I'm not trying to be contrary, but I've posted pics before about this. I'm somewhat of a student of the 2nd ID in WWII because that was my Grandpa's division. I belong to a group on yahoo where there are a few remaining members of that era. We have one picture that clearly shows a couple of 03's on the back's of guys at the top of the beach in Normandy. Those guys were staged in Ireland before the invasion. So, either they were offered new gear, as you've said, and rejected them. Or it was not the case. I can find the picture if you want and post it. I have seen other guys in the two photos I have of this setting with carbines. But I wouldn't be convinced that they all got new gear right before going. You'd think the guys with the O3's would opt for a Garandicon. Unless they were grenade launchers. But even the Garands had those too, right? Anyways. It's not definitive and I'm not arguing. I'm just throwing it out there.

The other explanation is there is this rumor going around that the Colonel of that Division kept them all in 03's because he preferred them. And then he got relieved early in the Normandy campaign. And then they all got Garands. I don't know though.

Here is is. Those first 3 guys have 03's.