Anti-Aircraft Artillery Weapon System in World War II Mobile Anti-Aircraft Artillery Weapon Systems and Battalions provided much needed fire support for advancing infantry and armor. This would be seen as a great advantage during World War II (WWII) and paved the way for the future of guarding the sky. During WWII the need to protect the skies was evident which pushed our military to develop weapon systems that would do such, with this notion it lead to General George S. Patton’s secret weapon to come forth which was Air Defense. There were many different types of anti-aircraft artillery (AAA) weapon systems used during WWII that allowed the United States Army to be proficient at targeting the enemy and aid the United States to ultimately
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In 1942, General Patton requested for the War Department to provide his command with a weapon that could accompany his needs and by August the T-28-E1 was delivered. The 443rd Battalion, which was activated out of Fort Sheridan, Illinois, became the country’s number one unit in August of 1942 when they became equipped with 78 of the new T-28-E1 weapons. This unit was a key role player that was the first unit to become full force with such a weapon. They fully took advantage of this weapon and became true heroes during this time. “This was the first step in what was to develop into a remarkable combat record through nine major campaigns and three amphibious invasions in the North African, Mediterranean and European Theaters of Operations.” (Larson, 1998) In November of 1942 our forces were under frequent and vigorous ground resistance, bombing attacks by enemy planes, attacks by French tanks, and artillery. Through it all, the gunners of the T-28-E1 began their own resistance on the enemy planes. They even downed an attacking plane while firing from the landing craft on the way to shore. These guns were used, not only to fire at enemy planes, but also as an anti-tank defense and in reinforcing the infantry …show more content…
The many different types of anti-aircraft weapon systems used that played a key role in the overall success and victory of the Allied Forces. General Dwight D. Eisenhower stated, “The speed, accuracy, and devastating power of American Artillery won confidence and admiration from the troops it supported and inspired fear and respect in the is enemy.” (ND) General George S. Patton also stated, “I do not have to tell you who won the war. You know, the artillery did.” (ND) Without the speed and accuracy of the Anti-Aircraft Artillery Battalions during the war, the outcome may very well have been different. Throughout WWII it was seen how important artillery was and it allowed air defense to flourish to what it is
In 1942, General Patton requested for the War Department to provide his command with a weapon that could accompany his needs and by August the T-28-E1 was delivered. The 443rd Battalion, which was activated out of Fort Sheridan, Illinois, became the country’s number one unit in August of 1942 when they became equipped with 78 of the new T-28-E1 weapons. This unit was a key role player that was the first unit to become full force with such a weapon. They fully took advantage of this weapon and became true heroes during this time. “This was the first step in what was to develop into a remarkable combat record through nine major campaigns and three amphibious invasions in the North African, Mediterranean and European Theaters of Operations.” (Larson, 1998) In November of 1942 our forces were under frequent and vigorous ground resistance, bombing attacks by enemy planes, attacks by French tanks, and artillery. Through it all, the gunners of the T-28-E1 began their own resistance on the enemy planes. They even downed an attacking plane while firing from the landing craft on the way to shore. These guns were used, not only to fire at enemy planes, but also as an anti-tank defense and in reinforcing the infantry …show more content…
The many different types of anti-aircraft weapon systems used that played a key role in the overall success and victory of the Allied Forces. General Dwight D. Eisenhower stated, “The speed, accuracy, and devastating power of American Artillery won confidence and admiration from the troops it supported and inspired fear and respect in the is enemy.” (ND) General George S. Patton also stated, “I do not have to tell you who won the war. You know, the artillery did.” (ND) Without the speed and accuracy of the Anti-Aircraft Artillery Battalions during the war, the outcome may very well have been different. Throughout WWII it was seen how important artillery was and it allowed air defense to flourish to what it is