Donald K. Mitchener
- Published in print:
- 2021
- Published Online:
- January 2022
- ISBN:
- 9781949668124
- eISBN:
- 9781949668155
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- University Press of Kentucky
- DOI:
- 10.5810/kentucky/9781949668124.003.0003
- Subject:
- History, Military History
A narrative of D-day on Tarawa Atoll and a description and analysis of the planning for and the execution of naval gunfire missions in support of the assault. This is followed by an analysis of the ...
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A narrative of D-day on Tarawa Atoll and a description and analysis of the planning for and the execution of naval gunfire missions in support of the assault. This is followed by an analysis of the effectiveness of that support and of the naval gunfire support lessons that the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Marine Corps claimed were learned.Less
A narrative of D-day on Tarawa Atoll and a description and analysis of the planning for and the execution of naval gunfire missions in support of the assault. This is followed by an analysis of the effectiveness of that support and of the naval gunfire support lessons that the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Marine Corps claimed were learned.
Donald K. Mitchener
- Published in print:
- 2021
- Published Online:
- January 2022
- ISBN:
- 9781949668124
- eISBN:
- 9781949668155
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- University Press of Kentucky
- DOI:
- 10.5810/kentucky/9781949668124.003.0005
- Subject:
- History, Military History
This chapter is a narrative of D-day on Saipan and W-day on Guam in the Mariana Islands and a description and analysis of the planning for and the execution of naval gunfire missions in support of ...
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This chapter is a narrative of D-day on Saipan and W-day on Guam in the Mariana Islands and a description and analysis of the planning for and the execution of naval gunfire missions in support of each assault. This is followed by an analysis of the effectiveness of that support and of the application of the lessons that had been learned at Tarawa. The lessons were modified in the case of Saipan, but they were reaffirmed in their application at Guam.Less
This chapter is a narrative of D-day on Saipan and W-day on Guam in the Mariana Islands and a description and analysis of the planning for and the execution of naval gunfire missions in support of each assault. This is followed by an analysis of the effectiveness of that support and of the application of the lessons that had been learned at Tarawa. The lessons were modified in the case of Saipan, but they were reaffirmed in their application at Guam.
David French
- Published in print:
- 2012
- Published Online:
- May 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780199548231
- eISBN:
- 9780191739224
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199548231.003.0007
- Subject:
- History, British and Irish Modern History, Military History
During the Second World War the British developed a sophisticated and highly effective capability to mount amphibious expeditionary operations. This chapter begins by examining how and why that ...
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During the Second World War the British developed a sophisticated and highly effective capability to mount amphibious expeditionary operations. This chapter begins by examining how and why that capability was allowed to wither away after 1945. It then analyses why the army found it so difficult to generate forces for expeditionary operations. Finally, in examining the army's contribution to operations at Abadan, Korea and Suez, it looks at what the conduct of those operations had to say about its combat capability.Less
During the Second World War the British developed a sophisticated and highly effective capability to mount amphibious expeditionary operations. This chapter begins by examining how and why that capability was allowed to wither away after 1945. It then analyses why the army found it so difficult to generate forces for expeditionary operations. Finally, in examining the army's contribution to operations at Abadan, Korea and Suez, it looks at what the conduct of those operations had to say about its combat capability.
Donald K. Mitchener
- Published in print:
- 2021
- Published Online:
- January 2022
- ISBN:
- 9781949668124
- eISBN:
- 9781949668155
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- University Press of Kentucky
- DOI:
- 10.5810/kentucky/9781949668124.003.0006
- Subject:
- History, Military History
This chapter is a narrative of D-day on Peleliu in the Palau Islands and a description and analysis of the planning for and the execution of naval gunfire missions in support of the assault. This is ...
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This chapter is a narrative of D-day on Peleliu in the Palau Islands and a description and analysis of the planning for and the execution of naval gunfire missions in support of the assault. This is followed by an analysis of the effectiveness of that support and of the application of the lessons that had been learned at Tarawa. In the case of Peleliu, those lessons were largely ignored.Less
This chapter is a narrative of D-day on Peleliu in the Palau Islands and a description and analysis of the planning for and the execution of naval gunfire missions in support of the assault. This is followed by an analysis of the effectiveness of that support and of the application of the lessons that had been learned at Tarawa. In the case of Peleliu, those lessons were largely ignored.
Donald K. Mitchener
- Published in print:
- 2021
- Published Online:
- January 2022
- ISBN:
- 9781949668124
- eISBN:
- 9781949668155
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- University Press of Kentucky
- DOI:
- 10.5810/kentucky/9781949668124.003.0004
- Subject:
- History, Military History
This chapter is a narrative of D-day on Roi-Namur in the Marshall Islands and a description and analysis of the planning for and the execution of naval gunfire missions in support of the assault. ...
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This chapter is a narrative of D-day on Roi-Namur in the Marshall Islands and a description and analysis of the planning for and the execution of naval gunfire missions in support of the assault. This is followed by an analysis of the effectiveness of that support and of the application of the lessons that had been learned at Tarawa. This application was deemed to have proven the adequacy of those lessons.Less
This chapter is a narrative of D-day on Roi-Namur in the Marshall Islands and a description and analysis of the planning for and the execution of naval gunfire missions in support of the assault. This is followed by an analysis of the effectiveness of that support and of the application of the lessons that had been learned at Tarawa. This application was deemed to have proven the adequacy of those lessons.
Mark A. Snell
- Published in print:
- 2010
- Published Online:
- March 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780823231201
- eISBN:
- 9780823240791
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Fordham University Press
- DOI:
- 10.5422/fso/9780823231201.003.0009
- Subject:
- History, American History: 20th Century
This chapter offers both a valuable overview of the United States Coast Guard's role in World War II as well as an in-depth examination of this often forgotten service in the ...
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This chapter offers both a valuable overview of the United States Coast Guard's role in World War II as well as an in-depth examination of this often forgotten service in the major amphibious operations of the war. Making extensive use of oral histories and memoirs, it takes the reader from the coast guardsman's early training to operations in Sicily and the Italian mainland, to raucous liberty in Gibraltar, and on to the deadly serious preparation in the months leading up to Normandy. The heart of the chapter focuses on the heretofore unexamined history of Flotilla ten, each of whose 36 LCIs (landing craft, infantry) carried a crew of 24 and as many as 188 troops in the assault on Omaha Beach, amid an ocean of lethal anti-tank mines, treacherous tides and currents, and German defensive fire.Less
This chapter offers both a valuable overview of the United States Coast Guard's role in World War II as well as an in-depth examination of this often forgotten service in the major amphibious operations of the war. Making extensive use of oral histories and memoirs, it takes the reader from the coast guardsman's early training to operations in Sicily and the Italian mainland, to raucous liberty in Gibraltar, and on to the deadly serious preparation in the months leading up to Normandy. The heart of the chapter focuses on the heretofore unexamined history of Flotilla ten, each of whose 36 LCIs (landing craft, infantry) carried a crew of 24 and as many as 188 troops in the assault on Omaha Beach, amid an ocean of lethal anti-tank mines, treacherous tides and currents, and German defensive fire.
William T. Bowers
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- September 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780813125640
- eISBN:
- 9780813135366
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- University Press of Kentucky
- DOI:
- 10.5810/kentucky/9780813125640.003.0012
- Subject:
- History, Military History
While supply officers and engineers worked to obtain support, detailed planning and preparations for the amphibious operation proceeded. The activity of the 4th Ranger Company is elaborated here. 1st ...
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While supply officers and engineers worked to obtain support, detailed planning and preparations for the amphibious operation proceeded. The activity of the 4th Ranger Company is elaborated here. 1st Lt. Michael D. Healy led the initial assault element or “killer” squad across the reservoir onto the peninsula. The movement of Company I across the reservoir was a slow process. The reinforcement of Rangers by the Company I is described. As the 4th Ranger Company, later joined by Company I, gained a foothold on the peninsula east of the dam and then struggled to beat off enemy counterattacks, the rest of the 7th Cavalry failed to achieve the hoped-for success in their attacks west of the Hwach'on dam. With the completion of the withdrawal, as the Rangers and the 7th Cavalry moved to the rear into reserve, they had time to reflect on what had happened.Less
While supply officers and engineers worked to obtain support, detailed planning and preparations for the amphibious operation proceeded. The activity of the 4th Ranger Company is elaborated here. 1st Lt. Michael D. Healy led the initial assault element or “killer” squad across the reservoir onto the peninsula. The movement of Company I across the reservoir was a slow process. The reinforcement of Rangers by the Company I is described. As the 4th Ranger Company, later joined by Company I, gained a foothold on the peninsula east of the dam and then struggled to beat off enemy counterattacks, the rest of the 7th Cavalry failed to achieve the hoped-for success in their attacks west of the Hwach'on dam. With the completion of the withdrawal, as the Rangers and the 7th Cavalry moved to the rear into reserve, they had time to reflect on what had happened.
Phillip S. Meilinger
- Published in print:
- 2020
- Published Online:
- September 2020
- ISBN:
- 9780813178899
- eISBN:
- 9780813178905
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- University Press of Kentucky
- DOI:
- 10.5810/kentucky/9780813178899.001.0001
- Subject:
- History, Military History
In these provocative essays, military historian Phillip Meilinger explores timeless issues. Beginning with an iconoclastic look at the ideas of Carl von Clausewitz, Meilinger sees an unfortunate ...
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In these provocative essays, military historian Phillip Meilinger explores timeless issues. Beginning with an iconoclastic look at the ideas of Carl von Clausewitz, Meilinger sees an unfortunate influence due to an emphasis on bloody battle, combined with a Euro-centric worldview. Moreover, Clausewitz’s dictum that war is an extension of policy actually says very little to guide modern world leaders. Other essays examine the nature of war in the twenty-first century, principles of war, the meaning of decisive victory, the importance of second front operations, the influence of time in battle, and a look at the first major amphibious and joint campaign of World War II in Norway. He also notes the crucial role played by service culture, and his controversial look at the American military tradition reveals that the US military has played a major role in politics throughout our history. An essay on unity of command in the Pacific during World War II reveals interservice rivalry and conflicting strategic views. Strategic bombing in World War II depended on new analytical tools, such as intelligence gathering. The United States Strategic Bombing Survey examined the results of those bombing campaigns in depth. The United States now engages in wars of choice and requires an international mandate to intervene to restore peace or destroy a terrorist group. We must therefore limit risk and cost, especially to the civilian populace. This leads to a new paradigm emphasizing the use of airpower, special operations forces, intelligence gathering and dissemination systems, and indigenous ground forces.Less
In these provocative essays, military historian Phillip Meilinger explores timeless issues. Beginning with an iconoclastic look at the ideas of Carl von Clausewitz, Meilinger sees an unfortunate influence due to an emphasis on bloody battle, combined with a Euro-centric worldview. Moreover, Clausewitz’s dictum that war is an extension of policy actually says very little to guide modern world leaders. Other essays examine the nature of war in the twenty-first century, principles of war, the meaning of decisive victory, the importance of second front operations, the influence of time in battle, and a look at the first major amphibious and joint campaign of World War II in Norway. He also notes the crucial role played by service culture, and his controversial look at the American military tradition reveals that the US military has played a major role in politics throughout our history. An essay on unity of command in the Pacific during World War II reveals interservice rivalry and conflicting strategic views. Strategic bombing in World War II depended on new analytical tools, such as intelligence gathering. The United States Strategic Bombing Survey examined the results of those bombing campaigns in depth. The United States now engages in wars of choice and requires an international mandate to intervene to restore peace or destroy a terrorist group. We must therefore limit risk and cost, especially to the civilian populace. This leads to a new paradigm emphasizing the use of airpower, special operations forces, intelligence gathering and dissemination systems, and indigenous ground forces.
Donald K. Mitchener
- Published in print:
- 2021
- Published Online:
- January 2022
- ISBN:
- 9781949668124
- eISBN:
- 9781949668155
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- University Press of Kentucky
- DOI:
- 10.5810/kentucky/9781949668124.001.0001
- Subject:
- History, Military History
On November 20, 1943, the U.S. military invaded the Tarawa Atoll of the Gilbert Islands as part of the first American offensive in the Central Pacific region during World War II. This invasion marked ...
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On November 20, 1943, the U.S. military invaded the Tarawa Atoll of the Gilbert Islands as part of the first American offensive in the Central Pacific region during World War II. This invasion marked more than one first, as it was also the introductory test of a doctrine developed during the interwar years to address problems inherent in situations in which amphibious assaults required support by naval gunfire rather than land-based artillery. In this detailed study, Donald K. Mitchener documents and analyzes the prewar development of this doctrine as well as its application and evolution between the years 1943-1945. The historical consensus is that the test at Tawara was successful and increased the efficiency with which U.S. forces were able to apply the doctrine in the Pacific theater for the remainder of the Second World War. Mitchener challenges this view, arguing that the reality was much more complex. He reveals that strategic concerns often took precedence over the lessons learned in the initial engagement, and that naval planners' failure to stay up to date with the latest doctrinal developments and applications sometimes led them to ignore these lessons altogether. U.S. Naval Gunfire Support in the Pacific War presents an important analysis that highlights the human cost of misinterpreting strategic and tactical realities.Less
On November 20, 1943, the U.S. military invaded the Tarawa Atoll of the Gilbert Islands as part of the first American offensive in the Central Pacific region during World War II. This invasion marked more than one first, as it was also the introductory test of a doctrine developed during the interwar years to address problems inherent in situations in which amphibious assaults required support by naval gunfire rather than land-based artillery. In this detailed study, Donald K. Mitchener documents and analyzes the prewar development of this doctrine as well as its application and evolution between the years 1943-1945. The historical consensus is that the test at Tawara was successful and increased the efficiency with which U.S. forces were able to apply the doctrine in the Pacific theater for the remainder of the Second World War. Mitchener challenges this view, arguing that the reality was much more complex. He reveals that strategic concerns often took precedence over the lessons learned in the initial engagement, and that naval planners' failure to stay up to date with the latest doctrinal developments and applications sometimes led them to ignore these lessons altogether. U.S. Naval Gunfire Support in the Pacific War presents an important analysis that highlights the human cost of misinterpreting strategic and tactical realities.
Donald K. Mitchener
- Published in print:
- 2021
- Published Online:
- January 2022
- ISBN:
- 9781949668124
- eISBN:
- 9781949668155
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- University Press of Kentucky
- DOI:
- 10.5810/kentucky/9781949668124.003.0008
- Subject:
- History, Military History
This chapter is a concise summary of the conclusions reached by the author regarding the use of naval gunfire in support of amphibious operations in the Pacific during World War II.
This chapter is a concise summary of the conclusions reached by the author regarding the use of naval gunfire in support of amphibious operations in the Pacific during World War II.
Phillip S. Meilinger
- Published in print:
- 2020
- Published Online:
- September 2020
- ISBN:
- 9780813178899
- eISBN:
- 9780813178905
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- University Press of Kentucky
- DOI:
- 10.5810/kentucky/9780813178899.003.0009
- Subject:
- History, Military History
The Norwegian campaign of 1940 was the first major confrontation between Germany and the Allies in World War II. Although both sides had been poised along the Western Front since September 1939, ...
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The Norwegian campaign of 1940 was the first major confrontation between Germany and the Allies in World War II. Although both sides had been poised along the Western Front since September 1939, serious fighting did not break out there; instead, the belligerents first fought in the far north. Germany had sound strategic reasons for conquering Norway, but the Allies attacked them there simply because they did not wish to fight in France. Important lessons were learned in Norway, by both sides, regarding joint operations, unity of command, and airpower –specifically, the need for air superiority over naval forces.Less
The Norwegian campaign of 1940 was the first major confrontation between Germany and the Allies in World War II. Although both sides had been poised along the Western Front since September 1939, serious fighting did not break out there; instead, the belligerents first fought in the far north. Germany had sound strategic reasons for conquering Norway, but the Allies attacked them there simply because they did not wish to fight in France. Important lessons were learned in Norway, by both sides, regarding joint operations, unity of command, and airpower –specifically, the need for air superiority over naval forces.