The Eagle and the Pentagon - U.S.AAR

[Gormytorysh]

Is the game programmed to follow closely the history?

Well, up to a certain point yes. There are some chains of events that are fired when a player does not interfere directly or indirectly. For instance, with Germany you start by taking back the Rhineland, though I amnot sure if this one is part of the chain, or start with the Anschluss of Austria, then the Munich treaty, full annexation of Czech part of Czechoslovakia, Molotov - von Ribbentrop pact and ending with Danzig or War. I think that is the sequence.

Interfering directly is Germany is at war with allied forces or one of the affecting nations is causing trouble. Indirectly is best explained with this picture. Normally Japan would invade Nationalist China with the Marco Polo bridge incident. In this case I placed stacks of units along the border, so either the event did not fire for Japanese AI or they choose not to go for it (do not know the options of the event actually). Either way, just by placing loads and loads of units, it did not happen .

Spoiler

You have an interesting AAR going. Having waged WWII as the US myself, I'm interested in seeing how you handle it.

Thanks and welcome. Hopefully you will not be disappointed .

Next update is on its way, 1940, and after that I am up to speed with my game

 

[Gormytorysh]

1940: The real start of World War II​

After conquering Denmark, Germany regrouped their forces along the western border while France did the same along the border they shared with Germany. Belgium and the Netherlands did the same although the Dutch still assumed Germany would acknowledge their neutral status and would not attack. Sadly this would be a wrong assumption. In April 1940 Germany attacked the small duchy of Luxemburg and about a day later, the little country was taken. Almost simultaneously Germany landed in Norway who offered little resistance and when the Germans marched through Oslo, the only thing they could do was to sue for peace.

Germany conquers Luxemburg​

Norway surrenders to Germany​

In late April president MacArthur convinced the congress that at least some mobilisation was eminent. Also drafting young men for the US Army was needed according to him, which would be the in effect as of August 1940. On August 16th the Soviet Union annexed the Baltic states as part of the Molotov – von Ribbentrop pact. With no other country to back them, they had no other option than to join the Soviet Union. That same day Belgium surrendered to Germany while the European part of the Dutch kingdom is occupied by the Germans. Their 3rd Reich was growing strong and France would struggle to keep their independence with their northern borders exposed.
Beginning of October, the German advance in France was devastating and Paris was encircled. On October 16th the French forces gave up and surrendered to Germany. As the Germans had no intention at this point to take control of French territories in Africa, a collaboration government was installed called Vichy France. Japan claimed French Indochina from the French, who were “more than happy” to hand over this part of their territory.

Baltic states join the USSR and Germany conquers Belgium​

Paris encircled by the German Army​

The French surrender to the Germans​

After already 4 years in office, President MacArthur admitted to himself that presidency was not his cup of tea at this point in his career and with a significant threat of the US joining the war, willingly or not, he decided not to run for another term in office. The elections in November were won by the Republican candidate Wendell Willkie, a former Democrat and Wall Street industrialist who had never before run for public office. Willkie held off other candidates senators Robert Taft and Arthur Vandenberg and District Attorney Thomas Dewey.
Willkie, although just as inexperienced as MacArthur, acknowledged the threat throughout the world and agreed with his general staff that budget and recruits were needed and top priority.

The new government​

 

[Asantahene]

It's all happening-a bit shocked at MacArthur's decision not to stand again though! Why?

Also the screenshots are rather difficult to see any detail in as they can't be enlarged-any chance of you posting them in a higher resolution?

 

[Gormytorysh]

Good point, I'll see if I can get them in a higher resolution. I think I still have the originals on my computer at home.

 

[Nathan Madien]

I am very happy that Willkie won the election, although one game error sticks out at me like a sore thumb:

Charles McNary should be Head of Government, given that he was Willkie's running mate in the election. Instead we have Joel B. Clark, which makes no sense because he is a Democrat and Willkie is a Republican.

 

[Gormytorysh]

Good point, I'll see if I can get them in a higher resolution. I think I still have the originals on my computer at home.

Ok, silly me replacing the originals with the adjusted ones . Also deleted my save game when cleaning my computer, luckily I did manage to retrieve those!

I am very happy that Willkie won the election, although one game error sticks out at me like a sore thumb: Charles McNary should be Head of Government, given that he was Willkie's running mate in the election. Instead we have Joel B. Clark, which makes no sense because he is a Democrat and Willkie is a Republican.

Well, there are a 'few' flaws in the game. For instance, playing the Netherlands (and Queen Wilhelmina is head of state), every message you receive, it starts with "King".... did not know she had surgery?!

OT: I hope I can get a next update today or either tomorrow. Been playing quite some hours this weekend, so enough action to mention soon . Not boring times anymore!

 

[Gormytorysh]

1941: Tension is rising for the USA​

With Willkie in control, change was upon the US. Where MacArthur was struggling with politics and giving it an army-like approach, Willkie was looking for a more diplomatic-industry based approach, which seem to be working more. Although not aligning themselves with any of the worlds factions, the US had most sympathy for the allied forces. More or less based on same ideals and given the fact they bonded together in the previous world war. Without taking any side, the Lend-Lease act was formally adopted on January 1st, 1941, early in the morning. This act provided food, oil and material to the UK, Free France and later to the USSR. That same day the British transferred control of both Greenland and Iceland to the US so the UK could focus their attention towards the Germans in Europe, the Italians in Africa and the Japanese in Asia. Later that day Willkie had an emergency meeting and asked for a two year draft and full mobilisation of the industry.

Lend-Lease act and transfer of control​

Law changes on January 1st, 1941​

In Europe the war was at full speed, especially with Germany and Italy wreaking havoc across the continent. The results were Germany conquering Yugoslavia in April 30th and Italy conquering Greece in July. Especially the ruthless occupation of yet another large country in Europe made the call to help other nations even bigger among the Americans. This call was used by Willkie to increase his efforts to make the US army “War Ready”. A few days after the occupation of Yugoslavia the two year draft was increased by one year and the economy was given a war status. With these laws in place the production of war material and training of troops was heavily increased.

Law changes in April, 1941​

Production in the US, April 1941​

On June 19th news reached the President: Germany declared war on the Soviet Union! In the Months after, the US started to prepare itself for war. With the territory hungry Germans in the east and the Japanese in the west, war was inevitable. Germany would not pose an immediate threat as it just declared war on the Soviet Union and would be occupied in Eastern Europe for months for sure. However, Japan and its powerful Imperial Japanese Navy could knock on USA’s door at any given moment. After asking the Chief of the Army, Douglas MacArthur, what his advice was in this matter, MacArthur said he would move almost all of the Navy to the Pacific and fill up the island of Guam with enough units before the end of January 1942. Willkie agreed to the plan and informed Admiral Nimitz to execute the plan. By the end of 1941 about 75% of the troops stationed in the west moved to Guam and 80% of the fleet was occupying the harbour of Guam. Feeling secure enough, Willkie discussed an embargo of Germany, Japan and Italy with the congress making sure no more supplies moved out of the United States to any of the villain states. Decision was postponed to January 1942…….

Germany and the SU are a war​

 

[Asantahene]

It's all hotting up but still can't really read those screenies

 

[Gormytorysh]

It's all hotting up but still can't really read those screenies

I know, but I replaced the originals. Any update that is coming up from now on will have larger images. The good stuff is coming up, just need to sort about 100 screenies and see which I will use or not.

 

[sebas379]

Its about to go down with Japan. Is the fleet ready for them? After all Germany is occupied but Japan really has only one main enemy assuming Britain is hard pressed with its fleet in /europe.

 

[Gormytorysh]

Its about to go down with Japan. Is the fleet ready for them? After all Germany is occupied but Japan really has only one main enemy assuming Britain is hard pressed with its fleet in /europe.

The fleet should be ready after reading the previous posts about fleet composition. Though I am confident that the IJN will face death soon. Germany should be least of my problems and the main threat is Japan really. Tech is pretty much up to date, army is on a roll with new fresh recruits on the way and generals are eager to earn their place in history! Will update Friday, or tomorrow if I have enough time to write.

 

[Asantahene]

I know, but I replaced the originals. Any update that is coming up from now on will have larger images. The good stuff is coming up, just need to sort about 100 screenies and see which I will use or not.

Fantastic!

 

[Gormytorysh]

January 1st 1942 – February 11th 1942: Last remains of peace​

January 1942 – Congress debated heavily about whether to impose an embargo on the three major Axis members: Germany, Japan and Italy. Although the majority agreed that such an action was necessary, this same majority claimed it would suck the US into war while not fully prepared for it yet. President Willkie called General MacArthur, General Arnold and Admiral Nimitz into a meeting on January 31st.

Willkie: Gentlemen, I’d like to get a status report.

MacArthur: Mr. President, the last troops arrived in Guam late in the evening local time. My advice right now is to give them a week to get used to the climate and to go over the different strategies we laid out. The general idea is, if Japan decides to declare war, to invade Japan itself immediately instead of taking control over their Pacific islands. Reports indicate that their forces on these island can be neglected and with invading Japan we strike at the heart of their empire which give them two options. A: they retreat their forces from the Asian mainland, or B: keep their forces on the mainland and hope the army in Japan will hold. I suspect they will go for option B. In either case, they will be focussed on the defence almost ruling out their ability to strike at one of our Pacific bases.

Nimitz: The Navy is ready. Almost all attacking vessels are in or in front of the port of Guam. Our job is to make sure the IJN will not attack our landing forces and we are confident we can fight them off. Let’s hope they keep their navy far from Japan and will be surprised with a daring attack as suggested by General MacArthur.

Arnold: Mr. President, I am sorry to say that, due to lack of investments, the USAAF will not participate in this operation with any land based planes. Instead we will conduct scouting missions along the east coast to make sure Germany will do something crazy. Additionally I would like to ask you to reconsider USAAF budget.

Willkie: Thank you gentlemen and General Arnold, I will think about it. Although I would like to ask you to investigate the progress made in research of Jet Engines. General MacArthur, Admiral Nimitz, I am sure the Army and Navy are in your capable hands. I will inform congress a week from now on the 7th of February and will ask them to agree to the embargo’s.

MacArthur and Nimitz: Thank you sir!

Arnold: I will leave for the rocket facility right away and will report to you as soon as possible.

The US Navy is ready for action​

The US Army is in position​

On February 7th, 1942 Willkie asked the congress to vote for the embargo of Germany, Japan and Italy and explained the US Army and Navy are ready to sustain any threat by Japan. After the vote, 78% voted for the embargo’s and they were issued that same day. The three nations were notified about the embargo.

Japan receives a message about an embargo imposed by the US​

Germany receives a message about an embargo imposed by the US​

Italy receives a message about an embargo imposed by the US​

February 11th, 1942: The Japanese ambassador sends a message to President Willkie which states that Japan declares war on the United States. Willkie’s response was plain and simple: “Advise your Emperor to start learning the English language, he will need it!”
Upon the declaration, Willkie enacted a few laws and called out to all available men to enlist or work in the factories.

Japan declares war and new laws enacted​

 

[Gormytorysh]

February 12th 1942 – February 28th 1942: WAR! ​

Februay 12th, 1942, early in the morning. A young private of the 1st US Marine Corps writes to his parents right before embarking and setting sail to Japan.

Dear mom and dad,

Today we set sail for Japan and General MacArthur gave us a thundering speech about the loyalty of the Japanese towards their emperor and country and that we would not have to expect any mercy from them and we should give them hell. It is to kill or be killed and many of us are both nervous and anxious. This is what we are trained to do and the entire operation depends on how well we do.

Stephenson, our platoon sergeant, is a very capable leader and we trust him he will lead us to glory. I consider his speech he gave our platoon even more impressive than MacArthur’s. Let’s hope that what he says is true and we will prevail, take a port fast so that more of the infantry can land and help us to gain a strong position to work from.

I have to go now and I hope to write again from the land of the rising sun.

Your son,
Donald

The young private was one of the first to storm the shores of Japan and one of the first that got killed in action.

Invasion of Japan by the US on February 14th 1942​

In 2 days 1st Marine Corps managed to get a strong beachhead in the province of Hamamatsu, a small town close to the port of Nagoya.

1st US Marine Corps’ 2 days rapid advance Hamamastu/ Shizuoka​

The advance went above all expectations and a few days after the initial landing more troops arrived by ship. While 1st Marine Corps was expanding territory fast, 1st Corps of the US Army attacked Yokkaichi while 2nd Corps attacked Nagoya from the sea as there were no ships from the IJN in the port of Nagoya.
A week after the invasion the IJN made their first appearance and the first naval battle was a fact. Although the US Navy won that battle, it lost the USS Colorado, one of their battle ships, while the IJN only lost a light cruiser and some destroyers.

Hamamatsu and Shizuoka taken, attack on Nagoya from Hamamatsu and the sea, invasion in Yokkaichi​

The 1st Naval battle is won, but at what cost….​

After 10 days of fighting the US forces already occupied a major port and an airfield and was knocking back Japanese forces more easy than expected. Tokyo still was quite far away, though within reach…..

After 10 days the US have a strong presence in Japan​

 

[sebas379]

Well, that is going to be a VERY short Pacific War.

 

[Idhrendur]

Oh my! Going right for the head!

 

[Gormytorysh]

Well, that is going to be a VERY short Pacific War.

Let us hope so. That would mean I would not have to invest that much extra in the Navy .

Oh my! Going right for the head!

But of course I am . In numbers Japan has more men in the area as I still have a load on the US east coast. So I rather be efficient.

 

[Gormytorysh]

March 1st 1942 – April 30th 1942: Honshu Overrun - part I​

With first successes in the invasion of Japan in place and the capture of a major port, secured by a large fleet, more troops were shipped in and send to the front upon arrival. Initially Japanese forces gave the US soldiers a hard time to advance towards Tokyo. Once most of the regular soldiers were on the run, defence was thrown in the hands of Japanese Marines without any warning. These more combat experienced troops put up a more fierce fight, especially Marines stationed near Tokyo. Reports mentioned the evacuation of the Emperor and the government and the main reason for the heavy defence. After that, Tokyo itself would be of not much importance anymore strategically speaking. On the offensive side Japan’s army was scattered too much across the Asian continent to make a difference in the Pacific. Their plan to invade US Pacific bases was executed officially but in practice little of it was carried out. On March 23rd Japan occupied Attu Island. While Japan was trying to reinforce Honshu in the hopes of not losing their main island, the US army steamrolled over the Japanese forces present. First progress was made to the south, later to the north as well, after the evacuation was complete.

Japan occupies Attu Island​

Progress in Japan between March 18th and April 22nd, 1942​

After securing the South of Honshu and taking Shikoku, the US army wanted to take Kyushu, the southern “large” island of the original Japanese Empire. While trying to cross the sea, they stumbled upon some of the bravest Japanese soldiers not willing to give up and would fight their way to the death. Coming from water onto land this would result in a massacre for the US. Therefore MacArthur and Nimitz agreed another invasion from the sea would tip the scale in US favour. On April 23rd, 4th and 5th Marine Division tried to land near Sasebo and the attack seemed to be going quite well until the IJN showed up. MacArthur and Nimitz did expect a force just not one at this scale. After 2 days battling at sea, the US Navy lost and retreated meaning the invasion of Kyushu had to be postponed and another try would be in May. Although the battle was lost and the invasion failed, the US did manage to sink the Ise (Ise-class) and Fuso (Fuso-class), 2 of Japans renowned battleships, in the process.

Invasion of Kyushu​

2nd Major naval battle April 25th, 1942​

The Fuso (left) and Ise (right) in better times​

In 1941 construction started of the Pentagon and after about a year the first part was finished and immediately used.

Progress of the Pentagon in April, 1942​

 

[Idhrendur]

This war is not good for Japan. Not good at all. But holding you off from Kyushu is something at least. I doubt it will help them for long, though.

 

[Gormytorysh]

This war is not good for Japan. Not good at all. But holding you off from Kyushu is something at least. I doubt it will help them for long, though.

I think actually for the first in a long time, I underestimated an opponent. I agree that it will not help them in the long run, but a defeat it was nonetheless..... feels rather unsettling .