Quote:
Originally Posted by Jim O
True. I guess that I was temporarily afflicted by the PC bug. 
Did this perhaps have at least something to do with the fighting enthusiasm/tactics of enemy soldiers? The link that you left leads to a file that cannot be opened by Acrobat so I can't see the paper. Are the statistics for soldiers of all nations, or just Western Allies? I'd be surprised if soldiers in rifle divisions on either side of the Eastern Front in World War II had such a low "aimed at enemy" fire rate. |
Hi Jim,
Link is dead indeed. I have the whole book saved on my computer at work and will try to send it to you Monday...
Statistics are just for the US Army.
Eastern front heroes.... Hmm, do not underestimate religious beliefs of conscripted soldiers. They could do a lot of noise with their PPSh'as, but not many kills as a results.
I remember that in late 70's, being in the army in Poland we had discussions "about what we will do if..."
General consensus was: - surrender to Americans ASAP, shoot only "in Gods windows" - mean as far away from the target as possible.
This was specific situation and can not be extrapolated to WWII...
Can not?
Why?
With all nationalities mix... What was percentage of American soldiers of German, Italian extraction? What about Poles afraid to shoot to their brothers in German uniforms? Very touchy subject.
Anyway, I believe you'll enjoy reading book from this dead link... too true to be true... You'll get it Monday.
Cheers,
Lancer44