Indochina RP Turn Thread

[Dr. Hendrei Gromsinger]

Influence adjudication:

To be listed as initial - changes - final (each in the format USSR/PRC/USA)

East Germany: (6/0/3) - (+1/0/+3) - (5/0/5) [Soviet]
Poland: (7/0/3) - (+2/0/+2) - (7/0/3) [Soviet]
CZ: (6.5/0/3.5) - (+3/0/+2) - (7.5/0/2.5) [Soviet]
Romania: (6.5/0/3.5) - (+2/0/+1) - (7.5/0/2.5) [Soviet]
Bulgaria: (6/0/4) - (+2/0/+2) - (6/0/4) [Soviet]
Albania: (2/5/3) - (0/0/0) - (2/5/3) [China]
Yugoslavia: (1.5/1.5/3) - (0/0/-1) - (1.5/1.5/2) [non-aligned]
Hungary: (2/1/4) - (0/0/+2) - (2/1/6) - [US ally]
Finland: (4/0/5) - (0/0/0) - (4/0/5) - [non-aligned]
Cuba: (4/2/0) - (+1/0/0) - (5/2/0) [Soviet]
Egypt: (2/1/2) - (0/0/+2) - (2/1/4) [non-aligned]
DPRK: (5/5/0) - (0/0/0) - (5/5/0) [Mixed Commie]
Laos: (0/0/0) - see events
Cambodia: (4/4/0) - (0/0/0) - (4/4/0) [Mixed Commie]
Taiwan: (0/3/6) - (0/0/0) - (0/3/6) [US ally]

Events:


Give Peace a Chance

Participants: NV, SV, USA, PRC

In South Vietnam, reflecting recent events, two protest movements are in play. One is tired of the war and bloodshed, and calls for the leadership to turn to the negotiating table and try for peace. The other takes the opposite stance, calling for the government to drive aggressively forward and fast.

In the North, the threats to Hanoi have started to erode morale. Citizens have rallied in a call for peace, while the Generals warn of demoralized soldiers.

On the SV side, the options are:
1. Pursue negotiations
2. Take and hold Hanoi by the end of the year
3. Receive deployments of US troops in the occupied North

On the NV side, the options are:
1. Pursue negotiations
2: Drive to Vinh by year's end
3. Retain deployments from PRC, and receive advisors (commitment IV) from USSR, while holding Hanoi, by year's end.

If either side chooses its option 2 to pursue, and does not accomplish it, it will suffer a collapse of popular support. This will mean that in the first third of 1960, its research and military abilities will be hit by a very mean event.
In order to pursue option 1, the other side doesn't have to agree. However, if both sides choose option 1, they will actually have to talk about a ceasefire.

---

Curse of the Pharaohs, cont.

Participants: USA

Nasser is out, Sadat is in.
Sadat clarifies the following to the US, privately:
While privately, he agrees that reparations aren't a rational demand, it is a point of national pride that the aid offered to Egypt must be called "reparations."

The US may:
1. Agree to this, and receive the continued influence increases
2. Disagree, and maintain a cold peace with Sadat in which the canal is open, but Egypt glances towards both the Communist bloc and Pan-Arabism.
3. Let Britain and Israel seize the canal and see influence in Egypt crash to 1

---

Eastern Europe, cont.
Participants: USA, USSR

The Soviet reforms have been effective in some quarters, but not others. While trends in Czechoslovakia and Poland look good for the Soviets, East Germany is teetering on the edge, and Hungary has completed its swing from East to West.
Hungary officially applies to NATO.

The USSR may:
1. Let East Germany go. Its influence in each of the remaining eastern European nations will decrease by 2, but the beneficiary from this will be China. East Germany will merge into West Germany at the start of 1960.
2. Build walls. Its influence in each country will decline by 1, but America's gain potential will be halved in eastern Europe.
3. Maintain the status quo and hope for things to settle down.
4. Invade Hungary. This will require dice rolls, and will see influence in East Germany drop by 1. The GM will randomize effects of influence on other countries for the next phase. It will also prevent USSR from raising Indochina influence to 4, like USSR might want to.

The US may roll bonus influence dice on East Germany, Poland, Czechoslovakia, Bulgaria, and Romania, and forgo an influence roll.
The US may also choose whether to let Hungary into NATO. Doing so will fortify influence in Hungary at a 7, and will see western Europe's forces step in to Hungary's defense in the face of a Soviet invasion.

---

What is Laos?
Participants: SV, PRC, USA, USSR

A combination of factors has resulted in Laos no longer having a functioning government. It is run by bands of renegades, and so everyone's influence here is now (0,0,0).
HOWEVER:

This means anyone can establish a puppet state. The rules of influence for this turn are:
1. Everyone can use one of their rolls for Laos, despite having 0 influence
2. By sacrificing 2 influence rolls, anyone can gain 6 influence automatically and establish a puppet state, BUT
USA must receive permission from SV, and must deploy resources to Laos. This means the US can't invade Cuba and deploy in Vietnam at once.
PRC will sacrifice one influence point in Cambodia if it does this.
USSR must receive permission from PRC, or reach 5 influence in Cambodia, to do this.
If both the Commies and the US pursue puppet states, there will be two Laoses.

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Tropical Trouble
Participants: US, USSR

Influenced by his own ideology, Soviet help, and the hatred of Bautista, Castro refuses US aid. He decries American imperialism and the blockade.

The US may:
1. Withdraw the blockade, call for a Western embargo, and make some angry speeches
2. Invade Cuba. If this is done, America can't deploy to Vietnam and build a Laotian puppet
3. Hold firm, but do nothing active

The USSR may:
1. Supply aid, gaining 3 influence points in Cuba, and 0.5 points in East Germany.
2. Leave Castro out to dry, losing 2 influence points in Cuba and 1 each in East Germany and all countries where China has more influence than USSR
3. Send armed forces to Cuba. This can only be done if Hungary is not invaded, and it prevents commitment from rising in Indochina.

If the US chooses options 2 or 3, and the USSR chooses option 3, the crisis mechanism will be engaged. Ditto if the USSR chooses option 1 and the US chooses option 2. If the USSR chooses option 2 while the US chooses option 3, the USSR will only gain 1.5 influence points.

Note: this may be the impetus for WWIII. Tread carefully.

[Victor Katz]

Union of Soviet Social Republics
May-August, 1959

Commitment: III->IV

Soviet Events

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Oct 21, 2019 16:50:26 GMT Dr. Hendrei Gromsinger said:

Eastern Europe, cont.
Participants: USA, USSR

The Soviet reforms have been effective in some quarters, but not others. While trends in Czechoslovakia and Poland look good for the Soviets, East Germany is teetering on the edge, and Hungary has completed its swing from East to West.
Hungary officially applies to NATO.

The USSR may:
1. Let East Germany go. Its influence in each of the remaining eastern European nations will decrease by 2, but the beneficiary from this will be China. East Germany will merge into West Germany at the start of 1960.
2. Build walls. Its influence in each country will decline by 1, but America's gain potential will be halved in eastern Europe.
3. Maintain the status quo and hope for things to settle down.
4. Invade Hungary. This will require dice rolls, and will see influence in East Germany drop by 1. The GM will randomize effects of influence on other countries for the next phase. It will also prevent USSR from raising Indochina influence to 4, like USSR might want to.

The US may roll bonus influence dice on East Germany, Poland, Czechoslovakia, Bulgaria, and Romania, and forgo an influence roll.
The US may also choose whether to let Hungary into NATO. Doing so will fortify influence in Hungary at a 7, and will see western Europe's forces step in to Hungary's defense in the face of a Soviet invasion.

The Soviet Union chooses to build walls in Germany. The wall will prevent any capitalist counter-revolutionary forces to appear in Germany and will solidify the alliance between Eastern Germany and the Soviet Union. Molotov expresses that there 'Will be no mercy for anti-revolutionaries' and that the wall will 'Benefit the German people in the long run'. While his decision is contrivercial even in the Kremlin, Molotov and his closest political allies are confident that the German wall will prove to be beneficial. 

Oct 21, 2019 16:50:26 GMT Dr. Hendrei Gromsinger said:

What is Laos?
Participants: SV, PRC, USA, USSR

A combination of factors has resulted in Laos no longer having a functioning government. It is run by bands of renegades, and so everyone's influence here is now (0,0,0).
HOWEVER:

This means anyone can establish a puppet state. The rules of influence for this turn are:
1. Everyone can use one of their rolls for Laos, despite having 0 influence
2. By sacrificing 2 influence rolls, anyone can gain 6 influence automatically and establish a puppet state, BUT
USA must receive permission from SV, and must deploy resources to Laos. This means the US can't invade Cuba and deploy in Vietnam at once.
PRC will sacrifice one influence point in Cambodia if it does this.
USSR must receive permission from PRC, or reach 5 influence in Cambodia, to do this.
If both the Commies and the US pursue puppet states, there will be two Laoses.

The Soviet Union chooses not to establish a puppet state. Molotov warns any imperialist forces trying to colonize the nation shall face the consequences, though. 

Oct 21, 2019 16:50:26 GMT Dr. Hendrei Gromsinger said:

Tropical Trouble
Participants: US, USSR

Influenced by his own ideology, Soviet help, and the hatred of Bautista, Castro refuses US aid. He decries American imperialism and the blockade.

The US may:
1. Withdraw the blockade, call for a Western embargo, and make some angry speeches
2. Invade Cuba. If this is done, America can't deploy to Vietnam and build a Laotian puppet
3. Hold firm, but do nothing active

The USSR may:
1. Supply aid, gaining 3 influence points in Cuba, and 0.5 points in East Germany.
2. Leave Castro out to dry, losing 2 influence points in Cuba and 1 each in East Germany and all countries where China has more influence than USSR
3. Send armed forces to Cuba. This can only be done if Hungary is not invaded, and it prevents commitment from rising in Indochina.

If the US chooses options 2 or 3, and the USSR chooses option 3, the crisis mechanism will be engaged. Ditto if the USSR chooses option 1 and the US chooses option 2. If the USSR chooses option 2 while the US chooses option 3, the USSR will only gain 1.5 influence points.

Note: this may be the impetus for WWIII. Tread carefully.

The USSR chooses to supply the Cubans aid. He promises the Castro brothers and Guevara to supply hardtack and assault rifles for the revolutionary forces. He also announces that the USSR will be the official protectors of the Cuban revolutionary bretherens, and that any nation trying to counter the revolutionaries shall face the horrible consequences. He also reminds the world that the Soviets has the missile technology capable of carrying a nuclear warhead across the globe.

Military Actions in Indochina

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Marshal Leonid Aleksandrovich Govorov executes Operation Sir Knight, because it will 'Save our allies like a Knight saving a princess', according to Marshal Govorov. . The civilians are quite unhappy of this, but Govorov claims that it is for the 'Greater good'. Naval transport of troops is impossible due to the States' navy in the Philipines, but Govorov has a plan. The Peoples' Republic of China. Govorov meets with the PRC governers in private and gets permission to get through Chinese lands. So he orders the Red Army to go through the shortest route possible across China, and to Cao Bang. He orders 100k troops in Vladivostok and all their equipment to be moved to Cao Bang immediatly, by land.

Military Research

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Komar-Class Missile Boat
Molotov orders to create a ship capable of launching a missile. The scientists have worked on the project for months and finally came up with a nice prototype: 183E. The test took place in the Black Sea and once again the Komar-class missile boat 183E attempted to raze the grasses near Stalingrad. 4+ for success.
pvo9Le39
A failure.

AKM
After the immense success of the AK-47, Molotov orders a new type of Assault Rifle to be developed: The AKM. The Scientists get to work and create a prototype, which is a revised version of the previous AK-47. 3+ for success is fair methinks.

A failure.

Relations

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East Germany

Laos

DPRK

Cuba

·····

[Frederick the Great]

South Vietnam, May-August, 1959, Government

Domestic Issues
Protests have made streets rather lively in Saigon, some protestors want the war to end peacefully, some, well not so much. The government hasn't decided what to do with the War yet.
Up north, reconstruction is in full swing. In the cities of Vinh, Hoang Mai, Thanh Hoa, Nam Dinh and Ninh Binh the water and sewerage system as well as the power supply have been rebuilt, though the buildings will take time to be rebuilt.

Meanwhile, the government starts training 5000 Laotians and 5000 Cambodians living in SV in guerrilla warfare roles, training started in June and will end by early-September

Furthermore, the government speeds up the propaganda efforts to bring the Northern populace in line with the rest of the South. It is already known that the Communist morale has been diminishing gradually ever since we got to Hanoi, so it isn't hard to win over a people that have already been abandoned by their former government. Rolling for propaganda. 6__KTv9X
Results remain the same as earlier in the year, half the population continues to support the South while the other half is loyal to the North, though that might soon change.

By the end of August, the government tries a propaganda campaign again (as part of the wider pacification attempt in the North) after their victory in Hanoi, which gives them a +1 buff.

for God's sake be more than three this time, I've been trying this for months by now

Rolling

At last the people have welcomed their new government! (Santa Anna)The South's efforts to pacify the Occupied Territory have been largely successful as people are readily supporting the South now, however this pacification will continue throughout the war in areas still "resisting".

Meanwhile, the ports of Da Nang and Vung Tao are put under upgrades to handle the latest kinds of containers, the upgrade will be complete by the start of the next phase.

Diplomacy
SV publicly condemns the violent power-grab of some Fidel Castro in Cuba and of his band of revolutionary thugs who want to turn the world upside-down in order to build their communist haven.

Military Assistance
Seeking to streamline and to an extent, standardise it's weapons stock, SV starts to gradually phase-out it's  many old French rifles like the MAS-36 and 38 and the American M1A1/M1 Garand/M2, giving these to the Police, Air Force and the Navy.

In return many CETME rifles from the Spanish, the FN MAG from Belgium and M60 Machine Guns from America are bought. All these guns are immediately pressed into service.

Lastly, M48 Patton Tanks as well as Chinook and more Huey helicopters start making their way to Vietnam.

Order of Battle for the Armed Forces of the State of Vietnam

1959 Second Third :

Army of the State of Vietnam

Regular Infantry = 620000 (including artillery and support roles (engineers, transport, medics etc))
Armored Corps =  6000 tanks.
Airborne =10000.
Marines= 200000.
Rangers = 200000.
Special Forces = 10000.
Militia of Vietnam = 100000.


Total of the Army = 1,290,000

Navy of the State of Vietnam

Stands at 100000 men.

Air Force of the State of Vietnam

Stands at 100000 men.

Total of the AFSVN: 1,490,000·

[Carlos III]

人民日报
Renmin Ribao (People's Daily)

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People's Republic of China, 2nd Third, 1959

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Commitment Level: 5

Headlines
HANOI BESIEGED, CAPITAL DEVASTATED

As the South Vietnamese forces advance towards the North Vietnamese capital, Hanoi, one of the largest cities in Indochina, has been subject to shelling by Southern artillery and the occasional bombing. The destruction brings back memories of the Japanese invasion on our own soil little more than two decades earlier.
Ho Chi Minh spoke to the defenders of Hanoi earlier this year, urging them to stand their ground. While morale is low among the Northern forces, they are still willing to continue resisting the Southern advance.
The Americans are also rushing to claim their piece of pie in North Vietnam, with President Eisenhower pushing for more deployments in the region.
The CCP has agreed to commit to Vietnam until the Southern forces are pushed back to the 17th Parallel and North Vietnam has been completely liberated.

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HOME

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First Five-Year Plan

UyhettOX
-1 due to withdrawal of Soviet aid
Development has hastened since earlier this year, but it is still too slow.
35/48

Thankfully, agricultural production is still increasing steadily with more than half of the country's farmers practicing cooperate farming.
Following a system of market socialism, the economy also continues to improve gradually.

Chinese Reconciliation

Seeking to improve relations, Zhou Enlai and other delegates from the PRC will be holding talks with the ROC, discussing joint-administration of the Taiwanese Strait and travel protocols.
The CCP also appeals to left-leaning memebers of the KMT to strengthen ties between the two.
Influence roll:

The talks prove successful as the relationship between the two have improved.
This is an significant development for Zhou Enlai, who holds a rather disappointing track record.

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FOREIGN AFFAIRS

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Sino-Yugoslav Trade Opens

The Chairman, Mao Zedong, meets with Josip Broz Tito in Belgrade, hoping to open trade between Yugoslavia.
As a non-aligned nation, Yugoslavia exports to both Western and Eastern countries. With the Five-Year Plan having a hard time meeting targets, Mao is pressured to find a way to improve the situation back home.
Both countries have also split from the Soviets and joined the Third World.
After a long discussion, Tito eventually agrees, establishing limited trade with the PRC.

The Laotian Solution

Shortly after the Americans deployment into Laos and establishment of an American puppet state, Mao declares that the PVA will help the local Laotians in restoring order.
In a speech to the CCP, Mao says,

The collapse of the Laotian government was most unexpected. The country is now in anarchy, and ruled by renegades.
The American imperialists have begun deploying in Laos, keen to replace the French as colonisers of Indochina.
With Laos sharing a border with our homeland, we are obliged to help our neighbour and also to ensure security of our people. Thus, we must send a force into Laos, and work with the people to create strong Laos unlike the weak Royalist government before.

With support from the local Pathet Lao and some Neutralists, a new government in formed in Vientiane, and the flag of the Lao Peoples' Democratic Republic flies alongside the flag of the Laos Peoples' Revolutionary Party in the capital.

(Ignore the very modern flagpoles)
The Chairman adds that Beijing will supervise Laos, but promises complete independence in one year.
-2 influence rolls
-1 influence point in Cambodia

Cambodian Ties

In light of the situation in Laos and Vietnam, Mao Zedong contacts the Prime Minister of Cambodia Prince Norodom Sihanouk, promising to support Cambodian independence against American neo-colonialism and the chaos in Indochina.
Influence roll:

The aristocrat welcomes Mao's support with some suspicion, understanding the situation Cambodia is in.··

[Santa Anna]

North Vietnam 1959, 2nd Third

Domestic Affairs

With the Southern army parked just outside Hanoi, morale for much of the Northern forces has suffered a hit. Plenty of citizens have rallied to demand peace, and desertions have increased in recent days. (Rolling to see what percentage of the army remains:)

Qot5bJfg

It's estimated that about 6% of the army has already deserted.

In an attempt to try and placate the pro-peace faction, the North agrees to a ceasefire offer from the South in May and sends a diplomatic team to Switzerland to try and hammer out a peace that will leave the North as unharmed as possible. Privately, however, many  generals doubt the talks' success, and are drawing up plans to continue the defense of Hanoi if things go south. Sure enough, the traitors decide to break their ceasefire just after the first round of negotiations, and Hanoi and the surrounding areas fall.

Aware that Southern efforts to convert the people in its conquered lands are not as successful as they had hoped, the Northern government tries to keep the flames of resistance alive down south. Support is increased to loyalists behind Southern lines, and propaganda is spread to all citizens urging them to continue to support the North. Rolling for effects:



The propaganda is a great success. Communist sympathies refuse to die no matter what the South does, and pacification of the entire region just might prove too much for the South.

Industries and other important facilities being lost to the South are constructed deep in the mountains and jungle to replace the supplies lost. By now, practically all unnecessary civilian industries have been repurposed for military goods. All but 100,000 of the paramilitary troops still in Laos are recalled to the North following the proclamation of the Lao Peoples' Democratic Republic. 

Military

Attempting to correct the errors of the past cew months, the air force and artillery are sent back for more training. After several weeks, they are evaluated to measure their improvement:

Air:

Artillery:

The air force has seemingly learned from its mistakes once again, but not so much the artillery. 

After the fall of Hanoi, with troops deserting and morale in the hole, the high command knows it has to retake Hanoi immediately, or risk total collapse into guerilla warfare. Therefore, cutting off the enemy and eliminating it from the city seems to be the best (and only true) option going forward.

Bombardments of all entries into the city are conducted, as communist agents are sent to infiltrate the city and undermine the Southern grip on the city.

Aerial:

Artillery:

Infiltrators:

The air performance is mediocre, but the artillery is superb, and any potential escape across the Red River has been severed. The infiltrators don't do quite as well as hoped, but they succeed at stirring the pot in occupied Hanoi. 

To cut open a route from the north, a force of 275,000 infantrymen and 350 tanks is sent to break an opening in the area:



They succeed in pushing the Southern troops back and liberating Hanoi Airport, but the majority of the Southern troops remain trapped between the Red River and the North's forces.

Meanwhile, to secure a route from the west, another force 200,000 strong with 300 tanks crosses the Red River to attack Son Tay, while the forces north of the river continue on to attack Tu Son and secure the eastern approaches to Hanoi.

Son Tay:
Tu Son:

Son Tay is taken by a narrow margin, but the army is kept out of Tu Son by a similar margin. Efforts are started to clean up the enemy forces around Son Tay, as well as to advance further into the Tu Son area.

Son Tay:
Tu Son:

Both fronts are a success, and now Hanoi is under threat from all directions except south. 

Finally, near the start of June, the forces at Son Tay, now reinforced to 400,000 men, advance south to Dong Lac: 



Far more casualties are suffered than expected, but the situation is not beyond salvaging, and so reinforcements are called. Once the ranks have been replenished, another assault is made:


This time, the assault goes much better. Now troops are stationed on all sides of Hanoi.

Before trying to lay siege to the city, attacks are made on Southern destroyers and any other naval means of resupply of forces in the city by the air force, as well as by the handful of submarines not in Southern custody:

Aerial:

Naval:

The air force cannot completely contest the South's rule of the river, but the small naval effort is a surprise victory, albeit a Pyrrhic one, as most of the small amount of subs is lost taking on Southern craft. 

While all this is going on, thousands of other troops are being given special training in guerilla warfare. The high command can see the writing on the wall and knows that the game will mist likely be up soon, regardless if Hanoi is taken. Therefore, the special division is being formed to compose the backbone of the rejuvenated Viet Cong, which will be released upon the South's forces and government structures if and when the government deems the situation no longer tenable by conventional forces. 

Order of Battle:
PAVN: 450,000 (plus 100,000 Soviet, 500,000[?] Chinese)
VPPF: 820,000
VPAF: 50,000
VPN: 30,000

Total: 1,950,000

Locations:
Dong Lac: 275,000 troops, 300 tanks
Son Tay: 250,000 troops, 200 tanks
Tu Son: 225,000 troops, 150 tanks
North of Hanoi: 200,000 troops, 150 tanks
An Khai: 100,000 troops, 45 tanks
Haiphong: 200,000 troops, 100 tanks································································································

[Tolbethessar]

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USA, 1959: May to Aug

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Commitment Level: 4, moving up to 5
In early May, the Congress has already declared war upon the belligerents: PRC and NV Viet Cong, the terrorist group, for perpetuating violence onto the Laotian government and its people within the borders of Laos.

USA also extends an arm of friendship and cooperation to the Latioans, prepping an establishment in governance of some kind back into existence for the sake of the people. An offer of alliance with provisions for mutual benefit, collaboration, and assistance will immediately come into effect soon as the Laotian government gets onto its feet.

The REAL Republic of China, likewise, is asked to join the fight and declare war upon the false republic of China supposedly governed by the people whileas rather it's really governed by a private conclave of communist party bureaucrats. USA wishes to give ROC a chance to truly end the Chinese Civil war in reclaiming all of China back into the people's hands rightfully. However, Tibet is understood to be not necessarily a simple issue and might have to be brought into discussion in some time later.

The military is now fully brought up to maximum alert levels. Preparations are made for commencing the recruiting of Americans into all branches of the armed forces. Reserves are presently recalled into service. 500,000 soldiers are initially requested for now.

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After the Ceasefire Negotiations Conference in Switzerland...

USA declares war upon all enemies who has intruded into the borders of its ally, the Republic of Laos. Thus, Cambodia, Patheo Lao the organization, NV (and presumably PRC too?) are immediately considered as enemies as of this moment. USA profoundly gives its gratitude to Kingdom of Thailand for the valor and initiative shown by Thai forces in safeguarding the allied Laotian government & military to its fullest extent. If it wasn't for Thailand swooping in to save the day, things could've been easily far worse for the Laotian people. This valiant effort on the part of Thailand is fully recognized by USA.

USA gives Thailand $1 million immediately as an expression of gratitude to the recent activity by the Thai armed forces on the behalf of the Republic of Laos, it should at least defray the operational costs of that activity to a considerable majority if not entirely.

A inquiry is made into the questionable strength of the Laotian Monarchy. It's understood that a traditional monarchy would be entirely out of the question with the Royalists being so dispirited, and the king himself so feeble. However, perhaps a figurehead could be formed out of the king while the Republic itself would be built upon the strength of the Laotian people themselves. But the Republic of Laos could potentially do well without the king himself. So the Americans aren't certain what gears are spinning in the head of the Thai government, and asks the Kingdom of Thailand an important question on this matter. Should we keep the king as a figurehead for the people to look up to, or dispose the useless weakling and focus on the peons, preventing their recruitment into the foolish communist party, countering their false propaganda with superior truths of a free, open democracy? In either case, the rights of an individual must still be safeguarded within the government of the Republic, so thus "a single raindrop raises the sea" as the old saying goes in Asia.

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Military Reserach for a Patrol Craft Fast (PCF) also known as a Swift Boat (no comments in here regarding John Kerry please)

The Swift Boat was conceived in a Naval Advisory Group, Military Assistance Command, Vietnam (NAVADGRP MACV) staff study titled "Naval Craft Requirements in a Counter Insurgency Environment," published 1 July 1959. It noted that "COIN water operations are difficult, demanding, and unique. A prevalent belief has been that COIN craft can readily be obtained from existing commercial and naval sources when needed. Unfortunately, no concerted effort has been made to develop COIN craft specifically suited to perform the many missions needed to combat insurgent activities."

The study went on to list characteristics of the ideal patrol craft:

Reliable and sturdy
Non-wooden hull, with screw and rudder protection against groundings
Self-sufficient for 400 to 500 mile (600 to 800 km) patrol
Speed of 20 to 25 knots (37 to 46 km/h)
Small high-resolution radar range 4 to 6 miles (7 to 11 km)
Reliable long-range communications equipment, compatible with Army and Air Force
Quiet
Armament for limited offense
Sparse berthing, no messing
Depth meter, accurate from 0 to 50 feet (15 m)
Small, powerful searchlight

The question... would this study effectively outline what is necessary for USA to combat the criminals that are attempting an insurgency within Vietnam and Laos, and would it be effectively accepted by the Pentagon?
4iEcNsD4
It's a 2...
The study was weakly received, and the Navy began to search for sources. It proves difficult for a supplier to be willing to make such a strange vessel for the Navy.

The Navy requests that perhaps such ships of dubious seaworthiness would be best built locally for supplying the theater rather than attempt to transport them all the way across the Pacific? Shipbuilders in Vung Tau (Frederick the Great) are contacted with a request that at least a hundred or so of these Swift Boats be built for the explicit purpose of a brown-water fleet (rather than a true deep blue fleet) in defending and patrolling within the coastal waters, up and down the rivers.

--Events of USA in next post--

[Tolbethessar]

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USA's Events, mid-1959

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(options that are taken by USA will be marked in bold)

Oct 21, 2019 16:50:26 GMT Dr. Hendrei Gromsinger said:

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Curse of the Pharaohs, cont.

Participants: USA

Nasser is out, Sadat is in.
Sadat clarifies the following to the US, privately:
While privately, he agrees that reparations aren't a rational demand, it is a point of national pride that the aid offered to Egypt must be called "reparations."

The US may:
1. Agree to this, and receive the continued influence increases
2. Disagree, and maintain a cold peace with Sadat in which the canal is open, but Egypt glances towards both the Communist bloc and Pan-Arabism.
3. Let Britain and Israel seize the canal and see influence in Egypt crash to 1

Option 1

Very well...USA warns Sadat that the terminology of the 'reparations' would come at a very, very high price. The British and Israelis would likely never tolerate a full entry into the workings of NATO for Egypt, even as a non-NATO ally in the future. This might prove disadvantageous for Egypt in some scenarios. USA will try to do so to assist Egypt up to the extent of USA's abilities.

The 'reparations' are transferred from USA to Egypt on the behalf of UK, France, & Israel and for USA itself as well. The influence increases.
USA thanks the allies who had participated in the blockade (the 3 named above).
USA explains privately to Israel that while USA works at improving relations with Egypt, it would NEVER ever supply Egypt to the point of threatening Israel, not without also substantially increasing the capabilities of Israeli military in ensuring a position of power and self-defense, even including nuclear weapons being given to Israel.

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Oct 21, 2019 16:50:26 GMT Dr. Hendrei Gromsinger said:

Eastern Europe, cont.
Participants: USA, USSR

The Soviet reforms have been effective in some quarters, but not others. While trends in Czechoslovakia and Poland look good for the Soviets, East Germany is teetering on the edge, and Hungary has completed its swing from East to West.
Hungary officially applies to NATO.

The USSR may:
1. Let East Germany go. Its influence in each of the remaining eastern European nations will decrease by 2, but the beneficiary from this will be China. East Germany will merge into West Germany at the start of 1960.
2. Build walls. Its influence in each country will decline by 1, but America's gain potential will be halved in eastern Europe.
3. Maintain the status quo and hope for things to settle down.
4. Invade Hungary. This will require dice rolls, and will see influence in East Germany drop by 1. The GM will randomize effects of influence on other countries for the next phase. It will also prevent USSR from raising Indochina influence to 4, like USSR might want to.

The US may roll bonus influence dice on East Germany, Poland, Czechoslovakia, Bulgaria, and Romania, and forgo an influence roll.
The US may also choose whether to let Hungary into NATO. Doing so will fortify influence in Hungary at a 7, and will see western Europe's forces step in to Hungary's defense in the face of a Soviet invasion.

USA accepts Hungary into NATO and celebrates the occasion proudly for all Western Europe. This is the first major expansion of NATO (besides West Germany). USA will exerts some influence on the rest of East Europe to follow suit.

---

Oct 21, 2019 16:50:26 GMT Dr. Hendrei Gromsinger said:

What is Laos?
Participants: SV, PRC, USA, USSR

A combination of factors has resulted in Laos no longer having a functioning government. It is run by bands of renegades, and so everyone's influence here is now (0,0,0).
HOWEVER:

This means anyone can establish a puppet state. The rules of influence for this turn are:
1. Everyone can use one of their rolls for Laos, despite having 0 influence
2. By sacrificing 2 influence rolls, anyone can gain 6 influence automatically and establish a puppet state, BUT
USA must receive permission from SV, and must deploy resources to Laos. This means the US can't invade Cuba and deploy in Vietnam at once.
PRC will sacrifice one influence point in Cambodia if it does this.
USSR must receive permission from PRC, or reach 5 influence in Cambodia, to do this.
If both the Commies and the US pursue puppet states, there will be two Laoses.

Option 2

USA agrees with the Republic of Vietnam that an effort should be made to provide the Laotian people a Republic where their voices can be heard and self-govern, freely from the despotic Communists.
USA will establish a puppet state in Laos, deploy into Indochina. (Dr. Hendrei Gromsinger, let me know how soon I can do this?)

---

Oct 21, 2019 16:50:26 GMT Dr. Hendrei Gromsinger said:

Tropical Trouble
Participants: US, USSR

Influenced by his own ideology, Soviet help, and the hatred of Bautista, Castro refuses US aid. He decries American imperialism and the blockade.

The US may:
1. Withdraw the blockade, call for a Western embargo, and make some angry speeches
2. Invade Cuba. If this is done, America can't deploy to Vietnam and build a Laotian puppet
3. Hold firm, but do nothing active

The USSR may:
1. Supply aid, gaining 3 influence points in Cuba, and 0.5 points in East Germany.
2. Leave Castro out to dry, losing 2 influence points in Cuba and 1 each in East Germany and all countries where China has more influence than USSR
3. Send armed forces to Cuba. This can only be done if Hungary is not invaded, and it prevents commitment from rising in Indochina.

If the US chooses options 2 or 3, and the USSR chooses option 3, the crisis mechanism will be engaged. Ditto if the USSR chooses option 1 and the US chooses option 2. If the USSR chooses option 2 while the US chooses option 3, the USSR will only gain 1.5 influence points.

Note: this may be the impetus for WWIII. Tread carefully.

Option 3

USA angrily rebuke the impudence and foolishness of Castro to entirely reject American efforts to make amends. At the moment, an invasion isn't happening while USA is working on assisting the Laotian people have a government of their own.

---

The Northeast Modern Africa Proposal(progress thus far 29, leak tally 89)
Round 7 (Prog, then Leak)
OVJGiah0
A 3 is rolled, and then a 3 is rolled so the progress tally is 32, leak tally is 98 now.

---

American Influence Rolls

The Only Regular Roll (4 minus 3, so only one left, seriously?)
Taiwan,

It's a 3


The bonus Rolls
East Germany,

It's a 1

Poland,

It's a 5

Czechoslovakia,

It's a 3

Bulgaria,

It's a 4

Romania,

It's a 4

Also - Hungary raised to 7 American influence, and ROL (Republic of Laos) to 6 American influence

---

Espionage
(Pretend that the 007 intro theme is playing right now as you read this)

Entering into the area where the Soviet interlopers are sleeping at, a pair of sabotager squads sneaks into Cao Bang, composed mainly Chinese-Americans (the second team is effectively a back-up team to ensure that the mission is completed, because who knows what might happens? ). Their physical copies of their orders were written in Mandarin whilst they were already briefed beforehand (they also do understand Mandarin enough for this mission). They enter the camp to disrupt and hamstring the Soviet army from moving forward. The teams makes attempts independently of each others and covers different points of sabotage. One strikes at the food supply, the communications center, and the arsenal (to blow up the stockpile). The other strikes at the water supply, the motorpool (to damage the vehicles), and the brig (to release prisoners and trigger mayhem).

A roll will determine for either team combined: whichever one of the 6 possible sites will be the most likest to succeed is assigned to the next roll, then a second roll is to determine the extent of success itself. 1. the food supply, 2. the communications center, 3. the arsenal, 4. the water supply, 5. the motorpool, 6. the brig.

A 1 is rolled, then a 2 is rolled. This means that the first team manages to strikes at the food supply to poison the soldiers, and then both teams escaped however... the food poisoning was caught on too early by somebody noticing the sick soldiers leaving the mess hall barfing their guts out to be affecting the whole camp. One thing did happened according to the plan: A folded up copy of the Mandarin orders for the sabotage was purposefully left behind for the Soviets to find not too far from the food stores. The Chinese are implicated in that these orders appears to be from the offices within Mao's bureau of espionage activity.·········

[Carlos III]

解放军报
Jiefang Jun Bao (Liberation Army News）

---

People's Republic of China, 2nd Third, 1959

---

(OOC:This is my new turn format - all military turns on the Liberation Army News. Whaddaya think? )

---

TECHNOLOGY

---

Nothing Wrong With Our Bloody Ships

Research continues for the PLA Navy
a152JlrS
-1 due to withdrawal of Soviet aid
The engineers have about closed the gap opened due to the Sino-Soviet Split. They now have knowledge of some current Soviet technology.
More ships are currently being built.
With the addition of some new ships recently, we review the current strength of the PLA Navy.
6 Destroyers
- 6 Anshan class
6 Frigates
- 6 Chengdu class
24 submarines
- 14 WW2 era Soviet submarines
- 10 Soviet Whiskey class submarines

---

SECRETS

---

Activity in Vietnam

At present, there are almost a hundred Chinese agents in South Vietnam.
Spies in travel to the occupied region to gather information about the garrisons and plans. As they cannot reach the frontline, most activity is restricted to the region around Vinh.

Unfortunately, their attempts are futile, and little intelligence is gathered these months. 

---

OPERATIONS

---

Operation Menshen (Threshold Guardian)

The Operation to help secure the PDR Laos is named after the divine guardians of doors and gates in traditional Chinese folk religion. Like the gods, the Operation intends to protect homes against "evil influences"
The objective of the operation is to create a strong and stable Laos that is ready for independence, as well as to win the "hearts and minds of the people"
The 250,000 men strong 5th Army remains in the Northernmost bloc in Laos.
An air wing of 100 Shenyang J5s fly over the Northern half of Laos from Yunnan to attain air superiority.
Noting the entrance of Thai forces into Laos and the ex-capital Vientiane, the CCP authorises an offensive against the invaders, and tells Thailand that their presence in Northern Laos will not be tolerated.
One division (50,000 men) move towards the West, towards Thai positions in Laos, while another march towards the South. Patrols are also sent to the Northeastern region.

Counter-Attack in Vietnam
May-August
Reinforcements to replenish the strength of each army are expected to arrive in early July. However, they cannot join up with their assigned armies if cut off.

4th Army, currently near Hanoi, has suffered heavy casualties from the Battle of Hanoi. 
Meanwhile, understanding that most civilians have left the city, the artillery battalion of 4th Army marks Hanoi.
 
The artillery performs decently, dealing some damage and disrupting the forces in Hanoi somewhat.
About 150,000 men then gets ready and... digs in to positions outside the city's perimeter to prevent any force from leaving the city.

A division (50,000 men) from 4th Army joins 3rd Army and 500 tanks in an attack on Hung Yen. They are supported by another 50,000 men from 2nd Army across the river.
Artillery from the 3rd Army opens fire.

It's super effective! The artillery decimates the enemy at Hung Yen, causing many casualties and destroying several tanks.
Finally, 3rd Army engages the South Vietnamese.
A 14 is required to take over Hung Yen

They fail to take the town completely. Fortunately, they are able to reach the river further north and secure the area.

The 2nd Army reorganises around An Khai. They have taken some casualties in the battle before. For now, they simply bombard the town with artillery

It's effective! The artillery causes many casualties and damages some tanks.
A counter-attack is then mounted on An Khai. Somewhere between 150,000-200,000 men fights the South Vietnamese.
A 14 is required to take An Khai

The attack fails. The soldiers goes back into positions around the town and continues digging in.
Meanwhile, 3 divisions (150,000 men) of the 1st Army is sent and stationed in Haiphong. Another 1 division is sent north to secure Chi Linh and surrounding areas.
·····················

[Frederick the Great]

South Vietnam, May-August, 1959, Military

Diem calls General Ngo Quang Truong (on the first day after the first round of negotiations is over) Acting Commander of the AFSVN (as General Vien is in Switzerland):

General Truong: "Hello"

Diem: "The dogs need a leash" (OOC: this is a codeword that means "attack Hanoi now!")

The General is baffled: "But just in the morning you said that the ceasefire was in effe...?"

Diem: "I don't want any questions General, get it done!"

*Diem slams the phone*

And thus orders were relayed to the frontline commanders and the Army started preparing for the battle late at night.

But before anything, bombardments start on Hanoi.

Navy (the Red River is wide enough to allow Destroyers through it). IHUBdyaf

Artillery. 


Air 
Results: the Navy's performance is average, the artillery is subpar but the Air Force shows it's might by bombing key targets inside and outside the city, causing chaos among the defenders. The Battle of Hanoi has begun!

The Militia (90000) is left outside of Haiphong Almost the entire Haiphong Garrison (180000 total) dashes with the armor guarding the flanks, front and rear. The force moves in three columns of 60000 each, pummeling the town of Chi Linh, a town that isn't even strategically important up until now and is expected to be lightly-defended. Even an 8 will be enough for this town. 
Result: the tiny town is simply rolled over by this behemoth of a force.

Now, this massive formation is re-arranged and 180000 men (in two formations of 90000 each) steamroll through the banks of the River Duong which leads us straight to Hanoi, where the fight begins.

By now, the total manpower outside of Hanoi is ~680000 men and 3000 tanks. Of these, 500000 (or the force already there before the Haiphong men showed up) further splits into two, with 250000 moving from the West, 250000 from the South and 180000 from the East/Red River (by using bridges).

An Air Raid is carried out before the attack.
Rolling 


Rolling for Hanoi. 

Results: moderate success with the air force but the communist defense is stubborn. Thus, 90000 men are redeployed to the North to cut off the city from the rest of the country. Rolling.

 

Majority of the city has been taken over but there are still some isolated enemy fortifications that are still holding out.
Sending the VCIA and VMI alongside the Special Forces to infiltrate these positions and get rid of the enemy. 
The infiltration is effective and communist control over this city is non-existent. Thousands of Communists now start to simply surrender and reports are coming in that many more are simply deserting the ranks and that morale has plummeted

After waiting for the next two weeks, in the the mid of March the Army restarts the offensive to take hanoi's airport and get done with this front, meanwhile, in order to get part of the Army back to Haiphong the Chinese positions are attacked at An Khai.

Hanoi Airport.  
The airport is taken with ease. A few J-5 Shenyang Fighters are captured and flown to Huê immediately.

The last Air Raid of this phase now takes place over Hai Duong. 

Last attack of this phase. An Khai.
The town is taken but scattered Chinese forces are close by.

A mass of weapons of all kinds as well as millions of bullets are recovered from the Armory of the DRV (North Vietnam) in Hanoi as well as from the retreating Chinese forces, these arms, ammo, medical supplies, rations as well other supplies are more here than Haiphong, which means that the Garrison doesn't have to worry about supplies from SV. They're quickly distributed to our forces that prepare to defend this city, most possibly, against a last North Vietnamese offensive.

Positions of Other Units

Hanoi and Hanoi Airport. 600000 men, 2000 tanks.
An Khai = 100000 men, 300 tanks
Hai Duong = 0 men, 0 tanks
Chi Linh = ~500 Special Forces, they'll evacuate the moment an army arrives.
Hung Yen = 100000 men, 300 tanks
Ninh Binh = 50000 men, 250 tanks.
Nam Dinh = 100000 men, 250 tanks.
South of Haiphong. 50000 men, 500 tanks.
Dong Lac, 150000 men, 300 tanks
Thanh Hoa and south of it. 100000 men, no tanks

Hanoi's Defense

Trenches are dug outside and within multiple places in Hanoi and then lined with barbed wire on the top. Multiple concrete pillboxes are erected in staggered formations to form killing zones and important axes are mined as well. Snipers have taken positions on many buildings to make life hell for the invaders. Lastly, there is an abundance of machine gun emplacements also guarding strongholds.···········································

[Dr. Hendrei Gromsinger]

Special post - Thailand, Laos, and fake Laos - May-August 1959

In Laos, things have gone rather chaotic. The Pathet Lao has been organized into a government, and the King abdicated, but it was not to be. Upon America's declaration of intent to support a republic, large masses of the formal Royalist army, combined with neighboring pro-American Thailand, got to work establishing a new state, under the King (who un-abdicated). The general chaos has led to a rather messy situation:

A large bloc of land in the north, connected by land to China, is the core of Communist Laos territory. A smaller bloc bordering on area still controlled by North Vietnam is also in their hands, but the mountain roads connecting these two areas are in poor shape and local authorities (to the very limited extent that they exist) remain unaligned.
In the royal capital of Luang Prabang, and an area tracking about 60 miles in length down the Mekong from there, a large group of Royalist forces has gathered, but its access points out in all directions are controlled by the Communists. A similar, smaller exclave in Phonosavan is connected by a very bad road to territory controlled by South Vietnam, but that's it.

As mentioned above, Thailand took action to counter the Chinese moves. Its forces have secured a large bloc of land along the Mekong, including Vientiane, and with the support of Lao forces. It has also secured some land in the far south, and several border towns in the far northwest. They've made efforts to control the main mountain passes connecting the Mekong valley to South Vietnam's territory, succeeding in seizing two. It has thus also severed the Ho Chi Minh trail at three points.

The Communist forces previously in Vientiane have withdrawn north, to areas along the Mekong and Nam Song, which are still severed from the rest of the Communist presence. 

In the far south, Pathet Lao forces backed by Cambodia have secured the southernmost 100+ miles of the Mekong within Laos. They also control a pass that would otherwise connect the main Royalist territory with South Vietnam's territory near Dong Ha, in a separate exclave. These southern exclaves are more closely aligned with Cambodia than North Vietnam, but they all answer to China. 

The remaining land is currently anarchy.

The first priority of both sides is likely to be achieving territorial continuity, controlling as much of the major travel routes (mostly rivers) as possible, and making sure to balance allies' competing wants (Thailand and SV, Cambodia and NV)

Map:drive.google.com/open?id=11vY7VZ6CdMa1TcWBenazmjx9Vjdes5YJ&usp=sharing

UPDATE:

The map now reflects NPC country deployments.

Thailand has 61,000 troops in Laos, distributed as indicated. They have additional, substantial forces in Thailand, some of which will probably be mobilized. These include a number of artillery and armored units, and have air cover from Thailand proper.
Royalist Laos has 44,000 troops to its name, distributed as indicated. These have relatively sparse military equipment to fight with.
Cambodia has 23,000 troops in Laos. Its entire army at present only numbers 50,000, though it is drafting more.
The Pathet Lao forces number 45,000, distributed as shown. Most of them are lightly-armed infantrymen.
Both Laoses, beginning in autumn 1959, will be able to begin a limited draft to replenish their forces.

The Laoses, Cambodia, and Thailand may be operated by the respective great power (PRC, USA) or any country to whom said great power delegates, with GM vetting of the operation. Thailand, in particular, will show a fair measure of spine, while the Laoses will mostly do as they're told.

[Tolbethessar]

---

USA's Military Activity, May - Aug of 1959

---

Recruitment & Deployments
Recruiting has begun immediately after the DOW back then in May, and persist onward, presumably until the end of direct American involvement in an oversea war. The ceasefire conference did not pause the enlisting, preparing and training, so forth. USA had hoped for the best but prepared for the worst, nonetheless.

At the beginning, only 55,000 were stationed on the soil of Vietnam, which is hardly sufficient for a full-war footing.
Thus for the duration of the phase, the recruiting and training raises 500,000 fresh troops by the end. (Note: the majority of the 500k comes from recalling the reserves back into duty). I'll assume that 225k is ready and sent overseas by the end of conference (roughly June-July?) with the 275k being enroute toward Vietnam, reaching at the beginning of the next phase.

Immediate Deployment:

SPOILER: Click to show

(from Southmost to Northmost in sense of coastline going from Thailand to PRC, the newly deployed units are listing as follows)
In Udon Thani USAF deploys a group of fighters (Historically accurate site of where USAF flew many times in RL Vietnam War, bonus fact)
95 F-86 Sabres
90 F-100 Super-Sabres

In Vang Tau: three stacks arrives
25,000 - mix of marines, infantry + a bit of armor (70 M48s)
10,000 - mix of marines, infantry, but no armor
10,000 - mix of marines, infantry + a bit of armor (40 M48s)

In Saigon itself, USAF sends fighters to base for air superiority missions
42 F-86 Sabres

In Da Nang, USN sends carrier fighters to rotate off-carrier, on-carrier with the 7th fleet from here
155 FJ-3s

In Hue, three stacks arrives
8,000 - infantry
8,000 - infantry
8,000 - infantry

Also in Hue, USAF sends fighters to base for air superiority missions
115 F-86 Sabres
35 F-100 Super Sabres
45 F-102 Delta Daggers

Offshore right near Hai Phong & Ha Long
CTF 76, purpose - Amphibious Force/Naval Gunfire Support
This CTF is assisting three stacks of troops about ready to land in far northern Vietnam
31,000 Marines
80,000 mix of infantry + armor (440 M48s)
45,000 mix of infantry + armor (200 M48s)

*(I'm also assuming that artillery pieces are included with all marines/infantry groups to further simplify number-crunching, btw)

---

Operation Southern Hedgehog

SPOILER: Click to show

Enemy KR forces identified:
6000 soldiers on south/west bank of the Mekong
3000 soldiers in Svay Rieng Province
4000 soldiers in Tboung Khmum Province

Firstly, the F-86s in Saigon conducts an air superiority mission, securing the Cambodian airspace. Seeing that Cambodia's ragtag air force is unlikely to present an actual challenge up against the USAF, the bonuses added to the roll would be +4 & +6
SN_qaMWN
A 12 is rolled, plus 10. 22, that makes the airspace surrounding the operation entirely secure. Proceed with the bombing of the enemy forces on the ground.

Second, B-52s flown in from Andersen AFB conducts aerial bombings on the three positions of Khmer Rogue forces on the southern flank of Cambodia (a more limited bonus of +4 applies here to each of the bombing)
Position 1 bombed:

A 17 is rolled, plus 4, 21. Considerable damage is done to the enemy troops. Perhaps roughly 20% is wounded+killed, taking 6000 down to 4,800. The defenses are disrupted.

Position 2 bombed:

A 11 is rolled, plus 4, 15. Close but no cigar, sadly. The B-52s did bombed down on the soldiers, but not that many were killed or harmed or dislocated from their defensive positions. Almost 3,000 still is in there.

Position 3 bombed:

A 10 is rolled, plus 4, 14. Pretty sure it's a miss on this one. No change to the 4,000

Then now with aerial bombings are confirmed, three groups of American soldiers moves out of Vang Tau to enter Cambodia in three different places. They each will strike at an area where KR soldiers are defending, then proceed to seize the captial city of Phnom Penh from 3 directions simultaneously.

First Stack of Southern Hedgehog
25,000 - mix of marines, infantry + a bit of armor (70 M48s)
Moves up from Vang Tau to Chau Doc (near Cambodia border), and enters Cambodia, following route 2 north on way to Phnom Penh. The Americans attacks the disrupted & distracted 4,800 KR with ease (using a total bonus of +12 here):

A 12 is rolled, + 12, 24. The shell-shocked Cambodians are obliterated in sprays of gunfire and massive outnumbering swarms. Moving north onto next step - to Phnom Penh on routes 2 and 3 at the same time.

Second Stack of Southern Hedgehog
10,000 - mix of marines, infantry, but no armor
Moves up from Vang Tau, directly through Saigon to enter Cambodian province of Svay Rieng, following route 1 up to Mekong, heading to Phnom Penh. This stack attacks the 3,000 KR in position 2 with a numerical advantage of a bit more than 3 to 1. (rolling with a total bonus of +8):

A 12 is rolled, +8, 20. Enemy opposition to the American entry is crushed, now moving onto Phnom Penh along route 1 near the Mekong River itself.

Third Stack of Southern Hedgehog
10,000 - mix of marines, infantry + a bit of armor (40 M48s)
Moves up from Vang Tau, around Saigon, passing through Tay Ninh, and enters Cambodia a bit more northeast, along route 7 (Krong Suong is on it) to attack 4,000 KR in Tboung Khmum Province. Numerical advantage, 2.5x, so +3 for that (rolling with a total +7 bonus):

A 13 is rolled, +7, 20. Similar to as before, the Americans defeats the Cambodians and proceed the long way around. Coming down on route 6 in a Southwesterly direction, the stack approaches Phnom Penh's NE sector.

Seizure of the capital itself:
Assuming at least 50% of the three defending positions had managed to survive and retreat to defend the city, I'm putting the KR at an estimate of 5,900ish, sounds about right. (Let me know if I'm conducting my campaign incorrectly?)

Actual numbers are assumed to be slightly under the stated, accounting for minimal causalities that came up in the three battles against the ill-armed KR.
From the SW, 25k approaches
From the S, 10k approaches
From the NE, 10k approaches
Phnom Penh is surrounded and outnumbered to an extreme scale. A total bonus of +14 in the roll. (Yes, I'm going to roll anyway for sake of posterity)

A 16 is rolled, +14, 30. Phnom Penh, the capital of Communist Cambodia falls to America now.

Final causality rates: 900 for Americans?

---

Operation Alpine Chicken

SPOILER: Click to show

The biggest problem an army faces in Laos would be replenishment of supplies, equipment, and repairs due to the shoddy transportation network of Laos. This operation aims to assist the nearest armed groups of allies, and at the same time deny enemy groups the ability to deliver resources in this region (namely, especially the HCM trail). However, we cannot afford to neglect the protection of vital centers of transport, storage, and repairs that are presently vulnerable to incursions coming down from the mountains. Presently during the summer, encounters and/or combat with the enemy isn't expected nor is it encouraged for now. Just movements and preparations are happening in this operation so far.

Already present in Vinh:
10,000 infantry - Alpine Chicken group 1

Already present in Hue:
10,000 infantry - Alpine Chicken group 2

Already present in Da Nang:
10,000 infantry - Alpine Chicken group 3

Freshly deployed into Hue:
8,000 infantry - Rearguard 1
8,000 infantry - Rearguard 2
8,000 infantry - Rearguard 3

Alpine Chicken group 1:
This stack of infantry will bring along a considerable bundle of war material. It moves up along the National Route 7A (QL7A in VN) from Vinh into Laos. From there, it moves down along Route 7 inside the Phonsavan Exclave. The supplies are given to the Royalist Laotian army, eight thousand strong, there in Phonsavan where they can arm themselves and be nourished. The American soldiers form a defensive position at the village of Muang Kham where the HCM trail is known to intersect the Phonsavan Exclave here. The stack also maintain a vigilance against communist smugglers trying to move up and down the HCM trail, breaking up the flow and disrupt the system.

Alpine Chicken group 2:
This group in Hue splits itself into 2A and 2B, composing of 5,000 infantry each. Both subgroups are bringing supplies to the Thai troops holding the two passes, and reinforcing the areas against attempts of communists to travel up or down the HCM trail here as well. Group 2A moves up to the Nape Pass (the more northerly one), while Group 2B moves up to the Mu Gia Pass. Those groups makes contact with the Thai armies in the areas, giving supplies and assist in securing the passes even further.

Alpine Chicken group 3:
This group focuses mainly more on attack and disrupting the enemy rather than bringing assistance to forces already present in Laos. This group moves out of Da Nang, and approaches the smaller enclave of Pathet Lao (3,000 strong). While the group doesn't enter into the communist-held territory right now, it stays at Khe Sanh, making it exceedingly difficult for a communist band to travel down a road to prey upon the Vietnamese (route AH16 if that helps pinpointing).

Rearguards:
In three groups of 8,000, each stack of infantry takes up the duty of protecting the 3 cities - Vinh, Hue, and Da Nang.

---

Operation Pineapple Republic
This is mainly where American forces within the Kingdom of Thailand collaborates with the Thai for the anti-Communist effort in SE Asia. This operation is considered quite important to the American diplomats, and much emphasis is given to the attention of envoys working and cooperating with Thai politics and military.

In Udon Thani USAF deploys 95 F-86 Sabres, 90 F-100 Super-Sabres, these being responsible to secure the Laotian airspace from a safe base within Thailand. Air superiority missions are conducted on a very frequent basis. For now, the 'sphere of influence' are concentrated within Central Laos where the main bulk of ROL is located.

---

Operation Albion View

SPOILER: Click to show

(the old plan, will rectify) The intent is to land a moderately sized force, combat the enemy position within Hai Phong, and then make its way up to Hai Doung, remove the enemies from the premises, finally proceed onward to An Khai to secure a land corridor toward Hanoi and the entrenched Vietnamese's defenses for the purposes of maintaining a landline, and assist with supplies.

Starting with the air part first, naturally...
Fighters based in Hue (115 F-86 Sabres, 35 F-100 Super Sabres, 45 F-102 Delta Daggers, totaling to 195) conduct flight missions over the NV front.
'Flush and sorty' (nominal bonus of +4, plus numerical advantage uncertain but at least 4 to 1, 5 to 1? +5)

It's a 9, +9, 18. The communist planes are forced out of the skies with some considerable damage, however... the pilots calls in reports of unusually large numbers of enemy troops on ground. This worries the higherups in charge of theater operations.

It's becoming clear that intent of operation wouldn't be fully realized even with modified objectives and plans. Intent is downscaled, the first objective is still to secure a beachhead, the subsequent objectives does not incorporate the planned overland campaign to hook up with Hanoi.

First Objective: Landing in Ha Long
Hai Phong, the main seaport of the Communist criminals were deemed to be too highly armed and dangerous for a direct landing attempt, thus Albion View group 1 will land at Ha Long instead (It's a coal mining town with a seaport -not major as Hai Phong, but still extremely convenient). Only minimal resistance from civilians and local guards are expected. The Marines certainly will roll in just fine.

Weather roll for the Ha Long amphibious landing (4-5 for rough, 6 for a storm as per the rules)

It's a 2, calm seas, excellent, most excellent.

31,000 Marines in Albion View 1 vs civilians and guards of Ha Long
(on top of the usual +4; I'm going to add a +6 for max numerical & a +3 for additional advantages in military vs rudimentary quasi-military/civilian, but also -3 for landing into a developed area, I'm leaving that negative bonus in for now, but I think USMC shouldn't face a penalty due to their advance expertise in land/sea combat?)

It's a 13, +10. 23, The Marines lays low all opposition, and the town is absolutely captured.

Next, the Marines also plants explosives at the bridges east & north of Ha Long, and demolishes the access routes from China to Ha Long.
CTF 76, which had been assisting in the amphibious landing, remains into position in safeguarding the city from the seaside very closely.

Second Objective: Hai Phong, Part A
The seaport is held by 200,000 men, 100 tanks, not to mention quite dug in. However, the skies are cleared. Pre-bombardment is in order, the intention is to reduce the enemy's number severely.

First salvo comes from the Navy (due to concerns related to NV's anti-air defenses that are more than likely to be mounted in preparation for an attack to come upon them)
(bonus +4, plus an additional +3 because the targets are SO numerous, it's incredibly easy to hit at least a whole bundle of them at once, especially with an advanced navy)

It's a 11, +7. 18, 12% causality rate inflicted upon the 200k/100t, and some damages done to the artillery positions. (I'm guesstimating here based on a nominal rate of 10% rate for a 16. Is that bad gameplay?)

Second salvo that came at the same time as the first one, mainly from the famous Iowa-class battleship herself. It's armed with 16-inch shells, yes sixteen inches. This is the world's only active battleship at this time (according to the Wikipedia, you guys! I'm not making this up. This great behemoth of a ship has to account for something extra, surely?)
(only a +4 bonus, it's a single ship, but with 16-inch shells)

It's a 14, +4. 18, 1% causality rate successfully inflicted by the battleship. (It's still a single ship after all, makes sense I hope?)

First aerial bombing (or third overall salvo)
After some pretty major damages was done to the enemy troop placements and their anti-air defenses, a bombing from the air would be now much safer, but the leading USAF generals strongly recommend that we press to the fullest advantage the flight height capabilities of the B-52 Stratofortress. So thus, the bombing will be done at a height above what the anti-air defenses could fire up to. This has a considerable effect on the accuracy of the bombing, but the prior experiences of bombing campaigns of WW2 has taught the USAF in how to pinpoint their targets on the ground better (along with technological advancements of dark-vision instruments improving things for the bombers in both day and night, coordination with radar stations on ships & ground, that sort of thing). Only a +4 bonus plus the +3 for numerical-related (neither positive or negative, regarding the total combination of higher heights and better sightings put together to make it a bit more fair)

It's a 15, +7. 22, the strategic bombers lays down damages amounting to a 16% rate to the infantry, tanks, and arty. (Note: similar system to the first salvo above)

Second aerial bombing from a second wave of B-52s incoming from Andersen AFB

It's a 14, +7. 21, Same idea as before, this time a 15% was inflicted.

In adding up the percentages, 44% of the 200,000i/100t were out of commission, leaving only 112,000 infantry, 54 tanks still standing in Hai Phong.

Second Objective: Hai Phong, Part B.
Enemy forces in battle: 112k/54t
Friendly forces in battle: 125k/640t
Slight advantage for infantry & clear advantage in tanks, but disadvantage in entrenched enemies.

Albion View 3 (the smaller force: 45,000 infantry + 200 tanks)
This stack lands on the Ha Nam island (marked by Albion View 3 on my map), it is not directly within the Hai Phong city itself, but rather a bit Northeast.
Firstly, weather roll... It should be 2, same as the landing in Ha Long due to the close proximity and the sameness of weather across that short distance.
So it's calm seas.
The landing will be attempted with some possible defensive firing on the part of the NV, so it won't be unopposed.
Bonuses +4, -2 (for amphibious)

It's a 19, +2. A 21, the landing proceeded smoothly! Albion View 3 is on the Da Nam island across the river from Hai Phong.


Albion View 2 (the larger force: 80,000 infantry + 440 tanks)
This stack lands on the beaches south of Hai Phong. The weather overall should be almost exactly the same but it's possible that a small warm(or cold) front could develop, so I'm doing a hybrid roll. Old roll+new roll then divide by 2 to get the average mix of the weather.

It's a 3, so for the weather, it's a 2.5, slight less calm in the more southerly waters than up around Ha Long & Ha Nam.
Next, the landing itself. Same idea as above, not necessarily unopposed but outside the city area, so +4, -2 as before.

It's a 15, +2. 17, it was a close thing. The Charlie sure gave us a bit of ruckus in our deployment, but nonetheless Albion View 2 is on the shores near Thai Binh River a bit away from Hai Phong.

The Sixth Battle of Hai Phong!!
Albion View 2 moves up north to hit Hai Phong's southern flank, landward. Albion View 3 moves southeast to hit Hai Phong's NE flank from the island, across the river.
Bonus is +4, but the defensive penalty probably should be in there, like -1 or -2 at least, I'm considering the facts of both natural and man-made obstacles are present in this battle, pointing to a -2.

It's a 14, +2. 16! Yikes that was a very serious brawl! I'm putting causalities evenly on both sides, maybe at least 35%? Meaning... the capture of Hai Phong leaves the two armies as:
NV - 72,800 infantry + 35 tanks left
USA - 81,250 infantry + 416 tanks left

The victory comes at a rather onerous cost. Trapnell and the MAAG sends 75k out of the incoming reinforcements directly to the Operation Albion View in Hai Phong to assist holding that city.
156,250 infantry + 416 tanks in Hai Phong at conclusion of this phase.

Third Objective: Reinforce Hanoi
Amendment to Operation Albion View - Op. London View

Reaching Hanoi directly from Hai Phong as originally planned in Operation Albion View would be quite difficult if not impossible with the numbers given at the start of the mission. So instead... from the air, 25,000 airborne infantry is sent into Hanoi to support the besieged SV there. This group is labeled London View 1.

The remaining 175k from America is sent up the Red River in a dash to reach Hanoi, but alas, it's unrealistic to make it that far so late into the season in such little time. 125k troops + Armor (720 M48 Pattons) in London View 2 makes it far as Hung Yen while a second group (London View 3) is lagging behind from a short distance, arriving in Nam Dinh, 50k troops + Light Armor (100 M24 Chaffees). The M24 Chaffees are brought to be transferred into the SV's army.

Map:
www.google.com/mymaps/viewer?mid=1lMbrQpM-n8H8VLB3_8KT9SSztt-tBFs2&hl=en·····································································

[Dr. Hendrei Gromsinger]

Since I think this might be our last or second to last phase, I have opted not to make any new crises. That, and I've had a weird time lately.


Sept.-Dec. 1959

Influence adjudication:


DDR: (5/0/5) - (+1/0/-0.5) - (6/0/4) [Soviet]
Poland: (7/0/3) - (-1/0/+1) - (6/0/4) [Soviet]
CZ: (7.5/0/2.5) - (-1/0/0) - (6.5/0/2.5) [Soviet]
Romania: (7.5/0/2.5) - (-1/0/+0.5) - (6.5/0/3) [Soviet]
Bulgaria: (6/0/4) - (-1/0/+0.5) - (5/0/4.5) [Soviet]
Albania: (2/5/3) - (0/0/0) - (2/5/3) [Chinese]
Yugoslavia: (1.5/1.5/2) - (0/0/0) - (1.5/1.5/2) [non-aligned]
Hungary: (2/1/6) - (0/0/0) - (2/1/6) - [US Ally]
Finland: (4/0/5) - (0/0/0) - (4/0/5) - [non-aligned]
Cuba: (5/2/0) - (+1.5/0/0) - (6.5/2/0) [Soviet]
Egypt: (2/1/4) - (0/0/+2) - (2/1/6) [US Ally]
DPRK: (5/5/0) - (+1/0/0) - (6/4/0) [Soviet]
Communist Laos: NEW - (1/6/0) - [Chinese]
Republican Laos: NEW - (1/0/6) - [US Ally]
Cambodia: (4/4/0) - (0/-1/0) - (4/3/0) - [Soviet]
Taiwan: (0/3/6) - (0/+2/0) - (0/5/5) - [US Ally]
Israel: NEW TO CHARTS - (1/0/8) - [US Ally]

---

Boilin' Over

Participants: USA, USSR

The construction of the wall has been successful in placating the leaders of eastern Europe, but it has drawn organic resistance among the people, not even directly related to the US agitation efforts. Consequently:

All European Soviet-backed countries whose Communist aggregate is 6 or lower are in crisis. Any of them could become another Hungary. These are: East Germany, Poland, and Bulgaria.
The USSR may:

1. Send forces to these countries to actively repress the protests. The Soviet will win 1 influence point in each of them, as well as in Romania, Czechoslovakia, and Albania, but he'll have to pull half his troops out of Indochina
2. Allow free elections in each of them. This will require him to roll one d6.
If the result is a 1 or 2, US influence in the country will become 6. The Soviet's influence will be one-half of what it was previously. Center-right (1) or Center-left (2) parties will be firmly in power, and the Communist party will be an afterthought.
If the result is a 3 or 4, influence will be an even split between the Soviet and the US. An anti-communist Grand Coalition of Center-right to Center-left (3), or a coalition between the center-left and the Communist party (4) will hold power.
If the result is a 5, Soviet influence will settle at 5, but American influence will not increase from the event. The Communist party will democratically retain power, but it will be dependent on outside backing from other left-wing parties.
If the result is a 6, Soviet influence will rise to 7. The Communist party will have a majority.

The Soviet shall sum the dice rolls for reference in the next phase.
If the sum is 3, the Soviet will face a confidence vote with 3 minimum, and this event will hit Czechoslovakia and Romania immediately.
If the sum is lower than 8, this event will hit Romania and Czechoslovakia next phase.
If the sum sits between 12 and 6, the GM will roll dice to decide its effect on Romania and Czechoslovakia.
The Soviet will also receive +1 influence in Bulgaria.
3. Allow elections, but rig them. The above procedure will be followed, but the Soviet will be allowed to roll an additional rigging die for each country. One-half of the rigging die's result will be added to his result (if he gets a 1 in the election in East Germany, but a 6 from the rigging die, his net result will be 4). However, the US may sacrifice his espionage roll to expose election interference in two of the three countries, of his choice, and make it go the other way.

Moreover, the US may sacrifice his espionage roll, if he hasn't done so for exposing election meddling, to roll for influence in all of Europe's eastern bloc members. US influence roll results will be in addition to whatever results from the Soviet acts.
Lastly, if the sum of election results is 12 or lower, Finland will have its US influence rise by 1. De-Finlandization, in other words, will result from Russia's relaxed posture.

---

Cuba

The US and USSR may start a nuclear war if they wish to.

---

Attitudes in Indochina

In light of the situation, the populace of NV still wants peace, even though it resents the fact that SV attacked during the peace talks. Due to the sheer reality of things, NV may not recruit more troops this phase, but he may run guerrilla operations behind the lines. Please use this realistically.

In Cambodia, conscription has been used to draw militiamen for the defense of the country. However, America should be able to make short work of them.

---

Israeli Elections

In Israel, elections are to be held in November. Virtually everyone expects a sweeping victory for Ben-Gurion and a weak performance from the pro-Soviet Mapam party, especially in light of how things have played out. America may pat itself on the back for its middle eastern efforts.
Standard influence rolls may be made, if anyone cares to, but they really shouldn't. Just a fun fact.

The map, same link as before, is updated.

[Dr. Hendrei Gromsinger]

A very special post:


ROC

ROC replies to the US offer thus:
The leadership of the KMT supports joining the US effort, but the pro-reconciliation faction is growing strong. US must either use an influence roll to raise its ROC influence to 6 (or more), or sacrifice one roll of any kind to roll a propaganda roll, for which a 3 or above wins it back majority support within the KMT. If US doesn't do so, US will not receive direct ROC support at this juncture, unfortunately.

Thailand, Cambodia, the Laoses

Each side delineates its needs to its allies.

America's Laos needs to break the siege of Luang Prabang, and establish an interim government until elections may be held. It also points out the need to connect the Phonsavan exclave back to Vientiane.

Cambodia needs to be rescued before it collapses totally. This will require Chinese forces to either grind through central Laos, sail in a loop-de-loop through Indonesia to Cambodia, or at the bare minimum provide airborne resupply and air support to Cambodia.
The Pathet Lao prioritize busting through Luang Prabang to connect to the exclaves near Vientiane, and clearing the HCM trail.
Thailand prioritizes quickly bringing American forces to support its troops inside Laos.

Note: each 10000-strong Thai division is assumed to consist of 4 infantry brigades, each numbering 5 battalions of 400 men each (8000 infantry/division). An armored brigade of 50 tanks, artillery, and support personnel make up the other 2000.

The US and China should take it all into account.

[Frederick the Great]

SV, September-December 1959

Government


Diplomacy

By agreement with the Americans (Tolbethessar ) the Lend-Lease Agreement is signed that makes sure that SV gets military hardware at a 90% discount for as long as the war goes on.

Domestic Issues

Fairly low-cost elections are held in the country for two obvious reasons, one being that all available funding is being directed towards the war effort, so there's not that much money to spare for elections and the second because of the obvious victory of Diem and Company. And indeed that is the case, when the results are out Diem gets an 80% majority in the government while the remainder is a coalition of smaller parties.

Northern Reconstruction

Water supplies are slowly being rebuilt in all the territory under control.
Makeshift public bathrooms are built for the people, tons of medicine and food is freely distributed among them as well.

Makeshift schools and vocational training centers also spring up funded by the government to keep the public occupied and of use in the future.


War Effort

Cheaper and better submachine guns are either locally manufactured (like the American M3 Grease Gun and the Australian AUSTEN) or bought from allied nations (like the UZI from Israel or the Owen Gun from Australia). Since they have ammo commonality and are cheap to build, they quickly become popular with South Vietnam's massive Army, for their size, weight, accuracy and reliability.


Espionage

The Chinese have recently gotten hands on some of our important documents detailing plans about the war, as soon as the government finds out about this "activity" the government lashes out on the VCIA and VMI, forcing them to better their tactics against the Communists.

In response the VCIA and VMI set out to find out enemy agents within the country and to kill them off ASAP.

Rolling to figure out where the agents are.

cByfyzo7

No track of the agents is uncovered, leaving the intelligence agencies in sheer disappointment

---

Border Raids Conducted into Laos and Cambodia, SV, late-1959

In light of the recent developments in Laos and Cambodia the cities of Kontum, Pleiku, Ban Me Thout/Buon Ma Thout, Hue and Da Nang are threatened by forward formations of the Khmer Rouge (in Cambodia) and the Pathet Lao (in Laos).
The government at present doesn't have any regular army units to attack so the responsibility falls on the militia units that are recruited in September.
Stealth is required in these operations as artillery/armor/air units being present will make the operations too high-profile and will cause public resentment. Thus the militia will have to do with what they have at hand.

Operation Fortitude

SPOILER: Click to show

10000 men are slated for this operation that will take place in Cambodia. First the southern positions are attacked within that country. Rolling. 

Now these units head north to engage the enemy over there. Rolling.

The operations are successful, the units are now moved to the Laotian border. Some Communists manage to escape to remote locations

Operation Mayhem

SPOILER: Click to show

Some 20000 units in total are divided in two, half attack the Laotians close to Da Nang and the others hit the enemy close to Dong Ha.

Dong Ha units: 

Da Nang units:

The operations are a success, immediately after the militia leaves 5000 Monarchist Cambodians (trained by SV) reinforce the areas SV had occupied in Cambodia. A force of 8000 Monarchist Laotians reinforces the Xayden Area as well as the areas just occupied in Laos.

[/b]················

[Frederick the Great]

South Vietnam, September-December, 1959, Military

Big Brother is Here!


General Lam Quang Thi is looking outside one of the windows of the Presidential Palace (from where some 100000 units in his command are being commanded) in Hanoi when he gets a radio message stating that the Americans have taken back Haiphong and are sending thousands of airborne troops to Hanoi.
Just as the transmission is over, at least 100 transport planes are seen roaring over the sky, dropping paratroopers. Within thirty minutes all 25000 have landed and taken positions. Their commander tells that at least 150,000 more Americans are on the way to the city.
This is an enormous morale boost for the besieged city and other units fighting elsewhere, they're all now ready to fight to the end.

Back in Saigon, to maintain control of Hanoi Diem authorises 200000 Militia be drafted.
He also orders some 200 Huey and Chinook helicopters each that had been coming in all through the year as well as some 200 new M48 Patton tanks to be sent to the frontline.

OOC: While it is wise to add a spoiler here, I don't want to lose the dice rolls so for now I'll keep this post the way it is.

---

Operation Steely Resolve: Defend Hanoi



First, an artillery barrage hits an unsuspecting Phu Ly Garrison. QzQETAgd

Rolling for infantry 

Rolling for close-quarters combat in Phu Ly. 




200000 men attack (150000 coming from Nam Dinh, Ninh Binh and 50000 from Haiphong) to widen the southern corridor and attack Dong Lac. Rolling.

 

Ordering air raid at this position 

The Air Raid sees a good chunk of enemy forces destroyed.

Out of the five main axes that connect Hanoi, three are in our control (Dong Lac, Phu Ly and Chi Linh) but the men at An Khai and Hung Yen are still stuck. Thus, 100000 militia reinforcement is quickly used in getting things back in order in Hung Yen, thus in total some 200000 men (100000 already there) strike at Hung Yen.

Again, Artillery hits the enemy.





Massive amounts of damage suffered by the enemy as the artillery rains havoc over them.

Infantry moves in to attack.



The town is taken but the enemy isn't completely defeated here yet.

These units don't stop here and try to liberate their comrades still fighting at An Khai, where 250000 men are already present but get reinforced to almost 450000 (200000 from Hung Yen).

Rolling for bombardment. 

Rolling for overland attack. 

Neither artillery nor the infantry are able to take this town back, calling in the air force.



The Air Force pummels the enemy forcing them to be dislodged from the town.

At last, all immediate threats south of Hanoi have been neutralised!

Throughout the course of October, supplies make their way into Hanoi, the wounded are treated as luckily Hanoi hasn't suffered much damage. By November, plans are drafted to destroy Communists up north. [/Spoiler]

Operation Wolfpack


The plan calls for 350000 men on each flank to storm the enemy at Tu Son and Son Tay while the Air Force gives cover. But, for that air cover we first need to establish air supremacy.

Artillery attack at Tu Son 

Overland attack at Tu Son, 350000 men. 

Results: Absolutely outstanding performance by the garrison of a city that was besieged for months! Tu Son enemy units exist now only on paper as they've been totally routed.


Artillery attack at Son Tay. 

Overland attack at Son Tay, 350000 men (though not the ones used in the last attack). 

Results: Average artillery success but the town is taken back by the infantry

Finally, the last attack is launched north of Hanoi.

Artillery: 

Infantry: 

Using the last air raid, rolling. 
Results: it is a bit harder than expected to take these positions from NV as neither the infantry, artillery or the air force were able to punish the enemy severely in this area but it is assumed that half of those enemy positions have been taken by us.

---

By the end the Son Tay Garrison is being slowly overrun by NV and requests immediate reinforcements. Thus a task force of some 100 helicopters (Hueys and Chinooks) is assembled. But before they leave the Air Force sets out to establish air superiority over this area.




There is some difficulty in establishing air supremacy over the area directly in NV control.

Helicopters are now sent in with fighter cover, attempting to land 850 men.



These men (half being of special forces) start to cause disruptive activities in the area, rolling for success.



The operations are a massive success, tying many Communist units in the hunt for these men.············································································