Crooks, Leonidas M., Jr., 1ST SGT

The Second Chemical Mortar Battalion

The Second Chemical Mortar Battalion was a bastard unit, that was basically sent from division to division, as needed.  Often, the 4.2's would be on the line, and when the parent division was relieved, they would be sent to another.

Both Generals Mark Clark, and George Patton stated that they would never commit an infantry division to battle, without a 4.2 mortar Battalion attached, due the weapons effectiveness,  mobility and superb cover it provided for troop movements and advancements.

The battalion also found itself attached to other seperate units, such as the 517th Parachute Infantry Regiment and the 106th Cavalry Group. Also, it was attached to the Free French Army, the First French Army, and the French Forces of the Interior.

By the end of the war, the 2nd Chemical Mortar Bn, had 511 days on the front line, tying the 157th RCT of the 45th Infantry Divison, for the most time in combat, of any American unit in the European Theater of Operations 

The unit was in 7 battle campaigns, and had a total of 57 KIA