US Combat Engineer 1941-45

The US Army in World War II could not have functioned without the services of its engineer units. Using a variety of specialized equipment and vehicles, these men bridged rivers, cleared minefields, blew up roadblocks, and assaulted enemy strongpoints. They were vital to keeping the vast Allied war machine rolling. It was not uncommon for combat engineer battalions to be employed as ad hoc infantry during the later stages of World War II, and many found themselves holding the line against German offensives. This book covers the recruitment and training of a US combat engineer, the equipment he used, his life in the field, and what he could expect to encounter in battle.

Gordon L. Rottman entered the US Army in 1967, volunteered for Special Forces and completed training as a weapons specialist. He served in the 5th Special Forces Group in Vietnam in 1969-70 and subsequently in airborne infantry, long-range patrol and intelligence assignments until retiring after 26 years. He was a Special Operations Forces scenario writer at the Joint Readiness Training Center for 12 years and is now a freelance writer, living in Texas.