A U.S. Army Forward Artillery Observer with a Field Phone and Radio

A U.S. Army forward artillery observer with a field phone and radio. He also served as telephone operator as the remote control point relays the observer's report on enemy activity to the Artillery Battalion Command Post. Infantry units would have observer from artillery units attached to direct artillery fire. Artillery support was a crucial element in the American advance in all theatres of war in World War II. On the left of the picture are several boxes of K rations. These rations were the most frequently consumed ration on the frontline. Each box contained a complete meal. Boxes were marked separately for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Source :
Book "Patton's Third Army" by Christopher J. Anderson
http://historylink101.com/world_war_II_resources.html