Re: 1st MarDiv to Korea by back channel

[<Jwscpd8@aol.com>]

Yes, the M-1 Garand.  How I loved that weapon for combat.  I was in Heavy Weapons, so my TO & E weapon, was a Carbine.   When I was assigned to M Co. my M-1 that I brought with me from Fort Lewis was taken from me and I was given the Carbine.

After about a week of hearing from the real vets that the Carbine could not stop the CCF unless you were face to face with them, I found a truck driver who had an M-1 and we traded.  Others told me of shooting CCF at about 200 to 300 yards and the Carbine not stopping them.  At times I had to carry the receiver for the 50 Cal. MG, I still carried the M-1 in spite of all the weight I had to handle.

But, every time we went into reserve, I had to give up the M-1 and be given the Carbine.  I spent almost a year of trading Carbines for M-1 rifles, even going as far as picking up battle field ones.

About a week before I was to rotate home, again I was issued a Carbine, which someone stole out of the jeep just prior to going on line.  You would think it would be easy to find another weapon, but for some reason, all the extra ones were taken away.

Luck was not with me as there was not a loose weapon of any kind in the company for me, but one of our truck drivers parted with a Grease Gun.  I carried that for about a week and gave it back when I rotated home.  

I now have 3 M-1 Garands in my collection and an outdoor range only a few miles from me.  Two of the Garands are Danish ones in almost new condition, all purchased from the Department of Civilian Marksmanship of the U.S. government.

      John  Korea 1951