Structure of the US-Army in ww2

**OrangSoldier** · 11-05-2009, 03:22 PM

Hello,

I am writing a task about siege of bastogne as portrayed in the film "Battleground".

I am confused because I don't know anything about the structure of the US-Army in that time. So here a few questions:

What is the biggest group? a division? and then a regiment? or Campany? or Battalion?

How big is a platoon? or squad?

I'm sorry. But I'm confused.
Can you please give me the answers?

Thank you,
0.S.

**Adrian Stevenson** · 11-05-2009, 03:32 PM

Hi OS, here you go:

Army Chain of Command (Organization)

Saves me writing it all up

Cheers, Ade.

**OrangSoldier** · 11-05-2009, 04:00 PM

Thank you.
Is this also the ww2-structure?
So regiments had no function? Batallions were called regiments?

best wishes,
0.S.

**Adrian Stevenson** · 11-05-2009, 07:08 PM

Hi OS, I gave you that link to give some very basic understanding of how the US Army is organised. It is not a wartime structure, but it will give you some understanding of the names of the smallest unit to the largest. Numbers quoted are about right for WW2. This can be a broad subject and I am trying to keep it as simple as possible for you to understand.

In WW2 the US Army Division was organised on a "triangular basis". That means it had three Regiments, each with 3 Battalions. Before 1940 they used a "square organisation", with 4 Regts etc.

Here is another link for you:

US Divisions - Regiments and Supporting Units

Hope this helps?

Cheers, Ade.

**RH1941** · 11-05-2009, 07:24 PM

A real good book to use is ( Finding Your Father's War)a practical guide to researching and understanding service in the World War II US Army by Jonathan Gawne.. Good luck. Gary

**Adrian Stevenson** · 11-05-2009, 07:31 PM

Hi Gary, I have not heard of that one, thanks.

I have the "US Army Handbook" by George Forty. An old book but one which gives a good understanding of the subject.

Cheers, Ade.

**RH1941** · 11-05-2009, 07:58 PM

Ade I will have to look for that one. I like Findig your father's war because it gives activation dates of divisions, days in combat ,campaigns ,and support units. also how to find records in the archives. For $24.95 US its agreat book. And no I didn't have anything to do with writing or publishing this book.LOL Gary

**Adrian Stevenson** · 11-05-2009, 08:10 PM

Hi Gary, I never mind anyone "plugging" a book on the forum. One cannot have too many books. As says the man who has to keep some of his at his parents home due to lack of space

Cheers, Ade

**OrangSoldier** · 11-06-2009, 02:40 PM

okay thank you.
I think these klinks will help me.

best wishes...

0.S.

**OrangSoldier** · 12-14-2009, 04:52 PM

Hi it’s me again.
Well... I’m reading the book „Bastogne- if you don’t know what „NUTS“ means“ from Guy Franz Arend.
On page 111 it says: ”…the 2nd Battalion of the 327th Glider Infantry Regiment…” .

So a “Regiment” cannot be another name for “Battalion” can it?
But in the link above says it…..

Can anyone help me please?

Thanks,
0.S.