From: S/Sgt. Jason Volk
Subject: Dunbarton Italian Front Tactical Event
On July 16th, 2011 elements of Baker Company, 104 IR, 26YD HRG took part in the summer Tactical event in Dunbarton, NH. This event simulated an Italian Front battle during the summer of 1943 near Salerno and Naples. YD Troops arrived throughout Friday afternoon/night and were dismissed Saturday at 1530 hrs. Command staff included CWO Bob Barber, M/Sgt. Bob Beairsto, and S/Sgt. Mazzuchelli. In the field, 1st Platoon was led by S/Sgt. Jason Volk with Cpl Carbone assisting.
After time well spent around the fire Friday night, troops got a good night’s sleep and awoke for duty at 0600 Saturday. A proper safety check was performed and troops moved into the field at 0700 via troop truck to the debarkation point. Then after communicating with the other participating Airborne and Canadian forces, the YD platoon moved out along a dirt road leading to their objective point. Pvts. Mackowiak and Johnson were deployed as scouts throughout the day. Along the route, enemy defended obstacles included bridges, deep valleys with overlooks, and many dug in positions. The first bridge crossing would have been very difficult if it was not for good scouting from the Canadian forces. The Germans had hidden a machine gun nest approximately 50ft up on a cliff face that had full view of the bridge and road. Flanking maneuvers were in full effect and the bridge was bypassed. By morning’s end it was apparent that the German forces were outnumbered and had to pull back, but they still fought with tremendous vigor. Taking the third bridge was extremely high on allied casualties. However, the fight continued on and by the end of the day the road connected to our company command area and was cleared of all hostile activity.
I would like to give special thanks to the work done by Cpt. Devlin, Paul Levasseur, the different unit commanders, and property owner Dave Dugrenier to get this event back up and running in Dunbarton. It was especially great to have the new town land available for use as that made for some of the best fighting throughout the day. Much thanks to CWO Barber for use of his 1 ˝ ton truck for troop transportation, S/Sgt. Mazzuchelli for bringing the newly fixed squad tent. Also, thanks to all the other reenactors, especially S/Sgt. Dugrenier of 1st Division for having blanks available for purchase at the event. Finally great thanks to my “Platoon” in the field; Cpl. Carbone was again spot on with his dedication and abilities. This was an incredible tactical and I’m very glad I bailed out early of my other plans so I could make this. Looking forward to the next tactical elements coming up at Edwards, Collings, and Stonington.
Respectfully Submitted,
S/Sgt. Jason Volk
Participating Troops
CWO Barber Pfc. C. Chase
M/Sgt. Beairsto Pfc. N. Chase
S/Sgt. Volk Pfc. Adamsky
S/Sgt. Mazzuchelli Pfc. Violante
Cpl. Carbone Pvt. Mackowiak
Pfc. Buchholz Pvt. Johnson
Pfc. Howland
