M1's in ARVN Use

[Wineman]

I just received my Dec18/Jan19 issue of Smithsonian Air & Space. In the article on Vinh Long on page 58 there is a picture of two M1's with M7 grenade launchers being used by ARVN troops. The caption says circa 1967.

Dave

Information

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[browningautorifle]

So, is there a question there Dave?

[Wineman]

No question Jim, it is a good photo of in action M1's near the end of their career. The shot is from the inside of the Huey, looking out. You see the two M1's with the GL's and the door gunner with what appears to be an M-60. I have not seen many pictures of M1's with grenade launchers, in action, and two in the same photo are a bonus. The faces of the riflemen look like ARVN troops. I would be happy to scan and paste it, but I'm not sure of copyright issues if any. Let me know re posting the pic.

Dave

[Calif-Steve]

There was a pile of Garands in RVN. I have heard all of the USMC Garands in Okinawa went off to RVN early-on. I was an Advisor in 1970-71 and lived in a small village in the Mekong Delta. Our troops were called RF/PF's and had Garands and Carbines. Completely worthless troops, they disliked the Garands and liked the Carbines. We would draw brown-box .30 cal ammo with no 8 round clips in supply. Again, completely worthless. Let me add we had mostly IHC Garands, none in very good condition. Weapons maintenance was an unknown concept and the hot, humid weather was tough on all weapons. I can't guess what this stuff looks like today. Miserable experience to say the least. We took sniper fire every night and everyone in the village was happy when we moved on.

[NAM67-68]

I saw several ARVNs with M1 Carbines in 67 and 68. They were shooting at a building quite some distance off when I rolled up. They were aiming high to be able to hit the building. I starting shooting threw the windows with my M16 by aiming straight at them. The ARVNs got all excited and I let them take turns shooting it. Never did known up there were any VC .

[Wineman]

Finally got around to scanning the image. Happy New Year!

Dave
Attachment 97972

[old tanker]

Finally got around to scanning the image. Happy New Year!

Dave
Attachment 97972

The door gunner has an M60 with the carry handle still, so not likely the D model which was mounted. In 1967 there were still crew chiefs hanging out the door on a monkey strap in some units.