Transcriber’s Note Italic text is enclosed in _underscores_; boldface text is enclosed in =equals signs=; underlined text is enclosed in ~tildes~. [Illustration: (Cover)] COMBAT LESSONS NUMBER 1 _Rank and file in combat: What they’re doing How they do it_ ★ UNCLASSIFIED XXXXXXXXXXXX _DISSEMINATION OF RESTRICTED MATTER_.--The information contained in restricted documents and the essential characteristics of restricted material may be given to any person known to be in the service of the United States and to persons of undoubted loyalty and discretion who are cooperating in Government work, but will not be communicated to the public or to the press except by authorized military public relations agencies. (See also par. 18b, AR 380-5, 28 Sep 1942.) INTRODUCTION The purpose of “Combat Lessons” is to give to our officers and enlisted men the benefit of the battle experiences of others. To be of maximum benefit these lessons must be disseminated _without delay_. They do not necessarily represent the carefully considered views of the War Department; they do, however, reflect the actual experiences of combat and, therefore, merit careful reading. For this reason also no single issue can cover many of the phases of combat; lessons will be drawn from the reports as they are received from the theaters of operation and quickly disseminated so that others may apply them. The suggestions which are made or implied are not intended to change the tactical doctrine by which our Army has been trained but rather to elaborate thereon. Much of the subject matter has been covered in training literature, but the comments show that shortcomings continue to manifest themselves on the battlefield. The paramount combat lesson learned from every operation is the vital importance of _leadership_. Our equipment, our supply, and, above all, our men, are splendid. Aggressive and determined leadership is the priceless factor which inspires a command and upon which all success in battle depends. It is responsible for success or failure. [Illustration: G. C. Marshall _Chief of Staff_] CONTENTS SECTION ONE--INFANTRY Page Battle Leadership 1 Junior Officer in Battle 1 Hate Your Enemy 2 Leaders in Front 2 Keep Them Moving 3 NCO Leadership 3 Keep Your Mission in Mind 3 Team Up 6 Rally Point 6 Fear is Normal 6