Venture Into Carnage PTO (id:#65864)

(HASL 11 - Sword & Fire: Manila ID: SF11)   [next]   [previous]

Manila, Luzon, Philippines 1945-02-20 (15 others)

Overview:

As the Americans edged deeper into the Ermita District of downtown Manila, the Japanese response became increasingly violent. Dominating this area was the City Hall with its tall tower. Should the Americans gain control of this building it would effectively split the Japanese defenses in two, and deny them a key observation position for spotting artillery and mortar fire. The men of 3rd Battalion, 145th Infantry Regiment formed up near the Meralco Bus Depot and advanced west towards the City Hall. Along the path the Japanese had fortified the YMCA and several other buildings to prevent the Americans from reaching their objective. With darkness approaching there was no time for reconnaissance, and reinforcements would not arrive until after dark. Supported by a few tanks and company mortars, the Americans decided to force the issue and continued their attack.

Defender: Japanese (Central Force Headquarters Sector Unit and Central Force Headquarters Battalion)  

Errata (source)