laststandonzombieisland

80 years ago today, Anzio Beachhead, Italy – 8 March 1944: PFC Paul R. Umstead, of Eagle Grove Iowa, Company “D,” 39th Combat Engineers (Bullstrike), arming M1 anti-tank mines.

Note the combination of his M1936 suspenders web belt in classic 10-pouch configuration to support his M1903A3 Springfield slung over his back– a common weapon for engineer units. Also, note the VI Corps patch and muddy M1 helmet. There is a late-generation M1A1 Thompson SMG, with a 30-round stick mag rather than the more common 20-rounder, leaning up against the mine crate.

For reference, the M1 anti-tank mine weighed 10.56 pounds each but carried a 6-pound TNT charge.

They needed at least 264 pounds of pressure to set off, which, as the average American man in the 1940s weighed in the 150-pound range, most ground pounders would be safe to walk over one.

Despite his dangerous activities in a dangerous area, PFC Umstead would survive the war.

Biographical details by John Klear, courtesy of World War Pictures:

Paul Russell Umstead, born December 3, 1916 in Eagle Grove, Iowa. In 1937, he was listed as working for the Chicago & North Western Railroad as a snow shoveller. In the 1940 census, he was still listed as a ‘snow worker.’

Enlisted in the Army April 21, 1942 at Fort Des Moines, Iowa. Departed for overseas January 14, 1943. Returned from foreign service September 29, 1945, honorably discharged October 13, 1945

Married Maxine Sanders in 1948. Paul died and was buried in Eagle Grove in 2001, Maxine died two years later and was buried beside him.

The 39th Engineers would take part in a half-dozen World War II campaigns and earn a Meritorious Unit Commendation for its service in Italy. It is still on active duty with the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, today.