https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...stGuard1-1.jpg
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I see only Springfields myself. And Mt. Suribachi of course.
There's a guy on sentry duty on top of Suribachi with an M1... No, I looked hard and only see 1903 types too. Very interesting pic though, replacement movement? The dark individual indicates they aren't combat troops and the helmet marking on the one looking through his bore...CBees maybe?
I didn't know Marines had 1903A3s
The Corps initially doubted the reliability of the Garand in the salt water and sand of a beach invasion. They adopted the M1 for everybody except the infantry which kept its '03s. That was recognized as a mistake and the Garand was issued as soon as it could be obtained. They covered themselves by saying the rifle was now improved and reliable. Riiight.
This is Iwo Jima so right towards the end...so the infantry marine would have had M1 rifles by then.
That was their main battle rifle on Guadalcanal. The book "Guadalcanal" mentions the Marines picking up M1s of fallen Army soldiers and boosting them whenever there was an opportunity.Quote:
Originally Posted by BEAR
I was thinking this might have been logistical personnel charged with beach duties???Quote:
Originally Posted by browningautorifle
Agreed, they aren't mudrollers.Quote:
Originally Posted by Bill Hollinger
I know the 03 was the Marine main battle rifle at Guadalcanal (03A3 had not been manufactured) but the 03A3 was a rarity later in the war. In fact this is the first picture of "Marines" with 03A3s that I have seen (if they are Marines). I know Navy shore personnel carried them.Quote:
Originally Posted by Bill Hollinger
I have "proof positive" that the Seabees used the M1903A3.....
Attachment 109228
I don't think old John can see much with a standard sight cover on a M1903A3...... I think these men are equipment / boat operators that lost their equipment, rounded up to go back for more, but needed for defense and issued M1903A3 rifles for the emergency. Remember the Japanese attack on the Army Air Force tents late in the battle, saved, by the way, by the USMC 5th Pioneer Battalion (Black).
Yes, that was after about 30 days if I recall...Quote:
Originally Posted by Tom in N.J.
There was one Marine CO of a large unit (regiment?) who simply did not believe in semi-auto and resisted all efforts to adopt the M1 until ordered to do so. Can't recall the details.
Found I site that says these are Coast Guard, could be USCG on helmet of man looking down the sights. https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...7d5ec002-1.jpg
Seeing the enemy were equipped with similar rifles they weren't at a disadvantage.
Did you know that the Coast Guard had the highest casualty rate of all the services in WWII? They drove the landing craft, usually made multiple trips under fire. I had a hunting buddy who had three sunk out from under him in the island campaign. One Coastie was awarded the MOH for saving trapped Marines on Guadalcanal. They don't just rescue weekend boaters, they are part of the armed defense of the country.
For extraordinary heroism and conspicuous gallantry in action above and beyond the call of duty as Officer-in-Charge of a group of Higgins boats, engaged in the evacuation of a Battalion of Marines trapped by enemy Japanese forces at Point Cruz, Guadalcanal, on September 27, 1942. After making preliminary plans for the evacuation of nearly 500 beleaguered Marines, Munro, under constant risk of his life, daringly led five of his small craft toward the shore. As he closed the beach, he signaled the others to land, and then in order to draw the enemy's fire and protect the heavily loaded boats, he valiantly placed his craft with its two small guns as a shield between the beachhead and the Japanese. When the perilous task of evacuation was nearly completed, Munro was killed by enemy fire, but his crew, two of whom were wounded, carried on until the last boat had loaded and cleared the beach. By his outstanding leadership, expert planning, and dauntless devotion to duty, he and his courageous comrades undoubtedly saved the lives of many who otherwise would have perished. He gallantly gave up his life in defense of his countryQuote:
Originally Posted by bob seijas
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo..._A_Munro-1.jpg
Eddie Albert was USCG. His military career is quite impressive.
Munro's dying words were, "Did we get them all off?"
I am thinking that they are US Coast Guard personnel landing craft operators who are awaiting pick up after losing their boats.