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Shares On March 18, 1944, men and animals from the 2nd Battalion cross the Tanai River on a bamboo bridge built by Kachin tribesmen, working with the Office of Strategic Services, near the village of Ning Awng. (Photo Credit: Courtesy Photo) DOD Merrill’s Marauders—officially Galahad Force or the 5307th Composite Unit (Provi- sional)—existed for just one year, from September 1943 to August 1944. In that time, the unit and its men performed some of the most arduous missions asked of an infantry unit in World War II. Their accomplishments left a strong legacy that is visible in the Army o...

Blunder or Deception? General Joseph Stilwell's Controversial World War II Leadership General Joseph Stilwell’s suppression of intelligence reports on Japanese troop strength at Myitkyina led to controversial tactical decisions and strategic outcomes. Here's What You Need to Know: In a scathing military commentary long after the war, U.S. Army Colonel Scott McMichael wrote, "Inexplicably, in a display of gross military incompetence, Stilwell completely failed to take advantage of this coup-de-main." General Joseph W. “Vinegar Joe” Stilwell and his Sino-American Myitkyina Task Force (MT...

Every major power engaged in the conflict did organize some type of special forces. Here's What You Need To Remember: The concept of the "commando" had arisen earlier, but during the Second World War, the exploits of the various sides' special forces - the St. Nazaire Raid, prominently - became the stuff of legend. The concept of elite or “special” forces matured during World War II, and the term became synonymous with extraordinary heroism, particularly against long odds. The editors of WWII History magazine have put together a Special Issue, World War II Special Forces, entirely devote...