M3 Grease Gun in the U.S. Military: A Preferred Weapon of Choice

The M3 Grease Gun, also known as the grease or bullpup carbine, was a reliable and versatile weapon that saw extensive use during World War II, the Korean War, and beyond. This article explores the significance of the M3 Grease Gun in the U.S. military, focusing on its use and preferences among soldiers, particularly within the context of the Marine Corps and the U.S. Army.

Historical Context and Usage

The M3 Grease Gun was a standard issue crew weapon for M60 series tanks. However, it was not just a tank weapon; it was also a preferred sidearm for many infantrymen. In World War II, Private Boyd mentioned how his father, a First Sergeant in the U.S. Marine Corps (USMC), started the war carrying an M1-Carbine but switched to an M3A1 Grease Gun by late 1943, and used it throughout the rest of the war and the Korean War. His father made this switch because he preferred the M3A1's lighter weight, ease of cleaning, and reliability over the Thompson submachine gun.

Researchers and veterans' accounts confirm that most teenagers who fought in World War II disliked the standard .38 caliber and 9mm cartridges and preferred the .45 caliber ammunition used in the M3A1 Grease Gun and the famous 1911 pistol.

Comparing the M3 Grease Gun with Other Weapons

While the Thompson submachine gun was highly favored for its efficiency and reliability, it was too heavy and harder to maintain in the humid conditions of many combat zones, especially in the Pacific. Historians often credit the M1 Garand as the weapon that won World War II, but for individual combat, the M3A1 Grease Gun and the 1911 were the preferred choices for many soldiers. The M3A1 could be used with the same ammunition as the 1911, which simplified logistics and training for soldiers.

Special Case Studies

Even in the Vietnam War, JE-PhD, a Vietnam combat veteran, carried an M3A1 Grease Gun and a 1911 .45 because they were better suited to his special assignments. In some cases, he also carried an AK-47 due to the perceived availability of ammunition. The reasons he preferred the M3A1 Grease Gun and the 1911 were based on their reliability and the impact of the 230 grain .45 cal. bullet. The 1911 semi-automatic handgun, in particular, was his best friend, especially when teamed with a Navy Corpsman. The .38 caliber, 9mm, and 9mm Parabellum cartridges and their corresponding handguns were not considered viable options due to their poor performance in certain conditions.

Conclusion and Recoordination

The article concludes with a summary of the various combat preferences and experiences of the veterans mentioned. Both in World War II and the Korean War, the M3A1 Grease Gun and the 1911 were widely used by NCOs and officers, while the M1 Garand was the standard issue for regular grunts. For pilots, the .38 caliber revolver was common, while other ground personnel rarely used this caliber. The M3A1 Grease Gun and the 1911 semi-automatic handgun proved to be excellent choices due to their reliability, ease of cleaning, and compatibility with .45 caliber ammunition.

The choice of weapons often hinged on a soldier's individual experience and preference, making the M3 Grease Gun and the 1911 some of the most beloved and trusted firearms in U.S. military history.