Red Star, Red Sun CBI (id:#65574)

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8 miles SW of Nomonhan, Manchukuo 1939-07-05 (2 others)

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Overview:

In May of 1939 a dispute broke out over the boundary between Soviet~controlled Outer Mongolia and Japanese-held Manchukuo (Manchuria). The area in contention-a sandy, desert-like region with numerous dunes-lay between the Halha River (aka the Khalkin Gol) and the tiny village of Nomonhan to its east. Several inconclusive skirmishes brought Japanese, then Soviet, troops into the fighting as both sides escalated the conflict. After a Soviet and Mongolian combined-arms force virtually annihilated a Japanese reconnaissance unit east of the Halha, the heavily reinforced 23rd Infantry Division mounted a full-scale offensive in early July to punish and evict the Communist intruders. Participating in the attack was the first rate but untested 2nd Battalion of the 28th Infantry Regiment, which was to provide flank protection for Yasuoka Force. On July 3 and 4 the 2/28th, its young soldiers heady with anticipation of a quick victory, pushed forward against scattered opposition. The next day its advance was slowed by the appearance of Soviet reinforcements and heavy defensive artillery fire; by noon the battalion was pinned down, and orders came to dig in and hold until nightfall. Even as the orders were being received, however, the Soviets counterattacked.

Defender: Japanese (5th, 7th and MG Companies, 2nd Battalion, 28th Infantry Regiment and 71st Regimental A-T Company)  

Errata (source)