convoy faith convoy faith small fast allied convoy world war suffered heavy casualties attacked german long range bombers route britain west_africa july convoy comprised large freighter later joined destroyers frigates escorts dates sailed july california york liners carrying military personnel west_africa locally recruited troops embarked reinforcements allied forces burma middle_east freighter port fairy carrying ammunition ultimately bound australia new_zealand panama canal evening july days sailing convoy faith attacked severely damaged subsequently sunk torpedoes escorts personnel aboard ships killed freighter escaped unscathed damaged second air attack july route loss delayed movement division west african soldiers india replacements arrived british military surprised attack convoy faith believed longer posed threat response convoy route britain africa moved west german force attempted repeat success convoy faith carrying similar attacks convoys sustained heavy losses allied anti aircraft guns aircraft background august june german luftwaffe air_force unit iii based airport southern france equipped attacked allied shipping travelling atlantic unit number successful attacks convoys individual ships traveling western approaches route britain gibraltar response allies increased anti aircraft armament carried merchant ships began deploy ships escort carriers provide fighter protection convoys months improved defences inflicted heavy losses force ceased attacking shipping early iii mainly operated reconnaissance role reported targets boats attack small number attacks ships travelling britain gibraltar onwards cost unit destroyed action seven accidents result vulnerability allied defences commander luftwaffe atlantic anti shipping force recommended december aircraft withdrawn service british military conducted regular convoys transfer personnel united_kingdom middle_east india late convoy route assigned code widely believed special honor prime minister winston_churchill convoys typically comprised large ocean liners converted protected strong force warships mediterranean_sea war zone convoys normally traveled clyde scotland middle_east south asia cape good hope southern tip africa route ships typically stopped west_africa refuel embark water cape_town south_africa german aircraft submarines surface ships attacked convoys occasion prelude despite poor performance iii ability attack allied shipping improved late year months unit received variants fitted sight reduced vulnerability anti aircraft fire allowing bomb targets medium altitudes previously able attack accurately low levels unit fitted surface search radar improved ability locate allied ships early decided use aircraft renew attacks convoys travelling gibraltar attempt disrupt allied buildup mediterranean tunisia campaign attacks began early march conducted portugal lisbon cape vincent area range allied fighter aircraft based gibraltar escort carriers available protect convoys iii sank merchant ships damaged march start july loss response british began use fighters patrol bay deployed additional squadrons patrol aircraft gibraltar embarked signals intelligence teams board warships bay monitor radio communications february british government decided transfer recently raised west_africa division west_africa india burma campaign unit required shipping space british divisions fighting units supported thousands facilitate division movement additional assigned regular convoys division advance parties departed convoys april 6th west_africa brigade embarked ships convoy july planned transport division remaining brigades convoys 5th west_africa brigade second division brigades shipped west_africa brigade comprised personnel scheduled depart convoy july liners bay available carry men decided sail california directly clyde provide remaining california liner spent years war armed merchant cruiser converted previously carried troops bombay india convoys returned clyde gibraltar june convoy spent month docked glasgow undergoing repairs work complete california began embark personnel bound west_africa july accompanied voyage york tasked carrying royal_air_force personnel civilians west_africa missed earlier convoy owing electrical problems like california york pre war liner converted prior ships departure decided use york transport elements 5th west_africa brigade bombay ships arrived california instead carry west african personnel middle_east attack california york sailed afternoon july spent night anchor clyde shortly getting underway early day joined port fairy bound australia new_zealand west_africa panama canal master york captain wood probably served convoy commodore wood master liner prior war remained command ship november transferred york held rank commander royal naval reserve merchant ships escorted destroyer hms douglas frigate hms july canadian destroyer joined convoy day commanding officer commander senior officer present chose assume command convoy destroyer remain entire journey route taken convoy faith similar recent convoys sailing britain africa strength escort force smaller assigned regular convoys believed submarines posed main threat warships provide adequate protection convoy faith detected german july kilometres portuguese coast aircraft near ships broadcasting signal joined aircraft commenced attack convoy shortly time convoy faith deployed formation intended protect ships submarines port fairy sailing line abreast york westernmost ships california centre port fairy east group located yards ahead escorts flank wood maintained formation spotted belief aircraft submarines conduct attack attack altitude feet despite heavy anti aircraft fire escorts california badly damaged near miss plane attack hit bombs dropped second attacker damage caused bombs flooded ship holds set fire california passengers evacuated board crew tried save ship proved unsuccessful abandoned ship later night york came attack bombs hit centre ship set fire fire brought control abandoned july port fairy near misses suffer significant damage subsequently torpedoed sunk escorts york douglas fear attract german submarines area differing accounts casualties board official figures state people killed board york board california survivors rescued destroyers including subsequently taken north_africa warships seamen returned britain military personnel continued west_africa board frigate hms gibraltar scheduled rendezvous sighted convoy attack attacked bombs falling yards astern conducting sweep convoy ordered escort port fairy following day rescued survivors hour ships attacked returning reconnaissance mission despite intervention united_states_navy sent aid bomb hit port fairy starboard quarter starting fire magazine steering eventually drove machine gun fire german seriously wounded engagement came alongside port fairy aid extinction fire port fairy danger exploding survivors passengers transferred blaze eventually extinguished ships continued remaining incident port fairy steering engines port fairy suffer casualties attack repaired arrival aftermath losses suffered convoy faith shocked british military believed force longer posed significant threat decision use route similar previous convoys despite convoy faith small escort attractive target assessment action admiral charles forbes commander chief plymouth strongly criticised taking action attack criticised captain assuming command convoy canadian official history argues doubtful acted differently circumstances order prevent repetition attack convoy routes britain west_africa moved west limit range loss california york represented heavy blow allies heavily committed fleet large york intended role filled disembarked convoy faith survivors embarked gold coast elements 5th west_africa brigade august bay loaded remainder unit west african ports convoy sailed august joined sea days later liner left owing mechanical fault eventually disembarked soldiers bombay late september sailing convoy west african personnel transported middle_east board california embarked convoy september arrived destination early november germans attempted build success convoy faith carrying medium altitude attacks convoys iii sank ships july september suffered heavy losses allied aircraft anti aircraft guns october largely took anti shipping role sorties atlantic early


uss enterprise uss enterprise single ship action fought october quasi war action uss enterprise defeated french brig island caribbean_sea enterprise able prize short battle battle helped bring fame enterprise commanding officer lieutenant john added capture long list french prizes background quasi war american merchant ships target french seized large quantities effort stem american shipping united_states_navy warships dispatched hunt french vessel uss enterprise american naval schooner command lieutenant john enterprise sent caribbean_sea march orders cruise french shipping region enterprise previously engaged defeated french night october sighted french letter brig slightly powerful enterprise having pound cannon compared american schooner dozen pounders french crew american vessel opposed enterprise broadside pounds enterprise pounds larger crew advantage enterprise nonetheless decided engage enterprise catch morning came found captain sweeps close enterprise action eventually wind came ships managed maneuver musket range engaging small arms lieutenant eventually schooner away opened americans broadside enterprise replied broadside vessels engaged cannon minutes beginning receive heavy damage captain decided away enterprise enterprise pursued french brig continued engage danger damage received enterprise french captain sent men aloft try repair sudden gust wind mast flew ship carrying french sailors enterprise ceased attacks sent boat rescue french sailors rescuing french enterprise caught french brig came alongside action continue french captain struck colours medicine chest destroyed hull compromised multiple times aftermath entire action lasted minutes french worse americans terms casualties killed wounded compared americans killed wounded prize crew enterprise sent aboard sailed saint condemned proceeds sale crew enterprise capture brought acclaim defeated french taken prizes enterprise continued cruise chasing capturing later shortly afterward chronic illness forced transfer command vessel lieutenant andrew continued cruise caribbean taking prizes returning home return home president public officials personally thanked service later continued naval career serving distinction war


battle battle minor naval engagement year french revolutionary wars fought august harbour french colony indian_ocean demise french indian_ocean squadron royal_navy maintained dominance east indies controlling shipping routes trade flowed allowing rapid movement military forces theatre french consul napoleon long ambitions threatening british india launched invasion egypt initial step achieving goal campaign failed french army egypt severe pressure early partly presence british squadron acting red_sea disrupt british ships supplying red_sea squadron french_navy sent newly built gun frigate western indian_ocean command ship carrying exiled political prisoners instructed operate eventual journey arrived august ordered crew effect repairs mission begin anchored bay sheltered coral reefs protected hastily erected gun battery believed ship safe attack british commander region rear admiral peter assumed french send force red_sea squadron ordered gun frigate hms captain charles adam investigate adam sailed discovered french ship undergoing repairs carefully coral reefs adam brought alongside fought brief fiercely contested battle forced surrender month later french brig operating harbour mission intercepted sunk brig hms victor operations significant actions war indian_ocean peace coming effect october background french revolutionary wars drawing close conflict begun seen new french republic allies fighting shifting coalition european powers great_britain recently renamed united_kingdom consistently opposed france indian_ocean britain maintained lucrative trading empire centred british india royal_navy enjoyed continual supremacy command rear admiral peter french_navy form squadron frigates operating island base france command charles offered resistance gradually force returned france defeated battle destruction frigate battle port louis december restored absolute british control egypt importance east indies british trade encouraged number french plans threaten region advanced invasion egypt french army general napoleon campaign saw initial success french mediterranean_fleet sir nelson battle august effectively doomed campaign failure later year considered building squadron red_sea plans abandoned british squadron operating command rear admiral john assumed control region returned france following year british red_sea squadron remained operation british_army landed northern egypt sparking short campaign ended capitulation alexandria complete surrender french forces country squadron provided distant support effort sending army garrison india force arrived late influence campaign french wished disrupt british operations red_sea considered number schemes including expedition indian_ocean eventually warship available newly constructed gun frigate sailed april command commander board political prisoners condemned exile ordered land journey voyage indian_ocean capturing portuguese merchant schooner brazil encountering portuguese frigate armed pounder match pounder long guns surrendered short fight subsequently released warship throwing guns overboard forcing officers agree parole passing british held cape good hope captured east june placing prize crew aboard sending ship france arrived incident sailing naval base port louis small french harbour french colony administered france supposedly declared neutral following attack hms importantly situated base prey british shipping routes red_sea campaigning indian_ocean anticipated french send naval force disrupt operations red_sea situated type operation issued orders largest frigates cruise area intercept french raiders ship hms gun frigate captured french battle commander charles adam replaced edward mortally wounded capture french frigate bay action february arriving landed prisoners ordered men repairs frigate following long journey foremast particular needed work consequently removed carefully centre complex series coral reefs captured schooner small anchored alongside assisting repairs ordered men establish supporting gun battery shore positioned inflict fire ship attempting engage french frigate battery composed guns taken forecastle wooden protected battery constructed allow guns fire specially heated shot designed set fire attacking ships battle early morning august flag signals observed anne island small island east adam felt unusual ordered ship investigate passing anne flying false french colours clearly seen anchor close adam ordered main backed prepared ship springs anchor cables provide shallow waters main batteries pounder long guns cleared action preparations adam gave orders set slowly forward complex system reefs sheltered french ship passage obstacles possible man tasked observing colour water ahead ship darker water indicated deeper water color slight observed point mainmast adam slow progress took hour reaching safer waters inner roads prepared fired warning shot distant raised french adam separated reef closed distance ships approximately yards effective range aligned correctly adam raised ensign fired broadside followed instantly fire schooner battery shore planned positioned correctly exchange short lasting minutes casualties mounting ship damaged struck colours cut ship anchor cables allowing drift reef schooner sunk placed shot quarterdeck adam responded swinging fire battery sending ship boats possession attack shore party manning battery boats reached beach french gunners retreated inland leaving guns loss light men killed junior officer lightly wounded casualties far heavier reported killed wounded approximately surviving crew captured escaping inland grounded frigate battery aftermath battle adam demanded explanation governor jean neutrality terms violated able persuade adam responsible reached agreement merchant vessels flying flag bearing words capitulation allowed pass british blockade france removed reef repaired adam sailing prize captured returning madras arriving september authorised purchase ship royal_navy adam subsequently presented commemorative sword madras insurance company worth summary table guns refers cannon carried ship including guns taken consideration calculating rate carried aboard broadside weight records combined weight shot fired single simultaneous discharge entire broadside fighting september action weeks later gun french brig arrived june raiding operation political prisoners base raid british shipping lieutenant jean discovered near september gun british ship hms victor victor commanded captain george small ship exceptionally heavy armament mounting pounder short ranged pounder long guns detached red_sea squadron hunt initially sailed diego stock turtle meat starting cruise sighting quarry gave chase caught french brig rigging badly damaged guns caused considerable damage return advantage pull away victor unable lose opponent followed elusive enemy days occasionally pulling range close decisive action dawn september french brig escaped assumed seeking shelter directed victor harbour island came sight day french brig seen anchorage slowly approached target reef night approaching unwilling risk vessel complex channels instead ship master james took boat night took locate safe channel boat came fire course successfully plotted morning lay ready action mouth channel revolutionary red flag flying mast head volunteers escaped crew helping man guns took victor reef face french brig maintained constant fire british ship advanced process took day victor reaching safer waters inner road gradually close range evening deemed ship close enemy opened fire main broadside fierce close range duel began lasting hours september began sink british boat crews advanced brig possession french crew drove brig reef deliberately set vessel departed british crew arrived lowered flag extinguished fire damage french ship great slowly rolled deeper water sank surface men wounded fighting september single british casualty recorded september despite heavy damage hull rigging victor later reported men killed specify number wounded british sailors reported seeing significantly higher casualties boarded brig summary table guns refers cannon carried ship including guns taken consideration calculating rate carried aboard broadside weight records combined weight shot fired single simultaneous discharge entire broadside aftermath fighting marked final significant engagements war indian_ocean lord vincent described capture frigate action war october terms peace agreed news reach indian_ocean february expecting peace launched offensive operations meantime peace effectively returned theatre pre war status territory permanently changed hands dutch ceylon crown colony sides sought use peace rebuild naval forces east indies theatre expected peace long napoleonic wars began britain france maintained powerful squadrons indian_ocean


battle ridge battle ridge fought december day battle world war near village belgium key route german advance northern shoulder operation fought squads totalling men belonging american reconnaissance platoon forward artillery observers battalion german day long confrontation american reconnaissance troops inflicted dozens casualties germans delayed hours advance entire 1st division german 6th army germans finally flanked american forces dusk capturing american forward artillery observer killed wounded german casualties totaled germans believing woods filled americans tanks tanks arrived midnight hours schedule germans learn nearby woods lost communications battalion regimental headquarters unit subsequent capture disposition success delaying advance 6th army day unknown commanders considered wounding men capture entire unit failure war ended months later platoon men split prisoner war camps wanted home war learned platoon prevented lead german infantry elements advancing delayed hours armored units advance october considerable lobbying congressional hearing letter writing member unit finally recognized day making platoon decorated american unit world war background prior battle army engaged campaign attack river dams invading rest germany infantry division supporting 2nd infantry division attack german west wall days hard fighting army finally managed slip heavily fortified lines penetrate german defenses americans expecting counterattack area intelligence completely failed detect german movement hundreds armored vehicles tens thousands infantry region region relatively quiet lending area title ghost early december american defensive line gap south general command corps recognized area possible avenue attack germans area lay corps viii corps patrolled patrols northern area conducted infantry division intelligence reconnaissance platoon south conducted 18th cavalry squadron 14th cavalry group attached infantry division border area germany belgium road network support military advance area known gap miles long narrow valley western foot key route german sixth fifth armies planned advance december general walter commander battle hardened 2nd infantry division ordered attack seize river dams case pull chose ridge defensive line general walter commanding infantry division charged building defenses ridge knew extremely long manned gave instructions division soldiers dig build cover prelude inexperienced american units troops infantry division lacked battle experience deployed november regiment relieving 9th infantry division 60th regiment units platoon consisting trained soldiers selected expert peak physical condition men college educated members army abruptly terminated program platoon led year old youngest officers army second youngest man unit weeks platoon established maintained regimental listening observation posts conducted patrols enemy lines gathered information lived brick building taking advantage basement potatoes home supplement military rations platoon consisted man reconnaissance squads seven man headquarters section attached regimental section platoon intended trained combat told avoid direct engagement germans nonetheless took missions enemy lines far miles line capture enemy soldiers intelligence men group regiment recognized combat infantry badge patrols consisted snow obscured fog attempt fix enemy positions december reconnaissance platoon ordered major robert commanding officer infantry regiment new position miles south east near belgium village homes village lay critical road junction northern gap men charged miles gap line division south division north reserve infantry regiment 3rd battalion station lay roads enemy rapid access army rear allow easily flank placed division american defensive preparations platoon took positions ridge immediately northwest occupied 2nd infantry division ordered improve positions maintain contact task force troops manning towed inch guns 2nd platoon company tank destroyer battalion attached 14th cavalry group infantry division viii corps platoon reinforced men 2nd platoon commanded lieutenant john mounted armored half track members second platoon took positions homes inside village yards southeast units comprised foremost units sector american forces facing line americans attacking line miles north localized counter attack expected followed procedure ordered men build fortifications fields fire taking advantage left previous unit dug deeper men stand fire concealed edges covered hole inches inches pine logs location inside edge forest overlooked pasture feet high barbed wire fence parallel location position covered yards shallow ridge line feet road yards northwest village situated shallow curve ridge line northeast direction fork road left flank snow fell covering dug fortifications inside woods leaving virtually invisible road took advantage small log position warming augmented unit weaponry extra automatic rifles light caliber machine gun avoiding official channels traded unit collection german memorabilia ordnance supply officer armored mounted caliber machine gun men dug armored caliber gun placing road german possible axis advance hour attempt fill gap sector ran patrol line stay contact units right left flank detect enemy movement hoped relieved soon weren trained occupy defensive position lines trained patrol information enemy said interview years later night december heard armor sound vehicles distance ordered men remain awake temperature ranged low day german plans german units recent little experience sergeant platoon typical soldiers little combat experience training german units formed teenage boys men men previously rejected physically unfit service wounded soldiers newly released hospitals men transferred personnel kriegsmarine luftwaffe german 3rd division previously acquired superb combat reputation virtually destroyed normandy invasion pocket resurrected replacements 22nd 51st 53rd luftwaffe field regiments german units usually organized small seasoned veterans carried new machine pistol equipped rifle grenades fired combat german recruits told american soldiers faced nerve stand fight officers said americans half breed stomach real war preserve available armor infantry 9th regiment 3rd division ordered lead attack clear village advancing german commanders estimated face division troops initial position forest germany east german belgium border line infantry captured sixth army led 1st division proceed delay infantry secure right flank attack route near despite losses brought allies border homeland german morale surprisingly strong men knew allies demanding surrender fighting defending soil beloved country fighting hitler knew plan flaws germans captured terrain summer days asked winter days plan counted bad weather allied planes grounded quarter fuel needed plan counted capturing allied fuel depots keeping ambitious assigned route included narrow roads places single tracks force units tail creating column infantry armor kilometres long roads prevent attackers concentrating forces fashion served past main roads designated use turns traversed steep delay slow moving towed artillery trains knew determined fight critical choke points token force seriously schedule hitler operations officer alfred gave orders general bloody undertaker battle german barrage december germans launched minute artillery barrage artillery pieces mile american platoon aware happening sector impression anticipated counterattack resulting allies recent attack crossroads north 2nd division knocked sizable line later said suddenly warning barrage artillery registered hours continued hours artillery relentless frightening devastating landed short wide long position tree bursts rate protected cover prevented casualties telephone lines knocked radio allowed report regiment called regiment told pulling answer loud clear hold costs shells exploded trees sending steel wood ground men protected reinforced german guns cut deep holes size trucks pasture german advance german infantry began advance near artillery barrage lifted preparing cross line soon ended marched glow massive bouncing light clouds armor located farther near germany sun rose american platoon heard explosions guns station east north 3rd 1st battalions infantry division located soldiers 2nd platoon company tank destroyer battalion 14th cavalry group initially ordered south help protect shortly join active battle near station withdrew village left contacting platoon left platoon unit sector armor support sent james set observation post house eastern village abandoned task force accompanying spotted dawn light long column appeared german troops headed east distinctive helmet style told best soldiers germany field training experience prepared situation outnumbered james ridge rest unit platoon telephone land line 1st battalion headquarters knocked radio worked reached regimental headquarters radio requested permission withdraw engage delaying action told remain position reinforcements 3rd battalion come support town watched forward element german infantry advanced weapons obviously expect encounter americans told germans advancing road position sent robinson assist station road ditch men reached left village direct route returned american lines engaged killed wounded german platoon eastern road robinson attempted rejoin platoon found way blocked german soldiers threatened flank decided head seek reinforcements crossed feet deep railroad cut far encountered soldiers regiment 12th division trying 1st battalion infantry regiment spotted men brief robinson wounded captured germans entered home observation post climbed attic time hide door pulled pin grenade door jammed ribs bullets platoon struck building germans suddenly left exited door nearby crossed field found minefield picking way forward woods encountered handful germans opening fire killed spotted road drawing german fire ridge position called regimental headquarters requested artillery support reported german column advancing position voice end radio told seeing things told vision demanded artillery fire road unit artillery unavailable platoon position southern end division sector outside regimental boundary outside division boundary corps boundary division artillery fire targets boundary waited vain sound incoming artillery called regimental headquarters asking directions told hold costs essentially meant dead captured knew platoon gave way division right flank thin grave danger radio operator james fort attempted contact headquarters radio mounted command post found german martial music jammed channel channel code hoping germans weren listening send status report regimental headquarters platoon defensive action german forces moved positions men allowed lead members unit pass hoping surprise germans preparing fire men believed regiment officers girl village emerged homes talking officers pointed general direction officer command jumped ditches road americans thought given position away fired germans wounding october years later writer found adult woman living village told know americans area pointing direction tank destroyer unit departed station members forward observation team battery field artillery village tank destroyer unit withdrew lieutenant warren men sergeant peter billy queen joined unit ridge continue observe enemy movement distributed help magazines reinforce position german infantry deployed 2nd company 1st battalion attacked americans head open charging straight hill directly platoon hidden fortified positions americans surprised inexperienced tactics americans like shooting clay ducks california amusement park attackers killed trying climb feet barbed wire fence field shot close range single shot heart head mounted radio coordinates artillery fire shells landed near road outside hinder german attack struck machine gun fire mortar radio destroyed fired continually fast thought germans mad attack manner straight open field later recalled beautiful fields fire seen seconds firing stopped nearly attacking germans killed wounded shot shoulder american casualty second attack fired caliber mounted machine gun enemy fire drove second attack morning german soldier got past fence middle field bodies german white flag late morning indicated wanted remove wounded american defenders allowed americans suffered wounded second attack struck face rifle grenade failed explode germans mounted attack late afternoon times german soldiers attempted penetrate american lines americans left close combat fired attackers push hill point spotted working talking soldier felt certain dead mortar fire position got accurate noticed pistol supposed belt decided calling fire position shot killed contacted regimental headquarters seeking reinforcements fort sent unit update regimental headquarters reported receiving artillery fire holding position estimated enemy strength attempting advance railroad northwest dusk approached ammunition ran dangerously low feared flanked time planned pull men dusk light escape woods ordered men remove distributor caps prepare evacuate rear dispatched corporal sam preston woods locate major regimental seek instructions reinforcements tried contact regimental headquarters radio instructions sniper shot radio held ear sniper hit radio mounted eliminating possibility calling reinforcements instructions german troops reluctant attack head sergeant pleaded officers 9th regiment allow men flank americans dusk men regiment 12th division dispatched attack american southern flank woods blow whistle indicate withdrawal german soldiers penetrated lines began attackers killed grenades rigged wires triggered americans positions spread ridge overrun turn surprisingly germans simply kill defenders pulled officer machine gun thought shot german weapon pulled trigger german officer struck bullets german fell seriously wounded struck sergeant asked command replied asked americans shooting said men surrendered helped carry wounded men village conclusion dawn dusk fight remaining men platoon plus men artillery forward observation team repeatedly engaged elements 1st battalion 9th regiment 3rd division men germans reported killed wounded missing action reports americans inflicted casualties germans american forward artillery observer billy queen killed platoon men wounded small american force seriously disrupted schedule entire 6th army drive antwerp entire northern edge offensive virtually sleep preceding night day non stop combat rounds ammunition remaining flanked superior enemy force platoon artillery observers captured aftermath german military took homes turned aid stations wounded sides rest homes temporary quarters german armor advance lead element sixth army 1st division consisted men vehicles december started kilometres east germany unable advance scheduled rate road congestion road solid traffic jam blown railroad blocking advance 3rd parachute regiment 12th division stiff american resistance lead units reach ordered swing west join 3rd division finally cleared route furious delay route unit lost tanks armored vehicles american mines anti tank weapons finally reached near midnight held café turned years old midnight december midnight watched senior german officer later identified attempt obtain accurate information army strength area told von luftwaffe general staff officer berlin commanding officer 9th regiment 3rd division men run stiff resistance reported woods road ahead packed american troops tanks troops night planned probe forest americans light expectations resistance based stiff defense offered force men asked battalion commander captain unit american resistance said personally seen americans woods heavily fortified learned patrols conducted woods personally area disgusted demanded von battalion accompany tanks december hours schedule 1st division rolled headed northwest station entire advance river antwerp seriously slowed allowing americans precious hours reinforcements lead units entered station resistance found rifle companies 3rd battalion infantry regiment left defend quickly captured headquarters company radio operator hidden cellar called reports division headquarters finally captured driving west germans entered column merged dark american column encountered division rest centers sleeping confused american troops killed destroyed number american armored units vehicles took dozen prisoners later executed elements force based noise northeast decided 12th division encountering resistance expected unable contact division headquarters vehicles low fuel decided switch planned route south believed american fuel depot existed units entered town easily captured gallons imp gal fuel vehicles apparently unaware nearly taken town bypassed opportunity flank trap entire 2nd divisions turned south interested west quickly unit gained notoriety route encountered lightly armored american convoy killed prisoners war known massacre later released years prison german advance recovered initial delay got far remaining vehicles ran fuel came heavy attack american aircraft artillery tanks having advanced half way river forced abandon vehicles town including tiger tanks soldiers left find way east foot having started offensive men tanks including king tigers tanks half tracks wagons assault guns plus hitler prized reduced brush night trying line task defeating division objective 12th division reinforced additional divisions december german engineers repaired road bridges railroad road 12th division armor began advancing key road junction twin villages days intense battle 12th division unable americans ridge elements corps army prevented german forces reaching key road network west determined resistance division composed relatively inexperienced troops 2nd 30th divisions northern shoulder battle sticking point entire offensive operation americans given way german advance overrun vast supply depots spa possibly changed outcome battle prisoners war platoon members able walk sent germany james seriously wounded couldn speak seriously wounded loaded trucks eventually aboard trains jammed single railroad cattle car traveled days food water christmas day seven men car died rest barely hanging prisoners transported hospitals frankfurt wounded ended like james near bad primitive camp germany men finally imprisoned later non commissioned enlisted men split officers sent designed prisoners soon housed corporal sam preston captured reached allied lines later joined rest platoon prison men barely survived suffering advanced effects task force 4th armored division attempted liberate camp captain surprised large number prisoners unable rescue unit captured recaptured finally released week war ended weak file combat report hospitalized months war ended think men accomplished defend try live unit recognition wounded captured recovered return home war army published multi volume history world war including battle author hugh cole briefly mentioned platoon upset platoon member william james changed james contacted encouraged men proper recognition contacted division commander walter nominated silver star june silver star arrived platoon member recognized shortly afterward interviewed john book bitter woods described actions unit detail columnist jack anderson unsuccessfully campaigned william james awarded medal honor congressional hearings men action resulted recommendation secretary defense bill james awarded congressional medal honor army air_force concurred marine responded james failed sufficient hearings resulted public law waived time limitation exclusively members platoon signed president jimmy carter december october considerable lobbying letter writing men unit finally decorated fourteen present ceremony hosted secretary army john marsh man awarded presidential unit citation received distinguished service cross silver star got bronze star device hour struggle man strong german battalion members platoon received individual awards received presidential unit citation platoon members received tech sgt william william james robert adams bronze star medal device heroism robert bronze star medal device heroism sgt william bronze star medal device heroism bronze star medal device heroism james fort bronze star medal device heroism samuel bronze star medal device heroism joseph bronze star medal device heroism robert preston bronze star medal device heroism sgt george bronze star medal device heroism john silver star louis silver star silver star jordan pop robinson silver star james silver star presidential unit citation john presidential unit citation robert presidential unit citation presidential unit citation presidential unit citation samuel presidential unit citation awarded silver star prisoner war receive superseded award later lieutenant warren man artillery observation unit sergeant peter billy queen joined men battle queen killed action remainder captured awarded book longest winter published documenting defensive actions platoon author alex imposed condition told authors wrote men platoon said wouldn talk promised write men veterans infantry division local citizens belgium dedicated monument composed small brass plaque alongside bench united_states flag commemorate fight grassy hill overlooking village uncommon common honor memory soldiers fought december 16th platoon regiment infantry division


battle battle engagement united_states north korean forces took place july road north village southern south_korea early korean war battle ended victory north troops forced withdraw south army 27th infantry regiment 25th infantry division newly arrived korea moved road north block north korean people army 2nd division advancing following battle unusually good performance 27th infantry able delay north korean division week inflicting heavy casualties suffering casualties north eventually able forces sheer numbers capturing pushing american units south action solidified 27th infantry position valuable reserve unit eighth army battle perimeter 27th critical battles including battle bowling alley background outbreak war following invasion republic korea south_korea northern neighbor democratic people republic korea north_korea subsequent outbreak korean war united_nations decided commit troops conflict behalf south_korea united_states sent ground forces korean peninsula goal fighting north korean invasion prevent south_korea collapsing forces far_east steadily decreasing end world war time closest forces 24th infantry division eighth united_states_army headquartered japan division equipment reductions military spending regardless 24th infantry division ordered south_korea 24th infantry division unit sent korea mission initial shock north korean advances delaying larger north korean units buy time allow follow forces arrive division consequently outnumbered weeks attempted delay north making time 7th infantry division 25th infantry division 1st cavalry division eighth army supporting units position south korean forces meantime systematically defeated forced south korea east_coast entire divisions overrun north superior firepower equipment advance elements 24th infantry division badly defeated battle july battle american north korean forces month defeat task force smith 24th infantry division soldiers repeatedly defeated forced south north korean force superior numbers equipment regiments 24th infantry division systematically pushed south battles 24th infantry division final stand battle completely destroyed process delaying north korean forces advancing july time eighth army force combat troops roughly equal north korean forces attacking region new units arriving day north korean advance east north advanced immediately taking north korean divisions split approached lines separate routes 15th division 25th infantry battle july division 24th infantry quickly pushed north korean advance meantime 3rd division engaged newly arrived 1st cavalry battle july division perform poorly 6th division moved south confront 29th infantry regiment ambush july effectively destroying regiment battalions units performing extremely poorly engagements north korean units combination shortages supplies lack experienced soldiers officers plagued forces stage war battle 27th infantry advance north korean forces closing 2nd division continued advance road having arrived late fight orders pass town come main seoul highway miles east placing rear 1st cavalry division main supply road responding threat eighth army ordered 27th infantry regiment 25th infantry division block advance arriving korea regiment went area miles north july moved support south korean troops entered action fight city suddenly received orders assist 25th infantry division regiments battle route received orders change destination closed assembly area night july 27th infantry mission relieve exhausted south korean units retreating road meantime lost large numbers experienced officers shifted 24th infantry carrying eighth army orders block road regimental commander colonel john west_point graduate known effective commander assigned 1st battalion 27th infantry contact north korean attacks morning july lieutenant colonel gilbert check moved 1st battalion northward assembly area took defensive positions evening near village south battalion assumed responsibility sector south korean troops fell position battalion unable retreating soldiers 2nd division status threat north korean attack evening july 1st battalion sent man patrol northward locate north near patrol spotted north korean column approaching platoon took superior positions ambushed column passed weapons north halted advance thinking encountered major position held daylight turned patrol returned 1st battalion lines july suffered men missing unknown number north korean casualties check 1st battalion attacked july shortly heavy fog allowed north approach close positions observed infantry companies road low ridges held forward positions north korean mortar fire fell men tanks appeared bend road opened fire main cannons machine guns approached north korean infantry followed tanks rifle companies stopped north korean infantry tanks penetrated positions fired battalion command post company tank fire destroyed vehicles killed medical officer company commander knocked tank injured process right flank north road north overran battalion observation post company outpost line high ground changed hands times day infantry fight progress shortly tank penetration came road bend tank battalion check called air strike tanks appeared shooting stars arrived immediately approaching group tanks destroying inch rockets altogether artillery air strikes knocked north korean tanks morning edge 1st battalion position engagement american troops 2nd division lost tanks attached days earlier withdrawal fight continued evening dark 1st battalion withdrew 2nd battalion immediately check regimental commander expected north 1st battalion position night stayed north apparently unaware 1st battalion withdrawal morning july north korean battalions double came positions 1st battalion held night major gordon 2nd battalion north caught open combined fire american tanks artillery mortar 2nd battalion automatic small arms fire north suffered large numbers casualties attack surviving remnants north battalions withdrew confusion 2nd battalion took prisoners 2nd division pushed forward spite casualties afternoon elements flanking 27th infantry main position issued order withdrawal high ground near withdrawal started near midnight heavy fighting progress right flank took control tanks line facing north attacked north korean troops approaching road mortar fire fell battalion line road company tanks covered 2nd battalion withdrawal second defensive line july 1st battalion 35th infantry arrived 27th infantry right flank day regimental left flank came attack large gap existed company westernmost unit 27th infantry 7th cavalry regiment nearest unit 1st cavalry division company lost regained peak times day casualties reduced strength approximately men company lost heavily action falling strength men morning july north penetrated 1st battalion line forcing company withdraw face heavy north korean infantry attack point colonel went 1st cavalry division command post asked division commander major general gay permission withdraw regiment division gay eighth army headquarters asked attack effort relieve pressure 27th infantry regiment withdraw 1st cavalry division area south turn rejoin 25th division eighth army decided 27th regiment withdraw gay feared quickly surrounded tried hold position dawn july 27th infantry regiment withdrew 1st cavalry division lines position mile east afternoon received orders eighth army river near army reserve instead joining 25th division area aftermath 27th infantry regiment lost men killed wounded missing total battle casualties battles road able delay north korean division days effort 2nd division suffered heavily time artillery armor estimates placing losses men battles road 1st cavalry division initially took 27th infantry place line retreated engaging 2nd division movement 3rd division threatened block division route supply division driven river july having taken battle casualties days line north successful pushing forces south capturing ground american units bought strategically valuable time set perimeter battle set standard 27th infantry performed unusually fight contrast units 25th infantry 1st cavalry divisions engagements performed poorly prompting walker order forces stop retreating stand die 27th infantry emergency reserve battle perimeter particularly distinguished battle bowling alley regiment quality performance fight crucial decision fire brigade


battle airfield battle airfield aerial battle korean war occurring june airfield airfield battle aircraft united_states north_korea ended victory air_force aircraft successfully shot seven north korean people air_force aircraft direct engagement air battle south_korea outbreak war days earlier forces attempting evacuate civilians diplomats city seoul battle ongoing north south korean forces transport aircraft ships escorted fighter planes attempting bring civilians country fast possible missions june forces attacked north korean aircraft separate incidents seoul area despite outnumbered better built american aircraft north quickly shooting half attacking force actions air air battles early phase war north realizing aircraft quickly stopped aggressively battle signaled turning point jet age new jet engine powered fighter aircraft easily conventional fighters background main article initial phase korean war morning june divisions north korean people army launched scale invasion nation neighbor south republic korea force men moved columns catching republic korea army surprise resulting rout smaller south korean army suffered widespread lack organization equipment unprepared war numerically superior north korean forces destroyed isolated resistance south korean soldiers began moving steadily south prevent south_korea collapse united_nations security council voted send military forces united_states seventh fleet dispatched task force led fleet carrier uss valley forge british far_east fleet dispatched ships including hms triumph provide air naval support june naval air forces moving korea authorization attack north korean targets goal helping repel north korean invasion country forces accepting north korean attack act war evacuate civilians american diplomats korea forces north south battling peninsula june south losing battle seoul south_korea forces retreated face invasion north capture city day forcing south korean government shattered army retreat south meantime naval air forces evacuating diplomats military civilians ship air transport hoping american civilians country means civilians gathered airfield airfield seoul moving country convoys escorted aircraft united_states operating aircraft bases japan small air forces north aircraft organized 1st air division early phase war aircraft north advantage battle sortie morning june flight twin fighter squadron fighter squadron 8th fighter wing commanded major james little escorting aircraft little flying ace experience world war commander squadron transports unarmed filled civilians seoul area route japan flight korean people air_force appeared altitude feet north korean aircraft headed airfield intention attacking transports spotting transport aircraft north korean planes immediately descended began opening fire scoring hits north began opening fire fighters guarding transport aircraft little ordered aircraft return fire personally fired shot north north korean aircraft split groups climbing rapidly clouds remaining descending piloted lieutenant charles tail number lieutenant william hudson tail number followed ascending pair north korean aircraft aircraft opened fire damaging tail plane hudson responded attacking lead plane forcing ascend hudson shots struck aircraft fuselage right wing north korean pilot subsequently aircraft navigator remained killed aircraft crashed stalled attempting avoid second north korean plane aircraft recovered able quickly shoot second north korean aircraft accelerated little aircraft engage remaining north korean aircraft quickly shooting attempting assist planes faster north korean aircraft easily minutes victories claimed little hudson remaining north korean planes immediately fled aircraft meantime suffered damage shot fire broke little cockpit spite rallied aircraft continued escort destination japan conflicting reports initially impossible determine kill north korean plane shot united_nations forces war later research indicated hudson successfully shot aircraft exact timing hudson victories remains unclear possible scored victory seconds determination leading flight little awarded silver star medal second sortie word spread area air alert quickly posted seoul response shooting star aircraft 35th fighter bomber squadron captain posted skies seoul counter north korean aircraft appearing area jet engine powered fighter aircraft easily defeat aircraft known north air_force early afternoon north korean aircraft returned larger numbers attack air transports flight appeared seoul attempting ambush transport aircraft ground airfields spotted north korean planes engaged north korean aircraft split groups quickly destroyed republic korea air_force parked jet aircraft victory aircraft able attack north greater distance minimal maneuvering aircraft rushed north korean formation quickly shot lieutenant robert wayne lieutenant robert victories air_force jet powered fighters history remaining north korean pilots immediately retreated north aircraft likely staged air base informed superiors additional north korean aircraft spotted area rest day end day aircraft squadrons flown sorties aftermath battle air air united_nations north_korea war north korean unsuccessful attempting shoot air transports end refugees evacuation injured north operation saw people including nationals evacuated peninsula ahead wider war battle considered sign arrival jet age considered high quality effective conventional aircraft world war easily jet engine engagement rare example air air battle early phase war north korean forces cautious deploying aircraft battle knowing easily outnumbered forces months forces enjoyed air supremacy operating air forces support ground combat virtually unopposed public perception point cautious improved news victories


attack cove attack cove engagement gallipoli campaign world war attack conducted forces ottoman turkish empire forces british_empire defending cove april australian new_zealand army corps landed western gallipoli peninsula known cove turkish attempts recapture unsuccessful attacks april weeks later turks gathered force men divisions conduct second assault men divisions commanders indication impending attack day british aircraft reported build troops opposite positions turkish assault began early hours directed centre position failed midday turks caught fire defenders rifles machine guns caused thousand casualties including thousand deaths seven casualties expecting imminent continuation battle allied brigades arrived hours reinforce subsequent attack instead declared collect wounded bury dead man land turks succeeded capturing instead evacuated position end year background april start gallipoli campaign australian new_zealand army corps commanded lieutenant general william landed beach later known cove large position including isolated outposts north post post stretched south miles chatham post depth yards sources dimensions miles long yards deep central positions quinn posts steep cliff rear trenches places turkish trenches dug close yards allied lines turkish counter attack cove april 19th infantry division 57th infantry regiments commanded colonel initially pierced line eventually repulsed turkish army commander german officer von ordered troops adopt defensive posture turkish general staff considered position small turkish success drive sea consideration eliminating position release divisions british french cape turkish forces ottoman turkish army world war badly allies war defeat forces british french russian armies landings gallipoli peninsula defended divisions based infantry battalion strong points overlooking potential landing beaches april fixed mobile artillery pieces sited defend peninsula virtually turkish army commanders company commander level experienced veterans balkan wars command structure weaker non commissioned officer level company advantage turkish army british supplied forces hand grenades british forces british acknowledged turkish generally superior allies assault direct command major general plan gather assault force secretly turkish lines dark turkish forces simultaneously attack perimeter aim force defenders trenches sea maintain surprise attack preceded artillery bombardment previous day available turkish artillery bombarded lines midnight twice month signal start attack supposed large quinn post centre lines tunnel completed attacking force north south comprised 19th division 27th 57th infantry regiments 5th division 13th 14th infantry regiments 2nd division 1st 5th 6th infantry regiments 16th division 33rd 47th 48th infantry regiments independent infantry regiment total men 2nd 16th divisions fresh having arrived peninsula taken previous counter attacks cove forces corps comprised divisions men artillery pieces new_zealand australian division defended northern half 1st australian division defended southern half perimeter divided sections north south new_zealand mounted rifles brigade section 1st light horse brigade 4th australian brigade section 1st australian brigade section finally 3rd australian brigade section 2nd australian brigade corps reserve held valley met valley ordered deploy battalions form reserve defence line new_zealand infantry brigade sent cape support british command impending attack late recorded opposed troops aircraft royal naval air service sent direct naval gunfire flew peninsula return aircraft crew observed valleys opposite position densely packed turkish troops second aircraft sent confirm sighting reported troops landed peninsula eastern coast miles news relayed divisions told expect attack night dark british battleship hms triumph reported seeing considerable number mounted troops artillery moving north turkish bomb detonated quinn post turks opened fire small arms evidence pointing impending turkish assault troops ordered stand half hour earlier normal improvised defences throwing rolls barbed wire rests lines attack section sign coming battle shortly stand section australian 4th battalion reported seeing movement light reflecting valley german officers ridge 5th division started attacking normal blowing shouting war cries trenches yards australians trench australian 1st 4th battalions opened fire advancing turks 5th division closely followed 2nd 16th divisions 2nd division coming johnson advanced 4th battalion 4th battalion engaged flank rifle machine gun fire turks survived fire moved wire lines waves turkish reinforcements attempted follow line daylight movement seen wounded trying reach help immediate south opposite lone pine australian 2nd 3rd battalions digging new trench man land intended provide better firing position starting battalions lines headed man land angle degrees old line eventually expected extensions meet middle time attack gap yards turkish 16th division attacked turks sheltered australian fire 48th infantry regiment moving heavy australian fire advanced gap battalions despite 3rd battalion machine guns assault following waves beaten turks reach australian trenches turks came close supporting australian artillery disabled guns joined infantry trenches 16th division attempted successive assaults wave australian fire wire group turks got close 2nd battalion machine gun destroy hand grenade allowing forward reach australian trench individual turkish soldiers reached trench shot continued surviving turks started withdrawing german officers ridge section 16th division attacked 3rd brigade section lone pine southwards advanced waves field wheat men survived australian fire reach 10th battalion trench shot turkish wounded survivors seen moving growing light view 11th battalion machine gun caused devastation ranks australians continued firing targets noon obvious assault 16th division failed extreme south 9th battalion trench attacked independent infantry regiment attacking turks australian fire reached belt barbed wire australian trenches section 5th division gathered unseen post held 14th battalion rushed trench throwing hand grenades post defended australian section killed wounded turks occupied post surviving australians retreated turks position observe bring fire valley section post private albert led small group men counter attack turks shot turks chased rest post feat awarded victoria_cross line north quinn post defended 15th battalion 2nd light horse regiment time start turkish attack turks opposite quinn threw hand grenades post turks machine guns rifles opened fire australians lasted hour turks went assaulted post stopped weight australian fire trench attacking defenders pope 2nd new_zealand artillery battery turkish attacks repulsed similar fashion valley right flank 5th division 19th division attacked pope 1st light horse regiment opened fire group turks moving valley group strong started attack pope defenders 1st 3rd light horse regiments opened fire turkish soldiers reached australian positions shot section russell mounted rifles position trenches far fully constructed heading joined 19th division hand grenades attacked new position waves wellington mounted rifles north able bring machine guns bear attackers flanking fire caused devastation turkish ranks time charged counter attack forcing survivors withdraw daylight perimeter turkish troops continued trying advance fire manoeuvre gradually morning progressed turks tried regain lines instead australians new continued fire showing trenches turks able return fire caused majority casualties clear australians new turkish attack failure report arrived turkish headquarters suggesting objectives captured turkish commanders issued orders second assault time supported artillery bombardment hours new attacks began 2nd 5th divisions attacked instead moving directly australian lines advanced angle post section canterbury mounted rifles observed turks forming preparation assault russell location post turn machine gun engage turks rear broke attack turks attacked quinn times occasion officer thirty men managed reach junction quinn killed pattern attack kept allied observers reported reluctance turkish troops leave trenches seriousness turkish defeat gradually commanders suggested junior commanders counter attack turkish flanks convinced attack turkish artillery doomed failure british general headquarters ordered exploit situation use opportunity attack replied general assault futile northern sector major general alexander commanding new_zealand australian division decided attack wellington mounted rifles ordered attack turkish trenches trench objective yards man land cover regiment prepared obey order arranged attack single squadron wiped men selected equal proportion squadrons captain william chosen command brigadier general andrew russell commanding new_zealand mounted rifles brigade contacted advise circumstances attack russell told use judgement promptly called turks kept artillery bombardment remainder day prisoner attack imminent persuaded recall new_zealand infantry brigade cape cove night aftermath end day artillery expended pounder rounds rounds smaller mountain artillery rounds rifle machine gun rounds turkish figures known attacking turkish forces thousand casualties including thousand dead heaviest casualties 5th division relatively inactive 19th division thousand casualties talking failed attack turkish soldier described scene dead countless impossible count killed wounded australian dead private john simpson exploits campaign earned place australian folklore man day smell rotting corpses man land numerous wounded located lines convinced new_zealand australian division staff suggest armistice soon informal truce began flags red_cross red crescent turkish headed man land collect dead wounded appeared turks troops attack gathering wounded 9th battalion opened fire turks responded artillery bombarding australian trenches reinforced new_zealand infantry brigade 2nd light horse brigade 3rd light horse brigade arrived day communication sides resulted formal truce firing ceased parties moved bury dead lasted truce ended sides returned lines firing turkish commanders realised required capture instead trying left depleted divisions 16th 19th man lines withdrawn independent infantry regiment remained position covering south turks succeeded capturing end year forces evacuated egypt days gallipoli campaign british_empire forces took casualties australian new_zealand army corps included australian new_zealand dead exact number turkish casualties known estimated dead total casualties


battle battle took place april federal forces loyal president rebel forces francisco mexican revolution villa commanded army besieged days fighting city garrison surrendered villa took control town fall combined taking convinced hope defeat rebels result agreed treaty resigned went exile france ending initial stage mexican revolution background year rule met opposition finally leadership francisco escaped prison exile november called uprising northern state answered trader arms social villa began guerrilla operations troops encouraged villa actions outbreak rebellion crossed mexico february minor engagements units army villa decided attack federal garrison city control traffic mexico furthermore major success revolutionaries final push knock time attack city mark time revolutionary army confront federal forces regular battle relying guerrilla tactics fusion villa men result number troops sufficient form force capable fighting professional soldiers pitched encounters federal troops advantage terms training discipline government fact good chance rebels moving troops state capital capturing movement appointed governor state worried soldiers abandoned capital unrest break insurrection spread sign apparent federal rank file soldiers forcibly actually revolutionaries troops decided stay battle run engagements sent forces attack proved successful resulting battle significant time railroads rebels gain surprise forces involved fighting town recaptured federal troops weeks later additional reinforcements arrived main rebel offensive occurred april led men preceded villa men way captured greatly raised morale defended troops surrounded sides possible exit route besieged northern path despite fact revolutionaries cut water supplies town garrison low ammunition commander juan refused surrender convinced inexperience rebels laying allow hold villa point tried come terms particularly capture south central mexico finance minister main advisor planned concessions fairly moderate crack hard radical elements rebels truce agreed april ready negotiate hold attacking villa generals launched assault city consulting blamed spontaneous outbreak fighting incident served excuse offensive occurred federal officer insulted female rebel bridge attempted halt violence villa pressed went great lengths avoid wouldn direct order villa eventually confronted explicit instructions stop fighting simply ignored likewise finally managed person simply told battle raging late stop pressured tried long proved costly defenders rebel forces captured outer defenses city unopposed federal officer willing orders hold fire instead troops withdrew deeper city attacked north villa south led troops parallel border shots town garrison likely cross american fact thousand american civilians gathered order watch struggle spectators unconventional attack rebels took control bridges connecting city cut electricity telegraph captured reached outskirts city center second line defenses constructed day fighting influenced advice col turned offer safe passage rebels town defended fortified prepared defense depth concentric rings trenches fortifications unknown defenders significant supplies dynamite foreign experts guerrilla wars including boer ben grandson famous italian revolutionary news dispatches battle mention participation future star hollywood tom mix order counteract formidable defenses rebels developed effective strategy managed placed machine gun nests street attacking streets rebels dynamite blow walls houses allowed proceed city house house novel aspect offensive attackers extensively commented american journalist turner observing battle rotation troops rebels employed attacking army villa soldiers engage enemy hours secure positions sleep rebels took place consequence rebel troops rested numerous defending federal troops forced remain city defenders ran water according report later submitted confined buildings center city fighting point close quarters result advantage machine guns artillery enjoyed earlier longer factor according accounts troops verge mutiny worried turn officers possibility began negotiations rebel forces surrendered town days later aftermath capturing town revolutionary movement achieved new kind credibility mexico american journalists crossed border order personally reported american readers quick efficient way order city fall outcome battle changed perception rebel movement mexico victory believed rebel forces soon confronted federal troops fall proved notion wrong revealed real strength rebel forces immediate effect rebels success helped convince agree revolutionaries demand resignation prompted days end battle signed treaty days battle resigned went exile france ended stage mexican revolution time clear garrisoned troops guerrilla armies indirect consequence arose disagreements occurred generals villa tensions began battle continued afterward addition leaders showed fighting ongoing clashed payments soldiers appointment defence minister civilian joined revolution minute reasons despised immediate cause outbreak conflict rebels fate federal juan defended villa wanted executed earlier killing rebel prisoners taken forces opposed despite fact court martial federal officers committed war crimes main points manifesto villa went confront tense situation arose according villa witnesses drew pistol eventually escaped appealing directly villa troops generals escorted personally border likewise kept post particular withdraw gold local bank distributed troops accordance generals wishes motivations completely clear according friedrich refusing let killed motivated personal need assert civilian authority military leaders villa concerned taking care soldiers personal hatred soldiers known earlier ordered years later fell villa wrote memoirs episode set paid agents kill scholars consider assessment extreme possible believed rightful leader revolution trying provoke villa killing way way villa intellectual revolutionary circles common claim mantle leadership end villa kept cool convinced common soldiers support nerve later developments resulting battle remained political positions offered government angry asked fight central mexico result march year battle formally declared rebellion subsequently supported coup état fall went exile eventually killed texas_rangers trying way mexico start revolt villa remained loyal fought contributed greatly fall broke lost struggle control revolution