US Army Infantry Divisions 1944–45

This work is a complete overview of the evolving organization, tactics, doctrine, weapons and equipment of the US Infantry in the Pacific, Mediterranean and European theatres, from 1944 to the war's end. This follow-up to Battle Orders 17: US Army Infantry Divisions 1942-43, covers the critical period 1944-45 when changes instituted by Lieutenant General Leslie J McNair, the head of the Army Ground Forces and an organizational genius, were imposed on an army reluctant to change. The book includes a table outlining all 66 US Infantry Army divisions that served during World War II, and analyzes the organization of manpower and resources that turned these divisions into a war-winning army. Strategic and battle maps show key infantry engagements whilst the variety of photographs illuminate troops, terrain, weapons and equipment. Four key battles are also examined, demonstrating the capabilities and limitations of the US Army Infantry divisions of the time.