M1 Carbine wasn't used in front line battle?

[JimF4M1s (Deceased)]

Don't fret Cinders, it's an easy mistake -- Audie Murphy had many of the characteristics of a Marine. I will bet very few Yanks could name an Aussie war hero (Errol Flynn, Russell Crowe, and Crocodile Dundee don't count)

Recipients of the Victoria Cross
Charles Anderson 1942
Albert Chowne 1945
Tom Derrick 1943
Roden Cutler 1941

[USGI]

Originally Posted by DaveHH
He was described as a sad fellow who was obviously a heavy drinker.

I've heard that too, but somewhere have a link to what his movie buddy, Jack Elam had to say and he disputed it - also gave a couple of interesting stories. I'll try to find that link.

Here's a link to The Audie Murphy Research Foundation:

http://www.audiemurphy.com/amrf.htm

Newsletter #5 includes the interview with Jack Elam and his comments on Audie's alcohol use. Drinking is also mentioned in NL#2. The NL's include first hand accounts of several of the fierce battles he and his men were engaged in. - Bob

[jimb16]

Well I guess I'll add my 2 cents to the discussion. My father was originally 82nd Airborne/glider rider, later transferred to the 101st then the 17th. According to him, the split was about 50/50 between carbines and Garands with a few TSMGs thrown in. The carbines were split to around 1 M1A1 in 10 carbines when he crossed the Rhine with the 17th. That was all in gliders. He was also involved with Market Garden and several other actions. Now I will admit that he was with a Headquarters Co., but I doubt that made much difference. All those guys were involved in combat. BTW, he was a BAR man who lost both of his ammo carriers during an artillery barrage. He came through untouched!

[Captain O]

I'm not sure, but I think of a tanker, (one of the original groups that were issued the M1 Carbine) as "on the front lines". What was our first clue?