire incidents with the 325 th Glider Infantry Regiment, the90 th was pulled from the front line. From that point on the9 th Infantry Division moved to the area to take over and thetroubled ‘Tough Ombres’ had to be sheparded by the 82 ndAirborne’s paratroopers and glider troops through the rest ofthe campaign.Glider Rifle PlatoonRifle teamSergeantRifle teamRifle SquadRifle teamLieutenantLieutenantCommandRifle teamRifle teamSergeantRifle teamRifle SquadBazookateamRifle teamGlider rifle platoonSergeantRifle teamRifle SquadRifle teamRifle team35

AmericanPlatoonHQ Section with:2 M1 Bofors 45 points2 M1 Bofors and 2 M49 quad .50 cal AA 90 points1 M1 Bofors and 1 M49 quad .50 cal AA 45 points2 M1 Bofors and 2 M2 .50 cal AA 70 points1 M1 Bofors and 1 M2 .50 cal AA 35 pointsAnti-aircraft Artillery PlatoonSergeantCommandCarbine teamLieutenantLieutenantJeepSergeantCorps SupportOptions• Add Jeep and 2½-ton trucks to the platoon for+5 points.• Replace any or all M49 quad .50 cal AA with M16MGMC (quad .50 cal) half-tracks for +15 points perhalf-track.M2 .50 cal AA guns are carried Portee on their truckscounting as a Tank team.Anti-aircraft gunM1 Bofors2 1 / 2-ton truckAnti-aircraft gunM1 Bofors2 1 / 2-ton truckThe mobile AAA platoons are more suited to defending therear areas, keeping Luftwaffe raiders off the artillery andheadquarters. Carefully deployed in dug-in positions, theycan stop anything but the most determined raid.2 1 / 2-ton truckAutomaticWeapons SectionAnti-aircraftArtillery Platoon2 1 / 2-ton truckAutomaticWeapons SectionAnti-aircraft Artillery (self-propelled) PlatoonPlatoon2 M16 MGMC (Quad .50 cal) and2 M15 CGMC (37mm) 150 points1 M16 MGMC (Quad .50 cal) and1 M15 CGMC (37mm) 75 pointsLIEUTENANTLIEUTENANTSergeantM15 CGMC half-trackCorps anti-aircraft assets are useful for keeping the occassionalGerman aircraft attacks away from your troops. However, itdoesn’t take much imagination to think of alternative waysto use their impressive amount of firepower!AutomaticWeapons SectionAutomaticWeapons SectionAnti-Aircraft Artillery(Self-propelled) Platoon36

Chemical Mortar PlatoonPlatoonHQ Section with:2 Mortar Sections 120 points1 Mortar Section 70 pointsOptions• Add up to one Bazooka team per Mortar Section for+15 points per Bazooka team.• Add Jeep with .50 cal AA MG and Jeeps with trailersto the platoon for +10 points for the platoon.The chemical mortars were designed for firing gas shells.When it turned out that the Second World War wouldnot see widespread gas warfare like the last war, they tookon a new role firing high explosive shells in support of theinfantry.The chemical mortars shine in their new role. Their lightweightmobility and heavy hitting make them a favouritewith the infantry, especially as their response time is muchquicker than the field artillery.SergeantM2 4.2” Chemical mortarBazookateamCommandCarbine teamM2 4.2” Chemical mortarJeep with trailerJeep with trailerMortar SectionLieutenantLieutenantJeep with.50 cal AA MGSergeantM2 4.2” Chemical mortarM2 4.2” Chemical mortarBazookateamObserverCarbine teamMortar SectionChemical Mortar platoonJeep with trailerJeep with trailer37

AmericanPlatoonHQ Section with:4 M2A1 105mm 140 points2 M2A1 105mm 75 pointsOption• Add ¾-ton and 2½‐ton trucks for +5 points for thebattery.Corps Field Artillery BatteryObserverCarbine teamCorps SupportThe massed firepower produced by their artillery makes theUS Army one of the most powerful in the world. Their shellssmash counterattacks before they even get started and destroyenemy defensive positions ahead of infantry attacks.Corps artillery played a critical role in the battles forNormandy and Brittany. The M2A1 105mm howitzer wasthe backbone of the American artillery arm.M2A1 105mm howitzer2½-ton trucksM2A1 105mm howitzer2½-ton trucksM2A1 105mm howitzerM2A1 105mm howitzer2½-ton trucks2½-ton trucksCorps Field Artillery BatteryPlatoonCorps Field Artillery Battery (155)HQ Section with:4 M1 155mm 210 points2 M1 155mm 110 points4 M1A1 Long Tom 250 points2 M1A1 Long Tom 130 pointsOptions• Add ¾-ton trucks and M5 high-speed tractors for+5 points for the battery.• Arm any or all M5 high-speed tractors with a .50 calAA MG for +5 points per tractor.You may not field a Corps Field Artillery Battery (155)unless you are also fielding an artillery battery withat least three M2A1 105mm howitzers or M7 PriestHMC vehicles.M1 155mm howitzerM5 high-speed tractorObserverCarbine teamM1 155mm howitzerM5 high-speed tractorThe corps artillery’s heavy guns were brought together inartillery groups. One or more of these artillery groups couldbe moved around and attached to infantry divisions to helpwith a specific mission. In extreme cases several artillerygroups would be attached to a single division. Such was thecase at Brest, where three artillery groups were attached to 8 thInfantry Division to assist their frontal assault on the city.A typical artillery group had three or four batteries, equippedwith self-propelled 105mm howitzers or 155mm guns, towed155mm, 8”, and 240mm howitzers, and towed 155mm,4.5”, and 8” guns.M1 155mm howitzerM1 155mm howitzerM5 high-speed tractorM5 high-speed tractorCorps Field Artillery Battery (155)38

Corps Armored Field Artillery BatteryPlatoonHQ Section with:6 M7 Priest GMC 300 points3 M7 Priest GMC 170 pointsOptions• Add a Jeep and an M2 half-track with .50 cal AA MGfor +5 points for the battery.• Replace Jeep with an M2 half-track with AA MG for+5 points.The US Army is the only force in the world that can fieldentirely mechanised divisions. Even a few of the corps artillerybatteries are equipped with M7 Priest HMC self-propelledguns to respond quickly to the needs of the infantryThe armoured artillery have the mobility to keep up with theadvance and, with their armour, don’t have to dig in so theyget into battle faster.Corps Armored FieldArtillery Battery39

AmericanPlatoonHQ Section with:Corps Field Artillery Battery (155 Gun SP)4 M12 155mm GMC 260 points2 M12 155mm GMC 135 pointsOption• Add ¾-ton trucks for +5 points for the battery.You may not field a Corps Field Artillery Battery (155Gun SP) unless you are also fielding an artillerybattery with at least three M2A1 105mm howitzers orM7 Priest HMC.ObserverCarbine teamCorps SupportThe 174 th , 258 th and 987 th Field Artillery Battalions’ M12155mm Gun Motor Carriages were rare beasts as only 100of the vehicles were ever built.M12 155mm GMCM12 155mm GMCThe long 155mm guns are the pinnacle of artillerydevelopment with their great range and firepower. Evenheavy battle tanks are not safe from their heavy shells. Thesebig guns have a secondary role as bunker busters whenGerman fortifications slow down the advance.The 174 th Field Artillery Battalion (155 Gun SP) was taskedwith supporting the 6 th ‘Super Sixth’ Armored Divisionand the 83 rd ‘Thunderbolts’ Infantry Divisions during theM12 155mm GMCM12 155mm GMCCorps Field Artillery Battery(155 Gun SP)Normandy breakout. The 258 th Field Artillery Battalion(155 Gun SP) supported the 2 nd ‘Hell On Wheels’ and3 rd ‘Spearhead’ Armored Divisions. The 987 th was taskedwith supporting the 9 th ‘Old Reliables’ Infantry Division.PlatoonBunker Buster Platoon (155 Gun SP)2 M12 155mm GMC 120 points1 M12 155mm GMC 60 pointslieutenantSergeantThe 174 th Field Artillery Battalion (155 Gun SP) brokeoff some of their M12 155mm GMC guns and sent themto support the 2 nd , 8 th , and 29 th Infantry Divisions as wellas several Ranger units. Their firepower helped knock outGerman bunkers. Some German fortifications were so toughthat the M12 crews had to position their vehicles at pointblank ranges in order to blow them up.Command M12 155mm GMCM12 155mm GMCassault gunBunker buster platoon(155 Gun SP)40

Priority Air SupportP-38 Lightning 190 pointsP-47 Thunderbolt 190 pointsLimited Air SupportP-38 Lightning 150 pointsP-47 Thunderbolt 150 pointsAir SupportFlight LieutenantFlight LieutenantAircraftFlightAir supportHaving swept the Luftwaffe, the German Air Force, fromthe skies, the Allied Air Forces have exposed the GermanArmy to their fighter-bombers. The ability to hit and destroytargets anywhere on the battlefield with near impunity hasmade air support an expected and welcome addition to defeatingGerman ground forces.P-47 Thunderbolts and P-38 Lightnings were fast and delivereda serious amount of firepower quickly. Their operationswere directed from the ground by air force personnelattached to the infantry division.Napalm in BrittanyOne of the first recorded uses of napalm happened in theBrittany campaign. Using petroleum bombs, the US ArmyAir Force hit several German fortified locations, however theresults were not conclusive. Owing to the unknown natureof these new weapons, the targets were intentionally selectedfar away from US troops and many hours before the infantryattack went in. As a result, by the time the American infantrygot to the target, the German troops had not only recoveredfrom the attack, they were pretty angry!AOPL4 Grasshopper AOPAir Observation PostFlight Lieutenant40 pointsFlight LieutenantL4 Grasshoppers provided essential service to the US Armyduring the battles of Normandy and Brittany. They providedartillery observation, reported enemy targets for air strikes,and provided column security for advancing ground troops.L4 Grasshopper AOPAOPAir Observation Post41

AmericanThe Infantry’s TanksSeparate Tank Battalions in Northern FranceThe insignia ofUS armored forces.Generally speaking, the Shermantank served the US Army intwo major roles. The first was toprovide the backbone of the USarmoured divisions. The secondwas in support of the infantry asseparate tank battalions.The armored divisions’ exploitsare well known in their rapidadvances across France afterOperation Cobra had tornasunder the German lines near St. Lô. However, theirsuccess had much to do with their brothers-in arms in theinfantry divisions. It was usually up to the doughboys of theinfantry to break open a hole in the German lines so that thearmoured divisions could pour into the gap and make theirrapid advance.Origins of the Tank BattalionsTaking to heart the lessons learned in the First World War,the US Army realized that for the infantry to do their job,they need firepower to overcome the enemy’s fortified positions.Like many nations, the USA adopted infantry supporttanks to fill this role.In an effort to consolidate designs and maximize productionoutput, the US Army chose the M4 Sherman to serve theinfantry in this capacity. Its all-round protection was suitablein the early years of the US involvement of the war, and it wasrelatively cheap and fast to produce.Tank Battalion DoctrineEach infantry division was to have a battalion of Shermantanks directly attached to give the infantry the capability ofovercoming enemy positions. These battalions were not officiallypart of the division, but the majority of them stayedwith their assigned division throughout the war.They were organized exactly like a tank battalion from anarmored division with three tank companies with mediumtanks, and one company with light tanks. Each battalion hada battery of six assault guns and a small platoon of self-propelled81mm mortars to provide smoke cover.A tank battalion of an infantry division had a different missionthan that of their armored division counterparts. The infantry’sfour tank companies were to provide direct fire supportto the division’s 27 rifle companies. As would be expected,these tankers were in high demand, and always involved inthe thick of the action, blasting the enemy’s defences at closerange,counterattacking enemy breakthroughs, and reinforcingthe strength and spirit of the men on the front lines.The tankers of the infantry faced the bulk of the enemy’santi-tank weaponry, such as anti-tank guns, tank-hunters,assault guns, and, occasionally, enemy tanks. The bulk oftheir opposition was the enemy’s infantry holding the frontline. They encountered many hand-held anti-tank launcherssuch as Panzerfausts and Panzerschrecks. To deal with theseweapons, the men of the tank battalions frequently addedextra protection such as sand bags and logs. But their bestprotection came from their infantry comrades who were rightthere with them, fighting alongside them and taking out antitankweapons. In turn, the tanks took out the anti-infantryweapons, such as machine-guns. In this way an infantry-tankteam would accomplish breakthroughs.In the Field in NormandyNormandy posed some serious challenges for the troopsfighting there. Chief among them was bocage country withits tall impassable hedgerows sectioning the main battlefieldinto hundreds of tiny miniature battlefields. Just passingThe Infantry’s Tanks42

through a hedgerow as an infantryman was difficult enough,let alone doing it under fire. The tank battalions found it evenmore frustrating and slow, if not entirely impossible.Traditional solutions, such as simply blowing a hole in thehedge using C4 explosives worked, but required preparationand often broadcasted the infantry’s intention to breech thehedgerow to the enemy. Dozer blades attached to the Shermantank were also somewhat successful, but unpredictable andunreliable when large or wide hedges were encountered.Sergeant Curtis G. Culin is credited to coming up with the ingenioussolution. By fixing steel prongs to the front of a tank,it could run up to the hedgerow and plow its way throughwithout losing much speed. It not only gave the tankers ananswer to the hedgerow problem, it helped them retain theelement of surprise as they could just suddenly smash throughthe hedge and catch the Germans on the other side beforethey could react. Furthermore, the hole left behind could beused by the infantry and support vehicles to support the tank.Soon about 60% of US tanks in Normandy had these CullinCutters, or Rhinos, attached and were leading the way duringsome of the most critical breakthroughs of the campaign.One last innovation that transformed infantry-tank tacticswas the tank telephone. Installed in the rear of the tank,this device would allow an infantry squad to communicatedirectly with the tank commander without having to exposeeither to unnecessary risk. This helped make sure that theinfantry wouldn’t get bogged down by enemy machine-gunsso long as a tank was nearby.Beyond the HedgerowsThe fighting in Normandy had a major impact on how eachinfantry division would fight the rest of the war. They begantaking on specific roles, stemming from the battles they wereasked to fight. These roles would have an impact on how thetank battalion allocated its assets to the infantry.Some divisions excelled at methodical tank-infantry cooperationto achieve breakthroughs. These divisions tended tomaximize their tank battalion across the entire frontage wheretheir attack was happening. Assault companies could usuallyrely on about five tanks to help them with their mission. Aslow methodical advance gave the infantry the time it neededto ensure the safety of the low number of assets, and likewisethe tanks could make the most of their firepower.Other divisions were held in reserve to attack German counterattacksor bail out another infantry division in trouble.Such missions required the division to be relatively mobile. Inaddition to its own transport company, the counter-attackingor advancing infantry divisions often employed the tank battalionsas improvised transports to get places quick.Rifle companies mounted up on M4 Shermans were acommon sight, but some divisions took this a step further,.Using the tank as a tactical transport rather than a strategicone they created quick reaction task forces. In the case of the35 th Infantry Division, one regiment’s battalion was pairedwith the entire tank battalion and used to launch a wideflank attack on the Germans surrounding the 30 th InfantryDivision’s ‘lost battalion’ on Hill 314. The attacking infantryrode the tanks into battle, dismounting only to clear the wayfor the tanks. This tactic helped relieve the cut-off battalion,and the division and tank battalion added the tactic to theirplaysheet for future operations.Some divisions adopted a middle-of-the-road approach, allocatingall of the tank battalion to a regimental attack, whichwould in turn keep the tanks together in company formationsto support a battalion’s assault company. This gave therifle company a good amount of tank support exactly where itwas needed the most. This was particularly useful for attackson very narrow assault frontages, such as in the case of the2 nd Infantry Division at Hill 192 or the 4 th Infantry Divisionin the breakout assault for Operation Cobra. The divisions’assault companies usually had two to three tank platoonsin support during the attack, helping to overwhelm theirGerman opposition.Further ReadingFor further reading I would recommend Harry Yeide’s TheInfantry’s Armor, which follows the story of all independenttank battalions during the war.Tank Battalionsattached to InfantryDivisions764 thInfantry DivisionMainOther Associated Battalions Tank Bn1 st Infantry Division 745 th741 st , 743 rd , 747 th2 nd Infantry Division 741 st709 th , 744 th , 747 th , 759 th4 th Infantry Division 70 th5 th Infantry Division 735 th8 th Infantry Division 709 th9 th Infantry Division 746 th28 th Infantry Division 744 th29 th Infantry Division 747 th709 th , 743 rd30 th Infantry Division 743 rd35 th Infantry Division 737 th79 th Infantry Division 749 th80 th Infantry Division 702 nd83 rd Infantry Division -70 th , 746 th , 749 th , 709 th , 774 th90 th Infantry Division 712 th43

Independent Tank CompanySeparate Tank Battalion(Tank Company)Combat Platoons HeadquartersHeadquartersIndependent TankCompany HQArmourIndependent TankPlatoonArmourIndependent TankPlatoon464646You must field one platoon from each box shaded black and may field one platoon from eachbox shaded grey.When you add your Rifle Platoons to your force, you must choose one of the Infantry Divisionsfeatured above. All support platoons must have the same symbol as your chosen infantrydivision or no symbol at all.Combat Team Support PlatoonsRifle PlatoonRifle PlatoonInfantryInfantry2424Support PlatoonsTransportTruck SectionArmourTank Destroyer Platoon3429ArtilleryField Artillery BatteryArtilleryField Artillery BatteryField Artillery Battery (155)313132ArmourMachine-GunsInfantryChemical Mortar Platoon37Independent TankPlatoon46Machine-gun Platoon25Engineer Combat Platoon29ArtilleryArtilleryWeapons PlatoonsArtilleryArmored MortarPlatoonArmour47Mortar PlatoonArtilleryCannon Platoon2628ReconnaissanceCavalry Recon Platoon30Field Artillery BatteryCorps Field ArtilleryBattery (155)Corps Armored FieldArtillery BatteryAir SupportAircraft31383841Assault Gun Platoon47ReconnaissanceAOPIntelligence & ReconPlatoon27Air Observation Post4145

Motivation and SkillFrance is the first combat test for all but one independent Tank Battalion (the 70 th TankBattalion, supporting the 4 th Infantry Division, participated in the Torch landings inSicily). For the remainder of the infantry divisions in Normandy, the tankers were keenand green. As such, an Independent Tank Company is rated Confident Trained.ReluctantConfidentFearlessConscriptTrainedVeteranIndependentTank BattalionHeadquartersCompany HQ with:2 M4 or M4A1 Sherman 130 points2 M5A1 Stuart 80 pointsOptions• Fit either or both Command tanks with HedgerowCutters for +5 points.• Fit either or both Command tanks with ImprovisedArmour for +5 points per tank.• Fit one M4 or M4A1 Sherman tank with a dozerblade making it a Bulldozer for +5 points.• Add an M31 TRV recovery vehicle for +10 points oran M32 TRV recovery vehicle for +15 points.HeadquartersIndependent Tank Company HQCompany CommandTankCaptainCompany HQCaptain2iC CommandTankSergeantRecoverySectionIndependent Tank Company hqYou must field at least two Tank Platoons entirely equippedwith the same model of tank as the Company HQ.Each infantry division was assigned a battalion of tanksdirectly attached to give the infantry the capability of overcomingenemy positions. These battalions were not officiallypart of the division, but the majority of them stayed withtheir assigned division throughout the war.Combat PlatoonsPlatoon5 M4 or M4A1 Sherman 320 points4 M4 or M4A1 Sherman 255 points3 M4 or M4A1 Sherman 190 points5 M5A1 Stuart 200 points4 M5A1 Stuart 160 points3 M5A1 Stuart 120 pointsOptions• Fit up to half of the platoon’s tanks with HedgerowCutters for +5 points for the platoon.• Fit any or all of the platoon’s tanks with ImprovisedArmour for +5 points per tank.• Fit up to one M4 or M4A1 Sherman tank with adozer blade making it a Bulldozer for +5 points.Independent Tank PlatoonSergeantTankTankTank SectionLieutenantLieutenantCommand TankSergeantTankTankTank Sectionindependent Tank Platoon46

Weapons PlatoonsPlatoonHQ Section with:3 Mortar Sections 85 points2 Mortar Sections 60 pointsArmored Mortar PlatoonCommand Carbine teamLieutenantLieutenantM2 half-track with .50 cal AA MGOption• Arm any or all M4 81mm MMC half-tracks with.50 cal AA MG for +5 points per half-track.SergeantSergeantSergeantThe infantry’s tank battalion also had an armoured mortarplatoon. In theory these were meant to support the tanks,but in reality these proved a bit redundant. Instead, thesevehicles were attached directly to the infantry division tobolster their mortar barrages and provide covering fire forassaults.M4 81mm MMCMortarSectionM4 81mm MMCMortarSectionArmored Mortar PlatoonM4 81mm MMCMortarSectionPlatoon6 M4 (105mm) 310 points3 M4 (105mm) 155 points2 M4 (105mm) 105 pointsAssault Gun PlatoonLieutenantLieutenantSergeantOptions• Fit up to half of the platoon’s tanks with HedgerowCutters for +5 points for the platoon.Command M4 (105mm) ShermanM4 (105mm) ShermanM4 (105mm) ShermanM4 (105mm) ShermanFor important missions, the infantry division’s tank battalionwould lend its assault guns to provide artillery support.These were usually deployed to cover where the regimentalcannons could not, ensuring an all-round even spread ofclose artillery support.M4 (105mm) ShermanM4 (105mm) ShermanTank SectionAssault gun Platoon47

ARSENALTank TeamsArmourName Mobility Front Side Top Equipment and NotesWeapon Range ROF Anti-tank FirepowerTanksM5A1 Stuart Light Tank 4 2 1 Co-ax MG, Hull MG, AA MG.M6 37mm gun 24”/60cm 2 7 4+ Stabiliser.M4 or M4A1 Sherman Standard Tank 6 4 1 Co-ax MG, Hull MG, .50 cal AA MG.M3 75mm gun 32”/80cm 2 10 3+ Smoke, Stabiliser.M4 or M4A1 Sherman dozer Standard Tank 6 4 1 Co-ax MG, .50 cal AA MG, Bulldozer.M3 75mm gun 32”/80cm 2 10 3+ Smoke, Stabiliser.Support WeaponsM4 81mm MMC Half-tracked 1 0 0 Optional .50 cal AA MGM1 81mm mortar 24”/60cm 2 2 3+ Hull mounted, Portee, Minimum range 8”/20cm, Smoke.Firing bombardments 40”/100cm - 2 6 Smoke bombardment.M4 (105mm) Sherman Standard Tank 7 4 1 Co-ax MG, Hull MG, .50 cal AA MG, Protected ammo.M4 105mm howitzer 24”/60cm 1 9 2+ Breakthrough gun, Slow traverse, Smoke.Firing bombardments 48”/120cm - 4 4+Tank DestroyersM10 3in GMC Standard Tank 4 2 0 .50 cal AA MG.M7 3in gun 32”/80cm 2 12 3+ Slow traverse.M20 scout car Jeep 1 0 0 .50 cal AA MG.Armoured ArtilleryM7 Priest HMC Standard Tank 1 0 0 .50 cal AA MG.M2A1 105mm howitzer 24”/60cm 1 9 2+ Hull mounted, Breakthrough gun, Smoke.Firing bombardments 72”/180cm - 4 4+ Smoke bombardment.M12 155mm GMC Standard Tank 0 0 0M1918M1 155mm gun 24”/60cm 1 13 1+ Awkward layout, Hull mounted, Bunker buster.Firing bombardments 104”/260cm - 5 2+M4 or M4A1 Sherman OP Standard Tank 6 4 1 Co-ax MG, Hull MG, .50 cal AA MG.M3 75mm gun 32”/80cm 1 10 3+ Smoke.Armoured Anti-aircraftM15 CGMC (37mm) Wheeled 1 0 0M15 37mm combination mount 24”/60cm 4 5 4+ Anti-aircraft.M16 MGMC (Quad .50 cal) Half-tracked 1 0 0M45 quad .50 cal gun 16”/40cm 6 4 5+ Anti-aircraft.ReconnaissanceM8 armored car Wheeled 1 0 0 Co-ax MG, .50 cal AA MG, Recce.M6 37mm gun 24”/60cm 2 7 4+Recon Jeep Jeep - - - AA MG, Recce.Mortar Jeep Jeep - - - Recce.M2 60mm mortar 24”/60cm 2 1 3+ Hull mounted, Minimum range 8”/20cm.Firing Bombardments 32”/80cm - 1 6Infantry TeamsTeam Range ROF Anti-tank Firepower NotesCarbine team 8”/20cm 1 1 6 Automatic rifles.Rifle team 16”/40cm 1 2 6 Automatic rifles.Rifle/MG team 16”/40cm 2 2 6Bazooka team 8”/20cm 1 10 5+ Tank assault 4.Flame-thrower team 4”/10cm 2 - 6 Flame-thrower.Staff team 16”/40cm 1 2 6 Automatic rifles, Moves as a Heavy Gun team.Additional Training and EquipmentPioneer teams and teams equipped with Gammon Bombs are rated as Tank Assault 3.48

Gun TeamsWeapon Mobility Range ROF Anti-tank Firepower NotesMachine-gunsM2 .50 cal MG Man-packed 16”/40cm 3 4 5+M1919 LMG Man-packed 16”/40cm 5 2 6 ROF 2 when pinned down or moving.M1917 HMG Man-packed 24”/60cm 6 2 6 ROF 3 when pinned down or moving.MortarsM2 60mm mortar Man-packed 24”/60cm 2 1 3+ Minimum range 8”/20cm.Firing bombardments 32”/80cm - 1 6M1 81mm mortar Man-packed 24”/60cm 2 2 3+ Smoke, Minimum range 8”/20cm.Firing bombardments 40”/100cm - 2 6 Smoke bombardment.M2 4.2in Chemical mortar Light 48”/120cm - 3 4+ Smoke bombardment.Anti-aircraft gunsM2 .50 cal AA gun Heavy 16”/40cm 4 4 5+ Anti-aircraft, Turntable.M49 quad .50 cal AA gun Heavy 16”/40cm 6 4 5+ Anti-aircraft, Turntable.M1 Bofors gun Immobile 24”/60cm 4 6 4+ Anti-aircraft, Turntable.Anti-tank gunsM1 57mm gun Medium 24”/60cm 3 10 4+ Gun shield, No HE.M5 3in gun Immobile 32”/80cm 2 12 3+ Gun shield.ArtilleryM3 105mm light howitzer Heavy 16”/40cm 1 7 2+ Breakthrough gun, Smoke.Firing bombardments 56”/140cm - 4 4+ Smoke bombardment.M2A1 105mm howitzer Immobile 24”/60cm 1 9 2+ Breakthrough gun, Gun shield, Smoke.Firing bombardments 72”/180cm - 4 4+ Smoke bombardment.M1 155mm howitzer Immobile 24”/60cm 1 10 1+ Bunker buster, Gun shield, Smoke.Firing bombardments 88”/220cm - 5 2+ Smoke bombardment.M1A1 155mm Long Tom gun Immobile 24”/60cm 1 13 1+ Bunker buster, Smoke.Firing bombardments 104”/260cm - 5 2+ Smoke bombardment.ArmourVehicle Mobility Front Side Top Equipment and NotesWeapon Range ROF Anti-tank FirepowerTrucksJeep or Jeep with Trailer Jeep - - - Optional Passenger-fired AA MG or .50 cal AA MG.Dodge ¾-ton, Dodge 1½-ton, GMC 2½-ton,or 2½-ton Dump truck Wheeled - - - Optional Passenger-fired .50 cal AA MG.DUKW truck Wheeled - - - Optional Passenger-fired .50 cal AA MG, Amphibious.M5 high-speed tractor Standard - - - Optional Passenger-fired .50 cal AA MG.Armoured Personnel CarriersM2 or M3 half-track Half-tracked 1 0 0 Optional Passenger-fired AA MG or .50 cal AA MG.Recovery and Engineer VehiclesTransport TeamsTurretless M4 Sherman dozer Standard Tank 6 4 0 Bulldozer, May assault bunkers.D7 Bulldozer Very Slow Tank 0 0 0 Bulldozer, May assault bunkers.Pioneer Supply Truck Wheeled - - -AircraftAircraft Weapon To Hit Anti-tank Firepower NotesP-38 Lightning Cannon 3+ 7 5+Bombs 4+ 5 1+P-47 Thunderbolt MG 2+ 6 5+Bombs 4+ 5 1+49