CDG 35 – 10th Mountain Division in Italy, 1945

By Armchair General

Riva Ridge, Italy, February 19, 1945

In this Command Decision challenge, it is February 19, 1945, and you are Lt. Col. Henry Hampton in command of the 1st Battalion, 86th infantry Regiment, 10th Mountain Division, America’s first and only such division. Rising up from the Italian landscape on which you stand is Riva Ridge, its rugged slopes averaging a steep 30–40 degrees. Its highest peaks range from 3,156 to 4,859 feet — not exactly a Sunday stroll but not too daunting for your men, who are mostly drawn from such backgrounds as hunters, skiers, cowboys and others accustomed to the rugged outdoors. They got their training in the Rockies, a more daunting mountain range than this ridge.

Of more concern to you are the German defenders you will have to dislodge. Division intelligence believes Riva Ridge is held by at least two companies of the 1044th Infantry Regiment, 232d Infantry Division, augmented by a reinforced platoon of gebirgsjaegers—tough, highly disciplined mountain troops much like your own. You also know German observers have a clear view of the valley floor and are just waiting to call down artillery as your men begin their approach.

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Three courses of action occur to you:

A left flank sweep with the entire division against the Germans’ southernmost strongpoint. Le Piagge, the highest peak on the ridge, with one company in reserve. The attack will be preceded by a barrage from mortars and the 605th Field Artillery.

A battalion frontal assault made simultaneously against all five peaks, using your numerical superiority to overwhelm the enemy. An initial barrage will hit the peaks at either end, then the mortars and artillery will be on-call as needed.

A single axis penetration, massing the battalion to take the center of the ridge, after a preparatory barrage. Once the center is taken, two companies will turn right, two will turn left, and one will be held in reserve, with fire support on-call.

As you stare at the crags rising above you, you mull over each of the three plans and wonder if perhaps there might be a fourth, better option …

Download the map and entry form by clicking here. Winners will receive a a free copy of Heroes Over Europe PC game from Ubisoft.