Fernando A. Franco
St. Paul, MN

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Of all the tenants of war, “surprise” is the one that will put out of balance the enemy. I have chosen course of action 3 “Trojan Horse.” It is a simple plan that will strike the objective and will deny the enemy to react on time to mount an effective counterattack. On the other hand, it is intended to keep the Hungarian Army in our side and not alienate them against us.

The glider assault has a very low chance to success, since first they have to land undetected in the middle of the city and fight their way into a heavily armed fortress. Route siege, doesn’t work, it will put the civilian population and the Hungarian army against us and there is not guaranteed the objective will be killed, captured or may escape with the “Trojan Horse” I will have the SS BN be ready to provide other security and facilitate the extraction of the unit doing the operation. If the “Trojan horse” worked for the Greeks, it will work for us.

Ming-Yu Chiang
Singapore

“L’audace, l’audace, toujours l’audace” as Frederick the Great said. COA 3 stands the best chance of getting the strike force into the Castle-Palace complex while at the same time avoiding Hungarian casualties which could precipitate Hungary’s defection to the Soviets whether or not Horthy is captured.

COA 2 would result in precisely such casualties, which would serve only to harden Horthy’s resolve to defect—he has decided to go ahead with the defection even after the kidnapping of his son.

COA 1 is difficult. Landing three battalions by glider and forming them up under the walls and guns of the Hungarians could result in a large number of friendly casualties even before entrance to the complex is gained. In both these courses of action, prolonged fighting would also have dire consequences for outnumbered German troops elsewhere in the city.

Since the aim is to get to Horthy to prevent his defection, a small force inferior in strength to the Hungarian garrison might not raise suspicions and might be able to bluff its way into the complex, perhaps even into Horthy’s presence. Rehearsals and preparations—including what to say and how to act as an honor guard—will have to be thorough. Once at Horthy’s residence, the strike force will have to move fast to take advantage of the element of surprise. Quick and decisive action will help prevent casualties on both sides. Add a generous dose of luck and a lot of spit and polish, and the operation stands a good chance to succeed.

Paul Moore
via email

COA #3 best facilitates speed and precision. Hungarian soldiers will not fire on their much more powerful allies without National Command Authority, which will be in German hands before it is able to provide such an order.

COA #3 abounds with precision! Most likely, there will be few Hungarian casualties, which has important political consequences. Glider insertion has speed but lacks precision. Bombardment lacks both speed and precision and is not a good alternative.

Another benefit to the Trojan horse plan is its simplicity. There is no time for intricate rehearsals and mockups. It is a simple plan for the dozens of soldiers that must execute it in less than 24 hours. This alone rules out COA#1. Essentially, they must put on their dress uniforms, drive to the castle and snatch the Admiral.

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