03s in Korea

[smle-man]

Here we go again! Reading "Last Stand of Fox Company" by Bob Drury and Tom Clavin about a USMC rifle company beseiged by the ChiComs at the Chosin reservior. One of the air drops they received contained a load of 03 rifles and bandoleers of .30 ammo on 5 round stripper clips! The Marines were having a really tough time with their semi and full auto weapons refusing to function in the extreme cold weather. The book does not go on to say how much use the 03s received but it does mention that the Marines in Fox company picked up and used weapons taken from the Chinese including a Belgian 'automatic rifle'. An FND perhaps? Anyway maybe this will reignite the 'were 03s used in Korea' debate!

Information

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[John Beard]

What's to debate?

It's well known that M1903's were overhauled during and after the Korean War. And if they were overhauled, then obviously somebody used them!

J.B.

[Jim Tarleton]

Sounds to me like they were indeed used in at least one instance. The supply of 03's was obviously close at hand to boot. Is the book fiction or first hand experience?

One of the best sources I have found for good info are the published diaries of combatants. At the time they were written, their only agenda was survival. Many contain very interesting information, such as Macklin's observation that a combat replacement Regiment was armed with Krags in WWI. I don't recall that he identified the Regiment.

Jim

[Emri]

Sounds to me like they were indeed used in at least one instance. The supply of 03's was obviously close at hand to boot. Is the book fiction or first hand experience?

One of the best sources I have found for good info are the published diaries of combatants. At the time they were written, their only agenda was survival. Many contain very interesting information, such as Macklin's observation that a combat replacement Regiment was armed with Krags in WWI. I don't recall that he identified the Regiment.

Jim

Hey Jim,

Thats about all I read now and keep looking for more. I've read enough about the major battles and "overall picture". They all repeat much the same. What I like to read now is the "I Was There", and "This is What I Did" books that tell a story from firsthand about maybe a major battle, but usually an obscure skirmish. Read James Brady's "The Coldest War" about Korea. No mention of 03's as I recall, but a GREAT story is included of a MG platoon leader's "sniping" an enemy with a .50BMG using his watch. (timepiece)
I could generate a list of books I have, and have read, if you are interested, but most are WWII period.

FWIW,

Emri

P.S.- you coming to B'ham?

[slamfire1]

My next door neighbor, his brother in law was on the AMU in the early 60’s. Back when they used Garands.

Brother in law went over to Korea, for a tour of duty, early 60’s. Stationed at the DMZ.

He told me they had an 03 in the armory.

His greatest disappointment was that he had the O3 in hand, with ammo, when a North Korean Soldier was seen wandering around the DMZ. He said he actually had the North Korean in his sights, but his officer would not let him shoot.

Maybe someone got a VC with an 03.

He wanted to be the last man to have a Combat Kill with an 03.

[Will Durant]

BS-Pure BS.As an example,glass bedding did not even exist then.Fitting a machine barrel to a 1903-Yeah Sure! if you are one Hell of an Armorer and (and) have access to a good lathe,reamer ....ETC.Bad Sea Tale!!! Will

[moonraker]

Just finished "One Bugle no Drums" by USMC Maj. Wm Hopkins. He states that the Chinese used many '03's against the UN troops in battle, also Tommy guns.

[charles isaac]

Marines used the M1903 in the Korean War.

Many Marine survivors of the Korean war have stated the need to run out among the fallen enemy after an assault was repelled in order to retrieve ammo and weapons because they didn't have enough ammo to shoot all the Chinese that were attacking them. Marines picked up '03s and used them in the Korean War. This is documented history.

To this day, the Army uses the rack grade M14 in combat. I believe it is because thier supply system is so huge, there are "nonessential" weapons just kind of hanging around and Soldiers are able to procure them through the right channels. The only Marine M14s are the modernized and accurate but ungainly DMRs and EMRs. Yes, I am jealous that the Army has Nam era M14s.

The Chinese were on our side in WWII and the US supplied them with US weapons. '03s were part of the deal.

Troops will use weapons of opprutunity in combat. It makes no difference what the standard issue arms are, for example, Sgt Yorks unit was issued M1917 "Enfields". Sgt York used an '03 in combat, never taking into account that he was not being historically correct!

[smle-man]

Sounds to me like they were indeed used in at least one instance. The supply of 03's was obviously close at hand to boot. Is the book fiction or first hand experience?

One of the best sources I have found for good info are the published diaries of combatants. At the time they were written, their only agenda was survival. Many contain very interesting information, such as Macklin's observation that a combat replacement Regiment was armed with Krags in WWI. I don't recall that he identified the Regiment.

Jim

Non-fiction. It was taken from historical records and first hand interviews with the survivors of the action. A very well written and exciting book to read.

[Jim Tarleton]

John,

I must admit you have the best avatar. Where in the name of Judas did you find that picture? Are you trying to tell us something?

Jim