Download or read book Forward Observer written by Edwin Westrate and published by Pickle Partners Publishing. This book was released on 2019-12-06 with total page 204 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Forward Observer, first published in 1944, is the account of a U.S. Army artillery observation crew in World War Two. The author based the book on interviews with two surviving members of the crew while they were recuperating from injuries received after their prison ship was sunk in the Mediterranean (the men were being transferred to Italy from Africa, en route to a German prison camp). The account, fast-paced and filled with action, depicts the soldier's lives from training at the Army's Field Artillery School at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, a short stay for more training in England, and then the unit's transfer to Tunisia where they occupy the frontlines as forward observers for their artillery battalion. Forward Observer is a moving, personal story of a seldom-told aspect of combat in the Second World War. Included are 3 pages of maps.

Download or read book Bracketing the Enemy written by John R. Walker and published by University of Oklahoma Press. This book was released on 2013-08-08 with total page 348 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: After the end of World War II, General George Patton declared that artillery had won the war. Yet howitzers did not achieve victory on their own. Crucial to the success of these big guns were forward observers, artillerymen on the front lines who directed the artillery fire. Until now, the vital role of forward observers in ground combat has received little scholarly attention. In Bracketing the Enemy, John R. Walker remedies this oversight by offering the first full-length history of forward observer teams during World War II. As early as the U.S. Civil War, artillery fire could reach as far as two miles, but without an “FO” (forward observer) to report where the first shot had landed in relation to the target, and to direct subsequent fire by outlining or “bracketing” the targeted range, many of the advantages of longer-range fire were wasted. During World War II, FOs accompanied infantrymen on the front lines. Now, for the first time, gun crews could bring deadly accurate fire on enemy positions immediately as advancing riflemen encountered these enemy strongpoints. According to Walker, this transition from direct to indirect fire was one of the most important innovations to have occurred in ground combat in centuries. Using the 37th Division in the Pacific Theater and the 87th in Europe as case studies, Walker presents a vivid picture of the dangers involved in FO duty and shows how vitally important forward observers were to the success of ground operations in a variety of scenarios. FO personnel not only performed a vital support function as artillerymen but often transcended their combat role by fighting as infantrymen, sometimes even leading soldiers into battle. And yet, although forward observers lived, fought, and bled with the infantry, they were ineligible to wear the Combat Infantryman’s Badge awarded to the riflemen they supported. Forward observers are thus among the unsung heroes of World War II. Bracketing the Enemy signals a long-overdue recognition of their distinguished service.

Download or read book Forward Observer Illustrated written by Edwin Westrate and published by . This book was released on 2021-10-12 with total page 143 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Forward Observer is the account of a U.S. Army artillery observation crew in World War Two. Fast-paced and filled with action, the book depicts the soldiers' lives from training at the Army's Field Artillery School at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, a short stay for more training in England, and then the unit's transfer to Tunisia where they occupy the frontlines as forward observers for their artillery battalion. Forward Observer is a moving, personal story of a seldom-told aspect of combat in the Second World War.

Download or read book Forward Observer written by Edwin Westrate and published by . This book was released on 2021-05-15 with total page 140 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Forward Observer is the account of a U.S. Army artillery observation crew in World War Two. Fast-paced and filled with action, the book depicts the soldiers' lives from training at the Army's Field Artillery School at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, a short stay for more training in England, and then the unit's transfer to Tunisia where they occupy the frontlines as forward observers for their artillery battalion. Forward Observer is a moving, personal story of a seldom-told aspect of combat in the Second World War.

Download or read book Forward Observer written by Edwin V Westrate and published by Andesite Press. This book was released on 2015-08-12 with total page 190 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you will see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work. This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

Download or read book Forward Observer written by Edwin V. Westrate and published by . This book was released on 2017-12 with total page 215 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: From the Book: Every combat incident recorded here is authentic but, for military reasons, the real identity of the participants, their outfits and the exact location of their exploits may not be revealed as yet. So the names Kennard, Hallon, Johns, Warren, Byrnes and the rest seemed as good as any. Names of field commanders and of Fort Sill officers mentioned are, of course, their own. I wish to acknowledge especially my great indebtedness to Lieutenant-Colonel Percy Thompson, who was there -- and won the Silver Star for gallantry in action-- and to Major Glenn S. Hubbard of the staff of the Field Artillery School for their invaluable assistance in the preparation of this book. The Author.

Download or read book Forward Observer written by Eugene Maurey and published by Midwest Publishing. This book was released on 1994-01-01 with total page 162 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

Download or read book A Dangerous Assignment An Artillery Forward Observer In World War 2 written by William B. Hanford and published by Lulu.com. This book was released on 2020-02-04 with total page 240 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Merriam Press World War 2 Memoir. Corporal Bill Hanford had one of the US Army's most dangerous jobs in World War II: artillery forward observer (FO). Tasked with calling in heavy fire on the enemy, FOs accompanied infantrymen into combat, crawled into no-man's-land, and ascended observation posts like hills and ridges to find their targets. But beyond the usual perils of ground combat, FOs were specially targeted by the enemy because of their crucial role in directing artillery fire. Hanford spent much of his time fighting in the Vosges Mountains in eastern France and then in Germany in late 1944/early 1945. Rare memoir of a risky job performed by relatively few troops. Honest and observant narrative describes the good, bad, and ugly of the war. Originally published by Stackpole Books in 2008 and discontinued in 2015, this brand new edition from Merriam Press has a completely revised and improved design with additional photos. 23 photos.

Download or read book Fire for Effect written by Anthony J. Sobieski and published by AuthorHouse. This book was released on 2005-04-29 with total page 278 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: FIRE FOR EFFECT! is more than just a book about the Korean War. It is the untold history of the Korean War Artillery Forward Observer, told by the men themselves. From the earliest days of the war in 1950 through the harrowing battles of 1951 and on into the so-called stalemate period of the hill battles of 1952 and 1953, into the final climactic battles before the cease fire, the Forward Observer, or FO, was there. Korea was and is known as the Artillery War because more rounds were fired in Korea than in all of WWII, and it was the job of the FO to direct these rounds onto their targets. FOs are the eyes of the artillery, and the importance of their job in Korea has been largely overlooked until now. Serving as infantrymen, but not being considered one, Forward Observers lived, ate and slept on the front lines, ever ready to respond to an attack, or defend friendly troops and positions, and sometimes losing their lives doing it. The awesome responsibility and firepower that was placed on a 22 or 23 year-old lieutenant or sergeant was staggering, and after reading these first hand accounts, one can easily imagine what these young men faced on a daily basis. With over 100 interviews of Forward Observers, from all time periods and from all locations and battles of the war, the grittiness and reality of what these servicemen went through in the Forgotten War is brought to life so that their deeds may be remembered for future generations, so the battlefield known as Korea and its veterans will not be forgotten any more.

Download or read book Patton s Forward Observers written by John K. Rieth and published by Brandylane Publishers Inc. This book was released on 2004-06 with total page 244 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Patton Forward Observers is a story told by a unique collection of highly trained artillery observers who fought every step of the war with Patton's famed Third Army. We remember Patton today only through the service of men like these. This is a soldier's story. Derived from wartime letters and oral histories told by the veterans themselves, we see the classic American Army experience of World War II--the friendships, courage, terror, carnage, humor and ultimate victory that all part of the Patton legend--a legend build by soldiers.

Download or read book Rounds Complete written by Steve Gower and published by Simon and Schuster. This book was released on 2017-06-05 with total page 240 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In 1966, Steve Gower, a young gunner captain in the 101st Field Battery, was sent to Vietnam. He would serve in what is arguably Australia’s most controversial war in the dangerous role of forward observer with the 5th and 6th battalions of the Royal Australian Regiment. The definition of his role stated simply that he was to provide ‘timely, accurate and effective fire support’, his task to guide the guns of the Australian artillery, sited many kilometres away, in providing deadly firepower to support the soldiers who battled both the jungle and its shadowy inhabitants. Gower would learn quickly that the definition omitted to mention the terror and nerve-jangling tension of jungle warfare he was to experience as a forward observer. In Rounds Complete, Gower describes living the life of an infantry soldier, tramping the ground and joining his infantry mates in a variety of operations including search and destroy, cordon and search, heliborne and road-protection operations and company patrols from forward operating bases. He describes the inevitable boredom and monotony of the routine, contrasting this with the heightened senses of the men as they prepared to move forward with the ‘safety catch off’, the nervous anticipation of what might lie ahead, the exhilaration and, above all, the camaraderie. Gower is positive about his time in Vietnam and, perhaps surprisingly for one who saw action in this contentious war, is supportive of Australia's commitment, referring to the conflict as the last time the Army was permitted the ‘unfettered, all-arms prosecution of a war’. Rounds Complete is a frank and compelling tribute to men who served just as nobly as their AIF predecessors but, until recent times, were denied their nation’s gratitude. Their fight for understanding continues.

Download or read book Artillery Scout written by James G. Bilder and published by Casemate. This book was released on 2014-10-07 with total page 290 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: “Moves quickly; it entertains and provides a decent overview of the life of an American Doughboy” on the Western Front during the Great War (San Francisco Book Review). The American Doughboys of World War I are often referred to as the “Lost Generation”; however, in this book, we are able to gain an intimate look at their experiences after being thrust into the center of Europe’s “Great War” and enduring some of the most grueling battles in US history. Len Fairfield, the author’s grandfather, was an Artillery Scout, or Forward Observer, for the US Army and was a firsthand witness to the war’s carnage as he endured its countless hardships, all of which are revealed here in vivid detail. His story takes the reader from a hard life in Chicago, through conscription, rigorous training in America and France, and finally to the battles which have become synonymous with the US effort in France—St. Mihiel and the Argonne Forest, the latter claiming 26,000 American lives, more than any other US battle. The American Expeditionary Forces endured a rare close-quarters visit to hell until it was sensed that the Germans were finally giving way, though fighting tooth-and-nail up to the very minute of the Armistice. This action-filled work brings the reader straight to the center of America’s costly battles in World War I, reminding us once again how great-power status often has to be earned with blood on battlefields. “All in all, this book is a bit of a gem. It is a well paced easy read and you will find yourself rooting for our hero.” —War in History

Download or read book Forward Observer Primary Source Edition written by Edwin V. Westrate and published by Nabu Press. This book was released on 2014-03 with total page 190 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This is a reproduction of a book published before 1923. This book may have occasional imperfections such as missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. that were either part of the original artifact, or were introduced by the scanning process. We believe this work is culturally important, and despite the imperfections, have elected to bring it back into print as part of our continuing commitment to the preservation of printed works worldwide. We appreciate your understanding of the imperfections in the preservation process, and hope you enjoy this valuable book.

Download or read book United States Army Forward Observer College Ruled Notebook written by Military Field Journals and published by . This book was released on 2019-08-18 with total page 122 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Thank you for checking out our United States Army Forward Observer 6"x9" Lined 120-Page Notebook. This sleek notebook is perfect for all active duty or retired U.S. Army Forward Observers whether they are in the classroom, boardroom, or the field. Notebook features include: 120 white, college-ruled pages. U.S. Army Forward Observer-themed cover with 13F (Forward Observer) MOS and subdued U.S. Flag. Large letter size 8.5 x 11 inch; 21.59 x 27.94 cm dimensions; the ideal large size for all purposes, fits perfectly into your backpack or laptop bag. The bold white paper is sturdy enough to be used with pens, markers, or pencils. , Premium Quality Industry-standard perfect binding (the same standard binding as the books in your local library). Tough glossy paperback. Crisp white paper, with quality that minimizes ink bleed-through. The book is great for either pen or pencil users. Click the Buy Button at the Top of the Page to Begin.

Download or read book Lullabies for Lieutenants written by Franklin Cox and published by McFarland. This book was released on 2014-01-10 with total page 221 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Capturing the chaotic nature of the U.S. Marine experience at war in Vietnam, this memoir recounts the experiences of a young officer in a series of unrelated short pieces. In a narrative as fragmented as the war itself, the only resolution is the same one reached by the Marines who fought--the conclusion of a tour of duty with no happy ending. Each chapter describes a specific event, a story of emotion, or a remarkable person (some are heroes, some are cowards). The reader lives the experience alongside the author, gaining a true sense of the pulse-pounding contact, surrealism, pathos, humor, and beauty that defined one of the low points of the American experience.

Download or read book Fire Mission Fire Mission written by Captain Larry Kenneth Hunter and published by . This book was released on 2019-11-11 with total page 172 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Our country came before all else. Fire Mission! Fire Mission! is the fully documented experience of a green artillery forward observer with the First Cav in Vietnam. Along with his topographical map, M-16 and backpack, Lt. Larry Hunter carries an Instamatic camera to preserve his comrades and patrols. Letters from home illuminate his struggle to survive in Vietnam while his wife battles at home to make ends meet financially as a mother. Her faith and prayers to God strengthen and encourage him during days of losing close friends, and again, years later, when his faith is challenged by a new, unseen foe after his exposure to Agent Orange. From jumping out of his first helicopter ride directly into battle, through at least twenty-five combat assaults, and finally an overwhelming ambush on Company A, First Battalion, Twelfth Cavalry on March 31, 1966, for which he is awarded a Bronze Star for heroism, Lt. Larry Hunter documents and describes this new kind of war with no front lines.

Download or read book Bracketing the Enemy written by John R. Walker and published by . This book was released on 2009 with total page 357 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The hallmark of the twentieth-century battlefield was the increasingly effective practice of "combined arms" warfare-the combining of various "combat arms" (infantry, cavalry, armor, artillery) to accomplish the mission. In the vanguard of this development was the use of artillery to support the mission of infantry on the battlefield. Although artillery bombardment was responsible for most deaths on the battlefield, armies rarely paired infantry and artillery in the assault. Between the two world wars the U.S. Army concluded that field artillery had an important role to play in its evolving combined arms doctrine. The new doctrine emphasized mobile, mechanized warfare and the crucial importance of artillery firepower in support of infantry. The most satisfactory arrangement for providing close artillery support was to locate artillery observers in the air over the battlefield and on the ground to accompany maneuvering infantry. The pairing of American infantry and artillery reached fruition in the European and Pacific Theaters of the Second World War. What is missing from the historical literature on combined arms, however, is the study of how that togetherness evolved. This dissertation will argue that the establishment of forward observer teams at the battle's front line that provided the vital link between infantrymen and the artillery batteries supporting them. To assess these developments in the union of combined arms theory and practice, this dissertation will be organized in three parts. The first will trace the inception of indirect fire and the evolution of field artillery tactical doctrine through 1941. The second section, which will be the heart of the study, will follow the experiences of forward observer personnel from tow U.S. Army Divisions in the Second World War. The 87th Infantry Division in Europe and the 37th Infantry Division [Ohio National Guard] in the Pacific will be examined as case studies. By studying one division from both theaters of the war, a more balanced evaluation of the forward observer's contribution to achieving combined arms effectiveness can be made. The last section will consist of a brief discussion of forward observation has changed since World War II and a "Conclusion" assessing the findings of this research project in its entirety. National Archives records will provide the core of the primary materials used for this study. To reconstruct forward observer experiences within the 87th and 37th Divisions, select military records will be used, most importantly those of the divisional field artillery battalions that include: Intelligence Reports, Journal and File Reports, S-3 (Operations Sections) Reports, (monthly) Unit Reports. Also a series of Division Artillery Records for each of the two units provides additional important information. In addition, this study will utilize Record Group 177: Records of the Chief of Arms, and the divisional records of the Secretary of War, Special Reports File, 1940-1945 which holds material about the evolution of mobilization policies and their effect on Field Artillery. Other key repositories include the Morris Swett Technical Library at Fort Sill, OK, the U.S. Army Military History Institute at Carlisle Barracks, PA, the Combined Arms Research Library at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, and the University of Florida World War II veterans' oral history collection.