MEDICAL DEPARTMENT UNITED STATES ARMY IN WORLD WAR II
MEDICAL DEPARTMENT, UNITED STATES ARMY
WOUND BALLISTICS
Prepared and published under the direction of
Lieutenant General LEONARD D. HEATON
The Surgeon General, United States Army
Editor in Chief
Colonel JAMES BOYD COATES, Jr., MC
Editor for Wound Ballistics
Major JAMES C. BEYER, MC
OFFICE OF THE SURGEON GENERAL
DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY
WASHINGTON, D.C., 1962
Contents
Chapter:
I. Enemy Ordnance Materiel (Maj. James C. Beyer, MC, Maj. James K. Arima, MSC, and Doris W. Johnson)
Japanese Ordnance
German Ordnance
Causative Agents of Battle Casualties in World War II
North Korean Forces Ordnance Materiel
II. Ballistic Characteristics of Wounding Agents (Maj. Ralph W. French, MAC, USA (Ret.), and Brig. Gen. George R. Callender, USA (Ret.)
Physical Aspects of the Missile Casualty
Physical Aspects of the Missile
The Wound as a Physical Entity
III. Mechanism of Wounding (E. Newton Harvey, Ph. D., J. Howard McMillen, Ph. D., Elmer G. Butler, Ph. D., and William O. Puckett, Ph. D.)
Historical Note
Methods Used in Studying Wounding
Underwater Ballistics as a Guide to the Wounding Mechanism
The Wound Track or Permanent Cavity in Muscle
The Explosive or Temporary Cavity in Muscle
The Explosive or Temporary Cavity in Abdomen, Thorax, and Head
Movements Following Collapse of the Explosive Cavity
Nature and Extent of Damage Around the Wound Track
Damage to Bone by High-Velocity Missiles
Damage to Blood Vessels and Nerves Near Wound Track
Pressure Changes Accompanying the Passage of Missiles
Retardation of Missiles by Soft Tissue and Tissuelike Substances
Penetration of Missiles Into Soft Tissue and Bone
Casualties in Relation to Missile Mass and Velocity
IV. Casualty Survey-New Georgia and Burma Campaigns (James E. T. Hopkins, M.D.)
New Georgia Campaign
Burma Campaign
Analysis of Casualties
Causative Agents
Circumstances of Wounding
Disposition of Casualties
Influence of Protective Armor
U.S. Casualties Caused by U.S. Missiles
Conclusions
V. Study on Wound Ballistics-Bougainville Campaign (Ashley W. Oughterson, M.D., Harry C. Hull, M.D., Francis A. Sutherland, M.D., and Daniel J. Greiner, M.D.)
Factors Peculiar to the Bougainville Campaign
Bougainville Campaign During Survey Period (15 Feb.-21 Apr. 1944)
Disposition of Battle Casualties and Anatomic Distribution of Wounds
The Different Weapons Causing Battle Casualties
Treatment of the Wounded
Morbid Anatomy
Circumstances and Protective Measures
Summary
Conclusions
VI. Examination of 1,000 American Casualties Killed in Italy (William W. Tribby, M.D.)
Purpose of Study
Methods of Study
Statistical Studies
Case Reports
VII. Study of Fifth U.S. Army Hospital Battle Casualty Deaths (Howard E. Snyder, M.D., and James W. Culbertson, M.D.)
Region, Type, and Distribution of Wounds
Causes of Death
Special Studies on Intra-Abdominal Wounds
Cases in Which the Immediate Cause of Death was Shock
Pigment Nephropathy in Battle Casualties
VIII. Casualty Survey,Cassino, Italy (Allan Palmer, M.D.)
Medical Facilities and Evacuation of Casualties
Analysis of Casualties
IX. Survey of Battle Casualties, Eighth Air Force, June, July, and August 1944 (Allan Palmer, M.D.)
Collection of Data
Analysis of Battle Casualties
Casualties Due to Flak
Casualties Due to Secondary Missiles
Casualties Due to Missiles From Enemy Fighter Aircraft
KIA Casualties-June Through November 1944
Summary and Conclusions
X. Directional Density of Flak Fragments and Burst Patterns at High Altitudes (Allan Palmer, M.D.)
German 88 mm. High Explosive Antiaircraft Shell
Aircraft Battle Damage Data
General Conclusions
XI. Personnel Protective Armor (Maj. James C. Beyer, MC, William F. Enos, M.D., and Col. Robert H. Holmes, MC)
Helmet Development
Helmet Design
Body Armor
XII. Wound Ballistics and Body Armor in Korea (Carl M. Herget, Ph. D., Capt. George B. Coe, Ord Corps, and Maj. James C. Beyer, MC)
Battle Casualty Survey-November1950
Joint Army-Navy Body Armor Field Test, 14 June-13 October 1951
Army Body Armor Test Team, February-July 1952
Medical Study of KIA Casualties
Lower Torso Armor
Improvised Armor for Special Purposes
A. Casualties, 1st Battalion, 148th Infantry, 37th Division
B. Casualties, 1st Battalion, 5307th Composite Unit (Provisional)
C. Casualties, 3d Battalion, 5307th Composite Unit (Provisional)
D. Principal and Associated Wounds
E. Combined Wound Groups
F. Detailed Observations on Wound Groups
G. Bomb Incident
H. Comparison of World War II Missile Casualty Data
I. Medical Program for the Study of Wounds and Wounding
INDEX
Figure:
1. Model 14 (1925) 8 mm. pistol
2. Model 100 (1940) 8 mm. submachinegun
3. Model 38 (1905) 6.5 mm. rifle
4. Model 96 (1936) 6.5 mm. light machinegun
5. Model 97 (1937) 81 mm. infantry mortar
6. Model 97 (1937) 90 mm. mortar
7. Model 90 (1930) 75 mm. gun
8. Model 91 (1931) 105 mm. howitzer
9. 6.5 mm. ball ammunition
10. Model 100, 81 mm. mortar shell
11. Fragments from Japanese 81 mm. mortar shell
12. Model 91 (1931) hand grenade
13. Model P 38 (Walther) 9 mm. pistol
14. MP 40 (Schmeisser) 9 mm. submachinegun
15. Model 98, 7.92 mm. German Mauser rifle
16. Model FG 42, 7.92 mm. automatic rifle
17. Model 35, 7.92 mm. AT rifle
18. MG 34 (Solothurn) 7.92 mm. dual-purpose machinegun
19. 81 mm. mortar with bipod and baseplate
20. Pak 38, 50 mm. AT gun
21. Pak 43, 8.8 cm. AT gun
22. 7.92 mm. German ball ammunition
23. Fragments from one of two 5 cm. mortar shells
24. Fragmentation characteristics, German 8 cm. mortar shell
25. High explosive mortar shells
26. Fragments from one of two 50 mm. high explosive shells of a German antitank gun
27. Fragments from German 75 mm. high explosive shell
28. Fragments from German 75 mm. hollow-charge shell
29. Fragments from German 88 mm. high explosive shell
30. Fragmentation characteristics, German 88 mm. high explosive artillery shell
31. Fragments from two rounds of German 105 mm. howitzer ammunition
32. Antipersonnel mine
33. Antipersonnel shrapnel mine
34. CCF Maxim heavy machinegun
35. Soviet 120 mm. mortar
36. Soviet 120 mm. mortar
37. Soviet 122 mm. howitzer
38. Soviet 152 mm. gun howitzer
39. CCF 82 mm. mortar shell
40. CCF 82 mm. mortar shell
41. CCF short 120 mm. mortar shell
42. CCF extra long 120 mm. mortar shell
43. CCF 75 mm. high explosive shell
44. Soviet fragmentation hand grenade
45. Japanese 6.5 mm. bullet
46. Japanese bullets
47. Smoothbore .30 caliber gun
48. Wooden sabots to carry steel spheres
49. Water tank for study of shot into liquid
50. High-speed motion picture cameras
51. Apparatus for spark shadowgram technique
52. Westinghouse Micronex apparatus for X-ray pictures
53. Frames from high-speed motion picture of 3/16-inch steel sphere entering water
54. Frames from high-speed motion picture of 1/8-inch steel sphere striking water
55. Frames from motion picture of 1/8-inch steel sphere entering gelatin gel
56. Frames from high-speed motion picture of gelatin block shot with 1/8-inch steel sphere
57. Temporary cavities formed in water
58. Spark shadowgrams of 1/8-inch spheres striking water
59. Pressure-timerecord of shock wave
60. Spark shadowgram of 3/16-inch steel sphere in water
61. Record of pressure changes in water
62. Frames from high-speed motion picture of 3/16-inch steel sphere entering water
63. Muscle of cat thigh with entrance and exit holes produced by steel sphere
64. Muscle of cat thigh with entrance and exit holes produced by steel fragment
65. Roentgenograms of cat thigh showing permanent cavity after passage of steel sphere
66. Blocks of 20 percent gelatin gel
67. Soft tissues of thigh of cat
68. Blocks of 20 percent gelatin gel
69. Roentgenogram of thigh of cat after passage of steel sphere
70. Spark shadowgraph of 4/32-inch sphere in water
71. Block of Plasticine
72. Spark shadowgraph of 4/32-inch steel sphere in gelatin gel
73. Spark shadowgraph of cat thigh after passage of 4/32-inch steel sphere
74. Microsecond roentgenograms of 4/32-inch steel spheres passing through block of butcher meat and container of water
75. Microsecond roentgenograms of thigh of dog after passage of steel sphere
76. Frames fromhigh-speed motion picture of 1/8-inch steel sphere through leg of cat
77. Roentgenograms of thigh of cat before and after passage of 4/32-inch steel sphere
78. Microsecond roentgenogram of thigh of cat showing temporary cavity after passage of 4/32-inch steel sphere
79. Microsecond roentgenogram of thigh of cat showing temporary cavity after passage of shell fragment
80. Microsecond roentgenogram of thigh of cat showing temporary cavity after passage of wire nail
81. Microsecond roentgenogram of thigh of dog showing temporary cavity after passage of rifle bullet
82. Microsecond roentgenograms of thigh of cat showing temporary cavities after passage of 4/32-inch steel sphere
83. Microsecond roentgenograms of thigh of cat showing temporary cavity after passage of 4/32-inch steel sphere
84. Frames from high-speed motion picture showing volume changes in abdomen of cat
85. Frames from high-speed motion picture showing volume changes in tube filled with water
86. Microsecond roentgenogram of abdomen of cat showing temporary cavity after passage of 4/32-inch steel sphere
87. Roentgenograms of abdomen of cat
88. Microsecond roentgenogram of abdomen of cat showing temporary cavity after passage of steel cylinder
89. Frames from high-speed motion picture of thorax of cat after passage of 4/32-inch steel sphere
90. Roentgenograms of thorax of cat
91. Microsecond roentgenogram of head of dog showing temporary cavity after passage of 1/8-inch steel sphere
92. Roentgenograms of head of cat
93. Skull of head of cat
94. Skull of head of cat
95. Frames from motion picture of cavity in gelatin after passage of 4/32-inch steel sphere
96. Microsecond roentgenograms of abdomen of cat
97. Frames from motion picture of skinned leg of cat after passage of 4/32-inch sphere
98. Frames from motion picture of cat thigh after passage of 4/32-inch steel sphere
99. Microsecond roentgenograms of thigh of cat
100. Frames from high-speed motion picture of thigh of cat after passage of 1/8-inch steel sphere
101. Frames from motion picture of pig spleen after passage of 1/8-inch steel sphere
102a. Photomicrographs of muscle fibers
102b. Photomicrographs of muscle fibers
103. Photomicrograph of muscle fibers
104. Microsecond roentgenogram of thigh of cat after passage of 4/32-inch steel sphere
105. Microsecond roentgenogram of thigh of cat after passage of shell fragment
106. Microsecond roentgenogram of beef rib after passage of 8/32-inch steel sphere
107. Roentgenogram of thigh of cat
108. Roentgenogram of thigh of dog
109. Roentgenogram of thigh of cat
110. Microsecond roentgenogram of thigh of cat showing temporary cavity after passage of 4/32-inch steel sphere
111. Microsecond roentgenogram of thigh of cat showing temporary cavity after passage of steel fragment
112. Cat skulls
113. Roentgenograms of thigh of cat
114. Roentgenograms of thigh of cat
115. Photomicrograph of sciatic nerve of cat
116. Photomicrograph of sciatic nerve of cat
117. Photomicrograph of sciatic nerve of cat
118. Shadowgram of shock wave
119. Shadowgrams of shock waves
120. Shadowgram of shock wave
121. Shadowgram of shock wave
122. Shadowgrams of shock waves
123. Shadowgrams of shock waves
124. Shadowgrams of shock waves
125. Records of shock wave pressures
126. Microsecond roentgenogram of abdomen of cat after passage of 3/16-inch steel sphere
127. Spark shadowgram of shock wave complex
128. Crystal record of pressure changes
129. Crystal record of pressure changes
130. Frames from high-speed motion picture of abdomen of cat after passage of 3/16-inch steel sphere
131. Frames from motion picture of 1/8-inch steel sphere striking water
132. Frames from motion picture of frog hearts after passage of 1/8-inch steel sphere
133. Frames from motion picture of frog hearts after passage of 1/8-inch steel sphere
134. Frames from motion picture of colon of cat suspended in Ringer`s solution
135. Frame from high-speed motion picture of cavity formed by steel sphere
136. Spark shadowgraphs of cavities formed by spheres
137. Spark shadowgraphs of cavities produced by cylindrical slugs
138. Spark shadowgram of layers of skin after passage of 6/32-inch steel sphere
139. Tank filled with 20 percent gelatin gel
140. Roentgenogram of thigh of dog
141. Roentgenogram of butcher meat after passage of steel spheres
142. Roentgenogram of abdomen of cat
143. Roentgenogram of beef femur
144. Medical aidmen carrying wounded man to ambulance jeep
145. Members, 37th Division Clearing Company, completing a surgical procedure, New Georgia Island
146. Wounded soldiers lying in vessel, awaiting transportation to 17th Field Hospital
147. View of the Ledo Road
148. U.S. troops and Kachin natives watching a parachute supply drop
149. Kachins from a friendly native village leading men of the 5307th Composite Unit (Provisional) through the jungle
150. Wounded soldiers awaiting evacuation, Myitkyina airfield
151. Operating room of surgical team in field hospital
152. Litter bearers carrying wounded Chinese soldier to ambulance pickup point
153. One of the routes of evacuation between clearing station of Americal Division and 21st Evacuation Hospital
154. Perimeter road near junction of Americal and 37th Divisions
155. Roadway along the Laruma River, outside the perimeter
156. Ward area, 21st Evacuation Hospital on Bougainville
157. Underground operating room, 21st Evacuation Hospital on Bougainville
158. Interior, underground ward, 21st Evacuation Hospital on Bougainville
159. Situation map
160. Focal point of entire Hill 260 battle
161. Variety of banyan tree
162. Jungle growth on Hill 260
163. Hill 260 being shelled by Americal Division artillery fire
164. Enemy pillbox on Hill 260
165. Partially cleared jungle growth on Hill 700
166. Precipitous hillside off the perimeter road
167. Wounded being transferred from halftrack to jeep
168. Wounded soldier being helped down the side of Hill 700
169. Japanese 75 mm. gun emplacement on Blue Ridge
170. Enemy dead on Hill 700
171. A cleared field of fire in front of the 129th Infantry sector
172. Light tank of the 754th Tank Battalion
173. Soldiers crawling up to barbed wire
174. An area devastated by U.S. artillery shell fire
175. Scene of action of Japanese infiltration, 2d Battalion, 129th Infantry, 37th Division
176. General Sherman medium tank and infantrymen attacking Japanese positions along perimeter of 129th Infantry, 37th Division
177. Japanese killed on perimeter of Company F, 129th Infantry, 37th Division
178. Japanese foxholes
179. Roentgenogram of skull showing artillery shell fragment lodged in sinus cavity
180. Roentgenogram of compound comminuted fracture of humerus
181. Roentgenogram of thoracic cavity
182. Roentgenogram of thoracic cavity
183. Roentgenograms of lower and upper extremities
184. Litter carry
185. A screened operating room in a clearing station
186. Jeep ambulance
187. Entrance sites of lethal wounds in 104 autopsied casualties
188. Widespread destruction of cranial vault and brain
189. Extensive fracture of skull at site of entrance wound
190. Missile fragments
191. Extensive fracture of skull
192. Deformed .25 caliber bullet
193. Head wound
194. Entrance wound in head and wounds of left upper extremity
195. Head wound
196. U.S. 75 mm. shell fragment
197. Perforating head wound
198. Entrance wound in head
199. Large defect in skull at site of entrance wound
200. Chest wound of exit
201. Mortar shell fragment
202. Chest wound
203. Japanese hand grenade fragments
204. Japanese .25 caliber bullet
205. U.S. artillery shell fragment
206. Deformed Japanese rifle bullet
207. Wound of scapular area
208. Japanese artillery shell fragments
209. Gutter wound of left side of face and neck
210. Deformed .25 caliber machinegun bullet
211. Recovered metal fragments, identified as parts of first aid box
212. Fragments of Japanese hand grenade
213. Fragments of U.S. hand grenade
214. Laceration of abdominal wall and evisceration
215. Traumatic amputation stump
216. Multiple mutilating wounds and traumatic amputations
217. Multiple wounds
218. Small mortar shell fragment
219. Wounds of head and chest
220. Perforating wound of abdomen
221. Recovered fragments of U.S. landmine
222. Well-constructed pillbox
223. Wire netting covering firing slits
224. Natural jungle growth
225. "Necessary" and "unnecessary" exposure
226. "Little" and "moderate" protection
227. Unnecessary exposure and concentration of men
228. Infantry advancing behind tanks
229. Worksheet, with anatomic views of body and location of wounds
230. High explosive steel fragments (primary missiles)
231. Multiple fatal and nonfatal wounds due to high explosive shell fragments
232. Traumatic decapitation
233. Extensive multiple and mutilating wounds
234. Single head wound
235. Multiple wounds of the head
236. Single neck wound
237. Single neck wound
238. Single chest wound
239. Multiple wounds of the chest
240. Single thoracic wound
241. Single abdominal wound
242. Multiple wounds of lower extremities
243. Multiple wounds of lower extremities
244. Multiple wounds of lower extremities
245. Multiple wounds
246. Multiple wounds of chest and left upper extremity
247. Multiple wounds of head, neck, chest, and upper extremities
248. Multiple wounds of head, chest, and right upper extremity
249. Multiple wounds of head, chest, abdomen, right upper extremity, and both lower extremities
250. Multiple wounds of chest, abdomen, and upper and lower extremities
251. Multiple wounds of neck and chest
252. Multiple wounds of head, neck, chest, and upper and lower extremities
253. Multiple wounds of head, neck, chest, abdomen, and right upper extremity
254. Multiple wounds of pelvis, lower extremities, and genitalia
255. Multiple wounds of head, neck, chest, abdomen, and upper extremities
256. Single wound of neck
257. Multiple wounds of abdomen, pelvis, and upper and lower extremities
258. Building occupied by field hospital platoon and four surgical teams, Porretta, Italy
259. 95th Evacuation Hospital, Monghidoro, Italy
260. Capt. James W. Culbertson, MC, obtaining information concerning battle casualties
261. Col. Howard E. Snyder, MC, Surgical Consultant, Fifth U.S. Army
262. Location of field hospital platoon used as a forward surgical unit before the breakthrough into the Po Valley
263. Plasma being administered at a battalion aid station
264. Rapido River valley area, Italy, 6 February 1944
265. Town of Cassino, Italy, 6 February 1944
266. Map of Cassino area
267. View from center of MonteLungo, Italy, 18 February 1944
268. German emplacements south of MonteLungo, Italy, 26 December 1943
269. Aerial view of MonteLungo, Italy, 1944
270. Cassino area, Italy, 6 March 1944
271. Approach to MonteCassino, 30 May 1944
272. Town of Cassino being destroyed, 15 March 1944
273. Cassino area, Italy, 18 May 1944
274. Operational Research Section, Office of the Chief Surgeon, ETOUSA
275. Outline form with demarcations of body regions
276. Lamport`s curve II
277. Chart showing relationship between "military loss" and weight of flak fragments causing wounds
278. Primary missiles (flak)
279. Secondary missiles(dural)
280. Secondary missiles (body armor)
281. Secondary missiles (Plexiglas)
282. Secondary missiles (miscellaneous)
283. Location of 85 wounds due to Plexiglas fragments
284. Primary missiles (7.92 mm.)
285. Primary missiles (13 mm.)
286. Primary missiles (20 mm.)
287. Radio operator in B-17 aircraft
288. Waist gunner in B-17 aircraft
289. Radio operator in B-17 aircraft
290. Navigator in B-17 aircraft
291. Radio operator in B-17 aircraft
292. Pilot of B-24 aircraft
293. Structure of German 88 mm. HEAA shell
294. Diagrammatic representation of directional fragmentation density of a spherical burst
295. Directional fragmentation density
296. Location of flak hits, B-17 aircraft, plane surfaces only
297. Location of flak hits, B-24 aircraft, plane surfaces only
298. Directional fragmentation density
299. Location of flak hits, fuselages only
300. Location of flak hits, B-17 aircraft
301. Location of flak hits, B-24 aircraft
302. Projected body surface areas
303. Directional fragmentation density
304. Helmet, M1917A1
305. Army M1 helmet
306. Helmet, TS3
307. M1 helmet
308. Ball-and-clevis release for chinstrap of M1 helmet
309. Helmet, Steel, M1C (Parachutist`s)
310. Tank crash helmets in use in November 1941
311. Series of helmets
312. Helmet, T19E1
313. Combat vehicle crewman`s helmet
314. Ground troop helmet, T21
315. Aero Medical Laboratory standard head models
316. Flyer`s helmet, M3
317. Flyer`s helmets
318. Face armor (T6 type)
319. Jettisoning of flyer`s armor
320. Flyer`s vest, M1
321. Flyer`s vest, M2
322. Flyer`s apron
323. Flyer`s groin armor
324. Flyer`s vest, M6
325. Flyer`s neck armor
326. Japanese body armor
327. Japanese body armor
328. Japanese body armor
329. Japanese body armor
330. Armor, vest, M12
331. Crotch armor, T16E4
332. Eye armor, T45 series
333. Mobile shield, T1E2
334. Lt. Col. I. Ridgeway Trimble, MC, wearing captured Japanese vest
335. Armorplates
336. Japanese body armor
337. Orientation map, Korea
338. Anatomic location of body regions
339. Location of wounds in Turkish soldiers wounded in action
340. Slipover thoracoabdominal vest
341. Doron slipover vest
342. Army all-nylon vest, T52-1
343. Map showing disposition of Body Armor Test Team, March-July 1952
344. Typical fragments and missiles removed from casualties in Korea
344b. Typical fragments and missiles removedfrom casualties in Korea
345. Typical missiles removed from armor vest, T52-l, in Korea
346. Protection provided by Army all-nylon vest, T52-1
347. Lt. Rodney M. Brigg, Body Armor Team, points to skin bruise on back of Lt. Frank H. Bassett
348. Effect of armor on evaporation of perspiration
349. World War II M12 vest, Korea, 25 May 1952
350. World War II M12 vest and all-nylon, T52-1, vest
351. Types of armored vest
352. Types of armored vest
353. World War II M12 body armor, Korea, 3 July 1953
354. Body armor
355. Body armor, T52-1
356. Body armor, T52-1
357. Body armor
358. Armor vest, T52-2
359. Armor vest, T52-3
360. Marine Corps doron-nylon vest, M1951, 27 September 1952
361 Demarcation of anatomic surface regions
362. All-nylon lower torso armor
363. Armored suit for mine clearance
364. Armored suit for demolition work
Number
1. Japanese guns and howitzers
2. Japanese small arms ammunition
3. Japanese mortar ammunition
4. Frequency distribution of Japanese grenade discharger and mortar shells
5. Hit probability, Japanese grenade discharger and mortar shells
6. Japanese artillery ammunition
7. Distribution of weapons in Japanese triangular infantry division
8. German guns and howitzers
9. German small arms ammunition
10. German mortar ammunition
11. German artillery ammunition
12. Fragmentation characteristics, German 75 mm. shells
13. Weapons and equipment of German divisions
14. Frequency distribution of casualty-producing agents in wounded, First and Third U.S. Armies, 1944-45
15. NKA and CCF small arms ammunition
16. NKA and CCF mortar ammunition
17. NKA and CCF artillery ammunition
18. Pressures from point of detonation of bombs
19. Fragments from aerial bombs
20. Retardation of effective fragments
21. Retardation of effective fragments
22. Effect of mass on retardation of fragments
23. Values of yaw
24. Volumes of cavities
25. Data on steel spheres
26. Distribution of 4,994 casualties of New Georgia campaign, 20 June-22 September 1943
27. Distribution of 181 casualties, 1st Battalion, 148th Infantry, 18 July-5 August 1943, by category
28. Estimated number of troops, Burma campaign, 15 February-8 June 1944
29. Distribution of 212 casualties, Burma campaign, February-June 1944, by category
30. Distribution of 393 casualties, New Georgia Island-Burma, by category and survey period
31. Distribution of 393 casualties, New Georgia-Burma campaigns, by category
32. Distribution of wounds in 369 battle casualties, by anatomic location
33. Distribution of wounds in 101 dead, by anatomic location
34. Distribution of wounds in 268 living wounded, by anatomic location
35. Mean projected body area and wound distribution
36. Distribution of 369 battle casualties, by anatomic location of wounds and by disposition
37. Disposition of casualties with wounds of upper and lower extremities
38. Distribution of 369 battle casualties, by effect of causative agent
39. Relative lethal effect of weapons, by anatomic location of wounds
40. Relative effect of weapons causing wounds of upper and lower extremities
41. Distribution of 101 fatal casualties, by causative agent
42. Relative lethal effect of U.S. weapons
43. Disposition of 66 U.S. casualties produced by U.S. weapons, by category
44. Relative effect of weapons on disposition of casualties
45. Relative effect of weapons: Casualties returned to duty
46. Relative effect of weapons: Casualties lost to combat duty
47. Relative effect of weapons: Casualties lost immediately to combat
48. Distribution of 349 casualties, by position and causative agent
49. Distribution of 287 casualties, by position
50. Distribution of 270 casualties, by position
51. Distribution of 362 casualties, by type of action and causative agent
52. Distribution of 208 casualties, by category and range of missiles
53. Distribution of 85 casualties wounded by mortar and artillery shells
54. Distribution of 47 casualties wounded by hand grenade
55. Anatomic distribution of fatal wounds of the head, thorax, and abdomen in 173 casualties
56. Distribution of lethal wounds in 496 casualties, by anatomic location
57. Japanese weapons responsible for 1,569 Allied casualties
58. Distribution of 713 casualties among 1,350 U.S. Army troops engaged on Hill 260, by category
59. Distribution of 426 casualties among 800 men, 182d Infantry, engaged on Hill 260, by category
60. Distribution of 519 casualties among 2,600 U.S. troops engaged on Hill 700, by category
61. Distribution of 450 casualties among 1,850 U.S. troops engaged on 129th Infantry sector, by category
62. Distribution of 2,335 Allied casualties in Bougainville campaign, 15 February-21 April 1944, by category
63. Comparison of wounds in living wounded of two past wars and World War II with casualties of Bougainville campaign
64. Distribution of wounds in 1,788 battle casualties, by anatomic location (regional frequency)
65. Distribution of wounds in 395 dead, by anatomic location
66. Distribution of wounds in 1,393 living wounded, by anatomic location
67. Distribution of 1,788 battle casualties, by disposition and anatomic location of wounds (regional frequency)
68. Distribution of 505 casualties with head wounds (including multiple wounds), by category
69. Disposition of 319 casualties with wounds of upper extremities and 393 casualties with wounds of lower extremities
70. Mean projected body area and wound distribution (excluding multiple wounds)
71. Distribution of 1,788 battle casualties, by relative lethal effect of causative agent
72. Relative lethal effect of weapons, by anatomic location of wounds and for multiple wounds
73. Disposition of 123 and 196 casualties with upper extremity wounds, by relative effectiveness of bullets and HE fragments, respectively
74. Disposition of 110 and 283 casualties with lower extremity wounds, by relative effectiveness of bullets and HE fragments, respectively
75. Relative effect of weapons causing wounds of upper and lower extremities, among the living wounded
76. Disposition of 16 and 215 casualties with multiple wounds, by relative effectiveness of bullets and HE fragments, respectively
77. Distribution of 395 fatal casualties, by relative effect of causative agent
78. Relative effect of weapons: Probability of hits resulting in death, by anatomic location of wounds (excluding multiple wounds)
79. Relative effect of weapons: Probability of causing light wounds
80. Relative effect of weapons: Probability of causing serious nonfatal wounds
81. Relative effect of weapons: Lost to service in the theater
82. Relative effect of weapons: Casualties returned to duty from first echelon
83. Relative effect of weapons: Casualties lost to Bougainville campaign
84. Relative effect of weapons: Casualties lost to combat
85. Days lost by 700 casualties returned to duty from first echelon hospitals, by causative agent
86. Days lost by 700 casualties returned to duty from first echelon hospitals, by anatomic location
87. Anatomic distribution (regional frequency) of wounds, by causative agents
88. Disposition of 1,337 nonfatal casualties, by causative agent
89. Disposition of patients with multiple wounds as related to number of anatomic regions hit and to severity of wounds, by causative agent
90. Ratio of number of anatomic regions hit per patient evacuated in each echelon, by causative agent
91. Distribution of 219 U.S. casualties produced by U.S. weapons, by category
92. Relative lethal effect of U.S. weapons on 219 U.S. casualties
93. Relative lethal effect of Japanese weapons on 1,569 U.S. casualties
94. Distribution of fatal wounds in 104 autopsied casualties, by anatomic location
95. Cause of death in 104 casualties, as determined by post mortem examination
96. Weapons causing wounds in 104 casualties, as determined by post mortem examination
97. Anatomic distribution of wounds among 44 casualties killed by rifle fire, and weapon from country of origin
98. Size of wounds of entrance and exit, caused by rifle bullet, at various ranges
99. Anatomic distribution of wounds among 24 casualties killed by mortar fire, and weapon from country of origin
100. Distribution of 1,557 casualties, by causative agent and by position and protection
101. Distribution of 1,240 casualties, by aimed and random fire and by position
102. Distribution of 1,164 casualties, by aimed and random fire and by position
103. Distribution of 1,620 casualties, by aimed and random fire of causative agent and by type of action
104. Distribution of 460 casualties produced by small arms weapons, by range of fire and disposition
105. Distribution of 799 casualties produced by shell fragments, by distance from point of burst and disposition
106. Distribution of casualties wounded by hand grenade fragments, by distance from point of burst
107. Distribution of 1,707 casualties, by aimed and random fire of causative agent, 15 February-21 April 1944
108. Regional frequency of wounds in 1,788 casualties, by anatomic location and order of frequency
109. Percent distribution of 1,788 casualties, by relative effectiveness of weapons
110. Percent distribution of casualties lost to battle and combat, by distribution and effectiveness of causative agent
111. Period of time, location of cemetery, and number of cases studied at each cemetery
112. Distribution of wounds in 983 KIA casualties, according to body areas and probable causative agents
113. Distribution of 396 injuries in 171 cases with multiple regional involvements of upper half of body
114. Distribution of 67 injuries in 30 cases with multiple regional involvements of lower half of body
115. Distribution of 1,648 injuries in 452 cases with wounds involving regions both above and below the diaphragm
116. Distribution of 2,445 injuries in the various groups of the 987 KIA casualties, by anatomic location
117. Distribution of 2,183 injuries in 983 KIA casualties, by anatomic location
118. Distribution of 7,006 wounds in 983 KIA casualties, by anatomic location
119. Comparison of regions actually involved and regions recorded on EMT`s
120. Distribution of 91,631 Fifth U.S. Army casualties, from 1 January 1944 to May 1945, by category
121. Post mortem studies available and total hospital battle casualty deaths studied, 1 January 1944-2 May 1945
122. Correction of total battle casualty admission figures to agree with proportion of total deaths analyzed, 1 January 1944-2 May 1945
123. Distribution of 1,450 deaths as related to hospital admission, anesthesia, and surgery, 1 January 1944-2 May 1945
124. Percent of 1,411 hospital deaths studied to total battle casualty hospital admissions, 1 January 1944-2 May 1945.
125. Effect of increased efficiency of evacuation from forward areas on hospital mortality
126. Distribution of battle casualty hospital deaths (1,450 cases), by region of principal wound
127. Distribution of battle casualty hospital deaths (1,450 cases), by principal wound
128. Distribution of 20,747 battle casualties admitted to Fifth U.S. Army hospitals, 1 August 1944-2 May 1945, by principal wound group
129. Hospital battle casualty deaths listed as to principal wound with percentage of hospital battle casualty admissions
130. Distribution of 1,450 casualties, by causative agent as related to principal wound
131. Distribution of 1,450 battle casualty deaths as related to hospital admission anesthesia, and surgery, by principal wound
132. Distribution of battle casualty hospitals deaths, 1 January 1944-2 May 1945, by region of primary trauma leading to death
133. Distribution of 1,450 battle casualty deaths, 1 January 1944-2 May 1945, by cause of death
134. Distribution of 1,450 battle casualty deaths, showing percent of the total battle casualty admissions, 1 January 19440-2 May 1945, by cause of death
135. Comparison of principal wound with region of immediate cause of death (1,450 cases)
136. Region of immediate cause of death as related to region of principal wound (1,450 cases)
137. Region of primary trauma leading to death, by period
138. Reported incidence of shock in 1,450 battle casualty deaths
139. Reported incidence of intracranial conditions in 1,450 battle casualty deaths
140. Reported incidence of shock in 1,450 battle casualty deaths
141. Reported incidence of maxillofacial conditions in 1,450 battle casualty deaths
142. Reported incidence of cervical conditions in 1,450 battle casualty deaths
143. Reported incidence of intravertebral conditions in 1,450 battle casualty deaths
144. Reported incidence of extremity conditions in 1,450 battle casualty deaths
145. Reported incidence of thoracic conditions in 1,450 battle casualty deaths
146. Reported incidence of abdominal conditions in 1,450 battle casualty deaths
147. Reported incidence of clostridial myositis or cerebritis in 1,450 battle casualty deaths
148. Reported incidence of embolism, infarction, and thrombosis in 1,450 battle casualty deaths
149. Reported incidence of miscellaneous conditions in 1,450 battle casualty deaths
150. Hospital admission, anesthesia, and surgery, in 178 cases where the principal wound was intra-abdominal and the immediate cause of death was shock
151. Intra-abdominal pathology in 178 cases where the principal wound was intra-abdominal and the immediate cause of death was shock
152. Transfusion record in 178 cases where the principal wound was intra-abdominal and the immediate cause of death was shock
153. Distribution of 178 cases where the principal wound was intra-abdominal and the immediate cause of death was shock, by causative agent
154. Hospital admission, anesthesia, and surgery, in 230 cases where the principal wound was intra-abdominal and the immediate cause of death was not shock
155. Hospital admission, anesthesia, and surgery, in 175 cases where the principal wound was intra-abdominal and peritonitis was evident or suspected to be present
156. Operating time for primary surgery, in 175 cases where the principal wound was intra-abdominal and peritonitis was evident or suspected to be present
157. Primary surgery on 175 cases where the principal wound was intra-abdominal and peritonitis was evident or suspected to be present
158. Immediate cause of death in 175 cases where the principal wound was intra-abdominal and peritonitis was evident or suspected to be present
159. Shock as a contributory condition in 175 cases where the principal wound was intra-abdominal and peritonitis was evident or suspected to be present
160. Location of principal wound in 523 cases where the immediate cause of death was shock
161. Hospital admission, anesthesia, and surgery, in 523 cases where the immediate cause of death was shock
162. Shock in 523 cases where shock was the immediate cause of death
163. Lowest recorded blood pressure and other evidence in 498 cases where the immediate cause of death was shock
164. Primary operations performed on 327 cases where the immediate cause of death was shock
165. Miscellaneous observations on 219 cases where the immediate cause of death was shock
166. Distribution of 1,411 hospital battle deaths, by result or status of pigment nephropathy
167. Anesthesia in 68 patients who died of pigment nephropathy
168. Anesthesia in 31 patients in which pigment nephropathy contributed to death
169. Analysis of 7 cases where death occurred before anesthesia and where pigment nephropathy contributed to death
170. Incidence of fractures in 100 casualties, by causative agent
171. Distribution and weight of fragments, by distance from shellburst
172. Distribution of single and multiple wounds in 100 casualties, by anatomic location
173. Estimated casualty rates from Allied and enemy artillery and mortar shells
174. Eighth Air Force heavy bombardment groups, by divisions
175. Distribution of 69,682 Eighth Air Force heavy bomber day operations, 1 June-31 August 1944
176. Distribution of 657,096 man-combat missions, 1 June-31 August 1944, by Eighth Air Force heavy bomber day operations
177. Distribution of 541 casualties in flak-damaged B-17 aircraft
178. Distribution of 193 casualties in flak-damaged B-24 aircraft
179. Distribution of 28 casualties in B-17 aircraft
180. Distribution of 9 casualties in B-24 aircraft
181. Distribution of 1,117 aircrew battle casualties of 1st, 2d, and 3d Divisions, by heavy bombardment group
182. Frequency distribution of 1,117 battle casualties in 944 heavy bombers
183. Distribution of 1,117 aircrew battle casualties, by category and causative agent of wounds
184. Distribution of 1,117 battle casualties due to all missiles, by category and combat position
185. Distribution of 1,553 wounds due to all missiles, by anatomic location (regional distribution)
186. Distribution of 1,117 aircrew battle casualties, by anatomic location (regional frequency) of wounds
187. Case fatality rates in casualties of Eighth Air Force and in ground force casualties at Bougainville
188. Distribution of 1,117 battle casualties, by number of regions wounded
189. Regional distribution of fracture wounds in 1,109 aircrew battle casualties due to all missiles
190. Wounds and fractures in aircrew battle casualties due to all missiles, by anatomic location
191. Distribution of 34 traumatic amputations in 32 battle casualties
192. Distribution of 221 aircrew battle casualties with wounds of head and neck, by disposition
193. Distribution of 38 aircrew battle casualties with wounds of the chest, by disposition
194. Distribution of 18 aircrew battle casualties with abdominal wounds, by disposition
195. Distribution of 243 aircrew battle casualties with wounds of upper extremity, by disposition
196. Distribution of 421 aircrew battle casualties with wounds of lower extremity, by disposition
197. Distribution of 176 aircrew battle casualties with multiple wounds, by disposition
198. Distribution of 963 casualties due to flak
199. Mean projected area of body
200. Distribution of 1,222 flak hits on 961 aircrew battle casualties
201. Distribution of 963 casualties by regional frequency of flak hits
202. Comparison of case fatality rates of Bougainville ground force casualties with Eighth Air Force flak casualties
203. Altitude of aircraft at which casualties due to flak sustained wounds
204. Distribution of 375 WIA casualties due to flak, by time interval between injury and surgical treatment
205. Distribution of casualties due to flak, by disposition
206. Days lost from active duty and resulting military loss
207. Weight distribution of 505 flak fragments
208. Weight distribution of 30 flak fragments
209. Weight distribution of 56 flak fragments
210. Comparison of aircrew casualties with ground force casualties, in Cassino area
211. Relative vulnerability of different body regions
212. Regional distribution of flak hits according to combat position
213. Relative vulnerability of body regions in different combat positions
214. Regional distribution of flak wounds in unarmored and armored aircrew personnel
215. Distribution of 458 casualties with cranial injuries due to flak, by protected or unprotected helmet area
216. Distribution of 104 aircrew battle casualties, by causative agent
217. Distribution of 104 aircrew battle casualties due to Plexiglas fragments, by disposition
218. Distribution of 50 aircrew battle casualties, by missile fired from enemy aircraft
219. Distribution of 50 aircrew casualties due to missiles fired from fighter aircraft
220. Distribution of 83 wounds in 50 aircrew battle casualties, by anatomic location of wounds
221. Distribution of 50 aircrew battle casualties, by number of regions wounded
222. Distribution of 50 aircrew battle casualties, by altitude
223. Distribution of 164 KIA aircrew casualties, by missile
224. Distribution of 164 KIA aircrew casualties, by combat position
225. Distribution of 451 wounds in 164 KIA aircrew casualties, by anatomic location
226. Distribution of 164 KIA casualties, by anatomic location of wounds
227. Distribution of 164 KIA aircrew battle casualties by regions wounded
228. Distribution of 265 fractures in 149 KIA aircrew battle casualties, by anatomic location
229. Distribution of 164 aircrew battle casualties, by anatomic location in which the primary fatal wound occurred
230. Distribution of 164 KIA aircrew battle casualties, by anatomic location and type of fatal wound
231. Distribution of flak casualties sustained according to combat position
232. Mean projected body areas and regional distribution of flak wounds in unarmored and armored battle casualties
233. Directional fragmentation densities for a static spherical burst
234. Directional fragmentation densities, German 88 mm. HEAA shell
235. Directional fragmentation densities, 90 mm. shell, static burst
236. Directional fragmentation densities, 90 mm. HE shell
237. Densities of flak hits on plane surfaces, B-17 and B-24 aircraft
238. Directional fragmentation densities of flak against B-17 aircraft
239. Directional fragmentation densities of flak against B-24 aircraft
240. Densities of flak hits on fuselages, B-17 and B-24 aircraft
241. Densities of flak hits on B-17 aircraft
242. Densities of flak hits on B-24 aircraft
243. R?sum? of density of flak hits, B-17 and B-24 aircraft
244. R?sum? of standardized densities, B-17 and B-24 aircraft
245. Directional fragmentation densities of flak on B-17 aircraft
246. Directional fragmentation densities of flak on B-24 aircraft
247. Directional fragmentation densities of flak against personnel, B-17 aircraft
248. Directional fragmentation densities of flak against personnel, B-24 aircraft
249. Production figures for flyers` armor, World War II, 1943-45
250. Flyers` armor, weight and area protection
251. Ground troop armor, weight and area protection
252. Regional distribution of 7,773 wounds in 4,600 WIA casualties
253. Regional distribution of 7,773 wounds in 4,600 WIA casualties, by wounding agent
254. Area distribution of 1,275 head wounds in 4,600 WIA casualties, by wounding agent
255. Distribution of 613 wounds of the thorax in 4,600 WIA casualties, by wounding agent
256. Area distribution of 481 wounds of the abdomen in 4,600 WIA casualties, by wounding agent
257. Area distribution of 1,948 wounds of the upper extremities in 4,600 WIA casualties, by wounding agent
258. Area distribution of 3,394 wounds of the lower extremities in 4,600 WIA casualties, by wounding agent
259. Area distribution of 62 wounds of the genitalia in 4,600 WIA casualties, by wounding agent
260. Distribution of 7,773 wounds in 4,600 WIA casualties, by type of wound
261. Area distribution of 1,275 head wounds in 4,600 WIA casualties, by type of wound
262. Distribution of 613 wounds of the thorax in 4,600 WIA casualties, by type of wound
263. Area distribution of 481 wounds of the abdomen in 4,600 WIA casualties, by type of wound
264. Area distribution of 1,948 wounds of the upper extremities in 4,600 WIA casualties, by type of wound
265. Area distribution of 3,394 wounds of the lower extremities in 4,600 WIA casualties, by type of wound
266. Area distribution of 62 wounds of the genitalia in 4,600 WIA casualties, by type of wound
267. Distribution of 7,467 wounds in 4,600 WIA casualties, by type of wounding
268. Area distribution of 1,189 wounds of the head in 4,600 WIA casualties, by type of wounding
269. Area distribution of 594 wounds of the thorax in 4,600 WIA casualties, by type of wounding
270. Area distribution of 466 wounds of the abdomen in 4,600 WIA casualties, by type of wounding
271. Area distribution of 1,908 wounds of the upper extremities in 4,600 WIA casualties, by type of wounding
272. Area distribution of 3,252 wounds of the lower extremities in 4,600 WIA casualties, by type of wounding
273. Area distribution of 58 wounds of the genitalia in 4,600 WIA casualties, by type of wounding
274. Distribution of 1,762 fractures in 4,600 WIA casualties, by site of fracture
275. Disposition of 4,566 WIA casualties, by region wounded
276. Distribution of 200 cases with peripheral nerve wounds, by causative agent and anatomic location of nerves
277. Distribution of 100 cases of vascular damage, by type of wound
278. Distribution of 100 cases of vascular damage and associated bone and nerve injury
279. Distribution of 100 cases of vascular injury, by type of missile causing damage
280. Distribution of 116 self-inflicted wounds in 2,605 casualties, by region
281. Distribution of 950 wounds in 286 Turkish WIA casualties, by number of hits on surfaces of body region
282. Distribution of 950 hits on 286 Turkish WIA casualties, by type of missile
283. Distribution of 233 determinations of degree of damage caused by each type of missile
284. Distribution of 250 casualties, by type of missile
285. Distribution of estimated number of enemy casualties caused by Turkish soldiers, by weapon used
286. Frequency of causative agent producing wounds in 125 DOW casualties, by body region
287. Anatomic cause of death and body region wounded in 125 DOW casualties
288. Regional frequency of fatal wounds in 1,500 KIA casualties, by anatomic location
290. Eighth U.S. Army units participating in test of Army nylon vest
291. Regional distribution of 1,474 wounds in 908 WIA casualties not wearing body armor
292. Regional distribution of 850 wounds in 552 WIA casualties wearing body armor
293. Distribution of 1,460 armored and unarmored WIA casualties, by causative agent
294. Distribution of 1,460 armored and unarmored WIA casualties, by type of wounding
295. Distribution of 415 KIA casualties, by wounding agent
296. Regional frequency of lethal and associated wounds in 547 KIA casualties, by anatomic location
297. Causative agent and disposition of 254 vest-wearing KIA and WIA casualties
298. Distribution of 874 hits on 254 armor vests, by causative agent
299. Regional distribution of 1,346 wounds in 346 KIA casualties
300. Distribution of 1,346 wounds in 346 KIA casualties, by causative agent
301. Distribution of 1,346 wounds in 346 KIA casualties, by type of wound
302. Entrance location of 128 lethal wounds in 103 KIA casualties, by body region
303. Regional distribution of wounds in Army and Marine Corps personnel killed in action
304. Regional distribution of lethal wounds in Army and Marine Corps personnel killed in action
305. Status of armor vests available to major Army units, 31 December 1952
306. Status of armor vests available to major Army units, 29 February 1953
307. Entrance location of lethal wounds in unarmored and armored casualties
308. Regional distribution of 3,510 wounds in 500 K1A casualties wearing body armor
WOUND BALLISTICS IN WORLD WAR II
Supplemented by Experiences in the KoreanWar
The Historical Unit, United States Army Medical Service
Colonel JOHN BOYD COATES, Jr., MC, Director
Colonel REX P. CLAYTON, MSC, Executive Officer
Colonel R. L. PARKER, MSC, Special Assistant to Director
Lieutenant Colonel R. J. BERNUCCI, MC, Special Assistant to Director
Major WARREN W. DABOLL, MSC, Special Assistant to Director
Lieutenant Colonel MATTHEW GINALICK, MSC, Chief, Special Projects Branch
CHARLES M. WILTSE, Ph. D., Litt. D., Chief, Historians Branch
ERNEST ELLIOTT, Jr., Chief, Editorial Branch
Lieutenant Colonel LEONARD L. COLLIER, MSC, Chief, Information ActivitiesBranch
Major ALBERT C. RIGGS, Jr., MSC, Chief, General Reference and Research Branch
HAZEL G. HINE, Chief, Administrative Branch
Library of Congress Catalog Card Number:62-60002
CMH Pub. 81-34
Reprinted 1984
WOUND BALLISTICS
MEDICAL DEPARTMENT, UNITED STATES ARMY
The volumes comprising the official history of the Medical Department of theU.S. Army in World War II are prepared by The Historical Unit, U.S. Army MedicalService, and published under the direction of The Surgeon General, U.S. Army.These volumes are divided into two series: (1) The administrative or operationalseries; and (2) the professional, or clinical and technical, series. This is oneof the volumes published in the latter series.
VOLUMES PUBLISHED
ADMINISTRATIVE SERIES
Hospitalization and Evacuation, Zone ofInterior
CLINICAL SERIES
Internal Medicine in World War II:
Vol. I. Activities o/ Medical Consultants
Preventive Medicine in World War II:
Vol. II. Environmental Hygiene
Vol. III. Personal Health Measures and Immunization
Vol. IV. Communicable Diseases Transmitted Chiefly Through Respiratory and Alimentary Tracts
Vol. V. Communicable Diseases Transmitted Through Contact or By Unknown Means
Surgery in World War II:
General Surgery, vol. II
Hand Surgery
Neurosurgery, vol. I
Neurosurgery, vol. II
Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology
Orthopedic Surgery in the European Theater of Operations
Orthopedic Surgery in the Mediterranean Theater of Operations
The Physiologic Effects of Wounds
Vascular Surgery
Miscellaneous:
Cold Injury, Ground Type
Dental Service in World War II
Veterinary Service in World War II
