As infantry units advanced across Europe the only support they could rely on from day to day was that provided by the heavy weapons of their own units. While thundering tanks struck fear into the hearts of their enemies, it was the machine guns, mortars, and light cannon that proved to be most important, causing the majority of casualties suffered during World War II. Common principles were shared across units but the wide variety of weapons available to the different armies altered the way they were used in battle.

Focusing on the US, British, German, and Soviet troops, this title offers a comprehensive guide to infantry fire support tactics used through World War II. Combat reports are complemented by specially commissioned artwork to show the way in which tactics varied, and highlight how developments obliged opposing armies to review their own methods.

Gordon L. Rottman entered the US Army in 1967 and served in the 5th Special Forces Group in Vietnam in 1969–70, and in airborne infantry, long-range patrol, and intelligence assignments until retiring. He was a Special Operations Forces scenario writer at the Joint Readiness Training Center, and is now a freelance writer, living in Texas.