597 Days: A Division's Morale During Sustained Combat
Abstract
The soldiers of the 34th Infantry (Red Bull) Division conducted 597 days of combat operations in the Italian theater during the Second World War. The decisions made by operational planners allowed the men to continue the fight beyond the recognized point of when combat exhaustion affects soldiers. Operational planners' arrangement of tactical actions in time, space, and purpose achieved not only operational and strategic end states, but ensured the 34th Infantry Division's relief from the front line at the point just prior to the division becoming combat exhausted. The key to the 34th Infantry Division's success came from the development of group cohesion and strong leadership. Combat exhaustion still affected the soldiers individually; however, the group provided the individual soldier the strength and the ability to achieve more than their recognized limits. The fear of letting down the group provided the strength for individuals, ensuring operational success for the organization. During refit periods, the division's leaders helped to reinforce and strengthen the bond of the group by ensuring veterans passed their knowledge to replacements in a training environment. During combat operations, the actions and decisions by leaders inspired their men to continue the fight beyond their recognized limits.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 22, 2014
- Accession Number
- ADA612165
Entities
People
- Jacob C. Helgestad
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College