M1 Carbine wasn't used in front line battle?

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Originally Posted by Seaspriter

Don't fret Cinders, it's an easy mistake -- Audie Murphy had many of the characteristics of a Marine. I will bet very few Yanks could name an Aussie war hero :wave: (Errol Flynn, Russell Crowe, and Crocodile Dundee don't count)

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Recipients of the Victoria Cross
Charles Anderson 1942
Albert Chowne 1945
Tom Derrick 1943
Roden Cutler 1941

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Originally Posted by USGI

Originally Posted by DaveHH
He was described as a sad fellow who was obviously a heavy drinker.

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I've heard that too, but somewhere have a link to what his movie buddy, Jack Elam had to say and he disputed it - also gave a couple of interesting stories. I'll try to find that link.

Here's a link to The Audie Murphy Research Foundation:

http://www.audiemurphy.com/amrf.htm

Newsletter #5 includes the interview with Jack Elam and his comments on Audie's alcohol use. Drinking is also mentioned in NL#2. The NL's include first hand accounts of several of the fierce battles he and his men were engaged in. - Bob

Well I guess I'll add my 2 cents to the discussion. My father was originally 82nd Airborne/glider rider, later transferred to the 101st then the 17th. According to him, the split was about 50/50 between carbines and Garands with a few TSMGs thrown in. The carbines were split to around 1 M1A1 in 10 carbines when he crossed the Rhine with the 17th. That was all in gliders. He was also involved with Market Garden and several other actions. Now I will admit that he was with a Headquarters Co., but I doubt that made much difference. All those guys were involved in combat. BTW, he was a BAR man who lost both of his ammo carriers during an artillery barrage. He came through untouched!

I'm not sure, but I think of a tanker, (one of the original groups that were issued the M1 Carbine) as "on the front lines". What was our first clue? ;)