flames of war marine 81mm mortar platoon us815The four mortars assigned to each battalion would work closely with the Marine riflemen to spot targets. The 81mm mortar platoon was often the target of counter battery fire due to the devastating effect that they had on an infantry attack. The M1 81mm mortar is capable of laying down heavy barrages of high explosive shells. The 81mm mortar is the largest weapon available at battalion level and is often deployed in support of the Marines at the front.