The History of a Rifle

[Rick the Librarian]

Jim, I always assumed the first shots "in anger" for M1903s, was in the Philippines. There was still quite a bit of unrest, especially in Moro country. One large (for pre-WWI) battle on Mindanao at Bud Bagsak, in 1913.

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[Jim Tarleton]

Jim, I always assumed the first shots "in anger" for M1903s, was in the Philippines. There was still quite a bit of unrest, especially in Moro country. One large (for pre-WWI) battle on Mindanao at Bud Bagsak, in 1913.

Once again, though I have the statement in my files, I did not record its exact source except for it came from the Marine Archives. I remember I was surprised that there were no military engagements from 1904 until 1914 that would qualify the 1903 for "combat".

Bear in mind the military definition of combat may not be what you think. In 1970, I and a 6By load of Marines came under fire returning from a Bob Hope Show at Firebase Baldy. Except for some minor steel splinter wounds, no one was hurt. That action did not qualify as a combat action because we had no ammo for our M16's, just those stupid red blocks. I found the Corps' position amusing to say the least. We had been in country about a week and we thought we were going to get our CAR's already the easy way. We were mistaken. You earn that sucker.

Jim