CDG Solution Winners #23: 1945, The Great Raid

By Armchair General

Tom Willison
Indianapolis, IN

I see COA2 as best fulfilling the requirements for a successful commando raid, i.e., preparation, security, surprise and attack.

Having neutralized the enemy, it gives the commandos ample time to gather up the prisoners, who in some cases might be confused and resisting the rescue effort. Covered by the Filipino Guerillas, the withdrawal will be swift and orderly.

 

Dale Malchow
Edmonds, WA

1. COA2 replicates historical mission resulting in release of 511 of 512 POWs at the expense of 2 Ranger KIAs with 200 enemy losses and 4 tanks.
2. Alamo Scouts’ reconnaissance provided intel to develop a plan incorporating stealth, surprise, speed, and simplicity.
3. Unit Objectives:

2nd Platoon F Company

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• Drop off section to destroy eastern guard towers
• Proceed to south gate and attack guards in barracks (signal for general attack)
• After guards eliminated, attack and pin down Japanese in western section of camp
• After extraction act as rear guard and exit north gate

1st Platoon C Company

• 1st section attacks pillboxes, north gate and guard tower
• When objectives eliminated takes up positions to pin down Japanese in barracks
• Bazooka weapons section passes through position and attacks tank shed
• 2nd section assists 1st in pinning down Japanese until POWs extracted

2nd Platoon C Company

• Entire platoon passes through 1st platoon c company position and proceeds to POW compound
• 1st section and weapons section takes up positions to prevent counter attack
• 2nd section assists POWs in the extraction
• Captain Prince, C Company, verifies POWs extracted and fires red flare to notify 2nd platoon to act as rear guard and exit north gate

 

Bob Skinner
Columbus, OH

Course of Action 2: Leapfrog:
“Men, we will breach the main gate of the camp upon hearing Lieutenant Murphy open fire from positions along the eastern fence. It will be your job, Murph, to target the guardtowers and pillboxes and any of their reinforcements that try to get through the south gate.

“As we rush in to the compound, 1st platoon will attack the officers’ quarters. Bazooka teams will target the tank shed and knock out any tanks inside while 2nd platoon and BAR men will assault the enlisted barracks and transient troop quarters. Once resistance ends, we will gather the prisoners and quickly exit the compound via the main gate. Murph, your men will cover our withdrawal.

“Stealth, surprise, and violent action are keys to success or failure of this mission. Our boys in the POW camp are counting on us. Don’t let them down.”