This post brings up the rear of a three-post series. Thus, to make the most of this article, begin with the first two members of the trio.
Prior to the Attack
The infantry battalion commander and the leader of the tank platoon which is to furnish direct overhead fire make both ground and map reconnaissance, and divide the town into 100-yard zones.
There are six in this case and they are numbered consecutively from the entrance end of the town. The dividing lines between zones serve as phase lines for the assault echelons and as limit of fire markers for the tank platoon providing the overhead fire.
Infantry assault teams are formed to accompany the tank assault echelon which consists of one platoon of medium tanks, two flame-throwing tanks, and two light tanks. Approximately one platoon of infantry accompanies each tank section to provide close-in protection. They ride on the tanks from the assembly area to the approaches of the town.1
