US Army

The US army is very easy to fit across the entire WW2 timeline. There were only minor changes in force organisation from mid to late war and the US is absent from the early war period. The basing of the figure pegs them for the later European campaigns but the figures can easily be used for the Africa setting with a bit of leeway on the bases. I have decided to focus on infantry and tank formations and ignore the mechanised option. Armoured Rifle companies can be quite effectively but at least to me they don’t truly symbolize the US military style in WW2. I leave the Blitzkrieg mechanised warfare impression to the Germans. With that exception the US list basically includes one of everything in the book (or at least that was in the case in first edition of Flames of War when my collection was built).

The paint scheme is based on Vallejo Brown Violet for both clothing and helmet. Add a black wash and a light highlight with Brown Violet and a tiny bit of Khaki and they are done. The belts and accessories are done up in Khaki followed by a wash.

Rifle Company Headquarters: The US HQ for Rifle Companies is a fairly static formation, at least compared to a German HQ formation. Aside from the officers, it has access to sniper and bazooka teams. Sergeant Kelly is available as a Hero if needed.

Rifle Platoons: The core of the Rifle Company is built around three full infantry platoons, each with a bazooka team.

Weapons Platoon: A complete weapons platoon with all options including LMG sections, mortars, bazooka teams and a Jeep for the platoon commander.

Machine Gun Platoon: The MG platoon has a full complement of guns as well as the supporting bazooka team, office and command Jeep.

Anti-Tank Platoon: The AT platoon as four M1 57mm guns pulled by Dodge ¾-ton trucks. A bazooka team, officer and command Jeep complete the unit. I used 57mmm instead of 37mm guns to ensure that a reasonable AT capability is available for late war battles as well.

Mortar Platoons: Two full 3-section platoon of mortars are available.

Intelligence and Recon Platoon: Standard I&R platoon with 3 teams, command and four jeeps. As with all scout units, I based them with only 3 figures to differentiate them from regular infantry bases. This also leaves some room for bushes and other hiding spots that fit in well with the scouting theme.

Artillery: Artillery is the place where the US truly shines. The full 4-gun Field Artillery Battery has all support options including transportation in the form of 4 GMC 2.5-ton trucks, 2 Dodge ¾-ton trucks and a jeep as well as command, staff and observer teams. A Grasshopper propeller plane provides aerial recon.

Anti-Aircraft: A full 4-gun AA platoon including command staff and Jeep. The M1 Bofors are static as the platoon doesn’t have the necessary trucks. I just couldn’t see the in-game use for trucks in an AA platoon.

Tank Company Headquarters: The Tank Company is led by a command section of two M4A1 Shermans with a M4 105mm howitzer Sherman in support.

Light Tanks: Five M5A1 Stuarts provide light tank support. The Stuart is hopelessly outclassed even during mid-war scenarios but still provides a very rapid anti-infantry unit as well as a threat to armoured transport vehicles.

Tanks: Eight M4A1 Shermans provide the core of the Tank Company. I shifted to custom slimmer bases half-way through assembling this collection.

Heavier punch is provided by five M4A1 (76mm) Shermans with upgraded guns.

Finally there are two Old Glory Firefly tanks and a DD variant of the Sherman for the odd amphibious scenario.

Tank Destroyer: Self-Propelled Tank Destroyers are such a marvellous part of the US arsenal so there is a full platoons with 4 M10 GMC’s, carbine teams, Jeeps and optional M20 Utility Vehicles for late war operations. And just for good measure two more independent sections of M10 GMC’s!

Other: I am a firm believer in the visual appeal of wargaming. That’s why we go through all the effort of painting, converting and terrain buildings. I therefore dislike the use of counters or dice on the battlefield to identify game dynamics. I made up visually pleasing alternatives instead. The destroyed Sherman, Camp and the Supply Depot are normal objective markets. The tank crew Bailed Out markers are mounted on pennies for stability but otherwise standard. The dead or wounded US soldier discs serve as Pinned markers.