Carbine Picture

[garrettbragg12]

Does the "They Were There" scrawled accross the photo make some implication that Homosexuals served in WWII? I think that anyone with a fair or better IQ could have made that assumption.
I don't think that this photo proves anything like that though. It could just be some dufus Private "Jack Assin' around. Or, not.

Al

p.s. The photo is kinda' creepy non the less.

"They were there" is a watermark (or whatever the correct term is) of the seller of the photo, so no one will try to copy it or save it.

[JimF4M1s (Deceased)]

I think that's a website...for these pics. And yes, the things the troops will get into when your head is turned...I'll bet someone's girl sent him that for a souvenir. Of course your buddy is going to put it on when your off for guard duty.

I think this pretty much says it. Guys goofing around, sometimes anything to lighten the moment. I'd seen it in my time as well. Let's not turn this in a different direction.

Back to the highwood, leaf site, early featured carbine. Another instance seeing a mag pouch on the stock.

[USGI]

Possibly an officer with his helmet markings covered up? Why does the carbine look a little strange ahead of the barrel band? Is the sling wrapped around the barrel, or what am I seeing there? Thanks. - Bob

[browningautorifle]

I'd seen it in my time as well.

And usually at the most inopportune time. Like when you're doing rounds with the CO...then I have something else to do...

Possibly an officer

I don't think an officer would be doing these hi-jinks. It would go badly if he was seen by another. The marking on the liner looks like a flaming bomb removed. And yes, it looks like his sling just at the forend tip. His bra was too tight and he wasn't paying attention...

[INLAND44]

I said that because it is a recent topic of discussion - that is, to what extent 'stock' pouches were used in WWII.

[shadycon]

It was a 2 way street on this post; yes the soldier goofing around wearing womans underware and the carbine its self! Now lets find another interesting picture! GK

[imarangemaster]

I am not surprised to see the Type I pouch on the stock in an Iwo Jima picture, My dad, who was on Iwo had a pouch on the stock of his Carbine, as well as mags on the belt. On Iwo, being in headquarters liaison group of the Army Garrison Forces advance party (landed on day 6 of the invasion) made little difference, as attacks, Banzai charges, and sappers and snipers were regular occurrences. Being the signals NCO for the Army's advance party, he also had to travel to other areas of the island that were less secure (if that was possible!).

[DaveHH]

Looking at the photo doesn't make me think that this guy is a closet gay guy. He's some kid screwing around like any number of people I ran into in my two years in the Army. The Army is garbage fed and beer cooled. It is the first thing they do when a battle is over, bring in beer. There is a given in the military: the kids will always be kids and they will always find a way to get drunk. 8M kids came in off the farm and served, most were as green as a lime and wouldn't know what to do with a woman if they issued a manual.

[shadycon]

Even in the 70's, the young kids-were kids after duty. They would do anything to unwind after being army for 8-10 hrs. I was 21 when drafted and had been away from mommy a couple of yrs and not fresh out of school at 18. Us 'older' folks usually sat back,drank,etc. and watched and egged them on. Oh what fun the military was. No regrets whatsoever!GK

[ChipS]

I'm not sure this is a U.S Marine and I sure wouldn't bet my dog it was taken on Iwo Jima. Every WWII souvenir eventually came from Iwo Jima or Bastogne. The only possible hint I can see is the belt buckle. I know the Marines used that open type belt buckle as far back as the 60's and 70's because I was there, but I don't know if USMC issued them in the 40's, or if the Army also issued a similar buckle at that time. Anybody out there have any reliable info on this? Also, I'll bet the guy was a mechanic in the motor pool because the belt buckle is worn offset to the side. Top don't like scratches on his jeep!!!

I will note that the hand painted insignia on the helmet liner looks like a 96th Infantry Division insignia (double overlapping diamonds), but oriented vertically. The USA 96th ID served in the Pacific, of note in the battle for Okinawa and I believe in the retaking of Leyte, P.I. I agree it is unlikey that this is an officer, regardless of service branch.

May be on Okinawa or in the Phillipines with the (very small) double-barrel sling shot liberated from local indigenous personnel, in a freindly encounter. JMHO