That is however, with the notable exception of U.S. small arms.
Compared to any other combatant nation, American infantry weapons represented an embarrassment of riches.
Even some of our firearms kept in reserve were the envy of lesser military forces.
Americans quickly came to expect nothing but the best from theArsenal of Democracy.
Ultimately the Johnson rifle was officially rejected by U.S.
Even so, Johnson kept at it.
Reports of their use in service are few, but the Leathernecks seem to have approved of the weapon.
However, by late 1943, the few Johnson rifles in service were replaced by the M1 Garand.
(compared to the M1918A2 BARs 19+ lbs.).
One of Melvin Johnsons favorite demonstration tricks was to fire the M1941 on full auto with just one hand.
As with the Johnson rifle, the barrel on the M1941 LMG could be easily replaced.
The weapon as described in W.H.B.
This is achieved in the Johnson by setting the change lever back at the automatic position.
The gun will continue to function until the trigger is released or the magazine is empty.
The early days of the 1SSF were lean on supplies and particularly harsh in their training.
Over time the unit began to receive unique and specialized equipment to fit their mission.
One of these items was the Johnson M1941 LMG.
The 1SSF was originally deployed in the campaign to take back the Aleutian Islands from the Japanese.
When the Devils Brigade reached Kiska on August 15, 1943, the Japanese had already pulled out.
The 1SSF men were distributed throughout various U.S. and Canadian airborne, ranger and infantry units.
Their beloved Johnny Guns were lost to history.
The long, curved 20-round magazines were awkward.
The tall front sight was prone to snag on the surrounding brush or jungle growth.
Its Own Place
In the end, the Johnson never quite found its niche.
However, their legacy and accomplishments are beyond question even if they appear to have been lost to history.
