January 4, 1945*
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Now that Mande St. Etienne is in our hands, Flamisoul is the next target. Advance rapidly and capture Flamisoul and the surrounding road network. Division HQ says resistance is expected to be light. Personally, I'm a bit troubled by the strength of the Germans in Mande yesterday, and some of the prisoners talked about an upcoming attack. Be prepared for anything. The air force is still grounded, and we don't really have any idea what German forces may be nearby. The good news is, we have been allocated a company of Shermans from the 11th Armored Division. Good luck, commander.*
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Game Note: This is a critical battle in the campaign. Although any result will advance you to the next battle, if you obtain a major or minor victory, you will have substantially greater build and support points in the following battles.*
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Historical Note: Unknown to the 513th, the Germans were preparing their own attack to recapture Mande St. Etienne.  The 2nd battalion of the 513th, supported by tanks, attacked toward Flamisoul, but on the whole made little progress against tough resistance. One platoon of 513th paratroopers fought its way through to the village, but all its men were subsequently killed or captured.*
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