Service Question

[19richie66]

I am new here so this might be in the wrong section. I have a 1903 Springfield rifle that was carried by my Mom's uncle in WW2. When he passed away, my mom had visited his house several times. It just so happened that she was there when her grandmother was cleaning house and she had thrown the rifle out to the trash. My mom went and got it, said that she would also like to have the rest of his stuff if she didn't want it. She told her to take it so she loaded it up and took it home. When she started taking stuff out of the duffle bag, she not only had his rifle, but also a 16" bayonet and scabbard, his platoon photo, dogtags, two garrison caps, social security card, casket flag and all of his "theater ribbons". I got all of it after it had sat in my mom's closet for over 35 years. My question is how do I find out where he fought at and when? I would like to find his military history so I can kind of pinpoint some of the history of the rifle. It is in excellent shape. I have shot it and it shoots fine. It is not one of the early receivers that they had trouble with. I wanted to research his records but I am not immediate "next of kin". Any help would be appreciated. Thanks,Rich

Information

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[Salt Flat]

Rich, Maybe you know this already but I was able to find a lot of info about my uncle's 515th Field Artillery Battalion, just by doing a Google search. There is a web page with WWii photos at Fort Lewis and in France and Germany. If you have your relatives unit number give it a try.

[Mike D]

Put on the application for personnel records that he was your Grandfather, if you think he being your Grandfather's brother is not close enough in kin.

Post photos of the rifle, if you can. That will help determine what you have. Chances are, he did not actually carry it during the war. Post the serial #, also. That can be checked in the SRS books. Slim chance for a match, but possible.

Welcome to the forum!

Mike

[firstflabn]

This forum is an excellent place to post photos of the rifle in order to learn about it, but for tips on how to research the records of individual GIs and units, go over to this site and post a similar inquiry:

WW2 Forums

You'll find some very helpful and knowledgeable folks over there. The big key, of course, is to identify your uncle's unit. At the site you will see plenty of case studies. You're in good hands on both sites. Good luck.

[19richie66]

Thanks for the replies. I'll try looking at the links. As far as any photos, these are all I have at the moment. the barrel has 5-29 stamped on the top with the initials "SA" over the ordinance insignia.

[CINDERS]

It has done well for 35 years in a closet it must have been a pretty dry environment well done from your Mum in saving a part of not only WWII history but more importantly your family history.

[19richie66]

It was in a felt lined gun bag. The only thing that is wrong with it is my dad had the stock varnished back in the early seventies for some reason. But the varnish is so old it will turn to powder when you rub it. So I will be rubbing it off this winter and re-oiling the stock. It will be back as original as I can get it when I am done. Thanks for all the help,Rich

I added pictures of the 16" bayonet

[Rick the Librarian]

Your rifle is one of those which had a 1919 Rock Island receiver. When Rock Island ceased manufacturing completed rifles, the receivers, finished and unfinished, as well as other parts, were sent to Springfield Armory, where they were mated with Springfield parts. The 1929 SA barrel, despite being made 10 years after the receiver, is original.

I suggest you get ahold of C.S. Ferris' "Rock Island Rifle Model 1903" book. It has a chapter on these RIA/SA "hybrids".

The two inspection stamps on the stock are both from Augusta Arsenal. Any markings on the bolt?

[19richie66]

Thanks Rick. There are no markings that I can find on the bolt except for a "7" stamped under the bolt lever. The Augusta Arsenal would make sense being that he lived in Georgia. Not really sure if that would have any bearing on it or not. Maybe stationed around there? My mom said he got out of the service right after the war as far as she knew.

[Rick the Librarian]

Also look on the safety lug, about halfway up the bolt "body". Look on all sides.