TIME 2400 H+3
2400-0800
From: V Corps Command
To: DIVMAIN – G. Zeller
CC: DIVTAC
Tactical Report For: DIVMAIN 8th Division:
Weather: Precipitation
Resource Report –AIR Halved.
Successful combat actions and the entry of 3/8 Brigade should now provide you with adequate resources to hold for 2 more days.
Congratulations Zeller, to your men from 1/8. They fought well and took the enemy by surprise. Your report indicates the destruction of 2 Battalions from the 93rd Regiment. Do not get cocky.
3/8’s arrival means you have 4 fresh Battalions (2 full str. Armoured units.) They are hidden in the woods along the Netter River – Sector J2.
Hopefully well South of the main thrust but close enough to support 1/8 or make a surprise attack on the enemies rear echelon.
UPDATE CONTACT – 0400:
The Soviet 2/93 attack on the 2/28th Mech Bn knocked 30% of your forces out, but not without losses to the Soviets. The Soviets attacked 2 more times eventually aborting their attack.
Another Bn from the Soviet Division rolled into view and began an attack at dawn. It’s forward momentum was halted! They retreated into the woods.
The struggling 1/93rd attempted to fight its way clear of your forces, which you quickly dispatch.
Contact with 2/3/8/8 company has been lost. We assume all men KIA.
In the South 7th Tank moved adjacent to our forces. Are they shifting the axis of attack?
Operational Report:
3 2 companies remain in delaying positions, and the Soviets are massing forces to wipe them out. Have these men fall back if possible, otherwise we must consider them lost unless Air Support can be spared.
In the North Col.Falco and one Bn from the 2/8 are holding a too large an area. The moment the effort slackens off on the E-4 Hwy you must re assign forces back to Falco.
Strategic Report:
The overall situation is grim. In the North of the Fulda Gap, the Germans and BAOR forces are in retreat. We need time to get more forces on the ground. Zeller, you have pressure on you. But it really is upon you now to hold here and allow us to re group and counter strongly where the Soviets least expect it. IF we can hold Frankfurt we can slow the bleeding.