10 Oct 2021 Garand Picture of the Day

[Flying10uk]

I don't see the point with this post [#8], what am I missing?

I'm not sure what you call it in South Africa but in the UK and US military the person at the front of a patrol is said to be on "point duty". As you know the person at the front of a patrol is in the most dangerous position of that patrol.

It was intended as a joke as officers normally carry pistols but are not normally on "point duty" as the patrol would run a high risk of losing the person in command of it.

It wasn't intended to be taken too seriously.

Hopefully I've answered your question as best as I can, not being ex-military myself.

[browningautorifle]

It looks like just about everyone is carrying a pistol

One thing the troops seem to want more than anything, a pistol...as many would have them as are available.

[Mark in Rochester]

Found a caption

1st Infantry Division, Juvigny-la-Terte, August 1944

[BEAR]

Maybe they are officers taking the point... ha ha ha, as Tom Cruise said, "Sometimes I crack myself up."

[Steve762]

Second man on left has a rifle grenade launcher on his M1 rifle. Maybe the light but sure looks like the finish is worn off from use. Pouch for launcher on his right hip. Possible ammo bag for rifle grenades on his left side.

I enjoy looking at pics of WWII US front line infantry to see how each man choose to wear his gear and gear type. ie Pistol belt vs cartridge belt. Leggings vs loose pant legs vs late war two buckle boots. Belt with or without suspenders (battle harness) etc.

Bet the order was just given : "Move forward to contact."

For a guy my age these men were our fathers & uncles and dads of our school friends.