TO: CIMCOM
FROM: Charles Washburn, Asst Sq. Ldr., B-2-3

SUBJ: Cimmerian Detachment After Action Report for Lion Claws 2-Deployment

B-2-3's Assigned AOR:
1. Secure and maintain the northern bridge and the road leading to it
2. Prevent and harass ANY enemy attempt at a northern breakout of the AO
3. The Gun Kulture "Gold" Team maintained perimeter security on the Bridge Road
4. The Cimmerian "Blue" Team held the valley floor, to the east and west of the tower structure

Mission Result:
B-2-3, MISSION SUCCESS
1. The northern valley adjoining the Vill was held, from the SP, to beyond the bridge itself, as shown in the Zone of Control in Fig.1 above
2. The Cimmerian Valor Patch was awarded to Asst. Sq. Ldr. (SAW) Charles Washburn, for eliminating more than 40 of the enemy in and around the Northern Vill area…. OOF-Tah!

Summary De-Brief:

Before this mission, operators from Alpha were boasting that many of their members would be equipped with night vision goggles. Not wanting to be at a disadvantage, our squad leader, SSgt Ramsell, decided to bring a little something special to counter the night vision goggles: a 1,000,000 candlepower spotlight!

The key to this success would need to be solely placed on the effective use of teamwork. All we would require for mission success was our powerful spotlight, and two patient and hard-hitting fireteams.

After being briefed by MSgt Mullen on B-2-3's Area of Responsibility (AOR), SSgt Ramsell's plan for this mission became crystal clear. His idea was for B-2-3 to move immediately east from the Start Point (SP), north of the Vill and immediately secure the any access to the northern bridge. This bridge was identified, as the point of egress out of the AO for both sides and it must not fall.

It was at this time that tactical control of both fireteams fell to me (Charles Washburn), the Assistant Squad Leader, since SSgt Ramsell needed to man his spotlight crew. As the Bridge Road was secured by the Gun Kulture (Gold) Team, the Cimmerian (Blue) Team spread out to the east and west flanks of the tower, to establish a perimeter there. SSgt Ramsell moved immediately to the tower to get his crew up and broadcasting any enemy movements.

Just as he got established on the tower and swung the light across the hillside, the entire enemy advance was immediately lit up as they were moving up the hill, into the structures to the south. At this moment, the startled and astonished reactions of Col. McKnight's forces was obvious, as they immediately scrambled over each other for cover. Instantly, the area was echoing loudly with automatic fire, as all elements on both sides went "weapons free."

There was some concern about the effects of a 1,000,000 candle power spotlight on night vision goggles. It was unsure if such a powerful light could damage them. As a precaution, care was taken to light up targets only for a short period of time. So as to not cause any possible damage.

As the enemy's advance, pressed into the town, I set up a gunnery position at the tower base. Using the light for spotting, I fired on any targets of opportunity that came in view, as did our Gun Kulture and Cimmerian Fireteams. As the mission pressed on, calls to the spotlight crew in the tower for illumination, came in from all sides. Capt. Denebeim and SFC Fisher, set up in a defensive fighting position in the eastern flank were able to repulse any press Alpha could place in their fire zones. This combination was so effective, that it completely denied Alpha all access to the north side of the village.

Since much of the area leading north of the Vill was open ground, it was Gun Kulture that then had the awesome task of holding off the enemy, pressing to our rear. Quite a few times Alpha was caught, attempting to sneak through the eastern tree line, leading to the bridge. SSgt Ramsell did his best to support GK by broadcasting the tree line with the powerful light. Unfortunately, at times our own men were lit up as well. As the mission went on, only established zones, forward of the tower, were routinely lit up to eliminate this problem.

While the GK element was getting some action. The majority Cimmerian element was getting bored due to the lack of action. There was great temptation to move up on the hill and get into the fight. But orders were given to hold position. And like good soldiers, orders were obeyed.

The Gun Kulture Team honored themselves and B-2-3, by showing their gritting perseverance in holding that line all night. Job well done!

The longer the night went on, the more difficult it seemed to keep our teams in position. Requests to advance into the Vill were always followed by orders to hold our positions in the valley.

Much fighting could be heard in the Vill's interior. As a few shattered Bravo replacements made their way to the tower area, I began to fill in the western valley area. Some of these men took up positions, very close to contact and I used this to Bravo's advantage. As an entire squad of reinforcements engaged from the SP south, to get a foothold in the northwest corner of the town and link up with 1st Platoon, already heavily engaged. Al Domingo, positioned in a defensive fire position west of the tower, aided by my SAW position and the spotlight crew was instrumental in clearing the way of enemy forces for this advance.

As the mission time-window drew close, strangely, an unknown force blew up the bridge and the objectives in the Vill area were judged to be a standoff. Though Bravo maintained ownership of the majority of the AO and more than half of the objectives, no mission points were awarded.

Though, for B-2-3, HOLD YOUR HEADS HIGH! With our objectives successfully maintained, once again, we know we made the difference on the battlefield! OOF-Tah!!