AAR: Quang Tri

[Aeraaa]

Turns 31-40



These turns are characterized by significant counterattacks by NVA units. They are shown on the map and they are in detail:
1-A two company sized counterattack, hitting the advancing elements of 1/147 marine battalion. The counterattack is defeated by massive amounts of artillery fire from 105mm and 155mm artillery. A T54 tank also aids in the counterattack, but it is knocked out by a side hit from a M72 LAW from the citadel, used by the marines of the 4/147 battalion.
2-Several platoon sized counterattacks hit the troops of 5/2TF paratrooper battalion. The close range of the combat means artillery and air force cannot be used efficiently (in fact one air strike that I used did more harm to my men than the enemy). The counterattacks by both NVA and VC units were eventually beaten by close quarters fighting (with many melee actions to boot) and suppressive fire from my sole surviving M113 ACAV (which used all of its Claymore mines, showing that it also fought up close and personal). This battle is the bloodiest from all formations of the ARVN, since only two combat effective platoons remain in the area (out of 4), but they do manage to repulse the attacks.
3-The last remaining platoon of the 5/2TF is attacked as well by a platoon sized element of the VC. They beat their opponents with the use of 60mm mortars and UH-1 gunships.
4-One platoon of the 1/1/2TF is attacked by a platoon sized element of the NVA. Aided by a Cobra flight, the ARVN paras prevail.
5-One counterattack by two platoons of NVA troops intending to recapture the western part of the bridges. They are beaten by 60mm mortar fire and small arms fire.
6-One counterattack by an NVA platoon. They manage to destroy one support squad, but accurate MG fire halts their advance.

In addition to the counterattacks, one platoon of the 7/2TF lands by helicopters at the northernmost edge and captures the objective there, while two platoons of the 4/147 assault the inner compound of the citadel. They are successful after brutal close range fighting, and they also eliminate the enemy HQ. NVA is severely demoralized after losing their command and the counterattacks are a failure.

[Aeraaa]

Turns 41-46 (end)


The final turns are just mopping operations, eliminating the last demoralized NVA units inside the city. Final dispositions are:




The yellow line shows the areas still controlled by the NVA at the end of the scenario.


And the final results:



The casualties per formation are:

ACAV platoon. Total casualties: 21 soldiers. The unit is at 36% strength, is combat ineffective and is not visible on the map.
4/147 battalion is (1). Total casualties: 53 marines. Approximately at 57% strength*.
1/147 battalion (2). Total casualties: 56 marines. Approximately at 89% strength.
5/2TF battalion is (3). Total casualties: 97 soldiers. Approximately at 36% strength*.
7/2TF battalion is (4). Total casualties: 69 soldiers. Approximately at 78% strength.
1/11/2TF company (5). Total casualties: 17 soldiers. Approximately at 84% strength.
Other formations: 26 men in total, mostly pilots.

*started at 66,667% strength.


Equipment losses are 6 37mm AA guns, one T-34-85, one PT-76 and one T-54B for NVA. For ARVN, 2 M113s ACAV, one Cobra attack helicopter, 4 UH-1 helicopters, one OV-1D Mohawk observation plane, 2 A-37 Dragonfly ground attack planes, one F-4 Phantom fighter-bomber and one AC-130 gunship.

Looking back at the battle, I can say that my superior firepower gave me victory. Whenever my advancing infantry encountered any serious resistance, they would fall back and a hail of artillery fire would fall on my enemy. The position then could be easily taken by an infantry assault. When the enemy counterattacked, by MGs and infantry would fix the enemy and my artillery would destroy him.

Air force was also quite effective (with the only exception of the AC-130, which was shot down without firing a single salvo). The B-52s created enough carnage in the beginning and the tactical air strikes knocked out a significant number of weapon systems, including two tanks. My attack helicopters would also support my infantry several times, although they did need to make a trip to the HQ (that had the ammo depot) 3-4 times. The intensity of the operations was the reason for the high air losses, but it meant that the infantry had an easier task ahead.

My UH-1s carrying one para battalion performed the only maneuver for my force. These units managed to encircle the NVA force and capture the vital objective that was the two bridges connecting the two parts of the city.

NVA infantry was a formidable opponent and a dare say that had I not the monstrous fire support available, the battle would be much different (either different outcome, or much more casualties). They could fight up close and they were hard to break morale, at least until they had significant total casualties and their HQ was destroyed.

The battle is an ARVN minor victory, although remaining NVA units will be hard pressed to offer any meaningful resistance.