12-221 Garand Picture of the Day

[Mark in Rochester]

Disabled in Makin Lagoon off Makin Island during the USMC "Makin Raiders" attack on August 17-18, 1942. Disabled by Sgt Buck Stidham and Sgt Walter Carroll destroyed two seaplanes with their Boys Anti-Tank rifle.

An Emily and a Dave broke off and landed 3 miles out in the lagoon. The Japanese air commander erred by not having a couple if aircraft orbit over the lagoon to cover the landing aircraft. Consequently platoon sergeant Victor “transport” Maghakian directed three machine buns and two boys anti-tank rifles to set up near King’s Warf. As the aircraft taxied the Browning’s opened fire with incendiary and tracer ammunition at 1,000 yards. The Boys fired only armor piercing ammunition, but fired up to 20 rounds each. The Dave float plane immediately ignited, but the big flying boat attempted to turn away. Maghakian directed the fire to riddle the Emily. It briefly lifted off, but caught fire, taxied into the seaplane mooring area, and grounded in flames

Victor “transport” Maghakian


Years of service 1936–1939
1942–1946
Rank Captain

Service number
251055
Unit Second Marine Raider Battalion

Battles/wars Sino-Japanese War
World War II:
• Makin Island raid
• Guadalcanal Campaign
• Battle of Kwajalein
• Battle of Eniwetok
• Battle of Tinian
• Battle of Saipan

Awards • Navy Cross
• Silver Star (2)
• Bronze Star (2)
• Purple Heart (2)

Information

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[browningautorifle]

with their Boys Anti-Tank rifle

That would do the job alright.