"Peiper's Rage"

I think this turn marks the divergence of philosophies regarding the US defense. Randy has offered up numerous reduced units in order to ensure that the Germans won't get much ground; my approach would be give significantly more ground if necessary to preserve units. (Of course, my prior match against Randy isn't a good example as I chose to aggressively counterattack in order to limit Peiper.) Given the low count of US eliminated units at this point, just ONE, Randy's approach is quite understandable at this point and may prove invaluable in significantly impeding the Wermacht advance. His firm defense against my 7th Army will almost guarantee that 10 Armored division will make it to Bastogne in a timely fashion; Brandenberger is seemingly fully committed to supporting 5th Panzer Army at this point in its drive down the Clervoux-Bastogne axis.

Post Combat Comments:

German attacks eliminated 6 US defenders; an usually high number but 5 of the 6 were surrounded and the sixth was reduced and attacked at 6-1(-2).  The luck quotient was pretty much balanced and the results weren't too extreme.  The US is in a good territorial position but I don't think they can afford another turn like this.  The US 2nd Infantry, an ER 5 division, has broken clear of 6th Panzer Army and will prove invaluable in forming strong points at key defensive junctions.  As Randy surmised, I wasn't willing to risk a step loss with Peiper at this point in the game and I instead used him to help clear out surrounded US units.  I was careful in ensuring that my mech units remained mobile for next turn; I expect to make little progress with 7th Army so I will have to press hard with the other two armies.

Overall, I don't think either side has an advantage yet nor, barring a huge error, do I expect any 'tilt' until 19PM or so when II SS Panzer Corps is able to make its presence felt. 

--Tom