The Germans decided to take the East flank in an effort to swing around the town on their way South. Since the U.S. was forced to defend the entire area, it took a couple of moves to bring the units on the West side to bear on the East flank. The Stuarts were shot to pieces by the heavier German tanks and then it was a quick run to the South. Note: A tank with heavier armor AND longer range has little to fear from a lesser armored vehicle.