CRITTENDEN - The Battle of the Huertgen Forest will take place again today, 58 years after more than 24,000 Americans lost their lives in the World War II battle.

        However, this fight won't take place on 50 square miles along the German-Belgian border.

        Instead, it will be fought off Interstate 75 exit 166 by males and females as young as 10 and with paintballs instead of deadly weapons.

        “Our Big Scenario Game is a re-enactment of a World War II battle that took place in Belgium two weeks before the Battle of the Bulge, which we all know we won,” said Mike Schwartz, owner of Michael's Paintball in Florence.

        “The Huertgen Forest battle was an absolute disaster for us. The Germans decimated these young American soldiers, most who were in their late teens and early 20s. ... We wanted to bring to light this often forgotten battle and honor the brave Americans who lost their lives.”

        Gen. Courtney Hodges led the U.S. First Army (“The Big Red One”) across France into Germany and encountered serious resistance in the forest from not only the Nazi army, but also terrain and weather. U.S. forces had as many casualties from frostbite as from combat.

        The Big Game will take place today from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. at Dragonfire Paintball Park in Crittenden, operated by Jebs Club paintball club.

        The cost is $20 per person plus the cost of paintballs, which is $15 per bag of 500.

        “They do scenarios all over the country and we thought we'd give it a shot,” said Brian Sullivan, founder of Jebs Club.

        “All proceeds are going straight back into the facility so we can complete the Western Town and Cavalry Fort,” Mr. Schwartz said.

        The Western Town will have 30 to 50 buildings, including a dry goods store, saloon, hotel, cemetery and corral.

        “We want to provide the kids that play a completed facility to safely enjoy the sport they love,” he said. “We have a standing offer to Doug Pelfrey's Kicks For Kids to be able to use our facility.”

        “Paintball is the modern day version of hide-and-seek and tag,” Mr. Schwartz said. “In its basic form it is a simple game of hunting and evading your opponent until one player or a team is victorious over the other. You "tag' your opponents by marking them with paint that is propelled from a paintball marker.”

        Josh McClanahan, 15, of Erlanger has been playing paintball about a year and plans to participate today.

        “It's fun,” Josh said. “A whole bunch of your friends go out there and play and you fire paintballs at each other.”

        Participants wear protective gear such as a mask and “it really does not hurt to get marked, especially in colder weather since you have more clothing on,” Mr. Schwartz said.

        People planning to play today should wear loose camouflage or dark clothing that covers their entire body, and a change of clothes. Participants also need a paintball marker, goggles, accessories and refreshments.

        About 150 participants have already signed up and people can register up until 10 a.m. today.

        “Besides the adrenalin rush it is an incredible social experience and will challenge you mentally and physically,” Mr. Schwartz said. “You also have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to rewrite history; maybe this time the American troops will emerge victorious over the tough German Panzer.”

        Go to www.jebsclub.com or call (859) 647-7755 for more information.

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