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CHAPTER 7 PART 3
WORLD WAR II INFORMATION
Operation "Torch": On November 8, 1942, the Allies under Gen. Eisenhower landed in French North Africa. Meeting brief but sometimes intense French resistance, many American soldiers tasted battle here for the first time. The landing and the subsequent drive to Tunisia enabled the Allies to eject German and Italian armies from North Africa.
Battle of Kasserine Pass: Early in 1943 German armored units hammered unseasoned Americans in the Tunisian mountains. Inadequately supplied and without air support. Americans suffered more the 5,000 casualties, half of which were prisoners. Americans learned from the Kasserine debacle and soon expelled Axis forces from North Africa.
M1 Garand Semi-Automatic Rifle designed by John Garand in the 1920's the .30 caliber M1 Garand became the standard rifle of the U.S. Army in 1936. Considered one of the most reliable and accurate rifles of the war, over 4 million M1s were produced by 1945. As a semi-automatic rifle, the Garand had a higher rate of fire than it's British, Japanese, and German counterparts, all bolt action rifles.
.30 Cal Machine Gun: Two U.S. soldiers give cover support with their .30 cal machine gun. This .30 cal gun was air cooled and required a two man crew; one man carried the fired the gun while the other man carried the ammunition and loaded the gun.
Bazooka: The M1A1 recoilless rocket launcher, introduced in 1942 during the North African campaign, proved effective against some German tanks and fortifications. Easily transported by infantry, the bazooka, with an effective range of 450 ft., could not pierce heavy armor. The U.S. manufactured about
half-million.
105MM Howitzer: The M2A1 105mm Howitzer was the most widely used American medium artillery weapon in World War II. It fired a 33-pound shell to a maximum range of over 12,000 yards at a maximum rate of fire of twenty rounds per minute. The M2A1 Howitzer proved versatile, powerful, and dangerous to the enemy in all theaters of the war.
The United Service Organization, created in 1941 provided leisure activities and facilities to soldiers in the U.S. and overseas. The U.S.O. Camp Show, who brought entertainers such as Bob Hope to millions of troops, was an important morale booster throughout the war. It still operates world-wide offices to support the U. S. Armed Forces.
Sicilian Campaign: The invasion of Sicily of Operation "Husky" began with Anglo-American airborne and amphibious landings on July 10, 1943. Initially, 160,000 men came ashore under the commands of Generals Patton and Montgomery. Allied air superiority and the British-American race to Messina insured victory by mid-August.
Salerno Landing: The primary assault upon Italy came at the Salerno beachhead on September 9, 1943 designed to capture Naples as a port for future allied operations in Italy. With American and British forces under his command, Lt. Gen. Mark W. Clark got his men ashore in the face of bitter German resistance and barely averted a disaster.
Anzio Campaign: Attempting to bypass the "Gustav Line" in Italy, Allied soldiers landed unopposed at Anzio on January 22, 1944. Later German resistance became fierce, and the Allies nearly lost their beachhead. After months of stalemate, on May 23, 1944, the campaign finally ended with a breakout, which led to the liberation of Rome.
Battle of the Atlantic: Fought principally between 1940 and 1943, this ocean-wide struggle between Allied ships and planes and Axis submarines resulted in the destruction of millions of tons of Allied shipping. Yet by med-1943 improved anti-submarine tactics and technology, and prodigious production of ships and planes insured an Allied victory.
The Normandy Campaign or Operation "Overlord" began with a massive combined airborne and amphibious assault upon the northern French coast on D-Day, June 6, 1944. Though the Allies met stiff German resistance, especially at Omaha Beach, they established five secure beachheads and opened the Western Front against Hitler. By July 1, 1944 1,000,000 soldiers had landed in France.
Saint Lo (July 1944): Headquarters for the German LXXXIV Corps, Saint Lo anchored the German's left flank in their attempt to contain the Normandy landing. Fighting was fierce, advances were slow, and innumerable hedgerows blocked tanks; but the U.S. victory meant the Allied offensive would not bog down into World War I style fixed-position warfare.
Operation Anvil/Dragoon: Controversial as to its military merit, the August 1944 Allied invasion of southern France ostensible provided support for the invasion of northern France. After a series of brief, hard-fought battles, the Allies had by mid-September captured 100,000 Germans and pushed deep into France.
Battle of the Bulge: On December 16,1944, Hitler launched the final German offensive in the West through the Ardennes toward the Meuse River in order to split the Anglo-American armies closing on the Rhine. Taken by surprise, some American forces fell back in great confusion while others held Bastogne, S. Vith, and other road junctions. The battle ended by January 18th, 1945 with German casualties numbering 100,000; American casualties were about 80,000.
Huertgen Forest: The thickly wooded Huertgen Forest was the site of intense fighting between American and German forces from mid-September to mid-December 1944. Goth combat and foul weather took some 18,000 American casualties. For many veterans of Huertgen Forest, this battle became the bitter standard by which others were judged.
Remagen Bridge: In March 1945, U.S. forces led by the 9th Armored Division seized this bridge, the last intact major span across the Rhine. Later remembered by Eisenhower as "one of my happy moments in the war," the capture of the Remagen Bridge shortened the war by denying the Germans an unbroken Rhine barrier.
German surrender at Reims: A northern French city and General Eisenhower's headquarters, Reims was the site of German's unconditional surrender on May 7, 1945, ending the war in Europe. The surrender was signed by Lt. Gen. W. Bedell Smith for the Allied powers. Col. Gen. Alfred Jodl accepted the surrender for Germany.
Sherman Tank M-4: Backbone of U.S. and British armored forces in Europe, the 35 ton M-4 Sherman medium tank played a key role in the Allied European offensives of 1944-1945. Generally considered "under-gunned" with a 75mm main cannon, 49,234 of the durable and reliable Shermans were built during the war.
America's first long-range bomber, the B-17 Flying Fortress saw extensive action especially with the 8th Air Force from 1943 to 1945. With a bomb payload of three tons and a range of 2000 miles, the heavily armed B-17 led daylight bombing raids against Germany and occupied Europe. The end of the war produced some 12,000 of the improved models E, F, and G.
The North American P-51 "Mustang" saw action against Germany and Japan. Noted for its speed, which approached 490 mph in the P-51H, various versions of the P-51 helped clear the sky of enemy fighters, escorted bombers to Germany, and intercepted V-1 attacks upon Britain. The plane had an exceptional combat range of 1,800 miles.
Legion of Merit/Distinguished Flying Cross: Awarded for meritorious serve, the Legion of Merit was established by Congress in 1942 and was the first U.S. medal that could be conferred on members of both the U.S. and foreign armed forces as well as the first medal to be awarded in one of four possible degrees.
Awarded to those who distinguish themselves in flight, The Distinguished Flying Cross was first authorized in 1917. Some of the most prominent civilian recipients of this medal were Charles Lindbergh and Amelia Earhart.
The highest award given for distinguished service, the Distinguished Service Medal is conferred upon those in the U.S. Armed Forces who demonstrate exceptional merit in the service of the United States Government. Created in 1918, it is usually given to senior officers whose actions lead to success in a military operation. The Army, Air Force, Coast Guard, Marine, and Navy medals each have individualized designs reflecting the branch of service.
The Army's highest award, the Medal of Honor is uniquely given only to the serviceman who distinguishes himself "conspicuously by gallantry" and risks his own life beyond the call of duty. This medal is usually awarded by the President and is the only U. S. medal worn around the neck.
A companion to every foot soldier, the entrenching tool, a hinged shovel, could be used for digging and even hand-to-had combat. Relatively lightweight and easy to carry, its uses were limited only by the soldier's imagination. It was one item of equipment no G.I. threw away.
"Flying the Hump" (1942-1945): The name given to the Allied airlift campaign to China from 1942 to 1945, this operation provided essential supplies like ammunition and fuel in the China-Burma-India Theater. Aircraft, like the C-46 Commandos, traversing the 550 mile route over the Himalayas faced Japanese attacks and fierce weather conditions. By 1945, 650,000 tons of material had been carried over the Hump at a cost of over 1,000 planes lost and nearly 600 men killed.
Bataan Death March: From Mariveles to San Fernando, 78,000 captured Allies who had surrendered to Japanese forces in the Philippines in early 1942 made the grueling 65 mile march.
Lacking adequate food or water and already weakened by famine and disease, thousands perished under the brutal conditions or were murdered. By war's end, nearly two-thirds of the 12,000 Americans captured at Bataan had died.
Guadalcanal: Fought from August 1942 until February 1943, the Guadalcanal campaign was the first American ground offensive of the war. With Marine, Army and Navy elements, Americans took "the Canal" from the Japanese and then resisted ferocious Japanese counter-attacks. Naval actions around the island were very costly to both sides.
New Guinea: Used by the Japanese as an important base, the several campaigns on the world's second largest island ran from 1942 until mid- 1944. Fought over precipitous mountain ranges, in malaria-infested jungles, and under murderous conditions, the retaking of New Guinea isolated Japanese bases in the South Pacific and provided bases for the reconquest of the Philippines.
Tarawa: Invaded by U.S. Marines in November 1943, Tarawa proved a costly first step in the Central Pacific Campaign to reclaim the Gilbert Islands. With some of the fiercest fighting in the war up to that time, the assault on Tarawa left 984 Marines dead and 2072 wounded and cost the Japanese 5,000 defenders.
Saipan: Operation Forager, the Battle for Saipan in June 1944 was part of the Marianas campaign designed to capture essential fleet anchorage's and bomber bases. The one Army and two Marine divisions sustained losses of 3,400 dead and missing and 13,000 wounded. With defeat inevitable and their forces reduced to only 1,000 of the original 32,000 garrison, Japanese commanders ordered a banzai suicide charge.
Leyte: On October 22, 1944, Leyte became the first Philippine island retaken by American forces. The three months long campaign of the 6th U.S. Army under Lt. Gen. Walter Krueger left 3,5000 Americans dead and 12,000 wounded. Leyte was later used as a base for the recapture of the remainder of the Philippines in 1945.
Iwo Jima: From February through March 1945, Marines battled 25,000 Japanese for control of this small island, which was honeycombed with caves, tunnels, and pillboxes. The defenders inflicted 25,000 American casualties before the island was secure. The photo of troops raising the American flag on Mount Suribachi came to symbolize both U.S. victory and its high cost. The island became an important air base in the bombing campaign against Japan.
Okinawa: Victory on this cave and cliff-studded, 60 mile long Island ended the U.S. island-hopping campaign. The furiously fought three month battle involved 500,000 Americans and cost nearly 50,000 U.S. casualties. As defeat became inevitable, many Japanese committed suicide rather than face capture; over 100,000 died.
A twin-engine medium bomber, the B-25 Mitchell was used extensively in both Europe and the Pacific. Made famous by the daring Doolittle raid on Tokyo in April 1942, B-25s were late used by both the British and Russians, who said of their performance, "it has all the good qualities of a good horse and a old-fashioned wife."
Designed as a refinement of the B-17 bomber to carry a heavier bomb load the greater range, the B-24 Liberator saw action in the European, Mediterranean, and Pacific theaters. Valuable as a high altitude long-range bomber, the B-24 gained fame in 1943 for the daring low-level raid against oil refineries at Ploesti, Rumania.
The B-29 Superfortress, largest and most advanced bomber of World War II, initially saw action in June 1944 with the first of thousands of missions over Japan, China and Southeast Asia. A decisive factor in the final year of the war, B-29's dropped the first atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
Military version of the DC-3 commercial transport, the C-47 Skytrain, in addition to its role as a cargo plane, served the Allied airborne and glider operations. It proved particularly valuable in long-range operations over the Atlantic and in the China-Burma-India Theater.
A twin-engine, single seat Lockheed fighter, the P-38 Lightning proved valuable in escort, fighter-bomber and reconnaissance duties in Europe and the Pacific. In the South Pacific, P-38s surpassed all other fighters in the destruction of Japanese aircraft.
Utilized by all the Allies, the ubiquitous Jeep (U.S. Army Truck, ¼ ton, 4x4, command reconnaissance) saw action in every theater of the war and was used for reconnaissance, command, and supply operations. Manufactured by both the Willys and Ford companies, over 600,000 Jeeps were produced by 1945.
A simple yet effective weapon, the flame-thrower fired streams of burning liquid at a specified target. Later models used napalm gasoline. It was a portable device that could be used by one man or mounted on a tank or an armored car.
Flame-throwers were used effectively in the European Theater and in the Pacific particularly in the battle of Iwo Jima. The U.S, during World War II manufactured approximately 40,000.
Utilized by all major combatants, the parachute was used to land men, equipment, and supplies in airborne operations throughout all theaters of the war. The parachute gave downed fighter pilots and bomber crews the margin between life and death.
George Washington originated the nation's oldest military decoration, the Purple Heart as an award for merit. After a long hiatus, the award was re-instituted in 1932 at the urging of General Douglas MacArthur as an award for those wounded or killed in action.
Awarded to all servicemen who served in the U.S. Armed Forces between December 7, 1941 and December 31, 1946. Etched on the medal were the four freedoms, "World War II" and the figure of Liberation. Congress authorized the medal in July 1945.
Silver Star Medal was awarded for gallantry in action; Congress authorized the Silver Star medal in 1932 replacing a silver star device worn since 1918 on Army campaign ribbons. The Navy adopted the medal in 1942. All the U. S. Armed Services award the Silver Star to all personnel—military, foreign, or civilian—who distinguished themselves in combat in the service of the United States.
Eisenhower Jacket: Short, fitted, men's jackets popular in the 1950s, the style was inspired by General Dwight D. Eisenhower's everyday wartime uniform. The Eisenhower style of jacket introduced in 1942 was standard army issue during World War II and the Korean War. Though designed to be worn under the field jacket, it was usually considered an article of dress.
Publications for American forces: Stars and Stripes was introduced in 1942 and ultimately appeared daily in all theaters of the war.
Yank was begun at the same time as a weekly magazine and was especially focused on enlisted personnel.
Army Times was started in 1940 and provided news on arm personnel, policies, and orders. Important morale booster, they contained cartoons, stories from the home front, and news of the war as well as internal army news.
The Army Air Force Flight Cap was modified by air crews who removed the inside stiffening or grommet to permit the use of earphones during flight and to give an appearance called "the fifty mission crush." Many other Air Force personnel imitated that look.
Airborne Division: 11th Abn Div fought at Leyte, Cavite, and Manila. The 13th Abn Div in the only division not to see action in World War II. The 17th Abn Div fought Rhine crossing and in Germany. The 82nd Abn Div fought in Sicily, Italy, Normandy, Ardennes, and Nijmegen. The 101st Abn fought in Normandy and the Battle of the Bulge.
Armies of the United States: General Omar Bradley, which fought in France and Germany, commanded First Army. Second Army remained stateside. Third Army was commanded by George S. Patton, which fought in France and Germany. Fourth Army remained stateside. Firth Army was commanded by General Mark Clark, which fought in Italy. Sixth Army was commanded by General Walter Krueger, which fought in Leyte. Seventh Army was commanded by General Alexander Patch, which fought in southern France and Germany. Eighth Army was commanded by Robert Eichelberger, which fought in the Philippines. Ninth Army was commanded by General William H. Simpson, which fought in France and Germany. Tenth Army was commanded by General Simon Buckner, which fought in Okinawa.
Army Air Forces of the United States: First Air Force was in the Northeast Air District continental United States. Second Air Force was in the Northwest Air District continental United States. Third Air Force was in the Southeast Air District continental United States. Fourth Air Force was in the Southeast Air District continental United States. Fifth Air Force was in the Southwest Pacific. Sixth Air Force was in the Panama Canal Zone and the Caribbean. Seventh Air Force was in Central Pacific. Eighth Air Force was in England. Ninth Air Force was in India and Burma. Eleventh Air Force was in North Africa. Thirteenth Air Force was in Southwest Pacific. Fourteenth Air Force was in China. Fifteenth Air Force was in Italy. Twentieth Air Force was in Japan.
Army Organization:
Squad 8 to 12 men Sergeant
Platoon 2 or more squads Lieutenant
Company 2 or more platoons Captain
Battalion 2 or more companies Lieutenant Colonel
Regiment 2 or more Battalion Colonel
Brigade 2 or more Regiments Brigadier General
Division 2 or more brigades Major General
Corps 2 or more Divisions Lieutenant General
Army 2 or more Corps General
Army Group 1 or more Armies General
Battle of Midway (June 4-6, 1942): This U.S. victory was the first break through in the Pacific campaign. Courage, good ship handling, good luck and American foreknowledge of Japanese operational plans led to the Japanese loss of four aircraft carriers and thousands of lives. Midway destroyed the myth of Japanese naval superiority and kept this important island in American hands.
Battle of the Philippine Sea: Fought on June 19, 1944, "The Great Marianas Turkey Shoot" was the largest carrier battle in the Pacific war and virtually destroyed Japanese naval air power. By dusk, the Japanese had lost nearly 400 planes and three carriers; American losses were 130 planes from all causes and 76 airmen.
Battle of Leyte Gulf: The largest naval battle in history, which took place in October 1944 and ended Japanese sea power for the duration of World War II. The Japanese lost three battleships, four aircraft carries, ten cruisers, and nearly a dozen other ships; the US lost six ships. Of these, five were survivors of Pear Harbor—the USS West Virginia, USS Maryland, USS Tennessee, USS California, and the USS Pennsylvania.
Battle of Samar: Only time in the pacific war that battleships engaged aircraft carriers. It was part of the larger Battle of Leyte Gulf in October 1944, and the Japanese succeeded in sinking the escort carriers USS Gambier Bay, and USS St. Lo, as well as the destroyers USS Johnston, USS Roberts, and USS Hoel. The final U.S. - Japanese naval engagement, Leyte Gulf, actually three different naval battles, was a part of U.S. operations to recapture the Philippines. Led by Admirals Kinkaid (7th Fleet) and Halsey (3rd Fleet), it involved 282 U.S. warships and over 1,200 aircraft. Japanese losses included four aircraft carriers and three battleships, including the giant Musashi and led to the first use of Kamikazes.
Equipped with six. 50 caliber guns and designed to handle rockets and bombs; this single-seat fighter saw extensive service in the Pacific. Used both as a land based Navy and Marine fighter and a carrier aircraft, the F4U Corsair first saw action in the Solomon's in 1943 and was called by some the "finest fighter in World War II."
Grumman's F6F Hellcat, the U.S. Navy's primary carrier-based fighter after 1942, was instrumental in gaining air superiority in the central Pacific. With six .50 caliber machine guns, Hellcats were responsible for nearly 75 percent of air-to-air kills in that theater
The U.S.S. Tennessee, an older Battleship in World War II, displacing 32,000 tons was commissioned in 1921. It was damaged at Pearl Harbor but later participated in numerous actions in the Pacific including Saipan, Guam, Leyte, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa, primarily as fire support for amphibious landings.
Nicknamed the "Big E." the U.S.S. Enterprise was a Yorktown class aircraft carrier commissioned in 1938. It participated in many Pacific actions, was severely damaged in the Battle of the Eastern Solomon's, and became the last fast carrier successfully attacked by Kamikaze pilots in 1945. The carrier provided a revolutionary change in naval warfare.
A U-boat sank the destroyer U.S.S. Reuben James (DD-245) on October 31, 1941 and became the first American warship destroyed by German hands. The loss of "the Rube" with over 100 of the ship's crew helped bring the U.S. closer to war with Germany and was later commemorated in a popular song.
In January 1943, the GATO class submarine U.S.S. Wahoo sank nine Japanese ships during one patrol, the second highest number for any submarine in the Pacific. In all patrols the submarine sank twenty ships, many while the legendary D.W. "Mush" Morton commanded the Wahoo. In October 1943, however, the Wahoo mysteriously disappeared while on patrol. The fate of the submarine and its crew was never known.
Destroyer Squadron like the Desron 23 commanded by Captain Arleigh "31 knot" Burke gave the U.S. Pacific fleet the speed and agility to outmaneuver the Japanese at the Battle of Empress Augusta Bay (November 1943) and performed yeomen service in scouting missions, anti-submarine and anti-air operations.
Noted as a highly maneuverable ship adept at destroying enemy submarines, the Destroyer Escort introduced in 1943 saw service in both the U.S. and British navies. Late in the Pacific war, some Destroyer Escorts were modified and made into transport ships to carry landing parties.
Selective Service System: Begun prior to Peal Harbor, the Selective service System under General Lewis B. Hershey put 1/6 of American men into military service. Men between eighteen and sixty-four were required to register though draft eligibility by 1943 was limited to those thirty-eight and younger. Some 6,500 local boards selected the draftees.
Draft Classifications:
1A--fit for general military service.
1B--fit for limited military service.
1C--member of the armed forces.
1D--students fit for general military service.
1E--students fit for limited military service.
IIA--deferred for critical civilian work.
IIIA--deferred due to dependents.
IVA--already served in the armed forces.
IVB--deferred by law, i.e. draft officials.
IVC--alien.
IVD--ministers.
IVE--conscientious objector.
IVF—physically, mentally or morally unfit for service.
G-1 US Army staff position of charge of personnel. The Air Force equivalent was A-1; the joint staff equivalent was J-1; and the special staff equivalent was S-1.
G-2 US Army staff position in charge of intelligence and censorship. The Air force equivalent was A-2; the joint staff equivalent was J-2; and the special staff equivalent was S-2.
G-3 US Army Staff position in charge of Training and Operations. The Air Force equivalent was A-3; the joint staff equivalent was J-3; and the special staff equivalent was S-3.
G-4 US Army staff position in charge of logistics. The Air Force equivalent was A-4; the joint staff equivalent was J-4 and the special staff equivalent was S-4.
G-5 US Army staff position in charge of Civil Affairs.
G-6 US Army staff position in charge of psychological warfare and public relations.
Okinawa: Japanese territory that was assaulted on Easter Sunday 1945 by US Forces. The Japanese commander was Lieutenant General Mitsuru Ushijima, who had nearly 100,000 troops. Okinawa was also the site of the main kamikaze attacks in the last-ditch effort to stop the Allied drive on the home island.
Saipan: Island of the Marinas that was assaulted by the US Marine 2nd and 4th Divisions and the US Army's 27th Infantry Division on July 16, 1944. Overall commander was US Marine Corps General Holland "Howlin" Smith. The battle of Saipan lasted until July 9, 1944, and its capture forced the resignation of General Hideki Tojo as Premier of Japan.
Providing workman-like service for seaborne troops in the Mediterranean, European, and Pacific theaters, Landing Craft, Infantry (Large) displaced 300 tons and moved 200 men at 15 knots. With retrievable ramp and shallow-bottom, the LCI proved invaluable in placing men close to shore, especially in the amphibious assaults in the Pacific.
Rapidly and cheaply produced to counter the U-boat campaign against Allied shipping in the Atlantic, Liberty Ships, developed by Henry Kaiser, proved vital in the overseas supply of Allied forces. With a production time of weeks, nearly 6000 of these "workhorses of the seas" were launched.
The Amphibious Tractor or landing tracked vehicle, (LTV), served a myriad of amphibious functions. Adapted from pre-war "swamp buggies," they served to carry soldiers from ships into shore during beachhead assaults. AMTRACs also transported the wounded back to ship and were even modified to serve as floating command posts.
The cutter, a mainstay of U.S. Coast Guard operations during the war, proved a crucial element in the service's expanded wartime role. By 1945, nearly600 of these vessels were being used for harbor security, escort duty, and the supervision of commercial shipping was credited with the sinking of twelve enemy submarines.
Landing Ship Tank designed to support amphibious assaults in the Pacific, Mediterranean, and European theaters, the LST displaced 2366 tons and was 328 feet long. Capable of carrying tanks and 175 men, when equipped with a portable landing strip the LST could carry reconnaissance aircraft. With its bow ramp, it could unload directly onto the beach.
With top speed of 40 knots and displacement of 40 tons, patrol-torpedo boats were used in numerous Pacific campaigns. Typically outfitted with four torpedo tubes, one 40 mm gun, .50 caliber machine guns, and a crew of 17, these highly maneuverable craft also saw service in the Mediterranean and European theaters. Lt. John F. Kennedy would become the most famous of PT commanders.
PBY used in all theaters of operation by the Allied forces as a patrol bomber, the Catalina or "VAT" flying boat also saw yeoman service as an antisubmarine weapon, provided reconnaissance, took part in air-sea rescues, and even handled mail and freight.
Medal of Honor (Navy) authorized by congress and President Abraham Lincoln in 1861, the Medal of Honor for Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard personnel is the highest decoration for those services and is awarded in the name of Congress for conspicuous gallantry above and beyond the call of duty and great risk to life. More then half the awards in World War II were posthumous.
Employed by both naval and ground forces, the dependable Bofors 40mm anti-aircraft gun was the backbone of the Allied naval anti-air defenses. With a high rate of fire and increasingly sophisticated sighting equipment, these weapons proved particularly effective against Japanese Kamikazes in the final months of the war.
Navy Dress Uniform: Officer's blue dress uniform. The double-breasted blue coat was introduced in 1919, modeled after a British navy coat but modified to include two rows of three buttons each instead of the British four. The trousers are of the same material as the coat. A white shirt and black four-in-hand tie completes the outfit.
Marine Dress Uniform: Worn by Marine officers and enlisted men on ceremonial occasions and highly-visible formal duties, "Blues" date to the uniforms worn by Marines in the 19th century. During World War II Marines wore "Blues" while on security duties on ships and ashore as well as on "Liberty" ashore. The distinctive features of the uniform are the choke-collar and collar emblems, the two-tone blue tunic and trousers, and the red trouser stripe worn by officers and non-commissioned officers. "Blues" identified Marines in the popular imagination and played a large role in recruiting appeals, but few marines actually possessed the uniform.
U.S. Navy Fleets: Even-numbered fleets served in the Atlantic, odd-numbered fleets operated in the Pacific. Third Fleet March 15, 1943, from South Pacific Force. Fourth Fleet—established March 15, 1943,from Atlantic Force. Fifth Fleet—established April 26, 1944 from Central Pacific Force. Seventh Fleet—established February 19, 1943 from Southwest Pacific Force. Eighth Fleet—established March 15, 1943 from Northwest African Force. Tenth Fleet—established May 20, 1943 and directed US antisubmarine effort in the Atlantic. Twelfth Fleet—established March 15, 1943 from Naval Forces Europe.
US Production in World War II: 296,429 aircraft; 2,455,964 trucks; 102,351 tanks;
5,425 cargo ships, 71,062 navy ships.
1st Cavalry Division
Fort Hood Texas
History
The 1st Cavalry Division was organized in September 1921, at Fort Bliss, Texas, to provide security along the U. S. southern border. Its units served along the border until World War II. The wife of a division commander designed the division insignia, combining the horse, a stylized scaling ladder, and the bold cavalry yellow color to make the largest shoulder insignia in the Army. In 1943 the division gave up its horses and reorganized as an infantry division, retaining its traditional cavalry name and units. It fought in the Pacific through four campaigns, liberating Manila and freeing American prisoners of war. It was the first division into Tokyo, and remained on occupation duty there until 1950. One of the first units into Korea, the division faced hard fighting. The division returned to Japan in 1951. It stayed there until 1957 when its troopers were sent to the Korean DMZ for guard duty along the truce line. In 1965 the division returned to the U.S. to become the first airmobile division in history. The 1st Cavalry was sent to Vietnam that same year, and remained there until 1972. The First Team: is the only division awarded both the Presidential Unit Citation and the Valorous Unit Citation for its actions. After Vietnam, the division went to Fort Hood, where it was restructured as an armored division. With Iraq's invasion of Kuwait, the division moved to Southwest Asia where it served in two campaigns. 1st Cavalry Division as it becomes the first Continental of the United States based division to support the ongoing peace-keeping mission in Bosnia and assume command of Task Force Eagle on 07 October 1998.
CAMPAIGNS
World War II
New Guinea
Bismarck Archipelago
Leyte (with arrowhead)
Luzon
Korean War
UN Defensive
UN Offensive
CCF Intervention
First UN Counteroffensive
CCF Spring Offensive
UN Summer-Fall Offensive
Second Korean Winter
Vietnam
Defense
Counteroffensive
Counteroffensive, Phase II
Counteroffensive, Phase III
Tet Counteroffensive
Counteroffensive, Phase IV
Counteroffensive, Phase V
Counteroffensive, Phase VI
Tet 69/Counteroffenisve
Summer-Fall 1969
Winter-Spring 1970
Sanctuary Counteroffensive
Counteroffensive, Phase VII
Southwest Asia (Desert Storm)
Defense of Saudi Arabia
Liberation and Defense of Kuwait
Decorations
World War II
Philippine Presidential Unit Citation – 17 October 1944 – 4 July 1945
Korea
Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation – Waegwan – Teagu
Bravery Gold Medal of Greece – Korea
Vietnam
Presidential Unit Citation (Army) – Pleiku
Valorous Unit Award – Fish Hook
Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm – Vietnam 1965-1969
Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm – Vietnam 1969-1970
Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm – Vietnam 1970-1971
Republic of Vietnam Civil Action Honor Medal, 1st Class, 1969-1970
Operation Desert Storm
Fighting involving American forces
History
16 January 1991
B-52G crews of the 2nd Bomb Wing depart Louisiana for what will become the longest bombing mission in history--a 35-hour round trip from Barksdale AFB to the Gulf
17 January 1991
War begins with an attack on an Iraqi radar station west of Baghdad by the Air Force's 20th Special Operations Squadron.
Elements of Task Force Normandy cross the border ahead of attacking aircraft.
USS San Jacinto and USS Bunker Hill are first ships to fire.
First U.S. KIA: Lt. Comdr. Mike Speicher of Fighter Squadron 81 (USS Saratoga) is reported downed over Iraq.
Many years' latter status was changed to MIA.
19 January 1991
USS Louisville launches Tomahawk cruise missiles in a submarine's first combat since WWII.
USS Pittsburgh also fires missiles.
22 January 1991
3rd Plt, 1 Trp, 3rd Sqdrn, 3rd ACR is the first U.S. ground unit to engage Iraqis.
Using Bradley Fighting Vehicles for the first time in battle, they sustain 2 WIA.
27 January 1991
Two US F-15s shoot down four Iraqi MiG 23s.
29 January - 1 February 1991
Battle of Khafji.
In the deadliest battle of the war, 26 Americans die: 14 in an Air Force gunship shoot-down and 13 Marines in three "friendly-fire" incidents. Of the Marines, 7 die in a LAV-25 light armored vehicle, 4 in another vehicle, and 1 in aircraft fire. Most of the fighting takes place 80 km west of Khafji (6 mi. south of the border). Much combat centers on Observation Post 4. Some 33 Iraqi tanks and 29 APCs are destroyed.
31 January 1991
Second Largest KIA Incident.
14 airmen of the Air Force 16th SOS are KIA when their AC-130H Spectre gunship (call sign "Spirit 03") crashes off the Saudi coast after being hit by an Iraqi missile. The Gunship was firing on Iraqi columns approaching Khafji. Its wreckage is recovered in water.
6 February 1991
Two U.S. F-15's shoot down four Iraqi jets fleeing to Iran.
7 February 1991
U.S. Special Forces infiltrate Iraq Ambush at Wadi al-Batin: 1st Bn 5th Cav, 2nd Bde, 1st Cav Div, loses 2 KIA + 9 WIA to Iraqi artillery fire.
18 February 1991
USS Tripoli (amphibious ship) and Princeton (cruiser)--the Navy's only ships damaged in the campaign-hit mines, suffering 8 WIA.
21 February 1991
An MH-60 crashes into a sand dune during a Scud hunting mission, killing 4 members of the 160th Spec. Ops. Avn. Regt and 3 Dalta operatives.
23 February 1991
After a 2 hr. firefight, 5th Special Forces Group members are rescued inside Iraq by a helicopter of the 160th Spec. Ops Avn. Regt.
One 5th SFG member is killed during the war.
24 February 1991
Ground Attack Begins.
Al Jaber Airfield, Burgan oil field, Kuwait Airport and Al Jahra fall in Kuwait. In Iraq, battles will rage at
Al Busayyah, Objective Norfolk, Medina Ridge. "Bloody Heels" and Ar Rumaylah Airfield.
25 February 1991
War's Largest U.S. KIA Toll.
28 Army personnel (14 from the 14th QM Det. alone) die in an Iraqi Scud missile explosion over their barracks in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia. 97 soldiers are wounded.
An UH-60L helicopter of the 2nd Bn, 229th Avn. Regt. (attached to the 101st Abn Div) is shot down by Iraqi anti-aircraft fire west of Basra, killing 5 soldiers. 3 other crew members are captured.
26 February 1991
Battle of 73 Easting, Iraq.
2nd ACR (E,G & I troops) destroys 28 Iraqi tanks and 16 APC's in a 6 hr. battle, sustaining 3 KIA.
7 men of 1st Plt, A co., 27th Engineer Bn, 20th Eng. Bde., are killed while clearing cluster bombs around As Salman airfield, Iraq.
Two USAF planes mistakenly attack APC's of 8th Plt, C co., 3rd Royal Regt. of Fusiliers, 1st AD (British),
killing 9 British soldiers and wounding 11.
27 February 1991
Battle of Norfolk, Iran.
3rd Bde., 2nd AD (attached to 1st ID), defeats the Iraqi 37th Armored Brigade, 6 soldiers (4 belong to B Co),
One U.S. tank is burned when an Iraqi tank explodes beside it, injuring 1 GI.
Battle of Medina Ridge, Iraq.
2nd Bde., 1st AD, defeats a Republican Guard brigade in a 2hr. Battle. 186 Iraqi tanks and 127 armored vehicles are destroyed.
38 of the tanks are eliminated by 6 Apache helicopters from 3 miles away at night and in the rain. U.S.: 1 KIA.
28 February 1991
Offensive Operations Cease: 8 a.m.
2 March 1991
Final Ground Combat: Battle of Rumaylah
1st Bde. 24th ID (Mech) destroys 2 Republican Guard battalions along Highway 8.
One U.S. tank is burned when an Iraqi tank explodes beside it, injuring 1 GI.
8 March 1991
Peck U.S. strength: 541,425. U.S. troops begin returning stateside.
12 March 1991
Southwest Asia Service Medal is established by executive order.
20 March 1991
An U.S. plane shoot down an Iraqi aircraft.
6 April 1991
War Formally Ends.
Iraq accepts U.N. cease-fire terms. Total U.S. casualties 146 KIA (35 or 24% due to "friendly fire"); 235 non-hostile deaths
(including Operation Desert Shield); l MIA, 467 WIA, and 20 POWs (all released).
(Within one month of truce. 11 GIs die from allied explosives and 18 due to Iraqi shells and mines.) British: 25 KIA and 45 WIA.
11 April 1991
Liberation of Kuwait is officially complete; cease-fire takes effect. U.N. Security Council declares Operation Desert Storm over.
31 July 1991
Ending date for Gulf "Conflict" in Southwest Asia.
U.S. HOSTILE DEATHS
Country--------Number-------% of Total
Saudi Arabia-----68--------46%
Iraq-------------------49---------33%
Airspace/Over Water---17---------12%---------
Kuwait-------------14---------9%
BY SERVICE
Service Number % of Total
Army-----98----66%
Marines--24----16%
Air Force-20----14%
Navy-------6-----4%
BY UNIT (Hardest Hit)
Unit & #KIA
14th QM Det.---14
16th Spec. Ops. Sqdn.---14
4th Bn., 1st Avn. Regt.---10
1st Bn, 41st Inf. Regt.---7
1st Plt., A Co., 27th Eng. Bn.---7
2nd Bn, 229th Avn. Regt.---5
BY COMBAT ACTION
Action Deaths Category
Dhahran----28------KIA
Khafji---------26---KIA/FF
AC-130H S-D-14------KIA---
Black Hawk S-D-10-------KIA-----
Bomb Disposal---7-------KIA---
Objective Norfolk---6--------FF-------
Basra S&R-----5-------KIA
L E G E N D
KIA Killed in Action
MIA Missing In Action
WIA Wounded In Action
POW Prisoner Of War
ACR Armored Cavalry Regiment
APC Armored Personnel Carrier
AD Armored Division
ID Infantry Division
SOS Special Operations Squadron
FF friendly fire
S-D Shoot-down
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1997-2004 Wakley- Canham
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