This After-Action Report (AAR) was written based on a recent Last Hundred Yards Ladder play between Eric Yorkston and Marc Rivet.

September 1942: In the weeks following the vicious fighting during the Battle of the Tenaru, both sides stayed on constant alert as they attempted to build up their forces. Ultimately, the Japanese felt confident that soon they would be able to attempt another effort to retake Henderson Field by attacking from the ridge and hills due south of the airstrip. Prior to this, each side kept tabs on each other through constant patrols and observation posts overlooking the approaches to the airfield. Denying the Americans the ability to patrol or control these outposts would surely facilitate the upcoming attack by taking away their advanced warning.

After a long night, units of the 3^rd platoon, Able Marine Co., were looking forward to daybreak when they were to be relieved by the 1^st platoon. As the marines began preparing for their relief, Lt. Nakada and his platoon was quickly advancing from the east side of the hill and stopped briefly at the base of the hill as a flare illuminated the sky. A quick assault against a marine listening post at the base of the hill and their subsequent retreat up the hill allowed Lt. Nakada to reach the hillside jungle.

Meanwhile, Lt. Kamiya secured the village and advanced boldly into the jungle on the west side of the hill.

As the flare died and darkness again covered the hill, Lt. Nakada’s platoon began their assault up the eastern hillside. With the advance troops meeting resistance at the top of the hill, Lt. Nakada took the other half of 2^nd platoon and the machine gun further north to extend the line of attack on the hilltop but stumbled into a minefield.

Unfortunately for the marines, the mines were ineffective in slowing the Japanese assault from the east, and soon the marines were facing assaults from multiple directions. Lighting up the night sky, the marines called in some mortar support, but an overenthusiastic spotter managed to rain the fire on his own troops as well.

Hearing the attack and seeing the hill illuminated, Lt. Kamiya ordered the 1^st platoon up the western slope. The Japanese suffered casualties on both fronts they opened, but their resolve was still strong. Both platoons effectively assaulted their respective hilltops causing casualties and forcing the marines to abandon the high ground.

Twilight arrives to find the hill and its fortifications in the hands of the Japanese! In the early morning, little is left for the Japanese to do but mop up the wounded units and secure the north side of the hill – victory for the emperor was achieved before the break of dawn.

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