Struggle for Shoestring - The Matrix Games version of Rising Sun

Damulaan, 22km NNW of Baybay, Leyte, Philippines: [Best played against Human opponent] Following the discovery in late October 1944, that there were not many Japanese troops in the southern half of Leyte, elements of the US 7th Infantry Division were pushed over the mountains to Baybay on the eastern coast of the island. However, the Japanese were not ready to concede Leyte to the Americans yet and on 9 November elements of the 26th Division began landing at Ormoc. Learning of the enemy's arrival, the lead battalions of the US 32nd Infantry Regiment began moving north from Baybay to take up positions along the Palanas River and prepare for an advance on Ormoc. At the same time the Japanese 13th Independent Infantry Regiment, under Colonel Saito, began moving south to strike the Americans before they could consolidate their position on the western coast. By the evening of the 24th, both forces were confronting each other from the ridges overlooking the river and Colonel Saito was preparing to attack before Americans reinforcements could arrive. The stage was set for the Battle of Shoestring Ridge, named by the troops of the 32nd Infantry for the poor supply situation throughout the battle.