Quote:
Originally Posted by Kromm
Flamethrower operators are often seen as having had a terribly dangerous job, but flamethrowers didn't explode that often when hit, and the fear and hate directed at them that supposedly got them killed in greater numbers isn't really something borne out by casualty figures.
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The flamethrower guy's job did get more dangerous when he tried to get close enough to _use_ his weapon. :)
As noted flamthrower might not be a common loadout for patrol. It's best use was against pillboxes. On TV I learned about a Marine Medal of Honor I recipient from WWII who emptied 6 flamethrowers into 7 pillboxes leopard-crawling all the way up and back to get his next one.
As of a few years ago he was not only still alive but apparently ridiculously healthy. At least he could still carry a 70 lb flamthrower on his back and demonstrate its' proper use with relish.
I think the statistics put an automatic rifleman/LMG-carrier's job ahead of flamethrowers in terms of danger.