A Legend Is Born - The Matrix Games version of West Front

September 19, 1944 Arracourt, France (Best played human vs human, or as Allied vsAI) During the third week of September, the 4th Armored Divisionpenetrated the line of the Moselle River, and executed a doubleenvelopment of the German forces defending the city of Nancy. It was a classic example of armored exploitation, as CCA/4 sweptaround the north side of the city, and CCB/4 advance around thesouth. While the trailing infantry divisions dealt with thedefenders of Nancy and secured the bridgeheads across the Moselle,the 4th Armored was ordered to hold their positions east of thecity. Their activity was limited to strong rear-area raids, andthe establishment of outposts at the farthest reaches of theiradvance. As this action was takingplace, Hitler was preparing to launch his own counterattack againstthe 3rd Army. It was originally designed to carry the 5th PanzerArmy all the way to Reims. But faced with the encirclement ofthe bulk of the 553rd VG Division at Nancy, the collapse of theMoselle line, and the piecemeal early commitment of various elementsof the 5th Panzer Army, the objective was changed. The 5th PanzerArmy's mission was now the relief of Nancy and the destructionof the 4th Armored Division in its positions east of the river. On September 18th,the Germans launched a strong attack against Luneville (off thesouthwest corner of your map). Alerted by this display of force,as well as the sound of running engines and reports filteringin from civilians regarding massed German armor to the southeastof CCA/4, "Patton's Spearhead" stood ready on the foggy morningof September 19. Little did they know that this would be a daythat would provide the cornerstone for the their reputation asthe best armored division in the ETO.