Our uncle, Richard V. Fritts, was a Technical Fourth Grade in the 993rd Field Artillery Battalion, in the Pacific Theater in 1944 and 1945. Let me know and that can help the search be more specific. Also, if you google the following, some interesting pages about the 200th will come up: http://ww2veteransmemories.com/bill-graham-200th-f... Another person just contacted me through Facebook about the 200th, there is a homepage. His service records were burned in the ST Louis fire when I contacted NARA and did get one page which stated he spent 20 months with the 894th Ord HAM Co; however, I don't think that is correct. I really appreciate it. Interesting article. But there is stuff out there and I will put together a page w/links. Much appreciated. 1 gunner on a 105mm (M2). It aids in laying in the guns by taking into account the Y Azimuth distance between true north and magnetic north. The mobility of American artillery was a sharp contrast to Germany’s situation. Title. In The Day of Battle:  The War in Sicily and Italy, 1943-1944, Rick Atkinson wrote that half of the Wehrmacht’s artillery pieces on the Eastern Front were French guns. Other battery and battalion personnel included radiomen, wiremen, instrument operators (survey team), cooks, drivers, and mechanics. His MOS, according to his discharge papers, was Fire Control Instrument Operator (645). Batteries were further subdivided into sections. Some of these advantages are well understood and some less so. Thanks! My grandfather was in the 282nd fab and i saw you respond to mr. Armstrong in the comments and was hoping that u still had access to the information id love to find out more but its very hard to find info in his personell file bc alot of what they actually did differs from what it says they did. A better system was needed quickly, so Ordnance officials decided to use available guns and chassis. Memorial to the Wereth 11 The unit landed at Normandy in early July 1944 and saw continuous combat as corps artillery throughout the summer. Keep me posted. I am wondering if this could be him? Even in static situations, the telephones, with their vulnerable lines, had serious limitations near the front lines. But it was the work those battalions did in World War II that set the stage for the rest of the 20th Century and beyond. I believe. The basic field organization being the "gun group" and the "tactical group". CJ Kelly (author) from the PNW on January 30, 2017: John, go to my homepage and contact me via FB or email, etc. We are still trying to get hold of the full copy so if anyone out there who can help then please get in touch. The position of aiming posts could vary depending on the unit and terrain. I'm just trying to find out what actual unit my father served in while in the combat zone? Artillery batteries also had a fifth section, which was called the machine gun section. Upon arrival at a position, using such equipment as aiming circles, range finders, and other survey equipment like steel tapes and chains, the enlisted men of the section would lay in the guns to prepare them for aiming direction and elevation. It's getting harder and harder to get detailed histories because the NA does not catalog AA reports below Regimental (for infantry) and below FA Group for WWII. If you have a photo and bio for your dad, I would love to add him to the Red Leg of the Week feature I do. The term Red Leg began in the Civil War, First during the Kansas border wars and then the Army adapted it later. While I have found quite a bit of information about his unit, including a book published by the South Dakota Historical Commission, a book by Richard Cropp, and the daily reports for his battery. There are vets with home pages, etc. I'll keep looking and get back to you. Many of the specialists were also grouped into sections and personnel from both the communications section and survey teams often were part of forward observation teams. I guess we will all be pursuing our parents for the rest of our lives. He was a heavy machine gunner in the 662nd Service Battalion. These thing never turn up! Those are solid rubber tires. 155mm battery during the Battle of the Bulge, 8 inch howitzer on the move during the Bulge. Top of the safety plate can be seen upper right. In the infantry division their prime mover was usually a 2 ½-ton truck or an M5 high speed tractor. The sophistication of American fire direction developed at Fort Sill included the uniquely American ability, at that time:  to have several batteries fire “Time on Target” (TOT) shoots. C1: S: 9. Confusingly, that term was used to describe both towed antitank guns and those mounted on tracked vehicles. The Allied artillery had a number of different types of impacts on the Normandy campaign and taken together their effect was huge. Hi lions44-- I have a picture of my father in uniform, are you looking for those, or only with the howitzers? The two assistant gunners and three other cannoneers in the section were responsible for packing the shells with powder bags, setting the fuses according to the mission specifics and loading. 240mm howitzer preparing to fire, January 1944. Then during the Civil War, the artillery branch began the practice of having red stripes down the side of their pants to distinguish from the infantry (who still wear blue). The Army Historical Foundation is the designated official fundraising organization for the National Museum of the United States Army. Their highly accurate, high-velocity guns were excellent for engaging fortifications and in an indirect fire role. I know he also went to Edgewood Arsenal at some point (I don't know my own history!). He went in with the 406 Field Artillery Group and was discharged with the 196th Field Artillery Battalion. At the ammo dumps, these were broken down for shipment by truck to the batteries. Heavier guns in separate battalions were attached to divisions, corps, or armies as needed. The sight had an alcohol bubble which he had to level prior to firing while using number wheel to traverse the tube left or right. White phosphorus shells fired on German positions during the Bulge. The supply and cooks sections rounded out the unit. Those fire direction centers must be able to co-ordinate with other artillery units to mass fires as needed. My Dad was in the 745th Field Artillery Battalion in World War II firing the 240 Howitzer over the Rhine River. Division Artillery, Motorized, Infantry Division. Lee, Ulysses. In the fighting for Hill 192 outside of St. Lô, the 2d Infantry alone fired up to twenty TOTs a night to keep the defenders off balance. Here's the links: 1) http://indianhead-roster.com/roster/15th-field-art... My uncle Charles David Knight served in WW 2 in Battery B 15th Field Artillery Battalion under the 2nd Infantry Division (Indianheads). Each gun crew was considered a section and within each section there was a sergeant (Section Chief), a gunner corporal and assistant gunner (known as the #1), two other assistant gunners and three cannoneers. As with the 105mm, color markings were used to differentiate the type of shells. There was a setting sleeve located at the base of each fuse. Type in 83rd Infantry Division. I am doing a blog on the 182 letters he wrote home while at Camp McCoy and then in the European Theater. At best, the German artillery arm was “competent but uninspired.”  As Historian Michael Doubler put it in his book, Closing with the Enemy:  How GIs Fought the War in Europe, 1944-1945, “By the summer of 1944 the field artillery had proven itself to be the most brilliant performer in the American combined arms team.”  General George S. Patton, commander of Third Army, also praised the artillery, stating, “I do not have to tell you who won the war. The aim of this practice was to enhance the effectiveness of the artillery/infantry team by having the same units habitually fight together, and it was largely successful. CJ Kelly (author) from the PNW on June 09, 2018: I'm going to assume you know these sites? Was the increase in FOs officially part of the T&O? A truck could carry between 50 and 60 shells per trip. 158th Infantry Regiment (sent to the Pacific) 189th Field Artillery Battalion Attachments: 645th Tank Destroyer Battalion. The aircraft was painted olive drab, equipped with a radio, and modified with the addition of a window was placed in the top of the fuselage behind the wing. If you can't attach it on there, send me your email and I can get back to you. Headquarters, 5th Infantry Division. Major, later General, Anthony C. McAuliffe studied the FM radios that the Connecticut State Police had began using and convinced the Army to develop FM vehicle radios. Between the wars, there were important changes to the standard practices of the branch. In addition, Allied air supremacy would have rapidly driven them from the sky. The 106th Infantry division (including their artillery units) were composed of nearly 30% ASTP men. Figure it would be easier via email. I am assuming that my father was in a 3rd Army towed 155 mm battalion until VE-Day and then transferred to the 274th in Austria during the reorganization & disbanding of units. Thanks, CJK, my grandfather also passed before i could talk to him of his service. A gun section of the 333rd Field Artillery preparing for action in Normandy. His name was George Irwin Brown and we have since found out he was a Master Sergeant with the 200th Field Artillery Battalion and was from Slippery Rocks, Pennsylvania. The gun is the most visible part, but the whole system must work well to make the gun effective. CJ Kelly-- We have corresponded before (see way below); my dad was the CO of the 908FAB B Btry, 83rd Inf Div. I am trying to write a history of the 147th from November 1940 when his National Guard unit was activated and November 1945 when he was discharged. He may charge a fee to do a search. Zaloga, Steven. We are planning a trip to Europe to retrace the units movements. The M1 4.5-inch gun, range 19,300 meters (twelve miles), was used mainly for counter-battery fire. Running a spool of black telephone cord from HQ to an observation post could put one under fire from mortars, machine guns, snipers, shelling, both friendly and German, as well as enemy patrols. Thx. Horses in the German Army of World War II, covers the topic quite well. As a result, an elite German division was seriously depleted before it was attacked by the 2d and 29th Infantry Divisions near St Lô. Its effect was shattering. The M10’s gun also lacked the desired punch. Within those battalions were some of the most highly skilled personnel that the U.S. Army had throughout the war. Try it out. On three occasions German artillery fire came in on them with suspicious accuracy, twice hitting tank destroyers and once the unit mess. My father was in Battery B 563RD Field Artillery Battalion and he did not talk at all about his service. CJ Kelly (author) from the PNW on October 03, 2017: thank you for your service mr burr, you are a true american hero. Will keep you posted. John Schaffner, 589th Field Artillery, WWII. I do know that he landed in England February 26, 1944 and France on June 14, 1944. The rest of this article examines the several components of the American and German artillery systems with an eye to showing how this transformation took place and describing its impact. John Gatens, U.S. Army Ret., Personal interview, October 17, 2011. Retirements and budget cuts have occurred but I will dig into it, let you know what I find. I think both were part of the 79th Infantry Division. Thank you for so quickly getting back to me. Germany continued to improve its tanks, so the Army developed the M36, which carried a 90mm antiaircraft gun. No matter how deep you tried to dig or how far you tried to run. The fire direction center directing the TOT broadcast a countdown to all of the batteries participating in the shoot. Where possible, they could set the scope on a fixed target (e.g. For example, the well trained 3d Parachute Division arrived from its training area in Brittany a few days after the invasion. Many times the Germans were able to ambush the crews and cut the wire. So the personnel without enough points were kept with other units until their time came up. As a result, good quality field guns were available when the army landed in North Africa in November 1942. Nancy Hamilton on September 15, 2016: Once again, thank you for writing about the Field Artillery Battallions! (part of the Green Series). Posted on June 3, 2017 by MSW. That would be common. Many of them had graduated from college, but had not completed the summer training after their junior year required for commissioning. Yes it was WWII. You would think I would have realized that after reading your site and getting a LOT of education on what they went through. One way to appreciate the magnitude of the problems caused by horse-drawn artillery is to note that one of the reasons the German Sixth Army did not try to break out of its encirclement at Stalingrad was because most of its horses were in rehabilitation camps to the west and were outside of that encirclement. I will contact the office to see what they have or maybe they can point me in the right direction. There are lots of photos of guns and crews, but not one L-4 and pilot. My father left behind a narrative of his service years. Please email at the address provided in my profile. The climate was also corrosive to ammunition. I can send you a description of his duties as an FC Operator. At the end of the war each member was given a copy and is called Scatter Come Together. He told me numerous times that he served in a 155 mm Howitzer Battalion that used high speed tractors to pull the guns, Corps Artillery attached to the 3rd Army, and at times attached to the 20th Corps. I would like to find out my Dad's route of travel in Europe from his arrival in 1942 to his departure in 1945. It sometimes has mentions of the 20th Field Artillery, although references to World War II are becoming fewer and fewer. Although a staged photo, it does give a good view of the 105mm. The mere presence of the observation planes in the air over the front lines had the effect of severely suppressing enemy fire. The 95-pound shell required separate-loading bagged charges that were loaded with the shell according to the orders given by the firing officer. CJ Kelly (author) from the PNW on May 13, 2020: Hi Mr. Gruber, I do. This was not the case with German artillery. The German 105mm was sufficiently similar to the American 105mm howitzer, and there were enough similarities overall between each army’s guns to allow the U.S. Army to equip two of its field artillery battalions with captured German pieces to take advantage of the enemy ammunition stocks captured in France. Several places could have reports and other info, like NARA. It has one active battalion, 1st Battalion, 194th Field Artillery Regiment, assigned to the 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 34th Infantry Division in the Iowa Army National Guard. The troops frequently operated in separate small units, too many to have a spotter with each one. Will send over the excerpt. I would be glad to furnish you with that. The advantages of air superiority during the European campaigns were crucial and that topic is well developed elsewhere. Please contact me again the first week of December. But of course, I want More information! My Father was a Pvt with Btry B of the 221st Field Artillery Battalion with the Americals in WWII. Let me know if you have trouble, and I can just list them here. Battalions were also formed into field artillery groups of various calibers. We have been putting together some information about my granddad recently after putting out a Facebook message. who does research at the Library of Congress, did a search on my father for me. That is the most likely reason your dad was moved to the 196th. That is what I had when I arrived and a year later what I had when I left. Unit structure was evaluated, standard operating procedures were rewritten, and new technologies came on line. The version of the 155mm they're using was modfied the next year. Or you can go to FB, and message me. Headquarters batteries, which themselves have no artillery pieces, but are rather the command and control organization for a group of firing batteries (for example, a regimental or battalion headquarters battery). Headquarters Company, 5th Infantry Division. I can share with you his story of stepping on a landmine. Author of Red Legs of the Bulge: Artillerymen in the Battle of the Bulge. On 29 March the Battalion was relieved from attachment to 30th Infantry Division and attached to 75th Infantry Division. Primarily because of supply problems, the German artillery supporting Fifth Panzer Army in Normandy could only fire about ten percent of what the British fired. During American artillery attacks, U.S. guns neutralized crew-served weapons, destroyed defensive works, and kept the enemy infantry from manning its defenses until the fires were lifted. It's so important these men are not forgotten. Any information you have would be great - I'm just trying to put together some detailed information for my sons about their grandfather who served in World War 2. There was even an instance within the 106th ID when a battery commander was actually manning an observation outpost at the time of the initial attack during the Bulge. I don’t know if he found out about my mother before he left or in fact if he ever did? Thx. Its high explosive round had the same impact as the 105mm shell, and it was often used to supplement other supporting weapons. Production problems, massive bombing raids on German manufacturing centers, and air interdiction of lines of communication all combined to seriously impede Germany’s ability to move ammunition and other supplies to its forces in Africa, Italy and the European campaign. I've been to the area. On an HE round, the ammunition crews could set it for either point detonating (PD) or time superquick (TSQ). It is possible he was assigned after the massacre from another unit. Their assembly areas were so raked over by American and British artillery that the attack got off to a late shaky start and was called off less than twenty-four hours later. I know his headstone states he was a Sergeant but he must received that at Camp Swift in Texas in the three months before being discharged on October 14, 1945. to have a complete table of organization. CJ Kelly (author) from the PNW on June 27, 2020: Hi Ms. Goetschi, great to hear from you. But overall, finding info on this unit post Bulge is very hard. British historian Max Hastings has written that the Army withdrew the M3 from all but the airborne infantry late in the war, but that is inconsistent with the evidence available to the author. A lieutenant led the small team of 3 or 4 men to a forward outpost to spend up to several days manning a front line position. You can see the #1 holding open the breech block, and the wheel that the gunner would use for deflection. Who we are Want to volunteer Schedule of events Venturing Crew. 4,084 were here. It was an example of the artillery “putting solid walls of hot steel in front of American defensive positions” while calling in concentrations on German troops for miles around. Finding the break in a line required both skill and a little bit of luck. I have some info. If I can find the correct manual from 1940s, I will send tha tover as well. There are some resources on the 666th as well as a book that was published. That was repeatedly confirmed during the war. If anyone can share any knowledge or similar experiences, I would appreciate it. It was very common for the men to be reassigned to other units after the end of hostilities, as some units were rotated home as well as individual personnel based on points. He died in 1984. German Field Marshal Erich von Manstein commented on the effectiveness of American trucks, even in the mud of the Russian front, where they sharply increased the mobility of Russian artillery units. The Negro 969th Field Artillery Battalion ( 155-mm. The ammo men would disassemble the shell, pack the bags based on the firing orders, and reattach the fuse. If I hear back from him, will let you know. Thankfully my sister is older and paid more attention! Thx. The 274th was an Armored Field Artillery unit using the "Priest," 105mm on an M7 chassis. Finally, the guns must be protected from counter-battery fire or other interdiction. Germany’s shortages were so severe that Germany seemed to employ nearly every gun that came into its possession. Hi lions44 -- Somewhere below I saw that you hoped Ft. Sill would still come through for you. 105mm ammo crew arming shells during the Battle of the Bulge (591st FAB -106th ID). Please take as long as you need. While the Sherman was overmatched by German tanks in terms of main guns and armor, it was far more mechanically reliable than comparable German vehicles, and since the unarmored version that carried the artillery piece was substantially lighter than the Sherman, it seemed to handle mud quite well when compared to the standard Sherman tank. While the Army fought in North Africa with modern artillery pieces, the French 75mm gun still had a limited role at that stage of the war. Rich Anderson, 2007. By the last year of the war in Europe, Germany was deploying its own family of FM radios. Thx. I have been trying to find information about my father during WW2 and hoping you can answer a question I have regarding field artillery replacement troops. 3 talking about this. ... * of C Battery, 177th Field Artillery Battalion -my father, John Ravaud Morton. They were supported by the fire of 348 guns and a battalion of 4.2-inch mortars. Thx. Even in Russia in 1941, ammunition shortages were felt; by late that year heavy artillery units typically had about fifty rounds per gun on hand. Me again. I assumed because of the increase to 6 guns that there were more observers, but I was not sure if the 3 FO was a standard. *This publication supersedes FM 3-09.21, Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures For The Field Artillery Battalion By the Korean War, they had added six guns to the standard battery. In other words, artillery is a system with a number of interacting components. The shells had lifting rings attached at their nose during shipment, and they had to be removed to install the fuse. Viewing the Italian campaign, Field Marshal Erwin Rommel commented, “The enemy’s tremendous superiority in artillery, and even more in the air, has broken the front open.”  During the Normandy campaign, Rommel added, “Also in evidence is their great superiority in artillery and outstandingly large supply of ammunition.”  By any reasonable standard, especially during the latter part of World War II, the American artillery arm was very clearly superior to that of the Germans. Hi Mr. Gruber, the 20th was part of the 4th Infantry Division and a ton of information on the unit can be found on that unit's WWII pages. The German front was always close to breaking so units were deployed at that front as soon as they arrived. America built several such tank destroyers on a tracked chassis with a lightly armored, open topped turret. It appears to me to be more pre Bulge. I never thought to look for information on him there -- Can you tell me what department or person I would approach for that? Sometimes brings in units' other families looking for info too. There is some data and reports out there. It moved into positions at Dorsten, with the mission of general support and reinforcing the fires of 899th Field Artillery Battalion. I’m grateful to have found a book entitled “Under Cover” that in their own words provides a G-rated history of the 406th Field Artillery Group from January 29, 1944 through Ju;y 7, 1945. CJ Kelly (author) from the PNW on October 26, 2017: Mr. Lagasse, the 15th FAB has a great website with rosters and stories (not sure if you've found it already). Dastrup, Boyd. The shift of several large caliber artillery units, particularly segregated African American battalions, to Bastogne during the first 48 hours of the battle helped save the city from capture. Thanks for the quick response and that would be amazing if you could turn up something to add to our story. Yes, I am familiar with, and a member of the facebook page, and have used Dave Curry's site. Another key feature of American artillery during the war was the role of non-divisional artillery battalions of all calibers. Mention of how important to the success of the artillery was the role of the Liaison aircraft. Using the vernacular of today, they could be described as a heavy weapons company on steroids. But his task did not end there; he also operated the breech block, set the primer and pulled the lanyard upon the order, Fire! INDEPENDANT BATTALION : 442 Regimental Combat Team & 100th Battalion: 442 Regimental Combat Team, 522 Field Artillery Btln, 232 Engineer Co. In some of his personal effects was a patch for the 44th Inf Div and a CIB. The 100th Battalion was absorbed into the 442RCT as its 1st battalion. At first glance, there seems to be little difference between the artillery branches of the U.S. Army and German Wehrmacht in World War II. Allied troops on the ground in all theaters were extremely grateful. As mentioned earlier, the first mobile tank destroyers consisted of 75mm guns mounted on half-tracks. Scott. The sergeant in the middle is instructing the soldier on attaching the shell (top part) to the casing below after it has been packed with ammo bags. If so, info is scarce because it was a non-divisional unit. Guns continued to be improved while others were phased out. You can email me. One of the primary jobs of the instrument and survey section (also called the detail section) was to scout new positions for the battery, help lead the battery into and out of their firing positions, and lay in the guns. They were not enthusiastic replacements, especially since they were usually working under harsh conditions. That raised the total to 6 - my assignment was to "E" Co, 331st Regt. A component by component examination of American and German artillery shows that almost from the beginning of America’s participation in the conflict the U.S. Army had the superior system. No other artillery in the world could have done that at that time. My email is jhuston1440@wavecable.com Much thanks!!! Red and white aiming posts were laid to the rear of the sight, almost in a straight line. If you have an email I can send them to you. Price. The setting sleeves also mirrored those on the 105mm ammo. I'm very rarely stymied, but in this case, hard case. also his papers say he was on a 5in gun but i can find no other mention of a 5 in gun his papers also say he was awarded 5 bronze stars any info you could provide me with will be greatly appreciated thanks in advance. It must have a good means of identifying and accurately locating a target and needs well-schooled forward observers who are in close contact not only with the batteries, but with the troops they are working with. Also, there is a Facebook page for the Division. Detailed information on the artillery untis' structure and the artillery systems the U.S. used in WWII. When the situation was more fluid, as was the case in the summer and fall of 1944, the observation team may stay with a particular infantry unit for an extended time. I will start checking into the unit ASAP. Besides the four firing battalions, an infantry division’s artillery complement contained a Division Headquarters component. I just read that recently, don't remember where, but couldn't find it at google. We took a trip last fall to the areas where both of my parents were during the war (my mother was a nurse at an evacuation hospital closest to the Battle of the Bulge, outside Liege), and Myra found wonderful information for me on where my father was at various times, places we visited, like a farmhouse command post, and a church where he was observing as it was being shelled. The organization of this type of division varied, but it is believed that the basic pattern was originally a two-regiment, three-battalion division, with normal supporting units and an additional antiaircraft battalion. Hello- My grandfather served in WWII with the 20th Field Artillery Batallion as a T/5 with the 155 mm Howitzer I believe. My grandmother would provide info to the school on my father’s whereabouts. The sophistication of American fire direction is illustrated in an anecdote in My War, a memoir by Dr. Don Fusler, a soldier who served on a 57mm antitank gun crew. 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Through basic training and AIT counterparts and generally had a number of guns and chassis 30... The panoramic scope on the 105mm self-propelled and 75mm howitzer were their main weapons a to! Men with 30 officers, with their vulnerable lines, had serious near! Exploits and service brings in units ' other families looking for new guys exception. Calculated the time replacement soldiers moved around from battalion to battalion wherever they were quickly down! Ii firing the 240 howitzer over the German positions seal off the penetration to confirm 3 nonprofit. Other interdiction found out about my mother before he left or in if. Incidents were relatively rare considering the near constant use that most of the Bulge traverse the gun and. Occupation duty for a break in the 662nd FA battalion ( 155mm ) lies dead after a German barrage April... Shells had lifting rings attached at their nose during shipment, and mechanics group was usually a.... Clear to thoughtful observers at the base of each other or used independently within artillery! And American artillery enjoyed another advantage that is hard to quantify: superior of... In separate small units, known as the Virginia Military Institute ( ). Other things I could help you with and recently celebrated his 99th!... Previously referred to by Rommel on his journey several such tank destroyers on a landmine near while!

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