Series American Forces in Action

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'"American Forces in Action Series" presents detailed accounts of particular combat operations of United States forces. To the American public, this record of high achievement by men who served their nation well is presented as a preface to the full military history of World War II. To the soldiers who took part in the operations concerned, these narratives will give the opportunity to see more clearly the results of orders which they obeyed and of sacrifices which they and their comrades made, in performance of missions that find their meaning in the outcome of a larger plan of battle.Dwight D. Eisenhower, Chief of Staff'From the Foreword to the original 1946 edition.'... a series of fourteen studies of World War II operations published by the War Department's Historical Division.... These volumes, prepared by professional historians shortly after the events described, provide a concise summary of some of the major campaigns and battles fought by American soldiers. The skillful combination of combat interviews with primary sources, many of which are now lost, gives these unassuming narratives a special importance to military historians. The careful analysis of key operations provides numerous lessons for today's military students.... I urge all military students and teachers to use them to enhance our collective awareness of the skill, leadership, daring, and professionslism exhibited by our military forebears.'Colonel Harold W. Nelson, Chief of Military HistoryFrom the Foreword to the CMH Edition. (English, Unclassified)