US Airborne (winter) medium mortar team

Mortars, particularly the 81mm ‘medium’ variety, were some of the most effective anti-infantry weapons of the Second World War, and US forces made extensive use of their capabilities. Able to lob explosive shells over the heads of friendly troops, they were particularly effective at digging out enemies from entrenched positions. The US Airborne often found themselves without heavy artillery support, making the lightweight and portable mortar an invaluable part of their battlefield tactics.