veteran’s corner

Tom Krabbenhoft

In my 28 years of military service, the one job that I enjoyed the most was forward observer. Artillery is perhaps one of the most significant game changers in warfare. The destructive power and versatility of artillery is incredible. The role of forward observer is the conducting of this symphony of destruction.

Artillery is the undisputed king of battle. Its nickname was rightfully earned. Artillery produced the most casualties during World War I and World War II, to name just two.

Early artillery was first used in the 900s in China. It was developed to knock down defensive fortifications and walls. Gunpowder-powered projectiles made siege warfare obsolete. Cities that had been unbreachable for hundreds of years, such as Constantinople, could no longer enjoy protection behind huge walls.

Coastal artillery protects cities to this day from potential threats from ships. Air defense artillery still has a place in modern warfare. Who hasn’t seen coverage of aircraft bombings with tracer rounds zooming skyward to meet to meet the aircraft?

A great example of both these combined is the Battle of Corregidor. American and Filipino troops held off a far superior Japanese army with outdated artillery assets.

Artillery has evolved into a very useful tool on the battlefield. Artillery is not only capable of raw destruction its flexibility extends far beyond that.

Types of Artillery rounds

• Illumination in the darkest places. It’s basically a magnesium flare with a parachute. These can be shot high into the air and light an area over two minutes.

• Smoke can be generated to cover a retreat or an attack. It can also be used to obscure a battlefield and confuse a enemy. White phosphorus is one of the most common used rounds, not only for smoke but incendiary purposes.

• Flechette, grapeshot, beehive or cannister rounds. These rounds serve as behemoth shotgun rounds and are used generally in self defense. Many historical experts say if it was not for superior artillery specifically cannister/grapeshot the Battle of Gettysburg would have been lost to the South. Gettysburg was the most pivotal battle of the Civil War. The outcome of the victory would’ve swung the pendulum either way.

• HE, high explosive. These rounds are capable of destroying tanks, Infantry, buildings or anything else.

• Nuclear … no explanation needed.

All these rounds can be used and combined together. Next week, we will talk about how the symphony of destruction is assembled.

Veteran of the Week

Our veteran of the week is Marvin Nicklay. Marvin served over 20 years. Today he tirelessly volunteers with the National Cemetery Honor Guard. He has many times single-handedly mounted efforts to have unclaimed veterans honored and remembered. His efforts have allowed many veterans a honorable goodbye.

Thanks for your service then and now, Marv.

To submit a veteran or story idea, email me at 11btwk@gmail.com