M1 Carbine - hmmmm …..

Christmas eve 1944 … Saipan Island ….
Tokyo Rose said we could expect a visit ….
I was Sergeant of the Guard at bomb dump ….
Sirens went off … my orders were to evacuate …
Returned to bivouac area under fire … bombs and strafing …..
Officers shared their booze ration plus warm beer rations for Christmas eve ….
Found a bunch of drunken GI’s firing M1 carbines at Zero fighter planes.

No casualties from enemy or friendly fire.
That’s my story and I’m sticking to it.

That's quite a picture to have in your rear view mirror.

My generation has no clue how fortunate we are we spend our Xmas shopping for gifts and deciding which parties to attend and decline. Wish I could sit down and record your stories for the record...anyhow, I know I've said this before, but thanks George!

I continue to this day to have problems with Christmas Eves ..
I only told the funny story.
If you are a history buff, check out:

Mariana Islands Campaign and the Great Turkey Shoot
13 Jun 1944 - 10 Aug 1944

http://ww2db.com/battle_spec.php?battle_id=10

Very well said TJ! A huge plus one!

Agreed. Thanks George to you and those like you for our freedom!!!

George, Awesome tail and thank you. While in boot camp the M1 was what we had to carry everywhere with us. While holding it straight out in a horizontal position getting yelled at by our CC, I often felt sorry for the soldiers who had to carry this heavy piece through mud and cold temps. I could not imagine how combersom it was yet it was your best friend too. I guess that makes it a little lighter.

TJ said it that our generation has no clue how fortunate they are. Even the new military, M-16 light as a feather in comparison, MP-5, Glocks that no matter how wet and dirty they get, they don't jam!

Thank you again George and all of our troops that have faught and kept me and my family free and safe.