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First Crack at Hellzapoppin' Ridge

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Title
First Crack at Hellzapoppin' Ridge
Description
During November and December, the Japanese under Major General Iwasa made extraordinary efforts to emplace artillery on the high ground overlooking the Marine beachhead at Empress Augusta Bay. Guns of calibers ranging from 70mm up to 150mm were hauled up the rugged ridgelines looking south at the exposed American positions. …
Publisher
Date
1943-12-09
Scenario#
OB09
Scenario Description
During November and December, the Japanese under Major General Iwasa made extraordinary efforts to emplace artillery on the high ground overlooking the Marine beachhead at Empress Augusta Bay. Guns of calibers ranging from 70mm up to 150mm were hauled up the rugged ridgelines looking south at the exposed American positions. General Geiger realized this was an unacceptable situation and ordered an offensive to clear the enemy guns off the hills. Of particular importance were the big guns on Hellzapoppin' Ridge to the northeast of the beachhead. They threatened not only the front lines but also vulnerable supply dumps. The task of clearing them off fell to the 21st Marine Regiment. Their first attempt began on December 9.
Location
Hellzapoppin' Ridge, Bougainville
Battle Narrative
The Battle of Hellzapoppin Ridge and Hill 600A consisted of a series of engagements fought in mid-December 1943 on Bougainville between forces of the United States Marine Corps and the Imperial Japanese Army. Although minor in terms of casualties and in comparison to other battles in the campaign, the battle was the last significant action undertaken by the 3rd Marine Division on the island before they were replaced by United States Army soldiers from XIV Corps. It resulted in the capture of the two positions by the Marines with the support of artillery and aircraft, and the withdrawal of the Japanese forces as the American perimeter, which had been established around Torokina in November, was expanded towards the Torokina River.
Combatants
American
Japanese
Additional Information
Scenario Type = Standard

Geolocation