Weapon Preferences of US Infantry in WWII: A Deep Dive

During World War II, the weapons available to the average US infantryman were limited, making the choice of weapon a significant one. However, weapon popularity within the ranks was often not the primary deciding factor. This article explores the popular and unpopular weapons among private soldiers and the factors that influenced their choices.

Weapons Available to a Typical US Infantryman

Infantrymen in World War II were exposed to a handful of weapons. Typically, a 5-foot 8-inch, 150-pound soldier would be equipped with various weapons, each carrying additional weight that their bodies would have to carry for extended periods.

M1 Carbine: 6 lbs.

The M1 Carbine, weighing 6 pounds, was a popular choice due to its lighter weight compared to other rifles. It was favored for its portability and ease of use, particularly during the grueling marches that were common in combat conditions. The M1 Carbine was designed to be a general issue rifle, easy to carry and use, making it a preferred weapon among soldiers.

M1 Garand Rifle: 10 lbs.

The M1 Garand, weighing 10 pounds, was another common weapon. Though it was slightly heavier than the M1 Carbine, it was still a viable option, especially for soldiers who were accustomed to carrying additional equipment. The Garand was known for its reliability and accuracy, which added to its popularity. However, the extra weight was a factor in choosing between these two options.

M3 Submachine Gun (Grease Gun): 10 lbs.

The M3 Submachine Gun, also known as the Grease Gun, was a lighter version of the M1 Thompson. It was produced to serve as a cheaper and more practical alternative. The Grease Gun was favored by many because it was easier to carry, but it was still a significant additional weight of 10 pounds. The term “couldn’t hit anything” was often used to describe its accuracy, which was a drawback.

M1 Thompson Submachine Gun: 12 lbs.

The M1 Thompson, weighing 12 pounds, was a favorite among some soldiers, particularly those in artillery units who did not have to carry as much weight. However, it was not always the most popular choice due to its heavier weight. The Thompson was known for its versatility and effectiveness, but its additional weight was a disadvantage in long marches and engagements.

Browning Automatic Rifle (BAR): 17 lbs.

At 17 pounds, the Browning Automatic Rifle (BAR) was the heaviest of the weapons mentioned. It was predominantly assigned to bigger or physically stronger soldiers due to its weight. However, the BAR was a powerful support weapon, allowing squad leaders to provide close-range sustained firepower. Its weight was a significant factor in its limited use.

Popular vs. Unpopular Weapons

Popularity did not necessarily determine weapon assignment. Soldiers were issued specific weapons based on unit needs and tactics. Weapons like the BAR were primarily assigned to big or physically stronger soldiers due to their weight. Meanwhile, carbines and submachine guns were more popular due to their lighter weights, making them more manageable during extended campaigns and marches.

Machine Guns: Popular in Support Roles

Machine guns like the M1919 were not the most popular general issue weapons. However, they were crucial in supporting infantry assaults. Despite the discomfort of carrying a heavy machine gun, the effectiveness of these weapons when in action was undeniable. Infantry tactics in the US were built around the concept of "move, shoot, and communicate," whereas the German Wehrmacht placed a greater emphasis on machine gun teams.

While machine guns were essential for support roles, they were not widely used as primary close-quarters combat weapons. The perception that these weapons were not as practical on the frontlines contributed to their limited use by individual soldiers.

Factors Influencing Weapon Choice

The choice of weapon was influenced by a variety of factors, including:

Weight: Heavier weapons, like the BAR, were more difficult to carry over long distances. Reliability: The Grease Gun's unreliability and poor accuracy led to its limited popularity, despite being a cheaper alternative. Speed and Maneuverability: Lighter weapons like the M1 Carbine and M3 Submachine Gun were easier to maneuver during fast-paced engagements.

Additionally, the logistical realities of providing sufficient ammunition for each weapon played a role. Logistics and the need to allocate resources effectively were critical concerns in weapon selection.

Conclusion

Weapon preferences among US infantrymen during World War II were influenced by multiple factors, with weight and reliability being significant. The M1 Carbine, M3 Submachine Gun, and M1 Thompson, despite their popularity, still came with a significant weight penalty. The M1 Garand and BAR, while carrying more weight, were crucial in their specific tactical roles. The varied and challenging conditions of World War II required a balanced approach to weapon selection and distribution, prioritizing the overall effectiveness and mobility of the infantry.

Understanding the weapon preferences and the factors behind these choices provides valuable insights into the strategies and realities faced by the soldiers during one of the most significant conflicts in history.