This page will list some Field Manuals that are hard to find or ones that I find interesting. Easy 39th has a larger list of field manuals and Pamphlets, so you can head to that page if you don’t see what you want here.
In addition,for a fuller list, you can find about 1,000 of them between 1940-1945 on the Archive.org website. So if you don’t see one here, try looking there.
Finally, if you want field manuals from 1946 to the early 2010s, this Google site lists the field manuals broken down by number. You could likely also review the Archive.org website to locate a field manual.
Misc Field Manuals
A Manual for Courts-Martial US Army 1928 – Corrected to April 1943 | Outlines how to conduct a courts-martial. Updated in 1943.
Physical Standards in WWII by Lt Gen Leonard Heaton 1967 | Outlines standards for soldiers. Note the height and weight standards table, which was used to mark categorization, such as 1A. For a historical review of Army height and weight standards, see: Body Composition And Military Performance: Origins Of The Army Standards.
The Army did provide a regulation that if you were overweight, you could still be accepted if the weight could be brought under control. Those under 105 pounds weren’t considered.
Army Air Force Manuals
- FM 1-10 Tactics and Technique of Air Attack Nov 1940
- FM 1-15 Tactics and Technique of Air Fighting April 1942
- FM 1-20 Tactics and Technique of Air Reconnaissance and Observation April 1942
- FM 1-26 Defense of Airdromes Jan 1944
- FM 1-30 Air Navigation Aug 1940
- FM 1-35 Aerial Photography Dec 1940
- FM 1-40 Intelligence Procedure in Aviation Units Sept 1940
- FM 1-55 Reference Data Administration April 1942
- FM 1-60 Reviews and Inspections April 1941
- FM 1-75 Combat Orders June 1942
- FM 1-195 The Service Center Sept 1942
Warbird Philosophy has a robust list of vintage aviation manuals and publications. Many of them appear to be Army Air Force-related. More so than what I can list here.
Wikipedia Commons has a list of vintage aviation logos, along with line drawings and silhouettes of planes.
Cavalry Manuals
FM 2-5 Cavalry Drill Regulations Horse March 1944 | Drill, movement, and usage of horse units.
FM 2-6 Crew Drill Light Armored Car M8 Dec 1943 | Drill, movement, and usage of the M8 Armored car.
FM 2-7 Cavalry Drill Regulations Mechanized March 1944 | Describes drill, movement, and inspections.
FM 2-10 Mechanized Elements April 1941 | General outline of drill and movement of mechanized units.
FM 2-15 Employment of Cavalry April 1941 | Describes how to use horse cavalry units.
FM 2-20 Cavalry Reconnaissance Troop Mechanized Feb 1944 | The purpose of this manual is to present the organization, characteristics, and missions of the cavalry reconnaissance troop, mechanized; and to set forth doctrine for its training and tactical employment. Tim O’Neill has some notes on how to employ this in a historical reenactment here.
FM 2-30 Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron Mechanized Aug 1944 | How to conduct recon as a mechanized squad.
For an older version see: FM 2-30 Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron Mechanized March 1943.
Engineer Manuals
FM 5-5 Engineer Troops Oct 1943 | Outlines structure and duties for different Engineer units like combat battalion, armored, motorized, mountain, airborne, light ponton, heavy ponton, bridge, light, depot, parts, maintenance, dump truck, topographic, camouflage, water supply, special service, base equipment, heavy shop, port repair ship, port construction, petroleum distribution, gas generation, utilities, forestry, and fire-fighting.
For an older version see: FM 5-5 Troops and Operations Jan 1941
FM 5-15 Field Fortifications Feb 1944 | Explains how to construct various fortifications such as foxholes, machine gun towers, gun platforms, weapons emplacements for mortars, machine guns, anti-aircraft systems, radar, bunkers, and trench systems.
One interesting note is that it’s expected to take 1.5hrs to dig a foxhole for a soldier with a rifle.
For an older version see: FM 5-15 Field Fortifications Oct 1940.
For the Vietnam era see FM 5-15 Field Fortifications Aug 1968.
FM 5-20 Camouflage Basic Principles Feb 1944 | Outlines basic camouflage ideas such as form disruption, tone contrasts, and natural and artificial materials. Includes how to camouflage in deserts, jungles, snow, and temperate zones.
For the older version see: FM 5-20 Camouflage June 1940.
FM 5-20A Camouflage of Individuals and Infantry Weapons Jan 1944 | Outlines dos and don’ts when it comes to blending into patterns, creating foxholes, creating machine gun pits, creating mortar pits, creating anti-tank gun pits, shadows and light, observation, darkening equipment, shines and shiny objects, backgrounds and silhouettes.
One thing to note is that if you’re moving at night and you hear the pop of a flare drop to the ground. If you cannot stand still and drop your head (the face can shine). Flares give off lots of shadows and mess with your natural night vision. It’s possible the enemy won’t see you standing.
FM 5-20B Camouflage of Vehicles April 1944 | Applies the basics of camouflage to hide vehicles.
FM 5-20C Camouflage of Bivouacs Command Posts Supply Points and Medical Installations May 1944 | Applies the basics of camouflage to hide different positions. Outlines techniques for concealment for bivouacs command posts, supply points, waterpoints, and battalion, collecting, clearing medical stations.
Prior to the concealment operation, there should be a camouflage plan as indicated by the officer in charge.
FM 5-20D Camouflage of Field Artillery Feb 1944 | Applies the basics of camouflage to hide artillery. Looks at using decoy positions, aids, and artillery net sets No. 5 and No. 2. In addition, provides information on how to conceal a .50 caliber machine gun, 75mm Pack Howitzer, and how to paint it.
FM 5-31 Land Mines and Bobby Traps Nov 1943 | Explains tools used to lay down a mine field, different types of mine fields, how to create a mine field, how to remove mines, different types of mines from the US, Germany, France, Hungry, Japan, Netherlands, Britan, Italy, and Russian (though no mines are shown). Also includes how to bobby trap with fuzes and what to look for.
Field Artillery Manuals
FM 6-5 Field Artillery Organization and Drill Oct 1939 | Training and drill for field artillery batteries.
FM 6-20 Field Artillery Manual Tactics and Technique Feb 1944 | Describes how to use field artillery in different battle environments.
For an older version see: FM 6-20 Field Artillery Manual Tactics and Technique July 1940.
FM 6-40 Field Artillery Gunnery June 1945 | Describes the principles and tactical considerations of field artillery gunnery.
For an older version see: FM 6-40 Field Artillery Firing Manual Oct 1939.
FM 6-75 Service of the 105mm Howitzer M2 Truck-Drawn Dec 1941 | Drill, maintenance, and tactical usage of the M2 105mm Howitzer. Note that in 1962, the howitzer was renamed the M101A1.
Infantry Manuals
FM 7-5 Organization and Tactics of the Rifle Battalion Oct 1940 | Describes the structure and tactical considerations of the rifle battalion.
FM 7-10 Rifle Company, Infantry Regiment March 1944 | Describes the structure and organization of the rifle company. Includes riflemen jobs and responsibilities, and the weapons platoon, which uses .30 caliber machine guns and 60mm mortars. Discusses movement, attack, defense, and formations for different tactical considerations.
For the older version, see: FM 7-10 Rifle Company, Rifle Regiment June 1942.
FM 7-15 Heavy Weapons Company Rifle Regiment May 1942 | Describes the structure and composition of the heavy weapons company along with tactical considerations, attacking, defending, movement, and camouflage. Weapons of the company are .30 caliber machine guns and 81mm mortars.
What’s neat is the descriptions of building and conducting observation posts.
FM 7-20 Rifle Battalion Oct 1944 | Describes the role structure and organization of the Rifle Battalion as well as its tactical nature.
For an older version, see: FM 7-20 Rifle Battalion Sept, 1942
FM 7-24 Communication in the Infantry Division Dec 1944 – Describes the conduct of wire, radio, and other communications of the infantry division during various types of movements. The SCR-536/BC-611 is used at the company level. The SCR-300/BC-1000 is used at the battalion level.
Wire is the primary means of communication in the attack. Division Signalmen will remain with the regimental command post to maintain and extend lines.
FM 7-25 Infantry Field Manual Headquarters Company, Intelligence and Signal Communication, Rifle Regiment Oct 7th 1942 – Outlines jobs and roles of the intelligence and reconnaissance platoon and the communication platoon.
FM 7-30 Supply and Evacuation of the Infantry Regiment Service Company and Medical Detachment June 1944 | Describes how to supply infantry and medical detachments.
FM 7-35 Antitank Company Infantry Regiment and Antitank Platoon Infantry Battalion March 1944 | Describes and organization of the antitank company and platoon.
The crew-served weapons are the 57-mm antitank gun, the antitank rocket launcher (the Bazooka), and the caliber .50 machine gun.
(2) The individual weapons are the rifle, the carbine, and the pistol.
For the older version, see: FM 7-35 Antitank Company Rifle Regiment May 1941.
FM 7-37 Cannon Company Infantry Regiment March 1944 | Organization and structure of the Cannon Company. The cannon company consists of the following weapons:
(1) The crew-served weapons are the 105-mm howitzer (the M101A1), the antitank rocket launcher (the Bazooka), and the caliber .50 machine gun.
(2) The individual weapons are the carbine and rifle.
FM 7-40 Rifle Regiment Feb 1942 | Outlines organization and structure along with roles and responsibilities of a rifle regiment. Includes how it operates in different environments such as movement and defense.
Medical Manuals
Instructors’ guide for a Medical Department Mobilization Training Program 8-101 – This is a complete 8-hour-a-day, 6-day-a-week, 4-month basic training program for medical unit personnel.
What I find interesting is that it shows what should be part of a battalion aid station and how combat aid men (aka “medics”) are used in the medical organization chart.
Essentially they treat wounded and try to pool them together and litter bearers bring them to the battalion aid station for further treatment.
FM 8-5 Medical Department Units of a Theater of Operations May 1945 | Describes how various medical units and subdivisions operate including Infantry, Armored, Airborne, Hospitals, Medical Labs, Medical Depots, Dispensaries, Hospital Ships, Hospital Trains, Medical Air Evacuation, Malaria Control, Veterinary, and Museum and Medical Arts (which outlines new medical techniques and collects specimens).
For an older version see: FM 8-5 Medical Department Units of a Theater of Operations Jan 1942.
FM 8-10 Medical Service of Field Units March 1942 – Outlines the jobs, structure, and organization of different medical units. Describes equipment available to officers and enlisted men.
FM 8-35 Transportation of the Sick and Wounded Feb 1945 | Describes carry types and instructions/commands for litter usage.
For an older version, see: FM 8-35 Medical Field Manual Transportation of the Sick and Wounded Feb 1941.
FM 8-40-Medical Field Manual Field Sanitation Aug 1940 – Contains information on how to clean and stay sanitary when dealing with diseases, foods, water, cooking, bathing, cleaning, trapping bugs, and human waste.
FM 8-45 Records of Morbidity and Mortality Sick and Wounded Oct 1940 | Describes medical coding and how to fill out various medical forms for sick and wounded soldiers.
FM 8-50 Medical Department Bandaging and Splinting Jan 1944 –
For an older version see: FM 8-50 Medical Department Bandaging and Splinting Sept 1940.
FM 8-55 Medical Reference Data March 1941 | A guide for modeling battlefield casualties and other information related to conducting medical operations. Much of it is based on WW1 stats.
Ordnance Manuals
FM 9-6 Ammo Supply June 1944 | Describes how to supply ammunition to units in various situations. Includes forms and management and how to deal with captured ammo.
FM 9-10 Ordnance Field Maintenance April 1942 | Describes the operations of running an ordnance field shop to repair items.
FM 9-5 Ordnance Service in the Field July 1942 | Describes how to conduct Ordnance activities in the field.
FM 9-20 Ordnance Ammunition Company and Battalion July 1942 | Describes roles and responsibilities and structure of the company, platoon, and battalion of ammunition units. Essentially how to run these unit types.
FM 9-25 Ordnance Company Depot Sept 1942 | Describes roles, structure, responsibilities, organization of the company and platoons. Essentially how to run a company ordnance depot.
Quartermaster Manuals
FM 10-5 Quartermaster Operations April 1943 | Describes the role of the quartermaster from a high-level perspective.
For an older version see: FM 10-5 Quartermaster Operations March 1941.
FM 10-10 Quartermaster Service in Theater of Operations March 1942 | Describes the role of the quartermaster from a high-level perspective.
FM 10-16 General Fabric Repair May 2000 | This isn’t a WW2 field manual but it contains helpful information about how to fix clothing. So I thought it would be good to post a copy here.
FM 10-35 Quartermaster Truck Companies July 1945 | Describes basic information for a functioning quartermaster truck company. Including structure, loading, defense, convoy and maintenance.
FM 10-38 Quartermaster Base Depot Supply Sales Company July 1945 | Provides basic information on how to run a base deport (and port) supply and sales company.
FM 10-63 Graves Registration Jan 1945 | Outlines function and purpose of Graves Registration, burials, collection of effects, and reporting.
FM 11-25 Aircraft Warning Service Aug 1942 | Outlines aircraft warning service, the organization and structure, and communications systems.
FM 11-150 Photomail Operation (V-Mail) April 1945 | How to run, process, train and operate a V-Mail operation.
FM 12-50 The Band July 1946 | Outlines structure and organization of The Band. Includes, formations, training requirements, marching orders, instrument diagrams, and instrument cleaning.
Band members have the mission of furnishing music at formations, providing entertainment, and doing combat duties for the unit the band is organically assigned such as:
- (1) To provide or assist in providing local security of headquarters and bivouacs. This employment includes antitank defense and defense against troops transported by air.
- (2) To serve as prisoner of war escorts and to guard prisoners in unit areas.
- (3) To assist the medical detachment by serving as litter bearers.
- (4) To assist in handling supplies at dumps and train bivouac areas.
For an earlier version see: FM 28-5 The Band March 1941
FM 12-105 Army Postal Service May 1943 | Describes duties and responsibilities as well as structure and organization of sending mail, cablegrams, and radiograms.
FM 16-5 The Chaplain Jan 1952 | This is a post-WW2 field manual, but the duties and responsibilities outlined are likely similar to what the Chaplain did.
Armored Force Manuals
Armor Reenacting for Reenactors by Tim O’Neill, Rob Thomas, and Al Kose– A wonderful primer on using tanks in a reenactment setting as well as tanks in general. Discusses the armored forces, tank basics, armament, tank destroyers, armored infantry, engaging a tank, and German armor.
FM 17-27 Armored 81mm Mortar Squad and Platoon July 1942 | Discuss tactical employment of mortar squad and platoon in tank units.
FM 17-42 Armored Infantry Battalion Nov 1944 | Describes the armored infantry battalion’s employment, structure, and tactics. Tim O’Neill has another copy of the book with some intro notes for how to use this correctly in a historical reenactment here.
FM 17-80 Armored Medical Units Aug 1944 | Explains the structure and organization of the units involved, such as signal, collecting, and clearing platoons. Describes extraction techniques from tanks, including the Pistol Belt Hitch.
Military Police
FM 19-5 Military Police June 1944 | Describes roles, duties, expectations, functions, and structure of MP, including patrolling and controlling traffic.
FM 19-15 Domestic Disturbances July 1945 | Describes rules and laws governing the handling of domestic disturbances. Includes formations and tactics, and the use of chemical weapons.
FM 19-10 MPs in Towns & Cities Jan 1945 | Describes how to patrol and secure towns/cities as well as the organization and structure of the Military Police HQ.
Interestingly, if handcuffs are not available, the hands may be fastened by using a belt or necktie, which is first passed around each wrist, followed by a few turns between the wrists. (See fig. 16.) When the hands are in front, the knot or the buckle should be placed over the hands. It is good practice to secure the belt or necktie to the waist belt of the prisoner.
FM 20-15 Tents and Tent Pitching FEB 1945 – a guide that covers how to pitch various tents. While not included in the manual, I did include schematics on adding a wood frame to the M1934 Pyramidal Tent and a diagram on making collapsible tent poles.
Collapsible tent poles for large tents weren’t, to the best of my knowledge, in WW2, but since these poles are long, breaking them down makes it easier to pack and travel with them.
I had these made for me once, and I used them as the center or ridge pole in my tent.
FM 20-15 Pole and Frame Supported Tents, Sept 1964, is a newer edition that covers tents from WW2, like the M1942 Assembly Tent
FM 21-5 Military Training July 1941 | Describes how to conduct and create a training program. Gives the Heavy Weapons squad of a rifle platoon as an example training program.
Basically, create the lesson plan, review field manuals, and describe the schedule.
For an earlier version from Oct 1940 with Tim O’Neill notes on using this in a reenactment setting, see here.
FM 21-6 List of Publications for Training Jan 1945 | Describes a list of publications, including Field Manuals, Firing Tables, Lubrication Orders, Mobilization Training Programs, Technical Bulletins, Technical Manuals, and Training Circulars.
See FM 21-6 1944, FM 21-6 1943, FM 21-6 1942 (which includes a list of films and film strips before they gave films their own manual), and FM 21-6 1941 for older versions.
FM 21-7 List of War Department Films, Film Strips, and Recognition Film Slides Jan 1945 | Describes the library of films for soldiers.
Each year has different films available. See FM 21-7 1944 and FM 21-7 1943 for older versions.
At the end of each film, the instructor should have an activity that enhances or assesses learning, such as a short quiz. Finally, in the 1943 manual (not sure why they’re not mentioned in the others), when showing 35mm films, a fire extinguisher and a bucket of sand should be nearby as the films use flammable nitrate. Also, it looks like to show films on a projector, you need to be certified.
The Chief Signal Officer was responsible for obtaining films.
In 1945, all combat soldiers were required to view the following “Fighting Men” series training films (TF)
- 21-1007 Snafu.
- 21-1018 Keep It Clean.
- 21-1019 Crack That Tank.
- 21-1020 How To Get Killed In One Easy Lesson.
- 21-1021 Wise Guy.
- 21-1024 Kill or Be Killed.
- 21-1026 On Your Toes.
- 21-1027 Latrinograms.
- 21-1028 Heroes.
- 21-1029 On Your Own.
- 21-1375 Time Out.
- 21-2014 Baptism of Fire.
- 21-2015 Secret Weapon.
- 21-2056 By Your Command.
In 1945, all military personnel were required to view the following special films and War Information films:
- TF 30-1315 Postal Censors
- OF 1 Prelude to War
- OF 2 The Nazis Strike
- OF 3 Divide and Conquer
- OF 4 The Battle of Britain
- OF 5 The Battle of Russia
- OF 16 Know Your Ally – Britain
- OF (RF) 51 The Negro Soldier
In 1945, soldiers at reception centers were required to view the following training films:
- 21-2067 Introduction to the Army.
- 8-1238 Sex Hygiene
- 8-2060 PickUp. (Maybe shown in lieu of 8-1238.)
- 8-155 Personal Hygiene.
- 21-2048 Military Courtesy.
- 11-235 Articles of War.
- 19-2034. A.W.O.L. and Desertion.
- 8-2047 First Aid for Battle Injuries.
- 8-2049 First Aid for Non-Battle Injuries.
- 7-248 Instruction of the Soldier, Dismounted, Without Arms, Position and Facings.
- 30-2033 SuckerBait.
FM 21-10 Military Sanitation July 1945 | Explains how to deal with human waste, ticks, fleas, lice, rats, flies, grease, garbage, showering/bathing, etc. As well as cooking cleanliness.
FM 21-11 – First Aid for Soldiers April 1943 | Discusses basic first aid for soldiers, including using the first aid packet/kits, splints, tourniquets, carrys, wounds, etc.
FM 21-15 Individual Clothing and Equipment April 1945 – Describes how to pack equipment and take care of it. Including the M1928 pack and blanket roll, the M1936 Musette bag and the Horseshoe Roll, and the new M1945 upper pack and lower pack. Also describes where the equipment should be located on the soldier.
For an older version that describes equipment location, see: FM 21-15, Aug 1941 Equipment, Clothing, and Tent Pitching Supplemental.
FM 21-25 Elementary Map and Aerial Photograph Reading Aug 1944 | Basic information about maps, compasses, and aerial photos.
For the older copy, see: FM 21-25 Elementary Map and Aerial Photograph Reading April 1941
FM 21-22 Watermanship April 1944 | Describes swimming and stroking techniques. As well as how to swim through fire and fight off different animals like sharks.
For sharks hit it on its nose. For swimming through fire when submerged, look for dull areas as it’s less likely to have fire on the service. Bright areas are likely to have fire on the surface.
Covers how to board and use, and operate life boats, storm boats, and M2 Assault Boat.
FM 21-20 Physical Training March 1941 | Exercise techniques including stretches, movements (with and without arms), swimming, and physical contests.
FM 21-25 Elementary-Map-and-Aerial-Photograph-Reading Aug 1944 | The basics of map reading.
FM 21-26 Advanced Map and Aerial Photograph Reading Dec 1944 | How to read and interpret maps and aerial photos.
For the older copy, see: FM 21-26 Advanced Map and Aerial Photograph Reading Sept 1941
FM 21-30 Conventional Signs Military Symbols and Abbreviations Oct 1943 | Shows symbols and such for use in making and interpreting maps. For a colored copy, see here.
For the older copy, see: FM 21-30 Conventional Signs Military Symbols and Abbreviations Nov 1941
FM 21-40 Defense Against Chemical Attack May 1940 | Describes how to conduct a defense against a gas attack. Includes gas mask usage for cavalry and infantry, dugout construction, and gas operation.
FM 21-75 Scouting, Patrolling, and Sniping Feb 1944 | Explains tactics and movement for scouting, patrolling, and sniping. Includes map making, formations, and conducting patrols in different kinds of environments such as open terrain, roads, jungle, and snow.
Discusses how to move, ambush employment, and conduct route selection at night. Note: If you hear the flare go off, drop to the ground before it lights up. If it lights up, you should freeze and not move. Movement catches the eye, whereas standing still, you might just look like a shadow.
When doing observations, be sure to blend with the background and not be silhouetted against the sky. When peeking out a window, stand back in the shadows.
FM 21-100 Soldiers Handbook Dec 1941 | Explains basic information on how to be a soldier. Includes uniform care and wearing, saluting, equipment, manual of arms, squad movement and formation, scouting, orientation, messaging, and first aid.
FM 22-5 Infantry Drill Regulations Aug 1941 | Describes marching, movement, and formations for different kinds of scenarios such as approach, skirmish, assault, motor, and anti-aircraft employment.
Focuses mostly on the company and the levels below. Includes rifle and heavy weapons. Outlines how to signal with a hand and whistle.
FM 23-5 US Rifle Caliber 30 M1 Garand July 1940 | Describes the care, use, and training of the M1 Garand Rifle.
An updated FM 23-5 from 1965 has better instructions and images for disassembly, cleaning, and repairing.
FM 23-6 M1917 Rifle Oct 1943 | Describes care, training, and usage of the M1917 Rifle.
FM 23-7 M1 Carbine May 1942 | Describes care, training, and use of the M1 Carbine.
FM 23-10 US Rifle Caliber 30 M1903 Sept 1943 | Describes care, training, and use of the M1903 Rifle
FM 23-15 Browning Automatic Rifle Caliber 30 M1918A2 with Bipod Aug 1940 | Describes care and usage of the automatic rifle with bipod.
See: FM 23-15 Browning Automatic Rifle Caliber 30 M1918A2 June 1943 for an updated version of the manual. Includes a section on squad/BAR team tactics.
FM 23-20 Browning Automatic Rifle Caliber 30 M1918 Without Bipod Oct 1918 | Describes care and usage of the automatic rifle without bipod.
FM 23-25 Bayonets 1943 | Describes tactics, training, and techniques for using Bayonets and Knifes.
For the older FM 23-25 that focuses on the M1905 bayonet see: FM 23-25 Bayonet M1905 Jan 1940
FM 23-30 Hand and Rifle Grenades Rocket AT and HE 2.36inch Feb 1944 | Discusses usage, techniques and types of bazooka rockets, bazookas, grenades, and rifle grenades.
FM 23-35 Pistols and Revolvers June 1946 | Describes care, training, drill, usage, and operation of Colt M1911, Col M1917 Revolver, Smith and Wesson M1917 Revolver.
For the earlier FM 23-35 see: FM 23-35 Automatic Pistol 45 M1911 and M1911A1 April 1940. This manual focuses just on the M1911 and doesn’t include revolvers.
FM 23-45 Browning Machine Gun, Caliber .30, HB M1919A4 Ground 1940 | Describes care and operation of the .30 Caliber M1919a4 machine gun.
FM 23-75 37mm Gun M1916 April 1940 | Describes care and operation of the 37mm M1916 gun.
FM 23-80 37mm Gun Tank M5 Mounted in Tanks June 1941 | Describes care and operation of the 37mm M5 gun in tanks.
FM 23-81 37mm Gun Tank M6 Mounted in Tanks April 1942 | Describes care and operation of the M6 37mm gun mounted inside tanks.
FM 23-95 75mm Tank Gun M2 Mounted in Medium Tank M3 May 1942 | Describes the care and operation of the M2 gun inside the M3 Tank (called Lee).
Signal, Radio, and Communication
FM 24-5 Signal Communication, Oct 19th, 1942 – Methods and techniques for installing, operating, maintaining, and planning for signal communication within division and smaller units.
Has sections on splicing, the M-94 and M-209 cipher and convertor cryptography devices, as well as other signal types like visual, pigeon, lamps, panels, radio, morse code, wire etc.
FM 24-6 Radio Operators Manual June 1945 – Describes procedures and training for field radio operators. Includes signs, signals, and nets.
FM 24-18 Radio Communication Jan 1944 – Explains radio communication fundamentals and methods and techniques involved in installing the equipment.
FM 24-20 Field Wire Systems 4 OCT 1944 | Discusses different kinds of wire systems as well as the installation of field phones, switchboards, telegraphs, and other signal corps equipment. Also includes how to maintain the system and an example telephone directory.
TABLE No III – WIRE – A guide that shows the composition, insulation, weight, measurements, and remarks of the different kinds of wire.
It’s noted that the 130 Assault wire causes a lot of trouble and needs to be protected. Any dampness in it causes issues. So holes need to be patched with tape.
Also, in a report of the 397th Infantry Regiment of the 100th Division regarding W-143 wire, they say
“The wire is unsuited for small units as the wire cannot be sufficiently carried on a reel, the insulation doesn’t break when the wire does, making it hard to troubleshoot, and it takes too long to splice as the insulation doesn’t come off fast enough – especially when under fire.”
FM 25-5 Animal Transport June 1939 | Describes how to ride, control, manage, and take care of a horse. Includes a description of lashing equipment and saddling. The 1940 change is added.
FM 25-6 Dog Sled Jan 1941 | Explains sleds, dog shoes, sled packing techniques, first aid for dogs, harnesses, kennels, food, lashing etc.
FM 25-7 Pack Transportation Aug 1944 | Discusses saddles, training, pack movement, hitches, and slinging cargo to an animal.
FM 25-10 Motor Transport March 1942 | Describes how to drive a truck, including signs, keeping the right distance, tows etc.
FM 26-5 Interior Guard Duty Jan 1942 | How to conduct interior guard duty of military posts and camps. This includes organization and structure, as well as duties/responsibilities, and dealing with prisoners.
FM 27-5 Civil Affairs Dec 1943 | How to set up governance of civilians when the enemy has been defeated.
While not a field manual, Public Safety Manual – Civil Affairs 1944 outlines how to preserve public safety.
For more information, see Civil Affairs in World War II which is a study on the topic from the Center for Strategic and International Studies.
FM 27-15 Military Law Domestic Disturbances Feb 1941 | Outlines how to handle riots. Includes example scenarios.
FM 27-10 Rules of Land Warfare Oct 1940 | Discusses the rules for conducting land warfare.
The Judge Advocate Generals School No 7 Rules for Land Warfare Sept 1943 is a study guide for the manual and goes into more legal details.
FM 28-105 Special Service Company Jan 1944 | Explains the duties of the company, including structure and organization, and the packing of materials, as well as how to provide athletic, entertainment, music, radio, theatrical, motion picture, library, publications (like a soldier newspaper), and field canteens and exchanges.
It includes a list of items of the different kinds of kits:
Kit A and A-1 – Sports and Games. One interesting thing is that the kit describes books to be used in playing the activities. Such as: Active Games and Contests (1935), TM 21-220 Sports and Games May 1942, among others.
Kit B and B-1 – Radio and Phonograph Equipment
Kit C – Library books
Kit D – Musical Instruments and Accessories – Music Books
Kit E – Theatrical Equipment and Supplies
Kit J – PH-408 Projector Equipment
Kit I – Printing and Publishing
See TM 21-205 Special Service Officer May 1942 for the officer manual.
FM 29-5 Military Police Dec 1941 | Guidelines for structure and organization for the Military Police, including collecting stragglers during combat, traffic control (in both day and during “blackout” conditions), escorting, and other duties.
FM 30-26 Regulations for Correspondents Jan 1942 | Outlines rules and uniforms for correspondents. Makes mention of a “visiting correspondent” status that appears to be someone who was authorized outside the normal procedure. Includes the three different changes to the manual.
The proper uniform for accredited correspondents is that of an officer, but without all insignia of grade or arm or service, and without black and gold piping on field caps, officers’ hat cords, or officers’ insignia on the garrison cap if worn.
b. The uniform includes the wearing of the official brassard on the left arm. The brassard is a green cloth band, 4 inches wide, with the appropriate word, “Correspondent,” “Photographer,” “Radio Commentator,” “Correspondent Chauffeur,” “Photographer Chauffeur,” “Radio News Chauffeur,” “Correspondent Messenger,” “Photographer Messenger,” or “Radio News Messenger,” in white block letters 1 /4 inches in height. This will be furnished by the War Department Bureau of Public Relations at the time of appointment.
c. Articles of special clothing and equipment which are issued to officers and enlisted men in cold climates may be issued to correspondents. These articles must be turned in before departure from the theater of operations or base command.
d. Accredited correspondents will not wear civilian clothing while serving with the field force.
FM 30-27 Regulations for Civilian Operations Analysts, Scientific Consultants, and Technical Observers Accompanying US Army Forces in the Field Aug 1944 | A guide for specific types of civilian personnel. One example is munitions experts from weapons companies who want to see how the ordnance they produce works on the battlefield. Includes rank and pay, capture, uniform, discipline, transportation, and censorship.
Military Intelligence
FM 30-30 Military Intelligence Identification of US Government Aircraft Feb 1942 | Highlights US aircraft.
Also, the FM 30-30 Recognition Pictorial Manual, which shows the profiles of different US, Allied, and Enemy planes.
FM 30-34 Military Intelligence Identification of Soviet Russian Aircraft July 1941 | Highlights Russian aircraft.
FM 30-35 Military Intelligence Identification of German Aircraft March 1942 | Highlights German aircraft.
FM 30-38 Military Intelligence Identification of Japanese Aircraft March 1942 | Highlights Japanese aircraft.
FM 30-39 Military Intelligence Identification of Italian Aircraft Oct 1941 | Highlights Italian aircraft.
FM 30-40 Military Intelligence Identification of US Armored Vehicles May 1941 | Highlights different types of US tanks.
FM 30-42 Military Intelligence Identification of Foreign Armored Vehicles German Japanese Russian and Italian Oct 1942 | Highlights the types of tanks.
The older FM 40-42 from June 1941 covers foreign armored vehicles of German, Japanese, Russian, Italian, and French.
FM 30-41 Military Intelligence Identification of British Armored Vehicles May 1941 | Highlights the different types of British tanks.
FM 30-50 Military Intelligence of United States Naval Vessels Oct 1941 | Outlines the types of US Naval Vessels.
FM 30-51 Military Intelligence Identification of British Naval Ships Dec 1941 | Highlights names of British Navy ships.
FM 30-53 Military Intelligence Identification of French Naval Vessels March 1942 | Highlights the names of French Navy ships.
FM 30-55 Military Intelligence Identification of German Naval Ships June 1941 | Highlights the names of German Navy ships.
FM 30-58 Military Intelligence Identification of Japanese Naval Vessels Dec 1941 | Highlights the names of Japanese Navy boats.
FM 30-102 Handbook on Aggressor Military Forces June 1947 | A post-war guide that outlines the rise and structure of an aggressor nation. For use with post-war wargaming scenarios.
FM 31-10 Coast Defense July 1941 | A high-level descriptive overview of how to provide coastal defense.
FM 31-15 Operations in Snow and Extreme Cold 1941 | How to conduct operations in the snow. This is the older version. For the updated one, see: FM 70-15 Operations in Snow and Extreme Cold NOV 1944 .
FM 31-30 Tactics and Technique of Airborne Troops May 1942 | Describes training and combat operations for Airborne troops.
FM 31-50 Attack Fortified Position Combat in Towns Jan 1944 – Explains how to conduct an attack on an enemy bunker, other fortified position, and in an urban environment from a squad, platoon, company, and battalion perspective.
I’ve also created a document that focuses just on the urban combat part of the manual that you can download.
FM 35-20 WAC Physical Training July 1943 | Describes exercises for Women’s Army Corps members.
AntiAircraft Artillery
FM 44-2 Employment of AntiAircraft Artillery Automatic Weapons Dec 1944 | Focuses on the placement and usage of 40mm antiaircraft gun and the M51 machine gun carriage unit with the quad 50 caliber machine guns.
FM 44-4 Employment of AntiAircraft Artillery Guns June 1945 | Focuses on the setup and placement of the 90mm M1A1 and M2 and 120mm M1 anti-aircraft guns, but does make mention of 50 caliber machine guns. Also includes other equipment that’s part of the fire control like SCR-584 radar, M4 Tractor, and M9 Director and trailer.
FM 44-6 Employment of AntiAircraft Artillery Searchlights March 1945 | Explains how to use a searchlight in combat operations. Includes placement, communication, supply, and methodology.
Transportation Corps
FM 55-25 Ports Oversea Headquarters and Headquarters Companies May 1945 | Describes the structure and organization of Oversea Port Headquarters.
FM 55-105 Water Transportation Oceangoing vessels Sept 1944 | Information for transportation corps members on oceangoing vessels.
FM 55-130 Small Boats and Harbor Craft Jan 1944 | Information for transportation corps members who operate in a small boat or harbor.
FM 70-10 Mountain Operations Dec 1944 | How to conduct operations in the mountains. Including movement, climbing, patrolling, eating, cooking etc.
FM 72-20 Jungle Warfare Oct 1944 | Explains how to conduct warfare in the jungle, including bivouacking, fighting, patrolling, eating, cooking, etc.
FM 70-15 Operations in Snow and Extreme Cold NOV 1944 | Describes how to conduct warfare in a snowy and cold environment, including cooking, sled building, shooting, trenches, etc.
Staff Officer’s Field Manuals
FM 100-5 Field Service Regulations Operations June 1944 | Describes doctrines in leading troops and tactics in combined arms operations.
FM 100-10 Field Service Regulations Administration Nov 1943 | Describes an overview of how to administrate different army branches.
FM 100-20 Command and Employment of Air Power July 1943 | Describes the use of Air Power
FM 101-5 Staff Officers Field Manual The Staff and Combat Orders Aug 1940 | Outlines how to issue combat orders. Essentially, you can do it in any communication method, but you have to give the receiver of the orders time to reconnoiter and place troops etc.
FM 101-10 Staff Officers Field Manual Organization Technical and Logistical Data June 1941 – A manual that outlines the organization, technical, and logistical data of various Army branches. Including transportation, feeding, equipment, communication, and labor requirements.
For example, Labor requirements for handling supplies are computed on the average of one-half ton per man per hour for 10 hours each day. This figure is for planning purposes only.
FM-E 101-10 Staff Officers Field Manual Enemy Forces Organization Technical and Logistical Data Oct 1942 – Covers various facets of German, Italian, and Japanese forces.
FM 101-15 Staff Officers Field Manual Traffic Circulation and Control Jan 1943 – Explains how to control and plan for traffic, both military and civilian.
Staff Officers Field Manual for Amphibious Operations Etc 1944 – Outlines what’s needed and required to conduct a successful Amphibious invasion among the Army, Navy, Marines, and Army Air Corps.
Of special note is the battalion radio network for all branches involved. As well as tables at the end that show approximate material/time usage for various activities like digging foxholes and using water.
FM 105-5 Umpire Manual April 1942 and FM 105-5 Umpire Manual MAR 1944 – Outlines how to be an umpire during a wargame.
Other
OSS Field Manuals
OSS Special Operations Field Manual, Strategic Services Feb 1944 – Discusses planning and coordination for a special service operation.
OSS Operational Groups Field Manual April 1944 – Outlines organization, structure, procedures, training, personality types, and supply of Operational Groups (OG). An OG is a small, uniformed party of specially trained and qualified soldiers tasked with carrying out specific missions.
OSS Morale Operations Field Manual, Jan 1943 – Outlines planning of operations for subverting the morale of civilian and military populations. Examples include rumor spreading, blackmail, forgery, creation of and exploitation of “incidents” that can be used to create division, coups, creating distrust, creating false hope, propaganda leaflets etc.
OSS Operational Group Command Booklet Dec 1944 – A booklet that outlines the overall command and control structure for the OSS.
OSS Maritime Unit Booklet – Discusses the structure, command, and control of the Maritime Unit of the OSS. The unit was responsible for providing special equipment like The Limplet explosive device, and Pin-up Girl explosive device, and kayaks. Other equipment includes the Beach Sand Augur and Underwater Pen and Pencil.
As well as providing ferrying operations and maritime sabotage.
OSS Maritime Unit Field Manual July 1944 – Discusses organization, command, structure, equipment, and planning for maritime operations.
Interestingly, “Detailed descriptions of this special equipment are given in a secret pamphlet, ‘Underwater Operations’, prepared for the Maritime Unit, December 1943,” and this pamphlet doesn’t appear to be available online anywhere.
OSS Secret Intelligence Field Manual March 1944 – Discusses how, what, and where to gather secret intelligence information. Includes a diagram of how an agent cell system works.
OSS Simple Sabotage Field Manual No 4 Jan 1944 – Discusses things individual citizens can do to sabotage enemy activities. Examples include releasing moths in a movie theater and clogging sewage lines.
