The United States Infantry Battalion
In early 1942 the United States Army undertook a major reorganisation of its ground forces to prepare them for the coming conflict. The template arrived upon would see only detail changes throughout the course of the war.
From April 1942 the Battalion consisted of a Headquarters, a Headquarter Company (including an Anti-tank Platoon), a Heavy Weapons Company and three Rifle Companies. Companies were lettered consecutively across their Regiment of three such Battalions, excluding Headquarters Companies, with A to D in 1st Battalion, E to H in 2nd Battalion, and I to M in 3rd Battalion (there being no J Company). The Heavy Weapons Companies were designated D, H and M, all other lettered Companies being Rifle Companies.
The below links lead to descriptions of the Battalion organisations used from early 1942 onwards to the end of the war. Infantry Divisions operating in the Mediterranean, European and Pacific Theatres were all expected to adhere to the same Tables of Organization, but as always there was room for local amendment to meet circumstances.
The United States Infantry Battalion 1942 to mid 1943
Derived from the following Tables of Organization –
Headquarters & Headquarters Company, Infantry Battalion, Table of Organization number 7-16, dated April 1st 1942.
Infantry Rifle Company, Table of Organization number 7-17, dated April 1st 1942.
Infantry Heavy Weapons Company, Table of Organization number 7-18, dated April 1st 1942.
The United States Infantry Battalion mid 1943 to 1945
Derived from the following Tables of Organization –
Headquarters & Headquarters Company, Infantry Battalion, Table of Organization number 7-16, dated July 15th 1943.
Infantry Rifle Company, Table of Organization number 7-17, dated July 15th 1943.
Infantry Heavy Weapons Company, Table of Organization number 7-18, dated July 15th 1943.
Headquarters & Headquarters Company, Infantry Battalion, Table of Organization number 7-16, dated February 26th 1944 (including Change 1).
Infantry Rifle Company, Table of Organization number 7-17, dated February 26th 1944 (including Change 1).
Infantry Heavy Weapons Company, Table of Organization number 7-18, dated February 26th 1944 (including Change 1).
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