Survival of the US 5th ID (M)

[schnickelfritz]

The only argument that I have with that analysis is that no mention of pact artillery is made that I can see. That doesn't surprise me, given that it is stated that the 124th lost its Co, XO, and a Regimental Commander (the "three top officers") during that engagement or within the next twelve hours. My money is that it was within minutes of the ambush being sprung. With the loss of command and control, if there was artillery (say a couple of D-30's or 120mm mortars, as it was a low grade formation) still attached to the 124th, or any other artillery that could be brought to bear in support (from the 21st, most likely), it couldn't be called for, much less targeted.

it would certainly seem from this scenario and others (Black Madonna being one) that Pact artillery took fearfull losses againts NATO. before the AVGAS and parts ran out, the jabos must have been busy unlike anything seen since Normandy in 1944!

In addition, it is mentioned that there were significant fires and explosions from ammo vehicles in particular, which tells me that there is at least part of the divisional supply train in attendance at this party.

The status report for the 124th for the next day states that the bulk of the forward supply vehicles of the 124th have been destroyed, which reinforces my perception.

If the US task group/battlegroup/whatever didn't move significantly from it's position until before dawn, my guess is that the losses were encurred in the road killing ground.

Lastly, I think it was mentioned that the counterattack came from the Americans' right flank, which tells me most of the remaining AFV's/Tanks belonging to the 124th were well beyond the killing zone when the shooting started, exposing the division's supply vehicles.

Thanks for the feedback! LOL, this was the highlight of the day!

Thanks-
Dave