Crucifix Hill

In the 1st Infantry Division’s drive to capture Aachen, the 1st Battalion of Col. George Smith’s 18th Infantry Regiment was ordered to capture a fortified hill near Haaren known as Crucifix Hill. Employing special pillbox assault teams equipped with flamethrowers, Bangalore torpedoes, and demolition charges, the 1st Battalion would …

1944-10-08

O08

In the 1st Infantry Division’s drive to capture Aachen, the 1st Battalion of Col. George Smith’s 18th Infantry Regiment was ordered to capture a fortified hill near Haaren known as Crucifix Hill. Employing special pillbox assault teams equipped with flamethrowers, Bangalore torpedoes, and demolition charges, the 1st Battalion would also be provided with direct fire support from a battery of tank destroyers and self-propelled guns. As the leading rifle platoon of Company C assaulted the first pillbox, flanking fire from a nearby gun emplacement caught the platoon in a crossfire.

Haaren, Germany

The Battle of Aachen was a major combat action of World War II, fought by American and German forces in and around Aachen, Germany, between 2–21 October 1944. The city had been incorporated into the Siegfried Line, the main defensive network on Germany's western border; the Allies had hoped to capture it quickly and advance into the industrialized Ruhr Basin. Although most of Aachen's civilian population was evacuated before the battle began, much of the city was destroyed and both sides suffered heavy losses. It was one of the largest urban battles fought by U.S. forces in World War II, and the first city on German soil to be captured by the Allies. The battle ended with a German surrender, but their tenacious defense significantly disrupted Allied plans for the advance into Germany.

American

German

Scenario Type = Standard