After reading tfltackdriver's comments (#32) it appears that some readers (hopefully few) interpreted my comments (#18) that Corporal York obtained a M1903 rifle (presuming of course he had one) from a Marine. In this he is mistaken. At no time did I indicate that he had definitely used a M1903 rifle.

My reference to the Marines was a simple comparison of Corporal York's circumstances and desire for what he thought was a better weapon to that of the Marines serving on Guadalcanal some 24 years and one World War later. From my readings of WWII history many Marines "traded" their '03s and Reising guns to the Army for their new Garands. Of course this story, like that of Corporal York, could be more fiction than fact.

My conclusion, then and now, is that yes, if he really wanted a '03 that he could have obtained one. If this was not possible through official channels he could have utilitized what most veterans would call "Back Door" channels, namely, find, trade, buy, or at last resort, steal one.

Regarding whether or not any M1903 rifles were used by the 82nd Division I did, I must admit, make a presumption that the Sniper and Recon sections of the Division's infantry regiments used the standard M1903 sniper system. Of course I could be wrong as they may been the only unit in the AEF not to do so.

Subsequent to reading tfltackdriver's posting I reviewed both the official history of the 82nd Division and Volume two of "Order of Battle" (the US Army's official history of WWI) regarding when and where the 82nd Division deployed to the front during the St. Mihiel and Meuse-Argonne offensives.

The Army's "Order of Battle", indicates that in August 1918 during the St. Mihiel offensive the 82nd Division relieved the 2nd Division.

If the 82nd Divison's history is correct in October 1918, the 164th Infantry Brigade (327th & 328th Infantry Regiments) relieved the soldiers of the 1st Division's 1st Infantry Brigade (16th & 18th Infantry Regiments) on the Meuse-Argonne front.

To the best of my knowledge both the 1st and 2nd Divisions were armed, throughout the war, with only the M1903 rifle.

Where there is a possibility that both the soldiers and marines of the 2nd Division and the soldiers of the 1st Division did what undoubtedly has to be the most complete "Police Call" of "No Mans Land" known in the history of the US military service and collected from the battlefield every Springfield rifle assigned to them prior to departing the front line, I, for one, think that they could have missed at least one. Who knows, maybe Corporal York salvaged a rifle when passing through. I for one don't know and don't really care as I think the M1917 was a better battle rifle to begin with.

In closing, the intent of my original remarks was to discuss the possible ways in which Corporal York might have obtained a Springfield rifle. I believe I have shown that while not definite, it was possible. As Sergeant York and all the members of his unit are deceased it is a matter that will never be totally resolved.

Oh yes, before I forget, I am afraid that you will have to find another buyer for your Florida real estate. If it fronts on the Gulf I would hold out for top dollar as you never know you might just strike oil on it any day now.