I don't think they were but there are guys here that will know for sure. It's always been the way of the troop to secure a bit of extra kit to make his lot easier but I don't think a man in a rifleman position in a rifle platoon would be able to carry a weapon not on the TOE. His firepower would be important as an M1icon rifleman. Or a Thompson gun or a BAR...even when you're short-handed organization is a big thing.
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