Mule Skinner CBI (id:#62753)

(Grumble Jones ID: GJ034)   [next]   [previous]

Hukawng Valley, Burma 1944-03-14 (3 others)

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Overview:

In early March of 1944, the US 5307th Composite, better known as Merrill’s Marauders, were trekking through the Hukawng Valley in Burma. Their harassment of the Japanese 18th Division had been largely successful. But in order to continue their mission, Merrill’s men had to rely on resupply airdrops. These airdrops provided medical, food, feed and ammunition supplies that were absolutely critical for mission success. On most occasions, the airdrops were completed with routine precision...but on March 14th, three of the resupply aircraft dropped their supplies late and into an uncontrolled area along the Marauders march to the north. Usually, Merrill would forgo searching for the supplies, but these three aircraft had dropped radio batteries, medical supplies and feed for the numerous mules that Merrill’s men depended on. The supplies would have to be found. Led by local Kachin tribesmen and with mules in tow, Merrill’s men set off into the jungle ahead to find the precious cargo. Unknown to Merrill and his men, a company of Japanese infantry from the 114th Regiment were patrolling in the exact same area of jungle.

Defender: Japanese (114th Regiment)  

Errata (source)