04-14-2015, 04:23 PM
and 1 October 1952.
DIFFICULTIES ENCOUNTERED: The greatest difficulty encountered in the bunker production was the availability of logs. Existing stands of suitable trees were small and widespread. A secondary obstacle was that other engineer projects restricted the number of personnel available to operate the program. At first the effectiveness of the program was considerably lessened by misuse of the bunkers. Many of the logs were used for construction in battalion and regimental CP areas. It was found that units on the outposts were not inclined to carry the heavier logs up the hills but would take only the lighter logs designed for the top burster plate. Only by the concentrated
efforts of P and A platoons, AT and M platoons and the Engineers did the operation become effective.
ADVANTAGES: The prefabricated bunkers have proved to be superior to those of other construction. use of these bunkers automatically eliminates poor and often dangerous construction practices. once the logs are in the platoon area and the holes are dug, a rifle platoon can complete three (to include proper overhead cover) in one night. Of the 250 "Abe Lincoln" bunkers on position during the rainy season none collapsed. Approximately 375 of other design did.
RECOMMENDATIONS
It is recommended that the pertinent portions of the above discussion accompanied by diagrams be disseminated to all tactical commands. This will enable all to profit by the experience gained and lessons learned by the 2d Infantry Division - SECOND TO NONE!
J C. FRY
Major General U. S. Army Commanding
DIFFICULTIES ENCOUNTERED: The greatest difficulty encountered in the bunker production was the availability of logs. Existing stands of suitable trees were small and widespread. A secondary obstacle was that other engineer projects restricted the number of personnel available to operate the program. At first the effectiveness of the program was considerably lessened by misuse of the bunkers. Many of the logs were used for construction in battalion and regimental CP areas. It was found that units on the outposts were not inclined to carry the heavier logs up the hills but would take only the lighter logs designed for the top burster plate. Only by the concentrated
efforts of P and A platoons, AT and M platoons and the Engineers did the operation become effective.
ADVANTAGES: The prefabricated bunkers have proved to be superior to those of other construction. use of these bunkers automatically eliminates poor and often dangerous construction practices. once the logs are in the platoon area and the holes are dug, a rifle platoon can complete three (to include proper overhead cover) in one night. Of the 250 "Abe Lincoln" bunkers on position during the rainy season none collapsed. Approximately 375 of other design did.
RECOMMENDATIONS
It is recommended that the pertinent portions of the above discussion accompanied by diagrams be disseminated to all tactical commands. This will enable all to profit by the experience gained and lessons learned by the 2d Infantry Division - SECOND TO NONE!
J C. FRY
Major General U. S. Army Commanding
"Signed with his own rubber stamp"
