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Mk 2 Fragmentation Grenade

Grenade, Hand, Fragmentation, Mk 2

fragmentation grenadeMultiple U.S. ordnance plants · 1918–1960

OVERVIEW

Standard U.S. "pineapple" fragmentation grenade used throughout WW2.

HISTORIAN'S COMMENTARY

Before the Storm

Introduced between 1918 and 1960, Mk 2 Fragmentation Grenade was fielded by United States forces as a fragmentation grenade instrument for close combat and battlefield shaping.

In the Field

Loaded with Fragmentation hand grenade filling and time fuze (~4-5 seconds) fuzing, this 0.59 kg munition depended on nerve and timing more than machinery. Its effective use envelope reached about 35 meters, with effects spreading near 15 meters.

Historian's Note

On the ground, it gave infantry an immediate burst of shock effect in close-quarter fighting. Its historical value came from local overmatch, but only when placement and timing were right.

SPECIFICATIONS

TypeFragmentation hand grenade
FuzingTime fuze (~4-5 seconds)
FillingTNT
Weight0.59 kg
Effective Range35 m
Blast Radius15 m

DEVELOPMENT

The Mk 2 was the standard U.S. fragmentation hand grenade refined for wartime mass issue and training standardization. Fuse and body design prioritized predictable delay and anti-personnel effect.

COMBAT HISTORY

It was ubiquitous in U.S. infantry actions for trench clearing, room fighting, and defensive positions. Practical employment emphasized throw distance, cover discipline, and coordinated movement.

NOTABLE USES

  • [01]Routine U.S. infantry issue across Europe and Pacific theaters. - Mk 2 Fragmentation Grenade employment here depended on timing, distance, and unit coordination more than raw charge size.
  • [02]Close-quarters fighting in urban and bunker environments. - This use case shows how engineers and infantry turned explosive tools into tactical advantage in constrained terrain.
  • [03]Defensive grenade use in foxholes and fixed positions. - Field application in this context illustrates why placement and doctrine governed real effect.

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