Jumpstarting the American Century: USA 1936 AAR --- Now with exciting new screenshots
This is my first AAR ever, although it's my second HoI2 game, and I played HoI to death. Hope everyone enjoys and feel free to offer opinions on my strategy.
Jumpstarting the American Century
1
January 26, 1936: A cold wind howled by the window, reminding Roosevelt of the frigid reception his new policies had recieved in the last few weeks. Already, Senate Republicans were calling him an imperialist at the very same time they howled about his plans for scrapping the fleet. Sighing, he gazed intently at the report from Claude Swanson, Chief of the Navy, confirming in less than cordial language that the United States had exactly 6 heavy cruisers, 3 battleships, and 1 aircraft carrier left to defend it's considerable overseas interests. "Your orders have been carried out to the letter. The United States is now utterly defenseless. All we have left us is just enough to present a target."
Roosevelt shook his head. Swanson was as blind as the rest of them, content to rest the defense of American democracy on the shoulders of aging admirals and their mouldering battlewagons. The ships he had decommissioned were Great War vintage, most of them barely sea worthy, and none of them, if the intelligence reports were correct, capable of holding their own against their foreign contemporaries. They would have been especially good targets for the newest Japanese ships. No, the new American Navy would be centred around the aircraft carrier, and would consist of only the most modern vessels.
"Mr. President, General Westover has arrived."
"Thank you, George, tell him I'll be there shortly."
Roosevelt sighed again, this time in relief. Westover didn't give a damn if there was a fleet out there or not. He cared about his planes, and Roosevelt's plans called for lots of those. Sliding Swanson's report into's its proper folder, the President of the United States rolled into the next room.
Scrapping the Fleet
All We Have Left Us
February 3, 1936: General Malin Craig of the Army and General Oscar Westover of the Air Force sat in uncomfortable silence, waiting for the President to enter and this strange meeting to begin. Admiral Swanson was also there, sitting not so much in silence, but in a sort of glum rage. "Damn shame, what he did to your boys," Craig managed. Swanson nodded, but said nothing. Another minute of silence passed before Westover blurted out "I heard he's gone crazy, had some sort of dream, thinks the Nazis are gonna come burstin' through the doors at any moment." Craig snorted. "If that's the case, maybe we'll finally get some real funding, be able to buy more than just some old Fords." Swanson's face turned red. "F^%$ your funding. This meeting damn well better be about what he's going to do about the Navy or I'm gone, I'm retiring."
"You need not be so hasty, Admiral, your fleet will be reborn."
The three officers leaped to their feet, saluting, startled that the President had snuck up on them. "Mr. President..."
"Please gentlemen, I've had a busy day already and we have much to go over. Be seated." When they were seated and silent, Roosevelt began.
"The armed forces of the United States are in a pathetic state, and were in such a state long before I sent your boys home, Swanson." The Admiral glared darkly at that statement, but remained silent. "I have called this meeting today to inform you that this country will undergo a significant buildup of its military strength over the next four years, both in quantity and in quality. By the summer of 1940, the Navy will consist of 6 Colorado Class battleships, 6 Yorktown Class aircraft carriers, 6 Lexington Class battlecruisers, 15 New Orleans Class heavy cruisers, 15 modern light cruisers, and 18 squadrons of modern destroyers. In addition, at least 6 squadrons of modern submarines will also be in operation, possibly as many as 18. Beyond the summer of 1940, the Navy will continue to expand, adding a further 16 battleships, 16 carriers, 16 battlecruisers, 42 heavy cruisers, 42 light cruisers, 48 squadrons of destroyers, and 30 to 42 squadrons of submarines over the course of three years, all, of course, of the most modern design. This will bring the total size of the United States Navy to an operational strength of 280 capital ships with their escorting destroyers by the summer of 1943. Admiral Swanson, are you all right?"
Swanson had been taking a sip of water when the President had said "280," and now was struggling to remove that water from his windpipe. Red-faced, he stared at the President in disbelief. "But, Mr. President, that fleet is even larger than the one you just scra--...disbanded, sir. Where will you get the funding? Congress certainly won't approve that large a buildup. And besides, you'll just end up scrapping the whole thing again. Sir."
"Admiral, your concerns are well founded. Let me assure you first and foremost, this fleet we will build will not experience the same fate as the last. By building the fleet in four stages, each stage utilizing a newer class of ship, we will be able to maintain the vitality of the Navy while vastly expanding its size and power. And when the time does come that those ships currently being constructed (again, Swanson choked) are obsolete, we will only be forced to disband a quarter of our strength rather than the whole, and will have their replacements either ready or at least on the way."
"Excuse me, sir," Westover interrupted. "Did you say there are ships currently under construction?"
"You heard correctly, General. Currently 1 carrier, 3 battleships, and 4 battlecruisers are already on the way, and will be ready sometime next year. As time passes, and Hoover's "Small World" campaign begins to take effect, we'll be able to build more."
"Small World?" Craig wondered aloud.
"Yes, General, Mr. Hoover over at the FBI has been listening to my ideas and has offered his assisstance in educating the American public about their responsibilities in the modern world. A Mr. Disney, whom I think you are all familiar with, has lent his assisstance as well, and the two of them have named their campaign "It's a Small World." Catchy, isn't it? Anyway, back to business. General Westover, you will be happy to know that I have secured adequate funding and a contract with Boeing to build 500 B-17s to augment your current force of 100. Planes should begin coming off the assembly line within weeks. In addition, I have spoken with Air Marshall Arnold..."
"Major General Arnold, sir."
"Not anymore, General. Arnold has assissted me in putting together plans for our new Air Force, and he will take over operational command of your B-17s. As soon as a decent escort fighter can be designed, 600 of those will also be delivered to him. They will form our 1st Strategic Air Arm, and should be ready by 1939 at the latest. In addition, the United States Air Force will have by 1940 600 naval bombers, 600 tactical bombers, and 300 close air support aircraft, all of them with equal numbers of escort fighters. Also, while Mr. Limbergh continues in his unfortunate support for Hitler and his cronies, his ideas on the utilization of fighters have some merit. A force of 1200 air superiority fighters will complement the strategic and tactical components. Like the Navy, the Air Force will triple in size by 1943. Any questions, General Westover?"
"Um, no sir."
"Good. Moving along. General Craig, as it currently stands, the United States Army has exactly 5 divisions, is that correct?"
"Yes, sir, 4 infantry and 1 cavalry."
"The cavalry is worthless, and will be disbanded, as will be the infantry in the Philippines..."
"Mr. President!"
"I see no reason to maintain an armed force in the Philippines at the present moment. Japan is a nuisance for now, Germany is the real threat, and that is what this meeting is about. General Craig, the United States Army will, by 1939, consist not of 5 divisions but of 60, divided into 10 corps. The first troops are already, as you know, training in Georgia."
"Is that all, Mr. President? 60 divisions? If the intelligence is correct, Germany has about 40 already, and by '39 will probably have over 100! And what about tanks? The few we have are hopelessly obsolete."
"I'm well aware of that, General, but I've got my plate full enough with Swanson's ships, Westover's bombers, and your infantry. We simply don't have the funding to build tanks at this points. And, as you pointed out, what would be the point? We will have to put off the construction of our armored forces until the time is right."
"Yes, sir. So what happens after the first 60 divisions are delivered? The Air Force and the Navy continue their expansion. Will the Army?"
"The expansion of the Army will be conducted in a slightly different manner. As we have already mentioned, we won't be building any tanks until we have some worth building. Also, I've heard the Russians have constructed a motorised division, with the infantry riding into battle on trucks instead of slugging it out on the ground. We should be doing that, and when we are ready, we will augment our marching infantry with motorised. If it is at all possible, I think we should look into constructing mechanized infantry as well to escort our tanks."
"What about paratroops?" Westover chimed in.
"Again, something the Russians have beaten us to. If the theory is proved viable, I see no reason why we should not utilize paratroopers. But we have drifted to far from the point. You asked about the expansion of the Army. If all avenues of research pan out, by 1943, the Army should consist of 60 frontline infantry divisions with an additional 30 in reserve, 60 frontline motorized infantry divisions with, again, 30 in reserve, 30 armored divisions, and possibly 30 mechanized infantry divisions, 6 to 18 divisions of mountain-combat trained infantry, and 6 divisions of paratroopers in 2 corps. For the Pacific..."
"There's more?!?" Craig blurted.
"For the Pacific, a garrison of roughly 1,000 men will be organized for each of our possessions, except, of course, the Philippines. Between 18 and 30 divisions of marines will be organized by 1943, augmented by 12 to 24 infantry divisions, and an equal number of motorized infantry. If possible, 6 armored and 6 mechanized infantry will also be ready. In total, minus garrison units, the Army will have between 318 and 378 active divisions by 1943."
A stunned silence blanketed the table as the three men pondered Roosevelt's new plan.
"Sir, by 1943, we'll be the greatest military force on the planet. I agree, sir, we need to beef up our forces, but my God, sir, what ever will you need so many troops for?"
"Gentlemen, I'm sure you are both aware of our poor relations with Germany and Japan. While the prospects for war now seem distant, I fear they are much closer. And I have had a dream. I dreamt that I saw American boys dying in droves on wet sand. Up the beach, on the crest of a ridge, flew the Nazi flag, the red sun of dawn rising behind it. Then it all disappeared in a blinding flash of light, which faded very slowly. Then I was looking at more American boys, again in dirty uniforms, huddling together for warmth as strange planes screamed overhead. Their faces blurred, and suddenly I was staring again at young soldiers, this time in fresh uniforms, manning a roadblock in a great city. There were frightened and pointing into the distance, where I saw boys from some other country building a great wall of stone and barbed wire. I blinked, and now I was struggling through a dense, steaming jungle, looking for something, but I did not know what. All through the dream I felt this unrelenting sadness and dread. When I woke up, I knew what I had feared. Gentlemen, this Army, this Air Force, this Navy I am building is for one purpose, and one purpose only: to destroy the Soviet Union."
August 29, 1936: Roosevelt was exhausted, and angry to boot. News from the Spanish Civil War was bad, and getting worse. Fascist forces under General Franco had forced the Republicans into a pocket in the southeast and were now preparing for one last assault. When it had broken out six weeks before, he had urged Congressional leaders to sanction his call for volunteers. They had refused, and had instead intensified their campaign against his arms buildup. "Imperialist" was heard in the halls of Congress so often these days, it had lost much of its sting, but he would not countenance being called a communist. Damn Joe Stalin! He had sent volunteers and material to the Republicans almost immediately, and with the refusal of Britain and France to do the same, to aid the Republicans would make him out to be precisely what they called him. At least Congress didn't know that Stalin was his ultimate target, not a potential ally. If Congress didn't know, the world shouldn't know. Still, he felt compelled to do something to cover his tracks, and managed to work out a trade deal with the Republicans in which the United States would provide ample supplies of coal, oil, metals, rare materials, and even cash in exchange for promises of future reimbursement. He had intended to make this deal the centerpiece for an entire policy aimed at aiding those nations defending their freedom, but the bleating cows in Congress opposed him at every step. At least most in his own party seemed to be falling into line. Good thing, too, with the election only six weeks off...
July 18, 1937: With a great deal of pride and a flourish of his pen, Roosevelt signed the Pittman Act, pledging American material support the Nationalist China and it's United Front allies against the aggressive war waged on it by Japan. Finally, with the impending doom of the Republicans in Spain, and the rapid advances of the Japanese, Congress seemed to be wising up. Indeed, he had almost the entire backing of his party. The "Small World" campaign was finally beginning to pay dividends as well, and several more ships were under construction in New York and Norfolk. The camera bulbs popped and flashed, and Roosevelt smiled for the world to see.
September 1, 1937: His stomach growled, but he paid it no mind as he poured over the latest reports from China. He was too busy to eat. Fortunately, the Japanese seem to have been halted for the time being. Unfortunately, they had captured Nanjing two weeks before, and the horror stories from there were still coming in. He wondered how many of them were true, how many were false, how many were exaggerated. He didn't really care in any case. Japanese soldiers had murdered innocent civilians, that much was sure. At least with their armies stalled, they wouldn't be able to sack anymore cities. Not yet, he reminded himself glumly. Still, the "Small World" campaign was working, and he had even heard some Congressmen calling for an immediate declaration of war on Japan. Of course, there wasn't nearly enough support in the country for that drastic a measure, and Roosevelt wouldn't have done it anyway...the Navy wasn't ready to deal with Japan. He glared at a report from the OSS. It said the Soviets were also sending aid to the Chinese, and had been since August 17. He welcomed any assisstance against the Japanese, and was secretly glad they had signed the Anti-Comintern Pact with Germany and Italy, but worried about how close Chiang Kai Shek would get with Stalin. Probably not very, but you never could tell about these things. A small lump of ice settled in his stomach as he pondered throwing the Soviets out of China, or even worse, a communist China.
Japan Stalled in China
March 26, 1939: Roosevelt pounded his fist on the table, shouting in anger. He had just recieved the official reply from the British government. He had asked, hell, practically begged them to confront Hitler now, to refuse to allow any aggression against the Czechs. Instead they had folded, and signed some treaty in Munich. He had taken Austria, and now they had let him take Czechoslovakia. If they seriously thought he would leave them alone now, they were in for a rude awakening. His promise to make no more territorial claims in Europe had already proven hollow, since he had pressured Lithuania to give up the city of Memel after he had annexed part of the Czechoslovakia and left the rest for his Slovak puppet, Tiso. Now Italy had declared war on Albania. Dear God, Albania! What could that twit Mussolini want with Albania? Well, Obviously, it would be a launching point for any Balkan adventures the Italian dictator decided to embark upon, but would the British and French confront even Mussolini? An emphatic "We'll do our best" was their answer. For a moment, he contemplated confronting Il Duce himself, but then backed off. The country wasn't ready. The army still only had about 40 divisions, enough to fight Italy, but not if Germany intervened and Roosevelt had no allies. Besides, the Navy wasn't ready, it was still waiting for its destroyers. And while his strategic bombers were ready, there would be nowhere to bomb Rome from without England or France. Steaming, he resigned himself, and Albania, to their respective fates.
September 3, 1939: The White House was abuzz with activity, fear and anticipation permeating the air. News of the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact had astounded the world only 10 days before, and the last vestiges of Congressional opposition to his armament policies had vanished as Europe seemed certain to plunge itself into war. In the waning days of August, Latvia and Lithuania had given in to Russian demands and become part of the Soviet Union. Two days ago, German forces plunged into Poland. Finally, after much hand wringin, Britain and France led their Allies into war with Germany. Roosevelt, convinced the time had come, prepared to join them. The fleet was still about 4/5 completed, but vital transport units were ready to float the Army to Europe. Air Marshall Arnold had already packed his belongings and claimed to have purchased tickets for the first ship to Britain. President Roosevelt gave the orders for all military units to go on high alert. The Army began moving men into the ports at New York and Norfolk. He had already announced he would be making a special announcement on radio tomorrow night concerning the conflict in Europe. The day after that, he would ask Congress for a declaration of war.
September 4, 1939: Roosevelt sat ashen faced in front of the microphone as the seconds ticked away. Yesterday, he had been ready for this moment, he had been ready to lead his nation first against Germany, then later against Russia. But things were different today.
"You're on, Mr. President."
"My fellow Americans, as you well know, eleven days ago, Germany and the Soviet Union entered into what they termed a non-aggression pact. It appears that pact has only deterred aggression against each other as each nation has in recent days attacked its neighbors. Now, the great democratic civilizations of the West are engaged in a mighty struggle with the forces of Nazi Germany, a struggle which, until yesterday, I believed this nation would join as well. However, it is apparent to me now, after the massive peace demonstrations of yesterday and today, demonstrations that took place in every major city across this great country, that this nation does not want this war, and will not fight it. Therefore, I will not ask Congress for a declaration of war, as I had intended. Instead, tomorrow, I will address the Congress, asking that whatever we have to give to the heroic defenders of freedom in Europe should be given. It is my earnest hope that peace will soon reign again over Europe, but be assured, this government will maintain our present steady growth of military might if it does not. Goodnight, and God Bless You."
November 16, 1939: With a half-hearted smile, Roosevelt signed the bill making his "Arsenal of Democracy" policy law. He now had more funding than ever before to bolster the armed forces, but no support for involving the United States in the war now smouldering in Europe. Poland was already long gone, the eastern half of it occupied by the Red Army sometime in late September, and with the Altmark incident, the war was threatening to spread to Scandinavia. Still, with little happening on the ground, support for American intervention remained stagnant. Sighing, Roosevelt prepared himself mentally for another bout with the final few Congressional Republicans still concerned with the constitutionality of his military buildup.
March 1, 1940: The day broke cold, but mercifully clear after the steady rain of the past week. The dawn held a deeper meaning to Roosevelt, however, as it symbolized his nation finally awakening to its destiny. While little seemed to be happening between Germany and the Allies, Hungary had joined the Axis in November. More importantly, the Soviet Union had fought a disastrous war against Finland which, while the Finns were forced to give in, seemed to have been the straw that broke the camel's back. Popular demonstrations against the war had ceased, and now people were actually marching in favor of American intervention. The time was ripe, and Congress was waiting. Across the Atlantic, the Allies were waiting as well.
"Mr. Speaker, the President of the United States."
The applause was thundrous as he approached the podium, his son helping him stand. When the clapping finally died down, he began to speak.
"For six months now, the free men of Europe have been assailed by those who would make them slaves. We free men have stood idly by, unable, or unwilling to help. We have watched the newsreels as Warsaw was bombed to rubble. Now we watch and wait for something to happen in Europe. No more. The events of the previous weeks, the letters from your constituents, from the American people, have poured in along with thousands upon thousands of volunteers. Opposition to the war is over. America is giving you her voice, let her speak. Let America be the one to strike the deciding blow in the conflict. Let America liberate Poland. Let America liberate Czechoslovakia. Let America liberate Austria. Let America liberate Germany. Gentlemen, I ask that the Congress declare that a state of war exists between the United States and Germany."
America Joins the War
Please watch the f-word. Thanks & good luck in this one!
Stroph, AAR Moderator
This is my first AAR ever, although it's my second HoI2 game, and I played HoI to death. Hope everyone enjoys and feel free to offer opinions on my strategy.
Jumpstarting the American Century
Dramatis Personae
Legend
Primary Character (1st Appeared in Post #; Date): Position, Status: Other Posts Appeared In.
Secondary Characters (1st Appeared in Post #; Date): Position, Status: Other Posts Appeared In.
President Franklin D. Roosevelt (1; January 26, 1936): U.S. President, Alive: 3; May 15, 1940 / 5; July 24, 1940 / 8; September 27, 1940 / 9; October 14, 1940 / 10; December 23, 1940 / 12; February 11, 1941 / 16; April 30, 1941
George (1; January 26, 1936): Personal Assistant to the President, Alive: 3; May 15, 1940 / 10; December 23, 1940 / 12; February 11, 1941 / 16; April 30, 1941
General Malin Craig (1; February 3, 1936): Former Chief of the U.S. Army, Former Chief of the Armed Forces, Alive, Retired
General Oscar Westover (1; February 3, 1936): Former Chief of the U.S. Army Air Force, Alive, Retired
Admiral Claude Swanson (1; February 3, 1936): Former Chief of the U.S. Navy, Alive, Retired
Admiral Harold Stark (3; May 15, 1940): Chief of the U.S. Navy, Alive: 16; April 30, 1941
Prime Minister Eduoard Daladier (5; July 24, 1940): Prime Minister of France, Alive
Anthony Eden (9; October 14, 1940): British Foreign Minister, Alive
General George C. Marshall (10; December 23, 1940): Chief of the U.S. Armed Forces, Chief of the U.S. Army, Alive: 12; February 11, 1941 / 16; April 30, 1941
Air Marshall Henry “Hap” Arnold (10; December 23, 1940): Chief of the U.S. Army Air Force, Alive: 16; April 30, 1941
Dr. Robert Oppenheimer (10; December 23, 1940): Nuclear Physicist, Alive
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Ensign Joel Kohn (2; March 20, 1940): Former Anti-Aircraft Gunner aboard the Brooklyn Class Light Cruiser USS Nashville, KIA October 24, 1940: 3; May 24, 1940 / 9; October 24, 1940
Ensign Jacob Krandall (2; March 20, 1940): Anti-Aircraft Gunner aboard the Brooklyn Class Light Cruiser USS Nashville, Alive: 11; January 7, 1941
Private First Class Larry Huddleston (11; January 7, 1941): Marine, 3rd U.S. Marine Division, 50th Corps, American Expeditionary Force, Alive:
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Lieutenant Travis Bernard (2; April 19, 1940): Fighter Pilot, P-40 Warhawk, 14th Squadron, MIA February 11, 1941, Captured by Gestapo May 23, 1941, Status Unknown: 4; June 28, 1940 / 8; September 6, 1940 / 13; February 11, 1941 / 15; April 14, 1941 / 19; May 23, 1941
Lieutenant Frank Bozung (4; June 28, 1940): Fighter Pilot, P-40 Warhawk, 14th Squadron, Alive: 8; September 6, 1940 / 13; February 11, 1941
*Private First Class Timothy James Bernard (8; September 6, 1940): Infantryman, 9th Infantry Division, 1st Corps, American Expeditionary Force, Alive
Second Lieutenant Gene Rollins (13; February 11, 1941): Fighter Pilot, P-40 Warhawk, 14th Squadron, KIA February 11, 1941
Second Lieutenant Gordon Beach (13; February 11, 1941): Fighter Pilot, P-40 Warhawk, 14th Squadron, Alive
Second Lieutenant John Harper (13; February 11, 1941): Fighter Pilot, P-40 Warhawk, 14th Squadron, Alive
Lieutenant Casey Hampton (13; February 11, 1941): Fighter Pilot, P-40 Warhawk, 14th Squadron, Alive
Lieutenant Jarred Schnicke (13; February 11, 1941): Fighter Pilot, P-40 Warhawk, 14th Squadron, Alive
The Doctor (15; April 14, 1941): Member of Dutch Resistance, Unknown
Lisette (15; April 14, 1941): The Doctor’s Daughter, Unkown
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Private First Class Ryan Treynor (2; May 7, 1940): Infantryman, 24th Infantry Division, 1st U.S. Army Corps, American Expeditionary Force, Alive: 3; June 3, 1940 / 4; June 14, 1940 / 5; August 4, 1940 / 6; August 17, 1940 / 9; November 1, 1940 / 10; November 27, 1940 / 14.1; February 20, 1941 / 18; May 15, 1941
Corporal Warren Emory (2; May 7, 1940): Infantryman, 24th Infantry Division, 1st U.S. Army Corps, American Expeditionary Force, Alive: 4; June 14, 1940: 9; November 1, 1940 / 10; November 27, 1940 / 14.1; February 20, 1941 / 18; May 15, 1941
Sergeant James Baumer (2; May 7, 1940): Squad Commander, 24th Infantry Division, 1st U.S. Army Corps, American Expeditionary Force, Alive: 4; June 14, 1940 / 5; August 4, 1940 / 9; November 1, 1940 / 14.1; February 20, 1941
Private First Class Fletcher Brown (2; May 7, 1940): Infantryman, 24th Infantry Division, 1st U.S. Army Corps, American Expeditionary Force, Alive: 9; November 1, 1940 / 18; May 15, 1941
Private First Class Sean Wills (18; May 15, 1941): Infantryman, 24th Infantry Division, 1st U.S. Army Corps, American Expeditionary Force, Alive
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Lieutenant Kyle West (5; July 4, 1940): Company Commander, 25th Infantry Division, 7th Corps, American Expeditionary Force, Alive: 8; October 11, 1940 / 11; January 21, 1941 / 15; April 27, 1941 / 19; May 21, 1941
Private First Class Brandon Bailey (5; July 4, 1940): Infantryman, 43rd Infantry Division, 7th Corps, American Expeditionary Force, Alive
Captain David Turrill (5; July 4, 1940): Regimental Commander, 43rd Infantry Division, 7th Corps, American Expeditionary Force, Alive: 11; January 21, 1941
Lieutenant Charles Barker (5; July 4, 1940): Regimental Supply Officer, 43rd Infantry Division, 7th Corps, American Expeditionary Force, Alive
Private First Class Jason Ellison (15; April 27, 1941): Infantryman/Radio Operator, 25th Infantry Division, 7th Corps, American Expeditionary Force, Alive
Sergeant Joe Napier (15; April 27, 1941): Squad Commander, 25th Infantry Division, 7th Corps, American Expeditionary Force, Alive
Private First Class Mortimer White (15; April 27, 1941): Infantryman, 25th Infantry Division, 7th Corps, American Expeditionary Force, Alive
Private First Class Terrence Bartlett (15; April 27, 1941): Infantryman, 25th Infantry Division, 7th Corps, American Expeditionary Force, Alive
Sergeant Stephen Serles (15; April 27, 1941): Squad Commander, 25th Infantry Division, 7th Corps, American Expeditionary Force, Alive
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Captain Scott Welch (7; August 25, 1940): Pilot, A-20 Havoc, 21st Squadron, KIA August 25, 1940
First Lieutenant Bill Groom (7; August 25, 1940): Co-pilot, A-20 Havoc, 21st Squadron, KIA August 25, 1940
Second Lieutenant Tom Federhoff (7; August 25, 1940): Bombardier, A-20 Havoc, 21st Squadron, MIA August 25, 1940
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Private First Class Troy Bernard (10; November 17, 1940): 37mm Loader, M3A3 Lee, 8th Armored Division, 45th Armored Corps, American Expeditionary Force, Alive: 11; December 28, 1940 / 15; April 4, 1941 / 19; May 28, 1941
Private First Class Phil Deters (10; November 17, 1940): 37mm Loader, M3A3 Lee, 1st Armored Division, 43rd Armored Corps, American Expeditionary Force, KIA April 5, 1941: 11; December 28, 1940 / 15; April 4, 1941
Captain Aaron Russell (11; December 28, 1940): Company Commander, 1st Armored Division, 43rd Armored Corps, American Expeditionary Force, KIA April 4, 1941: 15; April 4, 1941
Corporal Joseph Clemens (11; December 28, 1940): Radio Operator, M3A3 Lee, 1st Armored Division, 43rd Armored Corps, American Expeditionary Force, MIA April 4, 1941: 15; April 4, 1941
*Private First Class Timothy James Bernard (8; September 6, 1940): Infantryman, 9th Infantry Division, 1st Corps, American Expeditionary Force, Alive
Private First Class Henry Baxter (15; April 4, 1941): 75mm Gunner, M3A3 Lee, 1st Armored Division, 43rd Armored Corps, American Expeditionary Force, KIA April 4, 1941
Private First Class Gerald Mathers (15; April 4, 1941): 75mm Loader, M3A3 Lee, 1st Armored Division, 43rd Armored Corps, American Expeditionary Force, KIA April 4, 1941
Nancy Bernard (15; April 4, 1941): Mother of Troy, Travis, & Tim, Alive
Captain Ronald Scholtens (19; May 28, 1941): Company Commander, 8th Armored Division, 45th Armored Corps, American Expeditionary Force, Alive
First Lieutenant Harold “Hal” Randle (19; May 28, 1941): Tank Commander, M3A3 Lee, 8th Armored Division, 49th Armored Corps, American Expeditionary Force, Alive
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Oberleutnant Heinrich Wesel (14.1; March 10, 1941): Schwarm Commander, Fw. 190, Jadgeschwader 26, I. Fliegerkorps, Alive: 17; May 11, 1941
Dena Wesel (14.1; March 10, 1941): Heinrich’s Wife, Alive
Dieter Wesel (14.1; March 10, 1941): Heinrich’s Newborn Son, Alive
Hauptmann Friederich Buren (14.1; March 10, 1941): Squadron Commmander, Jadgeschwader 26, Alive
Leutnant Edgar Ohms (17; May 11, 1941): Fighter Pilot, Fw. 190, Jadgeschwader 26, I. Fliegerkorps, Alive
Leutnant Konrad Zollner (17; May 11, 1941): Fighter Pilot, Fw. 190, Jadgeschwader 26, I. Fliegerkorps, Alive
Leutnant Gunter Huge (17; May 11, 1941): Fighter Pilot, Fw. 190, Jadgeschwader 26, I. Fliegerkorps, KIA May 11, 1941
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Obergefreiter Jens Luchow (14.2; March 29, 1941): Infantrymen/Sniper, 163rd Infanterie Division, 25th Korps, Alive: 18; May 19, 1941
Oberpionier Hans Meier (14.2; March 29, 1941): Infantrymen/Sniper, 163rd Infanterie Division, 25th Korps, KIA March 29, 1941
Gefreiter Rudi Backer (18; May 19, 1941): Infantrymen/Sniper, 163rd Infanterie Division, 25th Korps, Alive
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Private First Class Eric Moser (17; May 3, 1941): Paratrooper, 82nd Airborne Division, 42nd Airborne Corps, American Expeditionary Force, Alive: 19; June 2, 1941
Private First Class Samuel Bennett (17; May 3, 1941): Paratrooper, 82nd Airborne Division, 42nd Airborne Corps, American Expeditionary Force, Alive: 19; June 2, 1941
Sergeant Jebediah Walker (17; May 3, 1941): Squad Commander, 82nd Airborne Division, 42nd Airborne Corps, American Expeditionary Force, Alive
Major Clarence Webb (19; June 2, 1941): Battalion Commander, 82nd Airborne Division, 42nd Airborne Corps, American Expeditionary Force, Alive
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Feldmarschall Gerd von Rundstedt (19; May 29, 1941): Commander, Heeresgruppe A, Alive
Adolf Hitler (19; May 29, 1941): German Fuhrer, Alive
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* -- Only characters who actually speak, act, or are otherwise integral parts of each scene are noted here. Characters without names (such as the Belgian nurse, or an anonymous soldier) are absent unless they are recurring characters (i.e. The Doctor).
1
January 26, 1936: A cold wind howled by the window, reminding Roosevelt of the frigid reception his new policies had recieved in the last few weeks. Already, Senate Republicans were calling him an imperialist at the very same time they howled about his plans for scrapping the fleet. Sighing, he gazed intently at the report from Claude Swanson, Chief of the Navy, confirming in less than cordial language that the United States had exactly 6 heavy cruisers, 3 battleships, and 1 aircraft carrier left to defend it's considerable overseas interests. "Your orders have been carried out to the letter. The United States is now utterly defenseless. All we have left us is just enough to present a target."
Roosevelt shook his head. Swanson was as blind as the rest of them, content to rest the defense of American democracy on the shoulders of aging admirals and their mouldering battlewagons. The ships he had decommissioned were Great War vintage, most of them barely sea worthy, and none of them, if the intelligence reports were correct, capable of holding their own against their foreign contemporaries. They would have been especially good targets for the newest Japanese ships. No, the new American Navy would be centred around the aircraft carrier, and would consist of only the most modern vessels.
"Mr. President, General Westover has arrived."
"Thank you, George, tell him I'll be there shortly."
Roosevelt sighed again, this time in relief. Westover didn't give a damn if there was a fleet out there or not. He cared about his planes, and Roosevelt's plans called for lots of those. Sliding Swanson's report into's its proper folder, the President of the United States rolled into the next room.
Scrapping the Fleet
All We Have Left Us
February 3, 1936: General Malin Craig of the Army and General Oscar Westover of the Air Force sat in uncomfortable silence, waiting for the President to enter and this strange meeting to begin. Admiral Swanson was also there, sitting not so much in silence, but in a sort of glum rage. "Damn shame, what he did to your boys," Craig managed. Swanson nodded, but said nothing. Another minute of silence passed before Westover blurted out "I heard he's gone crazy, had some sort of dream, thinks the Nazis are gonna come burstin' through the doors at any moment." Craig snorted. "If that's the case, maybe we'll finally get some real funding, be able to buy more than just some old Fords." Swanson's face turned red. "F^%$ your funding. This meeting damn well better be about what he's going to do about the Navy or I'm gone, I'm retiring."
"You need not be so hasty, Admiral, your fleet will be reborn."
The three officers leaped to their feet, saluting, startled that the President had snuck up on them. "Mr. President..."
"Please gentlemen, I've had a busy day already and we have much to go over. Be seated." When they were seated and silent, Roosevelt began.
"The armed forces of the United States are in a pathetic state, and were in such a state long before I sent your boys home, Swanson." The Admiral glared darkly at that statement, but remained silent. "I have called this meeting today to inform you that this country will undergo a significant buildup of its military strength over the next four years, both in quantity and in quality. By the summer of 1940, the Navy will consist of 6 Colorado Class battleships, 6 Yorktown Class aircraft carriers, 6 Lexington Class battlecruisers, 15 New Orleans Class heavy cruisers, 15 modern light cruisers, and 18 squadrons of modern destroyers. In addition, at least 6 squadrons of modern submarines will also be in operation, possibly as many as 18. Beyond the summer of 1940, the Navy will continue to expand, adding a further 16 battleships, 16 carriers, 16 battlecruisers, 42 heavy cruisers, 42 light cruisers, 48 squadrons of destroyers, and 30 to 42 squadrons of submarines over the course of three years, all, of course, of the most modern design. This will bring the total size of the United States Navy to an operational strength of 280 capital ships with their escorting destroyers by the summer of 1943. Admiral Swanson, are you all right?"
Swanson had been taking a sip of water when the President had said "280," and now was struggling to remove that water from his windpipe. Red-faced, he stared at the President in disbelief. "But, Mr. President, that fleet is even larger than the one you just scra--...disbanded, sir. Where will you get the funding? Congress certainly won't approve that large a buildup. And besides, you'll just end up scrapping the whole thing again. Sir."
"Admiral, your concerns are well founded. Let me assure you first and foremost, this fleet we will build will not experience the same fate as the last. By building the fleet in four stages, each stage utilizing a newer class of ship, we will be able to maintain the vitality of the Navy while vastly expanding its size and power. And when the time does come that those ships currently being constructed (again, Swanson choked) are obsolete, we will only be forced to disband a quarter of our strength rather than the whole, and will have their replacements either ready or at least on the way."
"Excuse me, sir," Westover interrupted. "Did you say there are ships currently under construction?"
"You heard correctly, General. Currently 1 carrier, 3 battleships, and 4 battlecruisers are already on the way, and will be ready sometime next year. As time passes, and Hoover's "Small World" campaign begins to take effect, we'll be able to build more."
"Small World?" Craig wondered aloud.
"Yes, General, Mr. Hoover over at the FBI has been listening to my ideas and has offered his assisstance in educating the American public about their responsibilities in the modern world. A Mr. Disney, whom I think you are all familiar with, has lent his assisstance as well, and the two of them have named their campaign "It's a Small World." Catchy, isn't it? Anyway, back to business. General Westover, you will be happy to know that I have secured adequate funding and a contract with Boeing to build 500 B-17s to augment your current force of 100. Planes should begin coming off the assembly line within weeks. In addition, I have spoken with Air Marshall Arnold..."
"Major General Arnold, sir."
"Not anymore, General. Arnold has assissted me in putting together plans for our new Air Force, and he will take over operational command of your B-17s. As soon as a decent escort fighter can be designed, 600 of those will also be delivered to him. They will form our 1st Strategic Air Arm, and should be ready by 1939 at the latest. In addition, the United States Air Force will have by 1940 600 naval bombers, 600 tactical bombers, and 300 close air support aircraft, all of them with equal numbers of escort fighters. Also, while Mr. Limbergh continues in his unfortunate support for Hitler and his cronies, his ideas on the utilization of fighters have some merit. A force of 1200 air superiority fighters will complement the strategic and tactical components. Like the Navy, the Air Force will triple in size by 1943. Any questions, General Westover?"
"Um, no sir."
"Good. Moving along. General Craig, as it currently stands, the United States Army has exactly 5 divisions, is that correct?"
"Yes, sir, 4 infantry and 1 cavalry."
"The cavalry is worthless, and will be disbanded, as will be the infantry in the Philippines..."
"Mr. President!"
"I see no reason to maintain an armed force in the Philippines at the present moment. Japan is a nuisance for now, Germany is the real threat, and that is what this meeting is about. General Craig, the United States Army will, by 1939, consist not of 5 divisions but of 60, divided into 10 corps. The first troops are already, as you know, training in Georgia."
"Is that all, Mr. President? 60 divisions? If the intelligence is correct, Germany has about 40 already, and by '39 will probably have over 100! And what about tanks? The few we have are hopelessly obsolete."
"I'm well aware of that, General, but I've got my plate full enough with Swanson's ships, Westover's bombers, and your infantry. We simply don't have the funding to build tanks at this points. And, as you pointed out, what would be the point? We will have to put off the construction of our armored forces until the time is right."
"Yes, sir. So what happens after the first 60 divisions are delivered? The Air Force and the Navy continue their expansion. Will the Army?"
"The expansion of the Army will be conducted in a slightly different manner. As we have already mentioned, we won't be building any tanks until we have some worth building. Also, I've heard the Russians have constructed a motorised division, with the infantry riding into battle on trucks instead of slugging it out on the ground. We should be doing that, and when we are ready, we will augment our marching infantry with motorised. If it is at all possible, I think we should look into constructing mechanized infantry as well to escort our tanks."
"What about paratroops?" Westover chimed in.
"Again, something the Russians have beaten us to. If the theory is proved viable, I see no reason why we should not utilize paratroopers. But we have drifted to far from the point. You asked about the expansion of the Army. If all avenues of research pan out, by 1943, the Army should consist of 60 frontline infantry divisions with an additional 30 in reserve, 60 frontline motorized infantry divisions with, again, 30 in reserve, 30 armored divisions, and possibly 30 mechanized infantry divisions, 6 to 18 divisions of mountain-combat trained infantry, and 6 divisions of paratroopers in 2 corps. For the Pacific..."
"There's more?!?" Craig blurted.
"For the Pacific, a garrison of roughly 1,000 men will be organized for each of our possessions, except, of course, the Philippines. Between 18 and 30 divisions of marines will be organized by 1943, augmented by 12 to 24 infantry divisions, and an equal number of motorized infantry. If possible, 6 armored and 6 mechanized infantry will also be ready. In total, minus garrison units, the Army will have between 318 and 378 active divisions by 1943."
A stunned silence blanketed the table as the three men pondered Roosevelt's new plan.
"Sir, by 1943, we'll be the greatest military force on the planet. I agree, sir, we need to beef up our forces, but my God, sir, what ever will you need so many troops for?"
"Gentlemen, I'm sure you are both aware of our poor relations with Germany and Japan. While the prospects for war now seem distant, I fear they are much closer. And I have had a dream. I dreamt that I saw American boys dying in droves on wet sand. Up the beach, on the crest of a ridge, flew the Nazi flag, the red sun of dawn rising behind it. Then it all disappeared in a blinding flash of light, which faded very slowly. Then I was looking at more American boys, again in dirty uniforms, huddling together for warmth as strange planes screamed overhead. Their faces blurred, and suddenly I was staring again at young soldiers, this time in fresh uniforms, manning a roadblock in a great city. There were frightened and pointing into the distance, where I saw boys from some other country building a great wall of stone and barbed wire. I blinked, and now I was struggling through a dense, steaming jungle, looking for something, but I did not know what. All through the dream I felt this unrelenting sadness and dread. When I woke up, I knew what I had feared. Gentlemen, this Army, this Air Force, this Navy I am building is for one purpose, and one purpose only: to destroy the Soviet Union."
August 29, 1936: Roosevelt was exhausted, and angry to boot. News from the Spanish Civil War was bad, and getting worse. Fascist forces under General Franco had forced the Republicans into a pocket in the southeast and were now preparing for one last assault. When it had broken out six weeks before, he had urged Congressional leaders to sanction his call for volunteers. They had refused, and had instead intensified their campaign against his arms buildup. "Imperialist" was heard in the halls of Congress so often these days, it had lost much of its sting, but he would not countenance being called a communist. Damn Joe Stalin! He had sent volunteers and material to the Republicans almost immediately, and with the refusal of Britain and France to do the same, to aid the Republicans would make him out to be precisely what they called him. At least Congress didn't know that Stalin was his ultimate target, not a potential ally. If Congress didn't know, the world shouldn't know. Still, he felt compelled to do something to cover his tracks, and managed to work out a trade deal with the Republicans in which the United States would provide ample supplies of coal, oil, metals, rare materials, and even cash in exchange for promises of future reimbursement. He had intended to make this deal the centerpiece for an entire policy aimed at aiding those nations defending their freedom, but the bleating cows in Congress opposed him at every step. At least most in his own party seemed to be falling into line. Good thing, too, with the election only six weeks off...
July 18, 1937: With a great deal of pride and a flourish of his pen, Roosevelt signed the Pittman Act, pledging American material support the Nationalist China and it's United Front allies against the aggressive war waged on it by Japan. Finally, with the impending doom of the Republicans in Spain, and the rapid advances of the Japanese, Congress seemed to be wising up. Indeed, he had almost the entire backing of his party. The "Small World" campaign was finally beginning to pay dividends as well, and several more ships were under construction in New York and Norfolk. The camera bulbs popped and flashed, and Roosevelt smiled for the world to see.
September 1, 1937: His stomach growled, but he paid it no mind as he poured over the latest reports from China. He was too busy to eat. Fortunately, the Japanese seem to have been halted for the time being. Unfortunately, they had captured Nanjing two weeks before, and the horror stories from there were still coming in. He wondered how many of them were true, how many were false, how many were exaggerated. He didn't really care in any case. Japanese soldiers had murdered innocent civilians, that much was sure. At least with their armies stalled, they wouldn't be able to sack anymore cities. Not yet, he reminded himself glumly. Still, the "Small World" campaign was working, and he had even heard some Congressmen calling for an immediate declaration of war on Japan. Of course, there wasn't nearly enough support in the country for that drastic a measure, and Roosevelt wouldn't have done it anyway...the Navy wasn't ready to deal with Japan. He glared at a report from the OSS. It said the Soviets were also sending aid to the Chinese, and had been since August 17. He welcomed any assisstance against the Japanese, and was secretly glad they had signed the Anti-Comintern Pact with Germany and Italy, but worried about how close Chiang Kai Shek would get with Stalin. Probably not very, but you never could tell about these things. A small lump of ice settled in his stomach as he pondered throwing the Soviets out of China, or even worse, a communist China.
Japan Stalled in China
March 26, 1939: Roosevelt pounded his fist on the table, shouting in anger. He had just recieved the official reply from the British government. He had asked, hell, practically begged them to confront Hitler now, to refuse to allow any aggression against the Czechs. Instead they had folded, and signed some treaty in Munich. He had taken Austria, and now they had let him take Czechoslovakia. If they seriously thought he would leave them alone now, they were in for a rude awakening. His promise to make no more territorial claims in Europe had already proven hollow, since he had pressured Lithuania to give up the city of Memel after he had annexed part of the Czechoslovakia and left the rest for his Slovak puppet, Tiso. Now Italy had declared war on Albania. Dear God, Albania! What could that twit Mussolini want with Albania? Well, Obviously, it would be a launching point for any Balkan adventures the Italian dictator decided to embark upon, but would the British and French confront even Mussolini? An emphatic "We'll do our best" was their answer. For a moment, he contemplated confronting Il Duce himself, but then backed off. The country wasn't ready. The army still only had about 40 divisions, enough to fight Italy, but not if Germany intervened and Roosevelt had no allies. Besides, the Navy wasn't ready, it was still waiting for its destroyers. And while his strategic bombers were ready, there would be nowhere to bomb Rome from without England or France. Steaming, he resigned himself, and Albania, to their respective fates.
September 3, 1939: The White House was abuzz with activity, fear and anticipation permeating the air. News of the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact had astounded the world only 10 days before, and the last vestiges of Congressional opposition to his armament policies had vanished as Europe seemed certain to plunge itself into war. In the waning days of August, Latvia and Lithuania had given in to Russian demands and become part of the Soviet Union. Two days ago, German forces plunged into Poland. Finally, after much hand wringin, Britain and France led their Allies into war with Germany. Roosevelt, convinced the time had come, prepared to join them. The fleet was still about 4/5 completed, but vital transport units were ready to float the Army to Europe. Air Marshall Arnold had already packed his belongings and claimed to have purchased tickets for the first ship to Britain. President Roosevelt gave the orders for all military units to go on high alert. The Army began moving men into the ports at New York and Norfolk. He had already announced he would be making a special announcement on radio tomorrow night concerning the conflict in Europe. The day after that, he would ask Congress for a declaration of war.
September 4, 1939: Roosevelt sat ashen faced in front of the microphone as the seconds ticked away. Yesterday, he had been ready for this moment, he had been ready to lead his nation first against Germany, then later against Russia. But things were different today.
"You're on, Mr. President."
"My fellow Americans, as you well know, eleven days ago, Germany and the Soviet Union entered into what they termed a non-aggression pact. It appears that pact has only deterred aggression against each other as each nation has in recent days attacked its neighbors. Now, the great democratic civilizations of the West are engaged in a mighty struggle with the forces of Nazi Germany, a struggle which, until yesterday, I believed this nation would join as well. However, it is apparent to me now, after the massive peace demonstrations of yesterday and today, demonstrations that took place in every major city across this great country, that this nation does not want this war, and will not fight it. Therefore, I will not ask Congress for a declaration of war, as I had intended. Instead, tomorrow, I will address the Congress, asking that whatever we have to give to the heroic defenders of freedom in Europe should be given. It is my earnest hope that peace will soon reign again over Europe, but be assured, this government will maintain our present steady growth of military might if it does not. Goodnight, and God Bless You."
November 16, 1939: With a half-hearted smile, Roosevelt signed the bill making his "Arsenal of Democracy" policy law. He now had more funding than ever before to bolster the armed forces, but no support for involving the United States in the war now smouldering in Europe. Poland was already long gone, the eastern half of it occupied by the Red Army sometime in late September, and with the Altmark incident, the war was threatening to spread to Scandinavia. Still, with little happening on the ground, support for American intervention remained stagnant. Sighing, Roosevelt prepared himself mentally for another bout with the final few Congressional Republicans still concerned with the constitutionality of his military buildup.
March 1, 1940: The day broke cold, but mercifully clear after the steady rain of the past week. The dawn held a deeper meaning to Roosevelt, however, as it symbolized his nation finally awakening to its destiny. While little seemed to be happening between Germany and the Allies, Hungary had joined the Axis in November. More importantly, the Soviet Union had fought a disastrous war against Finland which, while the Finns were forced to give in, seemed to have been the straw that broke the camel's back. Popular demonstrations against the war had ceased, and now people were actually marching in favor of American intervention. The time was ripe, and Congress was waiting. Across the Atlantic, the Allies were waiting as well.
"Mr. Speaker, the President of the United States."
The applause was thundrous as he approached the podium, his son helping him stand. When the clapping finally died down, he began to speak.
"For six months now, the free men of Europe have been assailed by those who would make them slaves. We free men have stood idly by, unable, or unwilling to help. We have watched the newsreels as Warsaw was bombed to rubble. Now we watch and wait for something to happen in Europe. No more. The events of the previous weeks, the letters from your constituents, from the American people, have poured in along with thousands upon thousands of volunteers. Opposition to the war is over. America is giving you her voice, let her speak. Let America be the one to strike the deciding blow in the conflict. Let America liberate Poland. Let America liberate Czechoslovakia. Let America liberate Austria. Let America liberate Germany. Gentlemen, I ask that the Congress declare that a state of war exists between the United States and Germany."
America Joins the War
Please watch the f-word. Thanks & good luck in this one!
Stroph, AAR Moderator
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