Without a tank and short one driver and loader, Staff Sergeant Benjamin Caldwell and the remaining crew, Assistant Driver Private Daniel “Brooks” Martinez, and Tank Gunner Corporal William “Bullseye” Anderson embraced the transitional phase with a mix of determination and camaraderie. Recognizing that the downtime was a chance to regroup and rejuvenate, they seized the opportunity to engage in activities that honed their skills and solidified their bonds.
Normandy
Refit Period – A New Tank
Location: Normandy, France
Date: June 14th, 1944
As the day of their eagerly anticipated reunion with a new Sherman M4 tank, coming fresh from the replacement depot, drew near, the members of the Copperhead crew found themselves poised with a blend of excitement and solemn reflection. The imminent arrival of The Copperhead II marked a symbolic continuation of their journey, honoring the legacy of their fallen comrades and embodying the indomitable spirit that defined their unit.
The moment arrived, and the crew stood before their new tank, bathed in the warm light of a rising sun. The Sherman M4 stood as a testament to resilience and continuity, its formidable presence a stark reminder of the challenges they had overcome and those that lay ahead.
In a gesture that united the past with the present, the crew collectively decided to name the new tank “The Copperhead II,” paying homage to the legacy of their original tank. The name was a tribute to the trials they had faced, the bonds they had forged, and the unwavering courage that defined their journey. With a sense of reverence, they painted the name on the side of the hull, the bold letters standing as a testament to the enduring spirit that connected them to their fallen comrades.
As the paint dried and the name glistened in the sunlight, the crew’s camaraderie felt stronger than ever. The act of naming the tank was more than just a symbol; it was a bond that tied together past, present, and future. The crew understood that The Copperhead II was more than just a machine – it was an embodiment of their unity and determination, a steel testament to their shared purpose.
As they stood before their newly named tank, the crew members shared a moment of silent reflection, their thoughts honoring those who had gone before them and renewing their commitment to the challenges that awaited. The Sherman M4, resplendent with its newly adorned name, stood ready to carry them forward, a symbol of the enduring spirit that would guide them through the trials of World War II.
Game Note:
With the crew’s tank destroyed on their first mission, they miss out on the second mission of June, 1944, while waiting for a replacement tank.
I was tempted to spend 1 of SSGT Caldwell’s 2 Prestige points to purchase the M4A1 Late model variant as part of this refit phase. The M4A1 Late variant is almost identical to the standard M4A1 that we started with, though it does not come with the ‘no hatch’ penalty for the Loader. Using Prestige to upgrade here could potentially prevent our upcoming replacement loader from suffering the same fate as Private Michael Thompson last mission, who suffered a Serious Wound and would be out for 6 missions. I ultimately elected to save my Prestige for more critical upgrades later.
Refit Period – Replacements
Location: Normandy, France
Date: June 15th, 1944
As the crew of The Copperhead II prepared to welcome their new replacements, Corporal Thomas “Tommy” Reynolds and Private John “Jack” Miller, a sense of anticipation filled the air. The tank’s engine roared to life, and the crew gathered around to receive their comrades with a mix of curiosity and camaraderie.
First to arrive was Corporal Thomas “Tommy” Reynolds, the replacement driver. Stepping onto the battlefield with a determined stride, he was greeted with firm handshakes and nods of approval from his new crewmates. Staff Sergeant Benjamin Caldwell, the tank commander, extended a welcoming hand and shared a few words to break the ice. Tommy’s eagerness to contribute and his prior experience were evident, and the crew immediately recognized the value he would bring to their unit.
Next came Private John “Jack” Miller, the new loader. With a calm and steady demeanor, he approached the tank with a respectful salute and a ready smile. Corporal William “Bullseye” Anderson, the tank gunner, offered a warm greeting, understanding the pivotal role Jack would play in the crew’s efficiency during combat. The crew’s experience and camaraderie helped Jack feel at ease, and he quickly sensed that he was joining a tight-knit team.
As the crew welcomed Tommy and Jack into their ranks, they also took a moment to pay tribute to their fallen comrades. The crew shared stories about Corporal James “Jimmy” McAllister, the previous driver, and Private Michael “Grunt” Thompson, the injured loader. Their memories served as a reminder of the sacrifices made on the battlefield and the legacy that continued through the crew’s unwavering commitment.
The crew worked together to help Tommy and Jack familiarize themselves with The Copperhead II. They went over the tank’s controls, communication procedures, and tactical protocols, ensuring that the newcomers would seamlessly integrate into the unit.
As the day turned to dusk, the crew of The Copperhead II had transformed into a cohesive team once more. They stood together, ready to face the challenges of World War II with renewed determination, and Tommy and Jack felt a sense of pride in joining a crew that had already weathered the storms of battle. The tank’s engine roared again, and the crew, now complete, prepared to embark on their next mission, honoring the legacy of those who had come before them.
Corporal Thomas “Tommy” Reynolds (Driver)
The replacement driver for the Sherman tank “Copperhead” after the loss of Corporal James “Jimmy” McAllister is Corporal Thomas “Tommy” Reynolds. Corporal Reynolds, hailing from Philadelphia, Pennzylvania, is a determined and seasoned soldier. He grew up amidst the vibrant energy of the urban landscape, which instilled in him a strong work ethic and a sense of community. His upbringing in a city known for its diverse cultures and tenacity prepared him for the challenges of military service.
He steps into the role with a blend of resolve and a sense of duty. Having already gained experience in various aspects of military operations, he brings a steady hand to the crew, aiming to fill the gap left by his predecessor while navigating the challenges of tank warfare in the tumultuous landscapes of World War II. With his rank and expertise, Corporal Reynolds aims to seamlessly integrate into the existing crew dynamics, honoring the memory of Corporal McAllister while contributing his own strengths to the crew’s collective efforts.
Private John “Jack” Miller (Loader)
The new loader for the Sherman tank “Copperhead” after the injury to Private Michael “Grunt” Thompson is Private John “Jack” Miller. He comes from the heartland of America, specifically a small town called Springfield in the state of Illinois. Growing up in the peaceful and close-knit community, Jack developed a deep appreciation for tradition, values, and the camaraderie that comes from belonging to a tight community. His rural background shaped his strong sense of duty and resilience, qualities that would serve him well as he stepped into the role of a tank crew member during the tumultuous times of World War II.
Private Miller steps into the role with a blend of enthusiasm and a desire to contribute effectively to the crew’s operations. As a fresh addition to the team, he brings a keen willingness to learn and adapt to the demands of the battlefield. With the guidance of the experienced crew members, Private Miller endeavors to swiftly grasp the intricacies of loading and managing the tank’s weaponry, determined to uphold the crew’s legacy and fulfill his responsibilities amidst the challenges of World War II.
Second Mission – Movement to Contact
Location: Normandy, France
Date: June 15th, 1944
Weather: Clear Terrain: Open
The afternoon sun cast long shadows across the open fields of Normandy as The Copperhead II, freshly christened and manned by an eager crew, embarked on its second mission. The crew members, still acclimating to their roles and their recently received replacements, approached the mission with a potent mix of anticipation and resolve. They were not alone, as Charlie Company rumbled forward in a synchronized advance, prepared to engage with the relentless march of history.
The mission directive was clear: proceed on a movement to contact mission alongside the rest of Charlie Company. The Copperhead II, like its predecessor, was tasked with being the armored spearhead, leading the charge into the unknown. As the tank’s tracks churned up the earth beneath them, they forged ahead, the horizon stretching out before them like an uncharted canvas.
Charlie Company, a formidable force in its own right, made initial contact with elements of the 94th Infantry Division of the Wehrmacht. The air buzzed with tension as the crew of The Copperhead II readied themselves for the inevitable confrontation. Two squads of enemy infantry came into view, their silhouettes etched against the distant landscape.
But the unfolding tableau held yet another challenge. On the far-left flank, a Sd.Kfz. 164 Nashorn tank destroyer loomed, its imposing form contrasting starkly against the open field. The crew of The Copperhead II recognized the formidable adversary, the Nashorn’s long-range firepower posing a significant threat. Their training and experience whispered in their ears, urging them to act with precision and unity as they prepared to engage this new foe.
The stage was set, and the crew of The Copperhead II found themselves at a crossroads. With the legacy of their fallen comrades weighing on their hearts and their newly acquired replacements standing shoulder to shoulder with them, they braced for the challenges and uncertainties of their second mission. The clear and calm afternoon offered no respite, only the promise of trials to come and the unbreakable spirit that bound them together.
Game Note:
The dice were a bit more favorable when rolling to determine the second mission. We received Movement to Contact, once again, but rolled for both Clear weather and Open terrain. The enemy contact roll resulted in a 9 for 1 SPH / 2 INF with the infantry quality coming in as Werhrmacht. The SPG roll brought in a Nashorn. Enemy placement was spread out with Zone A: Nashorn, Zone B: Inf 1, and Zone C: Inf 2, all at Long Range due to the open terrain.
I elected to begin with all crew hatches open and a WP round loaded.
I continue to use a ChatGPT chat to generate initial narrative based on my prompted information. For those interested, I’ve shared the prompt that I used to generate the above ‘intro’ to the second mission’s after action report. Some minor editing occurred, but the results are largely what the AI generated.
Generate the start of an after action report that covers the crew’s second mission, taken almost immediately after receiving their new replacements. The mission took place in Normandy, France, on the afternoon of June 15th, 1944. Weather, clear and calm. Terrain, open field. The Copperhead II was ordered to proceed on a movement to contact mission along with the rest of Charlie Company. Charlie Company made contact with elements of the 94th Infantry Division (Werhrmacht), with Copperhead II encountering two squads of infantry at long range, as well as a Sd.Kfz. 164 Nashorn tank destroyer, far out to their front left.
A roll of 2 decided that the two Infantry would NOT be dug in.
Round 1
As The Copperhead II continued its advance through the open fields of Normandy, the crew faced a critical juncture in their mission. The tank commander, Staff Sergeant Benjamin Caldwell, took command with a decisive series of orders that would shape the course of the engagement.
In response to the right-most squad of Wehrmacht infantry, Staff Sgt. Caldwell directed the gunner, Corporal William “Bullseye” Anderson, to turn the turret to the right and target the enemy with a white phosphorous round. The order was executed swiftly, and the gunner fired upon the infantry squad. The outcome, however, was not as intended; the shot missed its mark, but the area around the infantry squad was soon enveloped in a screen of smoke, suppressing them and obscuring their vision.
Staff Sgt. Caldwell instructed the new loader, Private Michael “Grunt” Thompson, to load a High Explosive round. As the turret was reloaded, Staff Sgt. Caldwell ordered the new driver, Corporal Thomas “Tommy” Reynolds, to attempt a maneuver into a hull-down position, seeking the protection of the tank’s armor while maintaining a firing position. However, the driver faced the challenge of the open terrain, struggling to find a suitable location for the tactical advantage.
Amidst the unfolding chaos, the Nashorn tank destroyer and the other infantry squad seemed momentarily distracted, engaging other allied forces or attempting to do so. The Nashorn and first infantry squad focused their attention elsewhere, while the infantry squad engaged by Copperhead II was unable to deliver effective fire due to their long range.
The tide of fortune, however, took an unexpected turn as The Copperhead II maneuvered in its quest for a more advantageous position. In an unfortunate twist of fate, the tank rolled into an enemy minefield. The subsequent detonations inflicted severe damage to the tank’s left track, immobilizing it completely. The crew’s maneuver had unwittingly led them into a perilous situation, as they now found themselves trapped within the hostile environment of the minefield.
The immobilization of The Copperhead II marked a critical setback in the mission, as the crew faced the daunting challenge of extricating their tank from the treacherous terrain. The aftermath of the minefield encounter left them with an arduous task ahead, as they worked to repair their immobilized tank and resume their mission in the unpredictable landscape of World War II.
Game Note:
As a relatively new player to American Tank Ace, I’ve come in with an unclear understanding of proper strategy when facing a mixture of enemy infrantry and armor. The mission won’t end unless only one infantry is left remaining, and with two on board I elected to target one of the two with my White Phosphorous. The goal was to suppress it ahead of future attacks while also hoping that the Nashorn did not target me during the Enemy Action stage of the turn.
It was a gamble, for sure, and I believe I made a poor decision targeting the infantry on the right since it required a turn of the turret which would block my ability to fire again during the same round.
I rolled a 10 while needing a 5 to hit, which resulted in a MISS! that left a Smoke-2 counter in Zone-C. Fortunately, the Infantry was still suppressed due to the WP round. They would now automatically target The Copperhead II in the upcoming Enemy Action phase.
For my reloaded round, I elected to choose a High Explosive round to better take out the infantry squad next turn.
Due to having to turn the turret to fire on Zone C, a second shot would not be possible on the same turn. I realized there was no real reason to target Zone C, first, and had I targeted Zone B’s Infantry, instead, I would’ve been able to fire twice. Something to learn for next time. I elected to attempt to move to a Hull Down position but failed the dice roll, leaving The Copperhead II in the open.
For the Enemy Action phase, a roll of a 5 and a 3 meant that the Nashorn and Zone B: Infantry would NOT target Copperhead II and would be busy fighting other forces. The Nashorn should advance to Zone D. The Zone C Infantry engaged earlier would target Copperhead II but could not do anything at Long Range.
For the end of round Event Check, a poor roll of 12 lead to a result of Minefield! A subsequent 5 lead to an Immobilized result. For flavor, I chose the left track as the cause of the immobilization.
I would now be immobile for the rest of the mission. Not the best of starts!
Round 2
Following a series of decisive actions on the battlefield, The Copperhead II and its crew found themselves facing a rapidly evolving situation amidst the dissipating smoke and the minefield that held them in its grip.
With the smoke thinning and visibility gradually improving, the tank commander, Staff Sergeant Benjamin Caldwell, seized the opportunity to deal a decisive blow to the suppressed Wehrmacht infantry squad. Once again, he ordered the gunner, Corporal William “Bullseye” Anderson, to fire upon the beleaguered enemy. Despite the lingering obscurity, Bullseye’s unerring accuracy came into play. The High Explosive round found its mark, wreaking havoc among the infantry squad. The devastating impact left the enemy soldiers in a state of disarray, with numerous casualties and their combat effectiveness severely compromised.
Recognizing the advantage of their armored might, the crew wasted no time. A second High Explosive round was swiftly loaded, and upon the tank commander’s command, Bullseye unleashed another shot. The result was a mirror image of the first – precision, devastation, and the virtual annihilation of the infantry squad. The battlefield echoed with the resounding success of The Copperhead II’s firepower.
The Nashorn, realizing the potent threat posed by The Copperhead II, pivoted its turret in the direction of the immobilized Sherman tank. In a bid to neutralize the perceived danger, it fired a single round. Fortune favored the Copperhead crew, as the shot from the Nashorn missed its mark by a considerable margin.
However, as the Nashorn shifted its focus, new challenges emerged on the battlefield. Enemy reinforcements arrived swiftly in the form of a Sturmgeschütz IV (StuG IV), an armored adversary known for its versatility and firepower. The StuG IV made its entrance to the left of The Copperhead II, precisely in the area that the Nashorn had vacated on its approach toward friendly lines. The appearance of this formidable adversary added another layer of complexity to an already dynamic battlefield.
The crew of The Copperhead II, immobilized within the minefield and now facing a fresh threat, found themselves at a crossroads once more. Their earlier tactical successes had been punctuated by unforeseen challenges, and the situation remained fluid and unpredictable. With the Nashorn and the StuG IV on the battlefield, the crew would need to adapt quickly and make strategic decisions to ensure their survival and the fulfillment of their mission in the face of ever-shifting circumstances.
Game Note:
The Smoke-2 in Zone C downgraded to Smoke-1 at the start of the turn and so I elected to fire my loaded HE at the infantry in hopes of taking it out. A modified roll of 5 resulted in a HIT! and the Zone C Infantry was reduced one step while remaining suppressed!
I elected to load another HE round and fire on the Zone C infantry, again, since the Nashorn was still not targeting me. It was unclear to me if I could have loaded AP and move the turret to face the Nashorn while still firing my machine guns at the reduced Zone C infantry, so a second HE shot seemed a good choice at the time.
Another roll of 5 meant the Zone C infantry was destroyed. AP was reloaded as planned for the following turn.
For Enemy Actions, a roll of 1 meant the Nashorn would target Copperhead II while a 4 meant the Zone B Inf would remain busy with other forces.
The Nashorn rolled a 9 for a MISS! and a large sigh of relief on my end.
The Event Check lead to more bad luck with a roll for GE Reinforcements in the form of 1 SPG. The SPG would turn out to be a StuG IV in Zone A.
Round 3
In a swift and heart-wrenching turn of events, the battlefield transformed from one of tactical advantage to a scene of tragedy and devastation as The Copperhead II faced a formidable adversary.
With the lingering smoke now dissipated, the tank commander, Staff Sergeant Benjamin Caldwell, issued a fateful command. The gunner, Corporal William “Bullseye” Anderson, adjusted the turret’s orientation to the far left, aiming for the Nashorn. The anticipation was palpable as the gunner meticulously aligned his shot, the enemy tank squarely in his sights. The Armor Piercing round was unleashed, hurtling through the air with deadly intent. In a cruel twist of fate, however, the shot fell just short of its mark, missing the Nashorn by the slimmest of margins.
Undeterred by the near-miss, Staff Sgt. Caldwell called for another Armor Piercing round to be loaded, ready for a follow-up shot. The loader, Private Michael “Grunt” Thompson, was ordered to replenish the ready rack, as well. The loader worked with urgency, managing to restock four AP rounds, preparing the tank for the impending engagement.
However, even as the crew regrouped and prepared for another attempt, the Nashorn had other plans. With a clear line of sight on The Copperhead II, it unleashed a second shot that struck home with devastating precision. The Armor Piercing round penetrated the Sherman tank’s armor, resulting in a catastrophic explosion within the tank’s interior.
The destructive force of the blast immediately claimed the lives of the driver, Corporal Thomas “Tommy” Reynolds, and the assistant driver, Private Daniel “Brooks” Martinez, both of whom perished in the fiery inferno. The tank commander, Staff Sgt. Caldwell, and the loader, Private John “Jack” Miller, suffered severe burns from the ensuing fire as they scrambled to escape the burning tank.
Despite gunner, Corporal “Bullseye” Anderson’s (who managed to bail out with only light burns), valiant efforts to stabilize his comrades and pull them to safety, the severity of their injuries proved insurmountable. Staff Sgt. Caldwell and Private Miller succumbed to their wounds on the battlefield, their sacrifice a tragic reminder of the brutal realities of war.
The once-mighty Copperhead II now lay smoldering, a charred and twisted wreck on the battlefield. The crew, who had faced the trials of war with unwavering determination, had been struck down in a cruel twist of fate after only two missions, all except Corporal William “Bullseye” Anderson, who would immediately be thrust back in to service as a replacement gunner on another tank crew… the last surviving member of the crew of The Copperhead.
Game Note:
And there you have it, a prime example of how harsh American Tank Ace can be, not to mention how deadly the life of an M4 Sherman Tank crew member could be during the European Campaign of World War 2.
I was only capable of firing one shot at the Nashorn before it’s turn due to having to move the turret, so I had elected to reload the ready rack in case the battle became prolonged. Unfortunately, a lucky roll on the Nashorn’s side lead to a HIT! on Copperhead II and subsequent unlucky rolls on the damage resulted a DE (Destroyed) result and a Fire within the tank.
Only the Gunner, Loader, and Commander were able to bail out though the latter two suffered KIA results. I rolled a 10 for both of them BEFORE the +2 modifier from the Fire, so the KIA result would’ve stood regardless of the burning wreck. The Driver was the only survivor with just a Light Wound result.
This short campaign was a lot of fun to play and I enjoyed the narrative that was generated by ChatGPT, even if some of it came off nonsensical or flowery at times.
Gregory Smith’s solitaire game line-up have the natural tendency to produce a compelling narrative in the player’s head, and this campaign that followed Staff. Sgt. Caldwell and the crew of The Copperhead was a prime example of that.
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