Son found dads M1 Garand - 24hourcampfire

This article ran in the local paper back in 2008 but I think about the son finding his dad's Garand. My dad was in WWII and being the oldest son, I always wanted to hear some war stories. He was shot up bad and he rarely talked about his time in the service. Bad memories I am sure.

Anyway Dad was already gone when this article ran and I still think about it.

http://www.mlive.com/living/flint/index.ssf/2008/09/jim_richardsons_search_for_the.html

Great story. Thanks for sharing.

I searched high and low, to no avail of course, for the Springfield Armory Garand my dad carried in the Battle of The Bulge. He knew the S/N by heart until Alzheimer’s begin winning the battle. At a gun show I found one made in the same month as his…a few thousand digits away. This would be as close as I’d realistically ever get and I snagged it. All correct, safe queen!

Sent it to a friend at the US Army Marksmanship Training Unit @ Ft Benning just up the road and they tinkered with it, keeping all the original parts intact. She groups under an inch and a half @ 100 with the issued iron sights and match loads. Love shooting this old gal. She’s taken a number of deer for me each Veteran’s Day when I carry it to the woods to honor my old man.

Proud that that guy found his dads! Wonderful news.

WOW!

Great story, they are fun to shoot.

It is a great story. Good to see it again.

Outstanding read. Thanks for sharing.

That is pretty cool.

Good read. Thanks for posting.

Godogs57,

Originally Posted by Godogs57

I searched high and low, to no avail of course, for the Springfield Armory Garand my dad carried in the Battle of The Bulge. He knew the S/N by heart until Alzheimer’s begin winning the battle. At a gun show I found one made in the same month as his…a few thousand digits away. This would be as close as I’d realistically ever get and I snagged it. All correct, safe queen!

Sent it to a friend at the US Army Marksmanship Training Unit @ Ft Benning just up the road and they tinkered with it, keeping all the original parts intact. She groups under an inch and a half @ 100 with the issued iron sights and match loads. Love shooting this old gal. She’s taken a number of deer for me each Veteran’s Day when I carry it to the woods to honor my old man.

Also a good story. Glad to hear the guys at the US Army Marksmanship Training Unit @ Ft Benning hooked you up. I was a member of the US Army Marksmanship Unit stationed a Ft. Benning from 1977-1980.

Great story. It would be interesting to me to see who carried my M1.

Originally Posted by roverboy

Great story. It would be interesting to me to see who carried my M1.

This ^^
I have 3 of them. Only one is a WWII rifle. It is also a Greek return. I wonder how many commies and Germans or Japs it killed ?

kwg

Originally Posted by Godogs57

I searched high and low, to no avail of course, for the Springfield Armory Garand my dad carried in the Battle of The Bulge. He knew the S/N by heart until Alzheimer’s begin winning the battle. At a gun show I found one made in the same month as his…a few thousand digits away. This would be as close as I’d realistically ever get and I snagged it. All correct, safe queen!

Sent it to a friend at the US Army Marksmanship Training Unit @ Ft Benning just up the road and they tinkered with it, keeping all the original parts intact. She groups under an inch and a half @ 100 with the issued iron sights and match loads. Love shooting this old gal. She’s taken a number of deer for me each Veteran’s Day when I carry it to the woods to honor my old man.

Proud that that guy found his dads! Wonderful news.

Your story is a great one also, godogs. Thanks for sharing.

Great story - Thank you!

Dad would have been 101 years old today. He did make it to 83 though. I sure wish I could have heard some stories but maybe not. I am sure he went through hell in the Philippines where he got shot up. I was too young to be drafted and Dad wasn't encouraging us boys to go. Thanks to all who served!!