First on the Line

This thesis examines the effects of functional discipline and unit cohesion on the combat performance of the 35th Engineer (Combat) Battalion during World War Two. The 35th Engineer Battalion was mobilized in the summer of 1941 as the 1st Battalion, 35th Engineer Regiment. The 35th participated in the Louisiana Maneuvers of 1941, the Alaskan-Canadian Highway construction, and three campaigns in the European Theater of Operations. The thesis text length is 153 pages and considers the importance of functional discipline and unit cohesion on a unit's performance in combat.