US World War II Parachute Infantry Regiments

US World War II Parachute Infantry Regiments cover

Description

From North Africa, Sicily, and Italy, to Normandy and Holland, the Battle of the Bulge, into the heart of Nazi Germany, and also in jungle battles in the Pacific 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 their 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. It explains their structure and organization, and records their commanding officers and other notable personalities, such as their Medal of Honor recipients. The book is illustrated with wartime photographs, many previously unpublished, and with eight full-color plates detailing the specifics of their uniforms, insignia, and equipment practices - which often differed from unit to unit. Together, these plates offer a comprehensive study of the special clothing and gear worn throughout the US Army's parachute forces.

Table of Contents

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

Product details

Published Feb 18 2014
Format Paperback
Edition 1st
Extent 64
ISBN 9781780969152
Imprint Osprey Publishing
Illustrations 50 b/w; 8 col
Dimensions 248 x 184 mm
Series Elite
Short code ELI 198
Publisher Bloomsbury Publishing

About the contributors

Author

Gordon L. Rottman

Gordon L. Rottman entered the US Army in 1967, vol…

Illustrator

Mark Stacey

Mark Stacey was born in Manchester, UK, in 1964 an…

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