On 15 August 1944, an Allied army launched a second amphibious landing against the coast of southern France. The Allies, having shattered German defenses around the beachhead, decided to exploit the chaos in the enemy camp. On 17 August 1944, Major...
The individual soldier's physical and mental preparation for battle are arguably two of the most important factors considered when deciding whether a force is ready for commitment to combat. While many believe technological advances reduce the need...
The purpose of this research project is to determine what factors led to the operational failure and destruction of the 1st and 3rd Ranger Battalions during the battle of Cisterna on 30 January 1944. Subordinate questions include: Why did...
Wilhm, Jack F.; Gueymard, Joffre L.; Harness, Leslie J. Ross, Ralph N.; Sexton, Morrell R.; Williams, James F.; Anderson, Arnold V.; Brubaker, Jack P.; Grant, Joseph H.
Discusses experiences with the invasion of North Africa from strategic and political considerations to the pre-embarkation phase to ocean movement followed by information regarding the landings in Fedala, Casablanca, Mehdia-Port Lyautey. The...
This is a historical narrative of the Third Infantry Division's experiences at the Anzio-Nettuno beachhead from 22 January to 2 June 1944. It identifies major contributing factors to the Third Infantry Division's battlefield success at the battle...
This monograph discusses the fundamental functions of operational art and assesses how well they are addressed by current doctrine. Its focus is upon operational art as applied to conventional warfare: that zone where the theater of operations...
The Winner of the MacArthur Military Leadership Writing Competition for the CGSC Class of 1987. Airland Battle Doctrine will only be successful if leaders place emphasis on establishing unit cohesion and developing quality soldiers. Indeed, FM...
In September of 1944, Major General Leonard T. Gerow, the V Corps commander was relieved of command in combat to return to the United States and testify before the Army's Investigation Board on Pearl Harbor. The board eventually found General Gerow...
Movements relative to concentration for Operations Buffalo and Grasshopper will be effected in accordance with enclosed movement tables- contains outline plan for Operation Buffalo, artillery to support operations, anti-tank defense, field...
This study is about the 442nd Regimental Combat Team during World War II as it assisted VI Corps in the push through the Vosges Mountains in Northern France. The 442nd RCT was composted mostly of Japanese-Americans, or nisei, who volunteered to...
This monograph examines the problems of commanding and controlling maneuver forces conducting tactical deep operations, specifically at the corps and division levels. Inasmuch as AirLand doctrine calls for divisions and corps to fight deep with...
Between April and August 1943, the U.S. Army’s II Corps saw two of its division commanders relieved of their commands. Each relief appeared tied to battlefield setbacks. MG Orlando Ward of the 1st Armored Division was relieved after his division...
This volume resumes the narrative of the Fifth Armies history during the Italian offensive on December 16, 1944 and details the utilization of time during the cessation of offensive operations during the winter of 1944/1945.
This Leavenworth Paper is a critical reconstruction of World War II Ranger operations conducted at or near Djebel el Ank, Tunisia; Porto Empedocle, Sicily; Cisterna, Italy; Zerf, Germany; and Cabanatuan in the Philippines. It is not intended to be...
This study is a partial biography of Major General Ernest N. Harmon, focusing on his military career from his West Point graduation in 1917 to his assuming command of the 2nd Armored Division in1942. When Harmon attained division command in July...
This study investigates the requirements for sound decision making at the operational level in conditions of high risk. The study first reviews some of the literature related to high-risk decision making. It then investigates two operational level...
United States. Army. Engineer Center and Fort Leonard Wood.
The Guidon came into being as a weekly publication in 1966 under the title Fort Leonard Wood Guidon. Between 1966 and 1987 the title was simplified to Guidon before becoming Essayons in 1988. The name reverted back to Guidon in 1999. It has been...
The U.S. Forces European Theater General Board study of mechanized cavalry units illustrates how a systemic study of combat experience can guide interconnected changes to military doctrine, organizations, and equipment. The General Board conducted...
Today’s Army has gone through some incredible transformations since the end of the Cold War. Since then, the Army has struggled with Force XXI concepts, and more recently, the concept of the “Prototype Brigade.” This monograph examines other...