To build on that, the red army saw the worst of it. Whatever shit the western troops were in during the most horrific parts of their non-pacific fronts was a walk in the park compared to the eastern front. Of course more people tried to get out. I don’t think that reflects poorly on the red army.

It would be interesting to have an alt-history viewer and see what desertion rates would be if it were possible to desert during an island hopping campaign. Like, I think not wanting to miss the only way off the island did more to help morale than Americans woild be comfortable with.