2 replies on “442ND INFANTRY REGIMENT BAR GUNNER STORY”
Great article about the 442nd, Grumpy! My grandfather used to talk about the incredible courage of the Nisei soldiers, especially the BAR gunners who provided such critical fire support during those intense European campaigns. It’s amazing how much infrastructure and coordination it took behind the scenes to keep those units operational. Speaking of complex operational infrastructure, I was actually reading about how modern digital platforms manage backend logistics and compliance networks, similar to what’s described here: https://igaming-solution.com/igaming-platforms/ — and it made me wonder, how did WWII tactical units like the 442nd manage their supply lines and replacement logistics for specialized weapons while constantly on the move in rugged terrain?
Well the Army had quite a few truck companies that were basically attached to the front line units. Like the Red Ball Express when we rolled over France. Now in Italy and in Burma, the Green Machine started using Mules and had to train up Mule Skinners to handle them.
We did the same with the Afghans when they were shooting up the Russians.(This was mentioned in the great film “Charlie Wilson’s war”) Seeing as that a good mule with the right kind of handler can get over terrain that most machines can’t. I also believe that they can also proportionally haul more stuff than the choppers can. Without losing a lot of stuff unlike aircraft if the load master or the wind f*cks things up.
2 replies on “442ND INFANTRY REGIMENT BAR GUNNER STORY”
Great article about the 442nd, Grumpy! My grandfather used to talk about the incredible courage of the Nisei soldiers, especially the BAR gunners who provided such critical fire support during those intense European campaigns. It’s amazing how much infrastructure and coordination it took behind the scenes to keep those units operational. Speaking of complex operational infrastructure, I was actually reading about how modern digital platforms manage backend logistics and compliance networks, similar to what’s described here: https://igaming-solution.com/igaming-platforms/ — and it made me wonder, how did WWII tactical units like the 442nd manage their supply lines and replacement logistics for specialized weapons while constantly on the move in rugged terrain?
Well the Army had quite a few truck companies that were basically attached to the front line units. Like the Red Ball Express when we rolled over France. Now in Italy and in Burma, the Green Machine started using Mules and had to train up Mule Skinners to handle them.
We did the same with the Afghans when they were shooting up the Russians.(This was mentioned in the great film “Charlie Wilson’s war”) Seeing as that a good mule with the right kind of handler can get over terrain that most machines can’t. I also believe that they can also proportionally haul more stuff than the choppers can. Without losing a lot of stuff unlike aircraft if the load master or the wind f*cks things up.
Anyways Thanks for the GREAT COMMENT! Grumpy