Carbines in Vietnam

[Harlan (Deceased)]

I recently bought a large book about Vietnam and I was surprised at the number of photos in it showing American soldiers carrying M1 carbines. I didn't realize there were so many used there.

I just ran across this photo of a crew chief holding onto his carbine in 1963 early in the war -



Can any of the vets shed some light. Were there situations where you could choose a weapon?

I understand how some early photos showed U.S. soldiers with carbines, but there were many late photos too.

Information

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[Mikey51]

A great pic Harlan. I hope JimF4 chimes in on this one ! I'd really appreciate hearing more about this subject. Mike.

[Mikey51]

Not my pic but I have been told this is a genuine one of Stormin Norman with the Carbine of his choice in Vietnam. I am wary of second hand info. Looks like an M1A1 with a 30 to me. There is much info around on this subject Harlan, we just have to wait until it is forthcoming. Mike.

[DaveHH]

There were plenty of carbines about. All of the Mike Force, Nungs, and all of the Koreans used WW2 American weapons. The PF guards ( VC tax collectors) who sat in hammocks by every bridge were always carrying a carbine. We would wave, they would wave back.

As far as using these old weapons on an everyday basis; there were conex boxes full of old weapons that were captured, seized. stolen or just on the T.O.E. at most camps. If you wanted to carry one on a convoy or guard duty, nobody seemed to care. I've seen guys with 45 Thompsons with 100 rd drums, Marines carrying PPSH-41s, all kinds of stuff. At MACV headquarters in Nha Trang there was a fully equipped aircraft sighted and tripod, MG34 that was captured in the box. Here's a photo of me using a Grease Gun which I found in our box. I also carried a Browning .380 all year long as a hide away weapon. We had several stolen 45s that we kept for use when traveling. This was early in the war, things undoubtedly changed later.

[frankderrico]

Dave thank you for your service. Do you have two mags taped together in that photo? My Uncle Hank was there in '66, First Infantry Div. They had M14's and he carried the M79 grenade launcher most of his tour.

Regards.....Frank

[cgroc09]

It is hard to say but the first photo looks to be an M2.

[deldriver]

Bolt appears to be open?

[painter777]

Good Eye guys,
Bolt open and selector switch.
Can anyone make out the mag?
15 or 30rd?

Charlie-painter777

[Maniac]

Not my pic but I have been told this is a genuine one of Stormin Norman with the Carbine of his choice in Vietnam. I am wary of second hand info. Looks like an M1A1 with a 30 to me. There is much info around on this subject Harlan, we just have to wait until it is forthcoming. Mike.

When my Dad led his battalion of the 101st Airborne in Vietnam in July 1965, he made sure he had an M1A1 carbine. He preferred it since was what he used in the last part of WWII while serving in the PTO as a Lt. with the 541st PIR and 11th Airborne

[Harlan (Deceased)]

Good Eye guys,
Bolt open and selector switch.
Can anyone make out the mag?
15 or 30rd?

Charlie-painter777

I saw the selector and just figured he probably had a 30, but it's too dark in the shadow to tell.

I just thought the photo was outstanding - The crew chief coolly sitting in the open door of the old Sikorsky with his trusty M2 carbine at the ready. All business.