Osprey Battle Orders 26 : US Airborne Units in the Pacific Theatre 1942-1945

This book examines the wide variety of airborne units that served in the Pacific Theatre. Among the units covered are the 12,000 strong 11th Airborne Division, the elite 1st Special Service Force, the 503rd Parachute Infantry Regiment (Separate), and the 1st Marine Parachute Regiment. The nature of the enemy and the terrain in the PTO, and long distances that had to be covered, provided significant and diverse challenges to both Army and Marine Corps parachute units. Internal organization, weapons and equipment, command and control, training, combat missions, and combat operations including the 11th Division's fighting in the Philippines, and the 503rd PIR's legendary jump onto Corregidor and recapture of the island are all covered. Text by Gordon L Rottman.

Contents

• Introduction
• Combat Mission
• Preparation for War : Doctrine and Training
• Unit Organization
• Tactics
• Weapons and Equipment
• Command, Control, Communication and Intelligence
• Unit Status
• Lessons Learned
• Chronology
• Bibliography
• Index