The parachute infantry regiments were among the most highly decorated US Army units of World War II, and between them they saw action right across the world.
The elite nature of these units led to them being committed to action not only in the way that had been intended; their quality tempted commanders to keep them in the line longer than their light armament justified, and they were tested to the limit. This engaging study traces the story of each of the 17 regiments, from their creation and training in the USA, through their deployments overseas, to their combat jumps and all their battles.
The book is illustrated with wartime photographs, many previously unpublished, and eight full-colour plates detailing the specifics of their uniforms, insignia, and equipment practices, which often differed from unit to unit.
The US parachute infantry regiment, 1942: recruitment – organization – training
The US airborne division, 1942–45: organization
Non-divisional regiments
Regimental development, 1942–45: organization – equipment – employment – tactics
Unit histories: 188th PIR – 501st PIR – 502nd PIR – 503rd PIR – 504th PIR – 505th PIR – 506th PIR – 507th PIR – 508th PIR - 509th PIR – 511th PIR – 513th PIR – 515th PIR – 517th PIR – 541st PIR – 542nd PIR – 551st PIR (in each case, entry includes activation, sources of personnel, training, overseas deployment, assignments, operations, combat jumps, commanders and other noted individuals e.g. Medal of Honor recipients, plus particular interesting aspects of that unit)
Bibliography
Plate commentaries: detailed identification of uniform items, insignia, personal and auxiliary equipment items, etc.
Index
Produktdetaljer
Om bidragsyterne
Gordon L. Rottman entered the US Army in 1967, volunteered for Special Forces, and completed training as a weapons specialist. He served in the 5th Special Forces Group in Vietnam in 1969–70 and subsequently in airborne infantry, long-range patrol, and intelligence assignments until retiring after 26 years. He was a Special Operations Forces scenario writer at the Joint Readiness Training Center for 12 years and is now a freelance writer, living in Texas.
Mark Stacey was born in Manchester in 1964 and has been a freelance illustrator since 1987. He has a lifelong interest in all periods of history, particularly military history, and has specialised in this area throughout his career. He now lives and works in Cornwall.