M1 Garand Archives

M1 Garand

Saipan: A Crucial Foothold in the Marianas

By John Wukovits

On June 10, 1944, as his troop transport churned through the Pacific toward the Japanese-held island of Saipan, Pharmacist’s Mate First Class Stan Bowen wrote a letter to his sweetheart, Marge McCann. Read more

An American infantryman training at Fort Belvoir prepares to hurl a pineapple grenade during World War II.

M1 Garand

The Modern Grenade: A Brief History

By William McPeak

When did humanity begin throwing explosive devices? What are the origins of the modern grenade, and how did explosives evolve? Read more

M1 Garand

Garand’s Wonder Weapon

By Michael D. Hull

A variety of outstanding weapons and pieces of equipment affected the course of World War II for both the Allies and the Axis powers. Read more

Christened by its inventors the Thompson Gun—and colloquially referred to as "Tommy guns"—General Thompson contracted with the Colt Patent Firearms Company to produce 15,000, at cost of $38.25 per gun.

M1 Garand

The Thompson Gun’s Curious History, from World War I to World War II

By Arnold Blumberg

In 1917, when America entered the First World War, the United States Army tasked Brigadier General John T. Read more

Doughboys in the 28th Infantry Regiment, 1st Division, carry M1903 Springfields near Soissons, France, in 1918.

M1 Garand

An American Legend: The 1903 Springfield Rifle

By Arnold Blumberg

In 1896, the .30-40 “Model 1896 Krag Rifle” became the standard United States Army’s first bolt-action, magazine, smokeless-powder service rifle. Read more

In 1994, a group of Belgian WWII relics hunters found surprising artifacts from the Lausdell crossroads during the Battle of the Bulge.

M1 Garand

WWII Relics: Lausdell Artifacts From the Battle of the Bulge

By Bill Warnock

…He pulled a rusty American helmet from the ground. It had been an easy target for his metal detector, and as WWII relics went, this one proved something special. Read more