A Risky Mission - The Matrix Games version of Rising Sun

29 February, 1944Los Negros Island, Admirality Islands: [Best played as Allied]After successful campaign on Solomons Islands general Mac Arthurstarted to plan counteroffensive. Its main goals were to pushJapanese forces back from New Guinea and isolate their mightyair and naval base at Rabaul. To succeed, Americans needed anairbase which could endanger Rabaul supply lines. Lying NW ofRabaul, the Admirality Islands suited these plans best. A small,flat island called Los Negros attracted special attention becauseJapanese had already constructed an airstrip there. Unfortunately,there was no information about island garrison. Considering therisk and possible gains American Headquarters decided to conducta recon attack in the Momote Airfield vicinity on Los NegrosIsland. A reinforced 2nd Squadron of 5th Cavalry Rgt, 1st CavalryDivision was assigned to this task. Their main objective wasto land on island and secure a beachhead for a main landing force.However they were also ordered to assess the quantity of Japaneseforces and finaly, to capture the Momote Airfield, if possible.On morning February 29th, a small landing force of embarked cavalrymenapproached Los Negros Island and with the support of naval artilleryfrom CC Nashville and CC Phoenix became their risky mission.