I noticed that in basic training EGR carried an up-to-date M1 Garand semi-automatic rifle, but used an older bolt-action 1903 Springfield in battle (I would have expected the reverse). Also: did anyone notice that the music in the battle scene was similar to that used in the Ray Harryhausen/Columbia SF films of the 1950s? (I'm such a film geek that I can USUALLY identify a film's studio by the gunshot sound effects.)
shareWhether it was a mistake or deliberate, the use of rifles as portrayed was more than likely correct. Because M-1 Garands were in short supply early on, support troops (like the ordnance repairman EGR portrayed) were often given M-1903s instead of M-1s, even if they had been trained on M-1s. Even Marine riflemen on Guadalcanal were using '03s. I've read even some combat troops like artillerymen were issued '03s so as to save Garands for infantrymen.
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