After Action Report-27 March, 2010. Nine miles west of Mansfield, Ohio.Privates Mark Gaynor and Bob “Kirby” Penix arrived at Lt. Mike Felmlee’s Headquarters at approximately 0740 hrs Saturday 27 March 2010. We discovered Major Bo Johnstone, Lt. Felmlee, Sgt Mike and two enlisted men finishing up with breakfast and helped ourselves to some coffee as it was quite cold that morning.
As we enjoyed our coffee we had a look around and observed we were smack in the middle of what appeared to be the GERMAN CAMP! They were everywhere, carrying every type of weapon imaginable plus three motorcycles with side cars. We just hoped Mike and Bo had a plan!
Thankfully, some more GI’s and one Tommy showed up bringing our squad up to ten
men, including the Lt and the Maj. We weren’t worried since there seemed to only be around thirty or so Germans.
The Germans headed up into the woods and bunkers and machine gun nests to dig in and wait for us to find them. We split up into two squads sending 1st squad out to find the Enemy. After trying the middle then right flank, 1st squad found the German outpost equipped with an MG-34s and reported back to the CP as quickly as possible.
I then took 2nd squad out to probe the left flank and immediately walked up on a three man German outpost. We were able to flank and push them back easily but had to report back to the CP with our information.
We were ordered to probe both flanks with both squads. 2nd squad was to push forward to good ground and hold the enemy there while 1st squad moved in from the other end to flank the German Command Bunker. German outposts were pushed back quite rapidly but rallied at their Command Bunker where we came to a stalemate.
These types of scenarios were played out all day with one side or the other probing or defending entrenchments or bunkers. Each scenario ended much the same since there were just too many “Krauts” with way more fire power than us.
Even though we were out gunned and out numbered we had a blast running around in the woods shooting at Krauts and I’ll go again.
At the end of the day, about 1430 hrs, both armies formed up and paid tribute to one of our members, Gary, who was unfortunately killed in an accident last February while doing his job. There was a memorial to him built on the top of the hill with a lantern mounted in it to be lit when ever we hold an event on that battlefield. There were few dry eyes when it was done.
We slogged back down to the HQ area, de-coutered and pealed out of our Jump pants and muddy boots for the trip home. The rest of the reenactors were planning to do another ceremony at the house where Gary’s parents, widow, and daughters could be present. Mark and I said our goodbyes, planning to see all again in Findley , and headed for the home front where the REAL Commanders were waiting for us.
This AAR is faithfully submitted 3 April 2010 at 1830 Hrs by Asst Squad Leader Bob “Kirby” Penix.
