Navy 03's

[Fred G.]

It's an Early picture allright! The sling has only one brass hook and the bayonet scabbard is the one with the Krag type hanger and the leather scabbard with the metal throat. Probably before 1908 or 1907.
I'll bet that that handguard has a solid top without a sight groove and without metal clips too! Thanks for sharing!!!

[HOOKED ON HISTORY]

It's an Early picture allright! The sling has only one brass hook and the bayonet scabbard is the one with the Krag type hanger and the leather scabbard with the metal throat. Probably before 1908 or 1907.
I'll bet that that handguard has a solid top without a sight groove and without metal clips too! Thanks for sharing!!!

I think that may be a bit early as my uncle was a bit older than my father who entered the navy for WWII by misrepresnting his age. I will see if his daughter can shead any light on his service.

[Jake Holman]

It's an Early picture alright! The sling has only one brass hook and the bayonet scabbard is the one with the Krag type hanger and the leather scabbard with the metal throat. Probably before 1908 or 1907.

I concur. That bayo is in a leather scabbard for sure. The bolt on the 03 is straight. I'd sure like to see if the snap on that pistol belt is an Eagle snap!
+2 on sharing the pic. Thanks!

[HOOKED ON HISTORY]

Ok here is the infomation to date. His service was WWII. daughter found a $1 bill in his wallet after his passing signed by his buddies (carried it all those years and none knew about it) upon crossing the equator Oct 28 1942. Photo was taken in Norfork VA (no date).I have heard you can petition the navy for service records. Is that the case? No family members left with informaion on ship, posting etc..

[Jake Holman]

Here's the sight. Look around. It may take you a while. There's page in here that if you put in his name and serial number his basic info will come up. From there you can request all the info that is available and you should be able to get it all as you are a family member.
National Archives and Records Administration

[HOOKED ON HISTORY]

Thanks
His daughter found some of the information she did not know she had. Discharge certifiacte indicate dates of service Jan. 1942 to Oct. 1945. Stations Norfolk Va,Corpis Cristi TX. Rerhaps somone can help with this one, Transtrainronlant, Patro Sqdr, 203: Hedron FAW 15?
Rank at discharge Aviation Eletronics Tech 1st class.

[Tahunua001]

man this makes me want to drop 40 LBS and get all dressed up in my old crackerjacks with my 1903, also makes me a little ashamed that I actually had to pay just to qualify in small arms. I would love to be able to go through the navy rifle qual course with my 1903. the navy sure aint what it used to be.

EDIT:

Transtrainronlant, Patro Sqdr, 203: Hedron FAW 15?
Rank at discharge Aviation Eletronics Tech 1st class.

if I'm not mistaken that is transportation training squadron atlantic patrol squadron 203, hedron FAW predates my naval nonclemature but an educated guess thinks it might be the equivalent of a VAW(fighter squadron)
he was a petty officer 1st class(paygrade E6) and his rating was AT(Aviation electronics technician)

[emmagee1917]

Fleet Air Wing , prob'ly a bomber squadron , could be PBYs or airships doing ASW ( anti-submarine-warfare ) off the atlantic seaboard.
Chris

[HOOKED ON HISTORY]

Fleet Air Wing , prob'ly a bomber squadron , could be PBYs or airships doing ASW ( anti-submarine-warfare ) off the atlantic seaboard.
Chris

My research indicates PBYs . Thank you all very much for helping me fill the gaps im my knowlege. My uncle went from aircraft technician to food wholesaler in civilian life.

[Coopdog]

My father trained on M1903's (as well as M1911 pistol) at Great Lakes in March 1945, so I am guessing that virtually everyone who served in the Navy in WWII trained on the '03.