After a short pause in August, the Soviet 38th Army launched an offensive into the Carpathian mountains. The rugged terrain constituted a serious obstacle, and despite initial success, the offensive bogged down as it slammed into the second and third lines of German defenses. The Germans responded with counterattacks, committing the 78th "Sturm" Infantry Division with tank support. The 12th Guards Heavy Tank Regiment was then ordered to assault the Germans' right flank. Once again the 12th Guards Heavy Tank Regiment found itself committed to an offensive in terrain little suited to its best use.
Objectives: Your company is reduced to two platoons, one of them undersrength. Your platoon is deployed on the right center of the battlegroup line, facing west. Move along the road to the first strongpoint objective, then wheel northwest and follow the road to the second strongpoint. The platoon on your left flank will move to the first objective; at that point, your platoon is tasked with taking the second objective. Two sections of SU-152 Mechanized Guns will be deployed one to each flank and will support our advance. We will have air support. The enemy line will be outflanked, so the antitank strongpoints should not be difficult to destroy. Watch for enemy armor committed to blunt our thrust along the road.
