Description[]
Merrill's Marauders is the fourth scenario of the Pacific Campaign in Empire Earth: The Art of Conquest. It serves as a reenactment of the 5307th's efforts in the CBI military campaign.
Briefing[]
FROM THE WAR DEPARTMENT:
Military Defense Division
First Mission-- Walawbum
24 FEBRUARY 1944
"Listen up boys. . . This is how things stand: the Chinese 22nd and 38th divisions have driven 60 miles into the Hukawng Valley and are advancing southward against the Japanese 18th Division, which has about 7,000 near and north of Maingkwan.
Now these are strong jungle-hidden defensive positions, each manned by 40 to 100 Japanese, and they protect the Kamaing Road, which is the only motor route through the valley, and is also the main supply artery for the enemy.
If we're able to deny enemy access to this road, it will be the key to controlling the entire valley on either side.
Now, our buddies the Chinese are making their main drive along the axis of this road. The 112th and 113th Regiments of the 38th Division, having taken Taihpa Ga and cleared the area between the Tawang and Tanai Hka rivers north of the road, are attacking south toward Maingkwan.
I've also just received word that just about twenty miles to the west, the 65th Regiment of the 22nd Division has captured Taro and are working their way southeast in an advance that will cover the right flank of the main effort.
Now, my plan is to coordinate the deployment of the 5307th with the main operations in the Hukawng Valley by sending you marauders on wide circling movements east of the Chinese forces to establish roadblocks behind the Japanese frontlines.
Your first mission will be to cut the Kamaing Road in the vicinity of Walawbum and to attack a forward command post believed to be near there.
I want you Marauders to move from Ningbyen to Tanja Ga and await my instructions, which will be given at the moment the Chinese operations along the road to the north of Maingkwan and give you men the best shot at a surprise attack.
All right you mugs, you got your orders! Move out!"
- General Stillwell
Objectives[]
° Scout the area around the village of Walawbum. Eliminate any patrols and snipers.
° Secure the village of Walawbum so that it may be used as a command post and re-supply station.
° Call for a paratroop drop to strengthen your troops.
° Cmdr. Merrill and Lt. Stock must survive.
° By drawing fire from the pillboxes, lure the Howitzers out of the village.
° Secure the village by bringing both Cmdr. Merrill and Lt. Stock within the walls.
° Prevent the Japanese convoy from reaching Walawbum village and secure the bridge.
° Move stealthily to the south-southwest and talk over or destroy the buildings at Shadazup. Eliminate all Japanese resistance.
° Destroy the RADAR Center to receive new instructions.
° Search the swamp for the six Japanese pillboxes and destroy them.
° When you have called for re-enforcements, move to the east and attack Myitkina airfield. Destroy the RADAR Center there to capture the airfields. All 3 of the Airports must remain intact or survive to achieve victory.
° Try to skirt the southern portion of the base and attack the RADAR Center from the rear. Expect heavy resistance. Remember, All 3 Airports must remain intact or survive to achieve victory.
History[]
Merrill's Marauders is an account of the operations in north Burma from February to May of 1944. The Marauders' effort was part of a coordinated offensive, the Allied re-conquest of north Burma.
The following combat scenario is a fictionalized re-telling of the 5307th's efforts in the CBI military campaign. Many of the Details of the actual missions and exploits of this famed Ranger regiment have been condensed in order to present a more liner series of events. This should not be taken as a marginalizing of slight to the heroics and sacrifices of the men who served in the 5307th but rather as an homage of sorts.
THE 5307TH COMPOSITE UNIT (Provisional) of the Army of the United States was organized and trained for long-range penetration behind enemy lines in Japanese-held Burma. Commanded by Brig. Gen. (now Maj. Gen.) Frank D. Merrill, its 2,997 officers and men became popularly known as "Merrill's Marauders."
From February to May 1944, the operations of the Marauders were closely coordinated with those of the Chinese 22d and 38th Divisions in a drive to recover northern Burma and clear the way for construction of the Ledo Road, which was to link the Indian railhead at Ledo with the old Burma Road to China.
The Marauders were foot soldiers that marched and fought through jungles and over mountains from the Hukawng Valley in northwestern Burma to Myitkyina on the Irrawaddy River. In 5 major and 30 minor engagements they met and defeated the veteran soldiers of the Japanese 18th Division . Operating in the rear of the main forces of the Japanese, they prepared the way for the southward advance of the Chinese by disorganizing supply lines and communications.
The climax of the Marauders' operations was the capture of the Myitkyina airfield, the only all-weather strip in northern Burma. This was the final victory of the 5307th Composite Unit, which was disbanded in August 1944.
"In the thick of battle, the soldier is busy doing his job. He has the knowledge and confidence that his job is part of a unified plan to defeat the enemy, but he does not have time to survey a campaign from a foxhole. If he should be wounded and removed behind the lines, he may have even less opportunity to learn what place he and his unit had in the larger fight. . . these soldiers, who have served their country so well, the part they and their comrades played in achievements. . . do honor to the record of the United States Army." -- G. C. MARSHALL, Chief of Staff.
Hints[]
° Scout the worn paths on both sides of the hills that surround the village. This should give you some idea of the number and strength of the Japanese in the area.
° The numbers of troops you have at the start of this scenario are few, so use them wisely. if you fail to achieve your first objective, you will not be able to call for reinforcements later.
° At various points in the mission, you will be provided with several specialized units: snipers, mortar troops, and radiomen. DO NOT forget to utilize them or their special abilities.
° If both of your Radio Men die, then there will be no way to call for reinforcements and the mission will be very tough to complete.
° When moving through the jungle and undergrowth, be careful, as the Japanese will surely have patrols moving about. Try to take them out stealthily, as a full on assault could bring more troops then you are able to defeat with your present numbers.
° Only your Engineer units can neutralize landmines. By bringing them close to a landmine they will then be able to diffuse them. Use caution when attempting to de-activate a mine and protect the Engineers during firefights, as the only reinforcements you will receive are marines.
Walkthrough[]
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