War Department

Coast Artillery Antiaircraft Gun Technical Manual: TM 4-325 War Department

Originally prepared for the Chief of Coast Artillery and published December 16, 1941 -- just nine days after Pearl Harbor was bombed -- this technical manual was a standard Coast Artillery Gunners reference during WWII.  Designed for the men of the anti-aircraft artillery units, the book includes descriptions of, drill procedures for, and service of the 105mm and 37mm guns, the 3-inch gun, and machine guns.  It also describes ammunition including transport and handling, gunnery, fire control and position finding, and observation and orientation.  The book also provides definitions for anti-aircraft artillery, and discusses motor transportation, communication and supplies.  It concludes with a battery of questions intended to be used for qualification of enlisted men, and to ensure crew readiness and efficiency. Originally labeled restricted, this manual was declassified long ago and is here reprinted in book form. Care has been taken to preserve the integrity of the text.