February 4th, 2020
5minute read
There are many long-standing traditions in the U.S. military.
Initially, the primary pistol issued to American generals was the Colt 1908 Hammerless, chambered in .380.
The 1908s chambered in .380 quickly ran out, and the .32 caliber pocket model was substituted.
Major General Peter E. Straub (left) of the 35th Division, September 1918 during World War I. Traub led the 35th Infantry during the battles in the Argonne Forest and is seen here with an M1911. Image: U.S. National Archives
Otherwise, generals received pistols with the standard factory finish.
About 1,400 of these pocket pistols were issued from 1944 through 1972.
Their finish was factory blued with U.S. Property marked on the side.
Major General Paul Baade of the 35th Infantry Division. General Baade was highly decorated for bravery and was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal, the Bronze Star (three times), the Silver Star (twice), and the Legion of Merit. Image: U.S. National Archives
This was followed by the M9 9mm pistol beginning in 1984.
Weve included a selection of photos here to visually prove that point.
Some generals, like Patton, carried a handgun on most occasions.
U.S. Army Air Force General James B. Newman (Commander of the 9th AF Engineer Command) along with Colonel Schilling inspecting forward airfields in Normandy during late June 1944. Image: U.S. National Archives
Others, like Bradley, carried when they were close to the front lines.
A few, like Eisenhower, did not carry a pistol at all.
Each officer made up their own mind.
British General Wingate and his American adjutant armed with a 1911, with the 1st Air Commando, at Lalaghat, India during 1944. Image: U.S. National Archives
Many chose to be seen as a fighting general, a combat commander who led from the front.
Strapping on a pistol like the mighty M1911 went a long way to create that impression.
As the World War II generals retired, they were allowed to purchase the pistols they had been issued.
General Patton with one of his ivory-handled .45 caliber revolvers. Image: Library of Congress
Most of them did, and still do, as this long-standing practice is still in effect today.
This pistol offers the best of the classic 1911A1 pistol, but with some modern tweaks and upgrades.
A Parkerized finish and a 7-round magazine rounds out the package.
Go to forum thread
1911Mil-Spec
Major General Robert Wilson Hasbrouck, commander of the 7th Armored Division, Germany spring 1945. Image: U.S. National Archives
General Patton decorating Quartermaster troops wearing one of his famous revolvers. Image: National Archives
Lieutenant General Robert L. Eichelberger with officers of the 11th Airborne Division during the advance on Manila, Philippines during late January 1945. Image: U.S. National Archives
Generals Eisenhower, Patton, Bradley and a 1911-wearing Courtney Hodges (Commander of the U.S. First Army) in France during the summer of 1944. Image: Library of Congress
Major General Blackshear M. Bryan decorates Colonel Stuart of the 24th Infantry Division, Korea 1951. Image: National Archives
General Dwight Eisenhower, Supreme Allied Commander Europe (Left), Major General Louis A. Craig, commander of the 9th Infantry Division, and General Omar Bradley, Commander of the 12th Army Group confer at Butgenbach, Belgium in November 1944. Image: U.S. National Archives
The Springfield Armory Mil-Spec gives you a modern take on the 1911 design that still has a lot of classic charm.
