November 30, 1944 – The US Army Infantry’s Rules of War in WWII – #10-#19
November 30, 2024
Monthly Family Update — December 2024
December 2, 2024
During his military school days at Gulf Coast Military Academy in Gulfport, MS, and in his Infantry training, Dad memorized all twenty seven of what he called the “Rules of War” that were contained in the 1939 book, Infantry in Battle.[1] Two days ago, I posted the first nine of those rules; yesterday I posted rules #10-#19, and today, the final eight.
Those of you who have read the book about my father, At First Light: A True World War II Story of a Hero, His Bravery, and an Amazing Horse[2] may remember that he would from time quote this or that “rule of war” during battles — sometimes to the men he was leading and at other times, when asked, to superiors.
Here is the third and final set, #20-#27:
- The Advance to the Attack – The approach march should bring the troops into their assigned zone, opposite and close to their attack objective, in good physical condition and with high morale.
- Soft-Spot Tactics – In an attack reserves should be used to exploit a success rather than to redeem a failure.
- Battle Reconnaissance – Infantry commanders of all grades are responsible for continuous reconnaissance.
- Counter-Orders – Rapid changes in a situation often require rapid changes in decisions. Therefore counter-orders will be frequent and should be accepted as normal incidents of battle.
- Action and Morale – Action, physical and mental, is an efficacious antidote for battlefield nervousness.
- Night Attacks – Success in a night attack depends largely upon direction, control, and surprise.
- Miracles – Resolute action by a few determined men is often decisive (quoted in At First Light, page 264).
- Optimism and Tenacity – Optimism and tenacity are attributes of great leadership.
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INTRODUCTION TO THE FIRST EDITION:
May 1, 1934.
This book treats of the tactics of small units as illustrated by examples drawn from the World War. It checks the ideas acquired from peacetime instruction against the experience of battle.
There is much evidence to show that officers who have received the best peacetime training available find themselves surprised and confused by the difference between conditions as pictured in map problems and those they encounter in campaign.
This is largely because our peacetime training in tactics tends to become increasingly theoretical. In our schools we generally assume that organizations are well-trained and at full strength, that subordinates are competent, that supply arrangement function, that communications work, that orders are carried out.
In war many or all of these conditions may be absent. The veteran knows that this is normal, and his mental processes are not paralyzed by it.
He knows that he must carry on in spite of seemingly insurmountable difficulties and regardless of the fact that the tools with which he has to work may be imperfect and worn.
Moreover, he knows how to go about it.
This volume is designed to give the peace-trained officer something of the viewpoint of the veteran.
FROM THE FIRST EDITION:
May 1, 1934.
INFANTRY IN BATTLE was prepared by the Military History and Publications Section of The Infantry School under the direction of Colonel George C. Marshall. Major Edwin F. Harding planned the book and supervised the preparation and edit of the manuscript. Major Richard G. Tindall wrote the original drafts of most of the chapters. Captain John A. Andrews, Captain Robert H. Chance, and Lieutenant C. T. Lanham assisted in the research and the preparation of the maps, and contributed parts of some of the chapters. Captain Russel B. Reynolds drafted the chapter on the fire of machine guns. Lieutenant Lanham edited and revised the manuscript in full.
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FROM THE SECOND EDITION:
September 1, 1938.
The second edition of INFANTRY IN BATTLE is not a mere reprint. The entire book has been extensively revised. Many of the sections have been completely rewritten; much of the tactical doctrine restated; and new maps by Technical Sergeant William H. Brown substituted for those of the first edition. This work was performed by Captain C. T. Lanham, in consultation with Lieutenant Colonel Edwin F. Harding.
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[1] Infantry in Battle. The Infantry Journal. The Infantry Journal, Incorporated, Washington, D. C., Garrett & Massie, Richmond, Virginia, 1939.
[2] Larimore, At First Light: A True World War II Story of a Hero, His Bravery, and an Amazing Horse. Knox Press. Nashville, Tennessee, 2024 (Rule 1, page 149; Rule 14, page 256; Rule 15, page 255; Rule 16, page 149; Rule 26, page 264).
In case you haven’t read or listened to Dad’s book, you can learn more or order it here.
© Copyright WLL, INC. 2024.
