The Italian Connection... Part one

You saw the Italian troops on the painting table... now you will see them on the battlefield!!

First, Wage had to help me with another round of kickstarter boxes.  Shipped out seven yesterday, and ten more today.

Then we walked the 800 feet to D' Anardo's for some fantastic pizza!  Best in the world.

Here is the scenario that Rich created, and the story behind it.

A battered Italian unit is trying to hold out to protect their precious church.  The Germans are attempting to "rescue" their  Italian allies, and hold the village and set up an observation post in the church.  The location also contains a key roadway, necessary for the Germans to keep the campaign supplied.

The Americans are seeking a quick end to the Italian invasion and puncture the soft under-belly of Europe.  The command sees the importance of this location, but is unable to get a heavier force to the battle quickly.

A view of the battlefield, forces deployed.  The Italians are on the far left, holed up in the church and cemetery.

I have to worry about these guys, because they are 3 easy Victory Points for Rich and the filthy Amerikanners.

My heavy units are waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay over here on the left.  As you know, if you don't have an order card in your hand that will move stuff over here... it will just wait there until you do!

Here are my starting cards.  The recon card will be vital, since that might help me get more cards to move stuff on the left flank.  The Ambush card should help if he attempts to assault one of my dug in positions as well.

I start out with the Probe card so that I can take advantage of the road (units move one space further if they start and end on the road), and move these guys the heck over to the left!!

Here I used that Recon card so that I could get some help on moving these heavy units.

Ambush!  Rich was very tempted to wipe out the last of the machine gun squad... a Victory point, and also the elimination of one of my heavy units.  His mobile artillery had targeted them earlier.

I tried to get the Italians in a better spot, and also fire at the Americans.  No luck there!  They need to go back to gunnery school.

The Shermans move out to come after the light Italian units.  Uh oh!

Not looking good over here.  One unit wiped out already, and the others in a perilous position.  Fortunately, some light weapons fire from the infantry frightened away the Capitalist Pigs, and they retreated.

Medic!!!  This MASH card was the first of several game saving cards for me.  Remember, all Rich has to do is kill 4 units.  I saved the Machine Gun squad, bringing it back to full strength.

The Americans press their advance once again on the right... would the German heavy units be able to disrupt this inexorable surge?  Will they be able to rescue their Italian "allies"... stay tuned!!