The Marines needed a lucky break to survive the Banzai assault on Momote Airfield . . . and got it. After the two sides engaged in some reconnaissance on Turn 1, the Japanese assaulted the entrenched US forces on the left. The minefield took its toll on the IJA but enough infantry got through to knock out two enemy units. With darkness lingering, Japan then ordered another assault, this time on the right, and attacked in the center to claim two more units. Daylight on the next turn allowed the Marines to order its artillery and mortar units, which halted the advance. But the Japanese kept coming. By Turn 10, the IJA held a 6-5 medal lead and surrounded a single-figure Marine unit whose elimination would mean victory. That’s when the US played the only card that could save the day — a just-acquired Medics and Mechanics that fully restored the depleted unit (and which also killed off an enemy unit when ordered). After Japan failed to eliminate the restored unit, the US artillery scored a hit to win the battle.
|
