Anti-Tank Infantry

American gun designers led the field in devising measures against heavily armored targets. In 1942, the U.S. Army adopted the 60mm M1 grenade launcher, better known as the bazooka. The name comes from the musical instrument consisting of a straight sliding tube, invented by the American comedian Bob Burns in the early 20th century. 

The bazooka was very easy to use. Its signature component was its steel pipe launcher, open at both ends. A round mesh screen sometimes came supplied, to shield the bearer's face. Bazookas were supplied to the USSR under the Lend-Lease program.