UNITED STATES ARMY

81st CHEMICAL MORTAR BATTALION (MOTORIZED)  •  D-DAY ORGANIZATION 1944 Regulations

US Army chemical mortar battalions and separate companies were intended to deliver toxic agents and lay chemical smoke, but the M2 4.2in (107mm) mortar with which they were equipped could also fire high-explosive ammunition. Since chemical weapons were not employed during World War II, these units were used to provide close support for infantry and armor, firing HE and smoke. The chemical mortar battalion had a headquarters company and four mortar companies, each of the latter with twelve mortars. Though it had less than half the range of a 105mm howitzer, the 4.2in mortar's large HE round and high rate of fire made it an effective weapon. For D-Day, the 81st Chemical Mortar Battalion was assigned to V Corps and detached to the 1st Infantry Division. Guidons for chemical companies had a cobalt blue field with branch insignia, numbering, and lettering in golden yellow, the Chemical Corps branch colors.

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