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i.;ttEtiljliizt
UNCLASSIfIED
OFFICE, CHIEF OF ARMY FIELD FORCES
Fort Monroe, Virginia
A TTNG,-64 350. 05/50(DOCI)(C)(30 Jun 52) 30 June 1952
SUBJECT: Dissemination of Combat Information i .
,:. j" ') .' -', .: ','; 1 ' , I i I'
I> " , " ,
TO: See distribution .k. 1 : 1S52 I
r,r'L:V I \
ll . .
1. In accor,dance\w'ith SR 525-85-5, Processing of Combat
the inclosed EXTRACTS are forwarded
'
to Department
of the Army, Army Field For'ce's and the service schools for eval
and necessary action. ' It may be appropriate, in certain
cases, for these agencies to take actioJi upon a single extracted item;
in others, may be desirable to develop a cross-section of accumu
lated extracts on a particula:r subject before initiating actiop; and
otten, the extracted item serves ,to reaffirm our doctrinefJ and tech
,' .; !
niques.
2. Copies are furnished to other military agencies to keep
them informed concerning theater problems from the front line,
through the logistical command.
3. These EXTRACTS are derived from reports which are
SECRET. For the greater convenience of the user"
Office downgrades each extracted item to the lowest classification
cotnpatible with securitY. No effort is made to paraphrase or .delete
any of the extracted remarks, so that none 9f.tJ:1e '
int,ent is lost. ", ' ". "
4. 'Combat information EYTRACTS herein which are appli
cable to trainin,g at.:.the com,pany-battery level also,appear in Army.
Field Forces TRAINING BULLETINS.
. ' .' i
FOR THE, CHIEF OF ARMY FIELD FORCES:
. "
/r)j(?!)fit:!".J
W. H. MELHORN
Extracts from sources
Lt Col, AGe
376 thru 383 Asst Adjutant General
UNCLASSIFIED
DISTRIBUTION:
(Over) CN 259Z2

I
1-.s-o - S'
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r, .. ". '$ ..".
UNCLASSIFIED
Z
DIstRIBUTION: .
3 ACOFS. 0 .. 1a tiA 10 The Quartermaster General
3 ACOFS. G-Z, DA Z Executive for Reserve
15 ACOFS, G-3. DA and ROTC Affairs
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ACOFS, G-4, DA
. t, ' '
The Adjutant General
10
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Chief Signal Officer
The Surgeon General
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Bureau School. Branch
10 Chief of Ordnance 1 ea Pres. AFF Boards
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'General
, l',,:.:'
Copies furnished:
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, CG's
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2.'
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1 '
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Attn: Ground Forces Officer
1 Chief. AFF Human tJnjt No 1
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.7 2 7 19im?P' iii
@J 8:f4r
1
,H3EP 4 T LAi.'
UNCLASSIFIED
OFFICE, CHIEF OF ARMY FIELD FORCES
Fort Monroe, Virginia
EXTRACTS OF COMBAT INFORMATION
SOURCE: Command Report - 15th In! Regt
i '
, ' .
DATE: February 1<)52 Source No' 376
, \ 'J
INFANTRY INDOCTRINATION TO VT FUZE
. (RESTRICTED) During this period the regiment. con
tinued to c'onduct VT fire' by Division Artillery over friendly
bunkers along the MLR. This operation was instigated to
create confidence in the occupants of the bunkers regarding
the protection their bunkers would afford them in the evellt
their position was overrun making it necessary to bring.: .
friendly artillery on their position.
********lfI*
;INEFFICiENT: NIGHT FIRIN,GOF SMALL ARMS.
, I I." "': :_
,:'(RltST.RICTED),,: I,: The;re:,has been a noticeable lack
of in:the at nightr :F.lTom the
number of rounds expended during contact with the enemy.
'ca'sualties are attlazingly,,low. 'This regiment has and
is continuing to conduct a study of this problem.
... . .
;,',:, ,;?-.. To date it has been determined that: '
a,.: ;ls a tendency for .the rifleman to shoot
over the heads of the enemy
, ." , " - " J
b. The muzzle blast of the Rifle Cal. 30 MI
the firer"s night vision.
( ,
''c. ,I The 'applicati'oh of'luminous paint on sights
and along the barrel is of some value.,
3. tt is recommended that:
... a.. studies. be to , .r
find methods of correcting this deficiency and this information
interchanged.
8'S OV'iil I ISO
INCLOSURE

'GORts In;;']" ill
2
UNCLASSIFIED
b. That a flash hider be provided for the Rifle
Cal.30 MI.
" . c; That this be made a study by the Army Field
Forces Board arid thai 'a CGurs'e ot-instruction in hight firing
be included in the basic training of replacements prior to
'.their arrival in this theater.
.,'
.
SOURCE: Command Report - 5th Regi1l)ental Combat ,Team
DATE: Decen:tber 195.1., Source No 377
AZIMUTH READING DEVICE FOR SHELL REPORTING.'
," :.. ,*lthough reports' of enemy artilleryf"
for light. shell reports continued to be
turned in with errors in azimuth readings. "f\.special Com
:pass b.een to each front line unit.
The board is a,piece of soft pine 12" square by 1" in
depth. Four long spikes are put at each corner to stake it
to the ground. A ppotographe'd'disc with highglaze content
iis.'p'laced on the board' with a 'directional north arrow at the
side. A wooden arrow ,is 'placed in the center of the boa:i-'d
:and can be 'made to pivot 'by hand. " .
.\, " To operate the board, all that is nec'essary is to point
the w,ooden arrow in the direction of the sound or flash. '
the numbers 8..t, this point and report them to the CPo
is least one b,oard be ma:de _
available to each company on the front line and that no de
tailed"or technical explanation be made on the use of
board. A man should be taught three steps in the procedure:
(1) Point the 'ci'rrowin direction of sound or flash. (2) Read
the numbers at' the point and (3) Give the information to
personnel
***.*
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9ce . '5'5 ,
, " ".', "'- ,
...
UNCLASSIFIED
US;E OF KOR,EAN 'LABOR., "
t._ ,
(CO:NFII)ENTIAL) A total of one thousand"three hundred
(1374) indigenous personnel are employed in
.capa,cities ,witbintbe,regiment. one ,thousand seventy
seven (1077) of those are members of the Korean ServIce
Corps.' the remaining two hundred ,ninety-seven (297) are
miseel1a.neou. ,personnelwho are p,roc'ured tlirough the Civil
These Korean' perform an invalu
able s,erviee t,o the' Regiment',by ca,..rying ammuDition. rations
and other supplies to,.front Une .inaccessible' to '
vehicle 1heir utilizatioil I'n 'other areas as KP's,
etc,.. has United States per.Orinel for otper and more
important, tasks.
I

"
LISTENING DEVICE.
(CONFIDENTIAL) The most outstanding development in
the field for the month was the expanded use
of listening devices by all line units. The listening device is
composed of a microphone and, r'eceiving set. The microphone
is placed in likely avenues of approach, at a,range-greater
than that of the Outpost Line of Res.istance. Mortar concen
trations are placed on the same spot and fired when sounds
of approaching en'emy are' identified.' The.regiment has ,',
profitedfr'om the use of the device and plans to' initiate train-, '
ing in its use in 'oreier tobetier its warning eaPflbilitie's.
t,:
* *.*
,
,
..
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TUBE EXPLOSIONS, 2/1 MORrAR):
;. < :1" f . '
. :n the, past ,there have
been' two instances "in which rounds have exploded in the 4.2
inch,mortar tubes,.' The Heavy Mortar Company developed
a. system' of firing' the p1.ece which afforded maximum,pro
tection for the crew in the event' of an explosion. system"
incorporates firing by lanyard and a revetment behbldwbich
, .
the crew remains until the round has safely left the tube.
Over
3
U
NCLASSIFIED Sa6lUi' ildPORMA i ib44
J C;ON.IBEf4TIAl!:'"
"cj5N!j6 1i$'I'Xl
4
UNCLASSIFIED
SOURCE: Command Report - 3d Inf Div
DATE:
JanuarY' Source No 378
DIVISION AVIATION COMPANY'..
I
(RESTRICTED) The Division' Light Air Section is in
a composite airseetion with supply, .operations and
housing operating from a common airstrip. The section
functions much the same' as: a company. but does
not have a TlOirE authorization.6verhead personnel re
quirements are accomplished by airplane mechanics. vehicle
drivers or by special duty In this manner a
separate mess is .maintained to pr'ovide for messing of .aviation
;personnel. Recommend that a cTIO&E b.e authorized-estab..
lis.bing a Division Aviation Company to include all Army
unctic>ns of the Division.' '.
SOURCE: Command Report - .9th Infantry ite.gt. '
DATE: January 1952, Sourc,e No 379
REPLACEMENT PROBLEMS.
(CONFIDENTIAL) The greatest problem continues to
be replacements, both officer and enlisted. In the former
case officers are being received whose training and experi
ence are at a di:rect variance with the needs of a combat
regini.ent. . It is being made
th8.t, any offic.er wearing "c'rossed rifles" is a qualified 1!)4Z_
cases. however, these officers have had a back
ground with no experience but instead as personnel
oftjcers. intelligence specialists. TI8rE,etc.
" 'j. .. : ,.
Enlisted are' arriving ,a ,manner.
Recently, arpan a dry cle.aning machine
. '.' '. . . I , A
,MOS and another with steam locomotive operator
MOS assigned. Many men with artillery and other
branch specialities are similarly received. Every effort is
'b-eing made to men reassigned so that the best
ends of the service are being served not only in utilizing
UNCLASSIFIED
2C6!l!, P'S9RP"Ti?
UNCLASSIFIED
trained manpower but by contributing to good morale by
having men do work they
The replacement is: particularly pr,ess.ing
since Category IV the rotation.program
cause a high rate, on key personnel.
,
In solving the commissions are
being made as c;')ften as suitable appointees are found. The
9th Infantry IRTe gives a refreshf!r course which helps orient
men who are not familiar with Inf'methods.
SOURCE: C01'llroa,nd Report - Headquarters IX Corps
DATE: JanuarY,195Z Source No 380
AERIAL TRAMWAYS.
: . .
, ',(RESTRICTEDJ There are now in the Corps sector some
15 01",20 of these valuable time-savers designed to meet the
supply tantl-,evacuation"'m!eds of infantry front-line units in
>The model of a. 11 "later ones has been
the 3d 698.: Cons'truction 'on'
this was started as soon as:iJie of Hill 69'8, 'iri t'he
former Z4th Division sectDr-; wai;i It,ts &s1.hgle::' stage.
double-track' -system tramwaYo"po4Ne'ted by a 3/4-ton truck
m4tor. rim attkehed:to tha 'the
driving drum for -the haul '1'he
1
s'tra"ight-line distance
of the tramway is approximately lS'OO'feet. the 'static load '
cables are 18Z0 feet long, the difference in elevation between
the stations is 910 feet. In one period of 31 days Tramway
698 had hauled 187 tons of ammunition, rations, and other
supplies to ,the top of the hill.' and evacuated Z4 casualties"
During one period it hauled 18 tons and evac'Uated "
four casualties. Through its example the erection
tenance of aerial tramways' has become a primary
of the enginee,rbattalions of divisions attached to the Corps.
Over
UNCLASS\f\ED
5
.. 52119' SF '" :t I 'filM
88P4F IBE
__
it. .tl' I, ) 'I! d
COLD WEATHER OPERATtON.
r'
M4 AND M5 TRACTORS.
2 : t I__ __ ______________
(CQNFIDENTIAL) Iti" that an extende'd
track wedge {or tractors. higb .peed, M4'and MS, be designed
,and produced in order ta insure traction during operation on'
frozen : It, i.s further recommended that such
extended.g:oack wedges be included in "Oft Vehicle Material"
in the quantity of 48 per vehicle. ' . '. '
Combat experience had inpi.eated that M4 and M5 high-'
tr.etors do not lbave sufn-de'nt traction on' frozen ground
and to perform their mission as prime'm:overs for towed
A ,field ,expedient. bf welding steel cleats
long. by one inch thick to stabdard track
good:,r.esults in the field. 'This expedient; however,
n:takeslarge, demand..,'.on ,both materials and time.' and 'its
SUCces s depends (1lmost. entirely dpon the skill of the welder.
the cleats' break off with usage.
'.in-'goocl condition, however. it'has'
2.4 pel" track give good traction even
under jcy It is believed that this number would
be adequate for the ,:xtended wedges recommended.
SOURCE:'" ,
Report .. 64th Tank Bn (Medium)
DATE: January 1952 Source No 381
',f(
TANK' TRACTION' ON FROZEN GROUND.
", (CONFIDENTlAL) suitable, type track,
be de;;eloj;;ed for winter operations on, ground solidly
to a two or inches,. Exper.ence, ip
Korea has shown 'that the present track, either steel or rubber,
lacks traction and climb:ing ability, on on frozen
gr'ound, e';en na,'s power t9
type 'M or is
break the surface 'sufficiEH1tly to give the ta'nk the nece'ssary
additional traction anQ also.focus the weight of the tank on
by thi,s ;unit
wllerem every fourth track block IS a deep two-mch cJl.e.vron
block followed by three normal olle-'inc'h chevrori blocks (or
UNCLASSIFIED .
3& F 'x 'W99f'?T
lf1
1te
<,'., 'e8tJFI QiiN;P IAL:
nos,,:: i. $it! U 4
cor4F18Etl
T1
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UNCLASSIFIED
normal rubber blocks). Although tests have not as yet been
complicated by track failure, if is foreseen that the combi
nation tracks being tested may over a period of time lead to
track failure. The combination' of the one two-inch chevron
block followed by the three one'"':inch chevron blocks showed
impJ'oved climbing ability; traction
wa,;a ,still to ,utilize the m.lrimum powet; of
the M46 or A I tank. , , ..
As opposed to. the above the
of normal rubber with tH.e 'two-inch grouser ' '
proved unworthy of further Also, it was n.oted . '
neither the solid two-inch grouser track, the solid one-inch
grouser track. nor the s'olid' track were able to climb
thE! solidly frozen slopes as wen 'as the combination steel
track. it that detailed study
and tests be conducted in the Continental United States
developmentofa tra.ck that will enhance the climb
iJ,lgability of the future medi.um tank, without track
fQr winter conditions
those in Korea. '
j , ,. i.". ", r
** ****
MAINl'ENA:r,-.rCE SHELTERS
...-..
(RESTRICTED) Action should be taken toward procure
;me;nt of heatf.7d shelters for tank ma intenance operations
during winter operations. Shelters should be of adequate size
and height to, enable of. the power pack from the tank,
using the wrecker boom, and to allow room for necessary
Although expedients have been used, the re
s.ulting shelters are and are to some, extent a
safety hazard in high winds. , It ,is believed, t\).at
standards and deadline times during intense cold canbe
ilnprove!l by' proViding shelter, thereby
eiiminating a'nd the all-too-frequent, but neces
sary, trips to outside warming
UNCLASS\f\D
Over
7
oas3"'" Ii#01'1"bN
zSt6fQ1 iDEN i lAc
tiQIIR'TH '? 7 ON
8

.
SOURCE: Command Report - 19th In! Regt
DATE: December 1951 Source No 382
FIELD PROMOTION OF WARRANT OFFICERS.
(RESTRICTED) Field promotion of wat'rant officers
should be made as simple and effective'as that for commis
sioning of second lieutenants
.. . " ,
.' ,,'
, .'. .'. * .* . *
RANK AND '.JOB DISCREPANCIES. '
(RESTRICTED) Though first lieutenants are filling
captain vacancies in combat', promotions have not been forth
coming because overage of captains, Infantry. in this
theater. Promotions to captain of combat company com
manders is neces$ry to maintain proper morale and incen
tive for junior and is the proper reward for deserv
ing 'commanders. Authority to promote combat company
commanders to captainsregardiess of theater strength,;
braqch'and grade. should be forthcom'ing.
,'.. * * .
USE OF SOUND- LISTENING DEVICE-.
I ,
(CONFIDENTIAL) The device was first
used by us this month. It appears profitable, easy to insta1l
and maintain. Use is recommended for outpost;-positions and
close-in ambushes. Several times we detected enemy move
ment at ranges up to 200 yards. A Chinese interpreter
greatly increased the value of the .telling us ,
just what was being' said 'by the enemy detected. ':,:, i, ,,'.' ;: {.
f ..
., ,
''''' " .
UNCLASSIFIED
Kg :r '2'fORi'UtA\

. " UNCLASSIFIED
SOURCE: C;.ornmand Report - :ist 'Cay Div .
DATE: .October 1951 Source No 383 I
, " .
: I . i
DisCUSSION ON DOCTRiNE AND TECHNIQUE.
t 't .
It. not my ,purp.ose', within the limitations
. irnpose4 the.cu,rr,ent and the scope of this
report, . a detaile4.dis.cussion, inv.olving:our bas'ic
qoctrine and ta,ct;ics ... Inste-.d:1prqpose to make some 'general
.comments bas,ed on the experienceis of thi-s di:visicm while
. . ,
. engaged COMMANDqduring the period 8-Z8
October 1951. soundness of doctrine.
it is my. that we sbc;.uld attempt to secure satisfactory
fr,om its application. we do this we are hardly
, in a .position to offer criticism of any, value.. For
. this reason,andqtl;ler:s too n1m1er,ous tomennon" I plan to
discuss only the fundamentals and stress their importance.
,Operations in October .. aa always, revealed our weak
nes,ses.; ,I hope to cSr,ndldly cover most .of these.' How . v:er,
, of this discussion, if complete. would be innu
merable., Consequently,I have selected. only the .moreim
portant and broader topics for review in this report
.'1. Attacks..,
:--..-----,
'!'. ..,' ..
. w,e night and dayfor,a protracted period
detail, attack and plans for' ' .
, supporto( At the cqnc1usion of the
'phase, it is that nolhing, has :been,overlooked.
.Onsideri.ng readvon "D" Day and "HJI Hour,. we
we find. our '.'steam" '
stUI a long way from the objective. The plans are perfect,
, support our supplies more than adequate.
Wherein does the fault It-e? Often,., tar too often. in my
'we .advantage superiority of fire
,f!specially: our organic. weapons.. depending instead
'.on artiliery the load.. ,.oRGANIC WEAPONS,
ONE OF., 'J;'aEM,.MS'r BE EMPLOYED. :1"0 THE
,MAfC1MV. ",;
\' I . " . . d ; ;) I, '. .,; '., '
. ','. Too often we make the mistake of not using all avail
., able ,troops., If a company is se'nt .out to take an ..
the entire company should be used. Every weapon should be
.[9
Over
UNCLASSIFIED
9
iI s ttl a:a
.'1'[\j' 'ttl,TEo; Li
. .. " .. , "
UNCU\SS\f\ED 10
1
placed in operation at time 01' another the attack.
Every trick. scheme. device of the human mind should be
resorted to: and incorporated into the ;p.lan.Il'egret that we
don't always.,do Acomp;my one ends up
the This is wrons.: ,DON'T A BOY
TC?, I?O A MAN'.S. JQBJ By 40ing we ,have faUed to apply ..
the ba,s.icof pri,.r;1ciples: Maximum.employment of
the force. fire and maneuver.. .. ' ','
. .... . ." '. . . ,
!,' 1
.,. ': freque"Uy find it necessar,y to com
mit of their cons,equently unable to: another
group either wonpos.it\onto 0011,-'
tinue the a ore. the unit, PI;'. the ()bjeetive., '. This
..a .. .. w.l1ich is , I).eoes"sitated
by local we .. ;.: .,',
maintain ready reserves in close proximity to attacking
{Qrc'es. Whenever possible, this practice must be avoided
and a reserve unit made available.
} '.', .
.We stU,1 fail to exploit and take of weaknesses
in ,the enemy',s Plans must be flexible' to .extent
we,cap e'Cplpit at all times and with, tl\e least possible
98lay.whenever sttuation p.rmits., ,.,,',
J .
" ,
9reater C; oll,sideration must be given to. the nigptattack.
sold;,ers to attacks., during
. .... ,
ness.",Offic:ers aDd, :NCOs must lear.n to .control unit.s at
. . -. :
nig:ht. phasets probably. our weakest." yet could, be .our:
strongest, Many 8;n opportunity to exploit has been;lost, ,', '
because, of follow-up initial $uccesses. witp
Ilight: attacks...... ,This. w.e must.learn thor.oughly and
rapidly. and battalioll. commanders should alwavs.;
be ready to by ni.ght attacks, a reserve company
by .stoPpil?-i one the in day!
if n.ecessary, to reorganization,and ,:();n
. . . ,
. ,Aft.,. 'an objective,
we tOo often stop there and relax.. WE MUST LEARN_T.o.
CONSOLIDA'TE'IMMEDIATELY Ai'itfpREPARETO
OR THE ATTACK. This is an old 'critie{sm of
American troops, and despite repeated emphasis on the sub
ject in our se.rvice schools and training, we nevertheless
UNCLASSIFrED
SlZOs 'UP I
i"liblP
'ft
' ..
EE6dili i i litl ca:a:
,.. ,.,.....
CONF 'DEN i 1*.
,
fail to properly organize a position. The results are inevi
table: our forces are immediately counterattacked and
valuable ground is lost. In my opinion, few subjects need
in our training.' .
. , :'\
, .'.. If 'it is to be held, immediate preparation and' organiza
tfon of strong defensive positions is 'absolutely essential upon
S'Edzing an objective. Consolidation'and' organization df a
position can ri-ever be ovel'-empbasized and because of our
'failures to follow through,weare repeatedly shoved off hills
by an enemY'who is aware of this weakness, who prepares
for this moment with'rapid counterattacks. If the supporting
'weapons and artinery'fiies are properly used -- artillery
concentration laid on avenues o(approach and a,ssembly areas,
organicwea'poris 'u&edto'keep t'hi enemy at a distattce... -thEm
the assaulting units can usually hold untU reinforcements
arrive.
'Another important item to be emphasized in training
'is assault fire. ,If a unit has" as an objective a hilt OJ' piece
lc,f terrain, then the best way ,to take'it is to get'-on'top;of it -
a.nd' fast! To this end we employ our rrubdmum supporting
'fires; however, in the 'fi'nat'assault (thetaS't'r'ough'fc)rty or
:'tifty:yai'ds when we mask our supportmg 1t is 'the attack
ing unitt!i own assault fire which must }(eep the' enemy down
untit we can close with 'him. Unle-ss 'our TROOPS MOVE
"FAST, AND FIRE WHEN THEY MOVE, rio objective will be
taken'without great' c'ost in ..
Our soldiers, one and all. have a tendency to 'stop'
moving when they fire a weapon. This failing must be over
come.' Infantry soldiers must be taught the advantage of
assaulting' a position by firing while rapidly moving. Train
ing in: loading and'firing: while moving', must be emphasized
, and' practiced. '
,
2. . Attack of a 'Fortified 'Position.
'. 1
. ..
The' execution: of 'Operation COMMANDO found us faced
with the problem of reducing the heaviest fortified positions
:yetencountered in the Korean 'campaign. This should have
presented no :'great problem, but it did. We reacted as if it
were a completely new and untouched-on phase of offensive
wiloda.re., ay our, failure to use the, vast Clmount of experience
Over
,.1 1
UNCLASSIFIED .,.
ze8f4P' IeEPJT I A Is:.
mGZIIR'H '"PPH 7T
I NT LOeb,
UNCLASSIFIED 12
dl,lring the last war -- especially in the quite similar
campaigns. and even during the over one year of
this war _. :we lost much valuable time and many lives.
Doctrines and suggested tactics on the ATTACK OF A
FORTIFIED POSITION should no longer be treated as a
specialty field. It should receive consideration in each and
every offensive tactical training problem. Every answer.
to even a hypothetical problem, should envision the reduction
of mutually supporting bunkers. No longer should we think
of certain weapons such as.the flame demolitions
of various types, etc; as being the exclusive property of
specially .trained assault squads whose only mission is to
reduce one bunker which delays the advance of the regular
rifle elements. It is important that each objective be con
sidered another Siegfried Line and the basically sound
doctrine applied in each time and train
ing and rehearsals prior to an attack but. it is time that we
take. Once we have stopped the:attaek long enough to
permit the enemy. to build bunker typer such
a,s those we have re.cently then the technique
mU$t be rehearsed over and over to insures'Uces's in. our
offense. TRAINING IN THE REDUCTION OF F.ORTIFIED
POSITIONS SHOULD BE CONCURRENT IN ALL
PROBLEMS.
3. W.ithdrawal.
It has been proved by costly experience that night with
dra,walsare disastrous.- yet our commanders still attempt
the.m. . Certainly an intelligent commander always considers
the pc;ssibility of a by planning the routes, desig-'
nating a covering force . etc. Due consideration should be
given to tbe sometimes illusory emergency which- requires
such a move and. if well thought out, the position is usually
not untenable as fir&-t thought to be. By staying on position
we can usually avert a catastrophe and at the ;same time bold
hard won terrain. Naturally. this discussion, :is based on
the premise that the force is on position with adequate strength
to ..4efend or delay untildayligh't. ::.;,'
. .-, : . :
UNCLASSIFIED
eLCDRi i ;
., "
.'
_nPl8itJTIAtpt
--r
.p aUII; IW6Aih: is::
eeNfJl5EN i tAL

Our'troops must be instilled With'the spi,'tit.- confidence,
and determinationto hold.." If f'orced to;withdraw. to dQ so
only on order and under control- in;planned phases.
The final decision will normally: rest with the local com
mander. and' should only be made after carefully estimating
the situation.
--".. 1
.. ,: ','.
During.these operations we had excellent artillery sup
port but 'I-must admit that' our commanders 'do not knaw how
to use. it to. obtain maximum results. In my opinion we r.ely
on artillery' to bridge the gap between small arms fire', with
out properly using the organic infantry weapons to full ad
vant;ilge. Thi-s, gap is too wide for such wasteful useo!
artiUery .!Ven under ideal conditions where the infantry follows
well plaeed: accurate' rolling fire. Minimum safety clearance
in the ,Kor,ean hills prevents close- in support that is possible
on fiattel"' or rolling terrain. Since the movement of a Uhit
up a steep slope' is slow; continuous fir-e must be laid on the
objective after the artillery has moved from the forward to
the reverse slope or higher up the slope. Once our infantry
is within assaulting range, artillery sbould then 'be shifted
to avenues of approach and reverse slopes. to prevent enemy
r.emfo.rcements and counterattack. Instead,' lOur men'will
order fire lifted, . then start the assault up a long' steep
slope. When we do this, the enemy has sufficient time to
recover and emerge from the well prepared positions on
rever.se slopes. ready to enlage our troops. Thus'unortu
nately we'are caught at the worst moment when we are tired
from the long climb and assault and we have lost the shock
effect of artillery.
Our people mustbeforcibly shown the valae of well .
employed a.rtillery fire. I feel tbat this' can best be accom
plished by training infantry behihd- t'ol1in.g fire at the minimum
safety elearancewithinfantry weapons firing at the objective
simultaneously. In our practice problems there is always a
lifting"ef.,f{re before the infantry starts either moving or
This' gives an erroneous impression wbichunfortu.
nately is: carried ,over: into eomba/tt.
' .. the forwar.9:. in noposi
tion to adjust fire, yet artillery is needed. What can be done
Ove:
13
ilJPbRMAIIBI&
P F
UNCLASSIFIED
eer4FIBEtJTIAL
14
in such a case? For one solution, the battalion liaison
officer Jrom an OP should'be able to assist. Any number
of method, 'can
l
be worked out'to keep continuous fire on an
objective.
Artillery should 'seldom be fired by map coordinate
unless nD other' means exist.' This is an unsatisfactory
method and is not accurate;t.it cannot ,be adjusted to give
effective close support to the infantry in this type terrain.
The succes s' of Operation COMMANDO was greatly
affected by use of direct fire ISS-mm', 8-inch guns and tank
weapons. We shoUld bever hesitate to move 'these weapons
up into the bills within range for DIRECT FIRE against
bunker,s
. ' .i'. ,All high velocity direct fire weapons are effective' pro
v;ided they can be positioned. ' Future operations against'
defensive positions should include.' from the ve-ry start', these
weapons, which should move as close dftbe infantry as is
practicable. .
Massing 'of artillery fires is sometimes overlooked.
It :llVly.be.. the best plan to concentrate Z/3 or 3/4 of all avail
able support ona battalion objective until 'it is
We can do this, without 'materially affecting the
other infantry units -that are reorganizing'and
making'preparations for the continuation of the attack.;
The importantpomt W',hich I wish to etnpbcisize here is:
TEACH.THE INFANTRY THE IMPORTANCE OF PROPERLY
USED ARTILLERY, FIRE.' It is never to be substituted for
more accurate'mortar fire',"nor can it ever be used in place'
of organic infantry weapons. It is the combination of all
these weapons, organic and supporting, which makes for a
successful operation.
5. ' Training.
, ,', I
, ' ": ;
The subject ,of trat-ning beUig' s'Oclosely relate4 'to. the"
deficiencies herein bef:brre. 'discusseS and'since"most of our
ills can, be by realistietratning in the fundamentals.
I W:0uld 1ike.. .of
UNClASSIFfED
Sf't';? r::- n;rr ?I '? 9' rr I
.eeNFI8EtJTIAI!
-.
UNCLASSIFIED
"",.., .....,t: . ," .. '\ "'" '.. ' .' t
not receiving suffiieient emphasis in our
'.'. . 1 ! '. :,' ti". ,"0
trai,nmg centers.. , c'
.. j '.. .. ' I,. .'
: t. . ."!' .',,' 'f .:..... .! 't ., .. : ' . '.
Our men must bave more UNIT: TMINING before reach-
a combat It they
been trabling centers, t.hey have
' c" ,.1. " ',' . _
\ not,:- - or pos,s only once or twiCe,:,- - engaged in a, tactical
problem ,under ,the leader,ship of an NCO who leads and directs
them under" silnuiated 'battlefield conaitions where they actually
,apply the principles, of fire and movetnent as a fighting team.
, ' , 'c,,' " c ' ,
,
,this trainirtg left as
the ,of a division' in corrtbat, while '?ther
less im'portant subjects are covered over and over in training
centers. Np subject can possibly be as important to the com
bat'soldier.
.
.' .... .. , ,
'
,:. ' ," " ",;', c ;,,' , '
'1;rQPps need this trai.ning in basic tactics under
.' ..... ..t . . I ',. .
of an or NCO :Who engages in the
their :Ieadet and. not as' a supervisor' who
Ciitiques action oia acting
In this division problems,of platoon and company size
z:un iiveammunition at every available opportunity,
but nevu' have the time required to out confident,
well-trafued soldiers.' ' . " ' , '
Another, and perhaps more critical problem
urgent need to afford our officers, of 'all grades', more'time
and, practice in the actual command of troops. It is too often
the case, the background of the line officer
to'find that bad little'or no command
duty for many years. 'If fortunate, he bas recent
bt:anch service training in my view too much
ls type, of Pteparation for
'but No SUBSTITUTE
for with When inv'olved the
leader, mU,st KNOW from actual practical field experience
often isn't re!l1embered until too late!
.....' '. ..' ., . "
.: .. t' , ; .' ., '.
: ' ....... t ....l ' ;"!fit " ,.," F;. I
Toproperiy consider doctrines of defense In view of
experi-ence and--conditions- which have and do influence our
Over
15

ii'itL
16

actiobs in Korea I before going im'o 'a 'generalized' '
""description. we should cover these problems not for the
,purpose of excusing our actions and justifying our adoption
'of unorthodox methods,. but so that the ,l'ead,er will }:)e cogni
zant f:4 them. " " ,',., , '
" <
in mind that of a' division
, .'" 4 ,,' " '
. sector is in our present
. Some of the fador.'sleading' to tl)is, are: ,','
. . '.:. . ..,; .
t .f.:! ., .'" " F "
a. Thew-iath of this cjivbion.sector _t is over
Z6.000 yards: at times a companyfron[has Z.,.O,OO
" _'... f' . ' ..' -.. I" --4 ... ->
, yards.. ",
.' , . . .
, , ','. (,'. ',.' ,
b. No regimental tank compa:nie!$ a:.:e, have
been assigned to this division. '.,
c. Depth
..
to the defensive position, because of wide
{'tontages and limited troop strength. is obtained by
:i mentary
In the final analysis there simply have not enough
avai1a1:>le to cover the ground. If you consider ,these
fa'ctors, you possibly will why C)ur 'commanders
, adcSpted what they'- thought were' justified to,
.. ;. t-' '" ';. . -'..... '. "
meet the requirements. realizing that our doctrines are '
flexible and that the principles still apply under conditions
in Korea.

I think it best to briefly evolution' of'
fense sulce the ot the K,Qreall as it ", "
concerns tlie company .. - 'the inference being that if all com
. I;l8.nies pt:0perly organize so the division defeJ'lse is, ..
" " , ' , ',.,
. " ,'" r;
',\ Early with our ,
the of. coordinated,! ,:sqPP9rting
'was impossible. '
were not
fronts and sectors of responsibility elther a tie-in.
physica1ly or by fire. Units were' adopt the "
perimeter system, as the only means of defending the key
;terram in their assigned sectors. This system
<t. . . ;.:.. . ' ' I.
'Worked; the'accomplishments are clear in the recprd.. ,
.... , .. ", ...... ', " ....... ".'
UNCLASSIFIED
!kCWiI i JJ4P6AiilA:: s _
@:@tlFfO'E'NTI,,,:f
-
tiNCt ASSIEJED
Yet we developed nothing new and, even then. never were all
important in any given sector occupied.
..
' .... ' 'I
As the number, of our units increased and conditions
, '
generally improved in our favor we atill, to an extent. con
tinlled to prepare our defensive positions as the troops on the
Naktong did. True. the sector decreased and if we had con
tinued to defend key .terrain features as they of the
did., ,no reason for complaint would available. But instead
of, occupying all of the key features. in a sector, unitc:;om
manders started to a180 decrease the. area of occupation by
forming close knit company perimeters on possibly one or two
featur.e.s .. , :Even when defending -on line. instead of sending
or smaller units, .... - as they did previ9u,sly -- t9
occupy and. organize a piece of ground. the tendency.J?y the
company was to pull the elem,ents of ,the company
closer together until all surrounded him on the of
a circular position. Close-by features worthy of defending
wer.e. ignored. great gaps -- impossible to cover by fire -
continued to exist between COMpanies. permittipg the e.nemy
to at will around our positions and attack from any point.
Sine:e the bad practices have and so
long accepted as theory of defense. we must go back to the,
fundamentals of our basically sound defensive doctrines. rhe
defense of key terrain in any unit sector must be stressed
whether H. is a squad. platoon. company or larger unit. No
longer can the close companionship of des,ire to
s.tay together in a tight perimeter - - influence
zatioD" of sectors;.of responsibility. We must
them that it is not to o;rgani:zr,e a co,rnpa,ny with. a
physical tie- in between platoons or even squads, in some cases:;
that gaps will exist .to permit us to prepare artillery and
morta,r .concentratiOlls. to cover the area by AWfire .from ,
more than one,position. which eliminates the need for occupa
tion and cr,eate. impact areas close-in. Our
taught that no armycan cover every q( ground
in its area of responsibility.
. We must analyzatiop. befQ..re
lay.ing out a hasty defens.ive . A must
walk the terra:i.. Planning a company defense 'po;sition from
a map is easy phrsical energy. but is impracticable.
OVer
17
UNCLASS\F\D SiGPR

18,
Our officers study the terrain while walking o:v:er it.
unit in mind, before making a
decision. BY,kn,owmg the of unit. weapons
in possession ofbis men, the condition of his troops .:.
physical, mental, state of training -- the commander is able
to plan his defense as he walks. You canlt position a.utomatic
..' .
weapons from a map; you can't locate the dea.d space in front
of positions. The se,lection' qf alternate and primary
for automatic must be made on the ground
.type of emplacement. a:nd its exact 10,cation can only be. deter
mined by looking the terJ'ai,n.
: >' Preparation of connecting. at
prima,ry and alternate AW positions, .tpust routiI;1e
even in If.time
tions must be prepared with treJ;lChe$ .and
overhead cover. .
, , "
Upon occupying the position, the .companyand
supply routes must be .selected;. a J"econ if
to determine the feasibility of using a certain Not
;always will. the route over unit 11l;o.v;ed in
be the best for moving supplies ."'''::.,.a, route ,may..
one .less arduous cUmbing terrain, a more
route the position. .:, ','
; I
Avenues of ,enemy must b.e., our d:e,...
fenses planned to conform .with ..
of gOM tactical principles. These -..v:enues
'be interdicted by slJpportlng ;fires and entrp.nce
to our position. '
". .,
,., < ,',
Communicat,ion in every. fQrm must
wire. radio, whi6tles. Prearrangeq
be SOP 'cor;npa.DY,and taught to
minute they joina co,mpaJlY.: between,
battalion headquarters' P'lll$t, be pla.nned. We must
.. without it. " ','i.', . '
" ; . ; .
Routes of withdrawal convenient for aii to a
.company assembly area and thispoint,to;.the new posi
tion are a part of every plan. .1, , :J
UNCLASSIFIED
!if'1111!
.J 46
.s liil blii f
'P"freplans mustbeprepitred as !foon' after'o'Ccupation
"a,S 'pOs'Sible t' 'anddurin'g'daylight.' Every man in the company
\, should know 'concentrationsal'ld be able to call '
lor them.' :. ,
Little need be said about the perimeter type of defensive
position. Cenerally our: lroopshave been successful in setting
, up -this ;arid have beett able' to withstaridheavy enemy'
Same principles tn and 'preparmg'8. '
, line defense are usually applicabie - 'terrain must be
'occupied. Sometimes it is best to e10setight and oc'cuPY only
, the dominating terrain features. This, "o'f course; depends
on the size 01 the unit. But, usually itl the' case' 'of a company, ,
"the deieD$e should lie' and 'tight as 'terrain 'never allows
us the freedom of organization 'that we like. Our plans must
confOrm With the terraizi.
,. ."
" '
.
7. Logistics.
; when attacking. a unit faces many numerous and difficult
supply problems, but all have been studied and in most cases
a reme'd'Ydeveloped. Stili we"a;re 'uWa'bleto keep the supplies
'moving by the' 'conveyor belt th4:! units until
can be built. ' At the attack,
supply'is usually accomplished by hand made
up o{indigenous labor who CarTy-CrOm a rear 'suPPly base.
. 1')1is' is not completely' satisfactory. however." Even thoti"gh at
. tiznes are able' to'truck supplies to the biseof a position,
'bnd 'carrying'is still the only rrleans of getting 'it to the top.
By the use of M3q
r
s. 'if available for 'this purpose. many supply
problems could very likely be leesened by decreasing the hand
'carrying distance. In many instances M39' s can traverse steep
slopes 'and even thbugh not'able to 'reach :the' top of i1 hill,' can
reach a p6sition dose to the unit: Often: timeS tanks too are
to reach the tops of some hilts to support the' infantry.
Thfs' being possible, supplies 'f6r 'the infantrY'should be'1oaded
'for the ascent. ,;' .
Much can be done to improve our present flame thrower
'if its use' Resupply is
sucn'a problem that it can never 'be used:' a:s: the efflcfent weapon
that 'it 'is and'to'meet our needs. Thedevetboprnent ot a simpler
f,; ! [;, 1 . . ( ,
Over
19
:zfSS!'F '
UNClJ\SS\F\D
" . '" -.. '" '.fl , ...
eeUPIBE!rfl:JOI!
an't a
ri:ON
F
IE EtJT
..
UNCLASSIFIED
zo
refueling system wheJreby fuel tanks can be refilled close to
using units' position!! ::should, receive top ,prioT.ity. 1\ lighter
weight.. burning perio<Land greater range flame
thrQweT is, ne.ededfor mountain operations
. """- \,",
The positioning of tanks on hill tops with the infantry
our. logistic problems but it is an overwhelming
favor of using M39personnel carriers for
supply.. Once a tank is poSitioned on a hill, suitably dug in
and with adequate targets, it should be left there as constant
movement for. r.esupply unnecessarily increases maintenance
problems. '
The of using mules should not be overlooked;
in faet. a study and experiment may prove its possibility
especially for defensive materials, such as:
wire (concertina), piekets, mines, pioneer tools, etc." These
are the items .that, are needed almost as 'as
atnll'l1mition by assaulting unit preJ)Uingl.mr a eOUl')te.r .
1)hey,will usually,be.available if .the logistic plans
as to include the movernen.t Qfa su,pply train a ,
behind the atta.cking; ec:helon..
4 J ,\ .,,; .:.! ";
8. Cotnl1)unic4t.tions.. ." .
". I .
: .i. ',1;)jer.ation COMMANDO once again brought to light many
glaring deficiencies in our employment of signal communication.
The tendency on tbepart of unit commanders and subordinate
leaders to rely almost on radio. and VHF media
of, commwncatiC)ns,resulted in over",: burdcningtl)"se. chalU,lels
of. communication. Also, w:tlen these electrical through
mechanical inoperable. cOJPn:l,unjcation with and
control ofunits was lost. In addition, many targets of oppor
tunity, particularly those observed just after elements
have taken tbeu- objective, not under
artillery and mortar :fire.th'l,ls allowing the ,enemy to assemble
fC)r.ces l"apidly; and , .
. . '
It is imperative that the commander utilize every means
of COmmunication at his disposal. Land lines must be laid as
rapidly.as pos,ible .tQ:fo:rward positions, and wire m1,lst closely
follow ech.elon. . Adequate usage was not made of
is :an e"eellentmeansof
that can be very effectively at night.
\.". - ; -Ii. " . "., ...
UNCLASSIFIED
3
6)@p'r'!)['4T!.IlL

UNCLASS'F1ED
In regard to security, it must never be forgotten that
the enemy possesses many of our type radios and has at
time jammed our channels. It is also entirely possible that
some of our moves were blunted becaus. the enemy possessed
prior knowledge of the particular move. To take full advan
tage of our excellent signal equipment, thorough training of
operators, expert maintenance, and uninterrupted resupply
of batteries and spare parts, are essential througbout all
echelons right to the smallest units.
9. Tactical Air Support.

Air strikes should seldom be used against an objective
when forward observer adjusted artillery and mortar fire is
being placed and the infantry is positioned ready to move
under cover of this fire. By placing an air strike on such
a positlon, much time is lost in lifting artillery and again
getting fire the objective after the strike.. At the same
time the momentum of the attack is lost and the accurate
. . . .
pinpoint 4. Z, 8l... mm fire is sacrificed for less accurate
area coverage. In addition adjacent units, ,ttacking, lose
their supporting fire while aircraft is in the area.
This same aircraft can be 'used much more effectively
.. by just beyond the objective, without iifting the
supporting fire, to interdict asseinbly and build'-Jlp
t6 prevent enemy reinforcement.. ' 100- to Z50-Pound bombs
equipped with VT fuzes should be used.
Prior preparation of defensive positions should include
a softening up by air power using 500- and 1000-pound bombs.
However, against heavily fortified positions and bunkert,
, . this should before the attacking'troops start the
attack. Fo.r as previously stated, artillery fire should seldom
be lifted once the infantry has started moving. To soften up
the hea.yi1y defended hills with lattger Personnel bunkers
and weaPons the heavy (lOOO-pound) bombs must be used.
. . . ." \. f A '-"
. napalm and 'rockets areto'an effective
but thcdr effeC:tiveness is greater against troops in open
trenches.. Are8::,9apalm bombing is difficult and costly in air
. craft aga#ist the positions.' It is probable that
." "1lUt air.craftcould be'more effectively em
'., \ <.' .
ployed 'aga1nst other targets in support of the ground operation.
Over
., o.a, _....... ....

.. ..... .,... ,- .
su . I ! Ii" ORidATION
UNCLASSIFIED
CQtJFI

UNCLASSIFIID
Conclusion.
An attempt. in the foregoing ha:s' been -made to- cover the
probleaur..enceuntered,JIftd some 'of, the methods we have learned
from 'expe,iencehe"er, -are. bowever. innumerable
important' subjects,' la. ;menticmed in the il'ltroduction. fa dis - .
cus.ion of_icb should be included but bave not been;for reasCIB
of time a;nd .
There are many tb;iilg. that we can do to improve the
efficiel'lcy of our operation.. . For certain. we can improve
the leadership qualities of our company grade officers and I
know of no better way than by proper training. Our communi:'
cation sy'stem needs constant improvement; also I cal'l't over
emphasize the importance of accurate. timely casualty re
porting and the passing on of imormation to the next higber
headquarters.
Most of .the problems encountered are old ones; everyone
is aware' of the f supposedly common errors that .
officers bave always made. We must emphasize
the fundamentals ill a program wbich is filled with small unit
tactics. i Other les. important subjects can be covered con-'
currently. Our soldiers must be made to realize that the
,
mistakes made by to apply fundamental doctrines cost
us lives and loss of valuable time.. I am convinced that our
doetrines are sound 'and battle proven - - it is in our applieation
of th.s. doctrines or rather in our failure to apply them to the
situation that we have failed. -. .
_ ) . " t ','
) ..
.',i;
:: .i."
.. i' .
t
... .1) ,'.' ,'\'
. , .1,
" ... "UNCLASSlffED !!
..