US Combat Engineer 1941-45 (Warrior)

At its peak in World War II (1939-1945), the United States Army contained over 700 engineer battalions, along with numerous independent brigades and regiments. The specialized soldiers of the Engineers were tasked with a wide variety of crucially important tasks including river bridging, camouflage, airfield construction, and water and petroleum supply. However, despite their important support roles, the engineers were often employed on the front lines fighting beside the general infantry in the desperate battles of the European theatre. This book covers the role of these soldiers, from their recruitment and training, through their various support missions and combat experiences, forming an account of what it was truly like to be a combat engineer in World War II.

Insights into the daily lives of history's fighting men and women, past and present, detailing their motivation, training, tactics, weaponry and experiences

The US Army in World War II could not have functioned without the services of its engineer units. Using a variety of specialized equipment and vehicles, these men bridge rivers, cleared minefields, blew up roadblocks, and assaulted enemy strongpoints. They were vital to keeping the vast Allied war machine rolling. It was not uncommon for combat engineer battalions to be employed as ad hoc infantry during the later stages of World War II, and many found themselves holding the line against German offensives. This book covers the recruitment and training of a US combat engineer, the equipment he used, his life in the field, and what he could expect to encounter in battle.

"At its peak in World War II, the United States Army contained over 700 engineer battalions, along with numerous independent brigades and regiments. The specialized soldiers of the Engineers were tasked with a wide variety of crucially important tasks including river bridging, camouflage, airfield construction, and water and petroleum supply. However, despite their important support roles, the engineers were often employed on the front lines fighting beside the general infantry in the desperate battles of the European theatre. This book covers the role of these soldiers, from their recruitment and training, through their various support missions and combat experiences, forming an account of what it was truly like to be a combat engineer in World War II"--Publisher's description