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

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