World War II Database

1. Jolie Novak says:
10 Dec 2012 06:42:27 AM

Hello! We would like to know if this is one of the photos in the public domain or if there is any more information on the copyright holder? We would like to use it on our website as soon as possible. Thank you!

Jolie Novak
Photo Director
Daily Mail US News Bureau
646-885-5122

2. Bill says:
11 Jan 2015 08:29:36 PM

STURMGEWEHR: StG44

FIREPOWER:

From bolt-action rifles to semi-automatic / full automatic rifles like the StG44 it gave the basic
infantryman more firepower in the field against targets. Instead of a using a five round magazine for the bolt-action 98Ks full power 7.92mm cartridge, he now has 30 rounds of 7.92 Kurz (short) w/detachable magazine and could carry more ammo, a feature any soldier likes. Described
the MP44 was a gas operated, magazine fed, semi-auto / full automatic shoulder weapon.

About 400,000 Sturmgewehrs were manufactured how many were able to get to the troops before wars end, is unknown, what sources are available list different numbers. The Russians captured stocks of German weapons among them were the StG /MP44 Models.
Later these weapons were given to Communist Client States along with other Soviet weapons.
Many continued in service into the 1960s and 70s
and found their way to Africa and other locations in the world.

SPANISH MARCH:

The MP44 was further developed in Spain German engineers improved the weapon. The Spanish firm
CETME manufactured its version in 1957 production
ran from 1958 to 1997 with over 7,000,000 made

ENTER THE H & K G3:

It was another improvement of the Spanish CETME and wartime MP44. The West German Bundeswehr adopted it as the standard service rifle, in NATO
7.62 caliber. Today a civilian MP44 version in semi-automatic is available.
Did you know that semi-automatic weapons have been in the hands of civilians for over 100 years and its operating feature has changed little.

IN THE FIELD:

Let's see what Karl has been issued his MP44 looks
like its seen hard service, from the file photo
it looks like much of the bluing has worn off, or is it just light reflection? Karl is wearing the
Gebirgsjager (Mountain Reversible Parka) w/three chest pockets. It was manufactured in khaki, and was also reversible to white for use in winter operations, other models were in camouflage colors. The parka was made to ware over service uniforms, and he's wearing the M1943 service cap.

A GI REMEMBERS:

During the winter of 1966 while stationed in West Germany I was on field maneuvers, our infantry support was the German Bundeswehr, they wore
winter uniforms that were similar to wartime German winter uniforms. The weapons carried were the H & K G3 Rifles, I was armed with the M14 rifle.
Like soldiers the world over, we each took a look at our weapons I liked the feel of the HK G3

GUESS WHO'S COMING TO DINNER:

Chow time (food) its what every soldier likes to here. Our unit ate at the German mess I remember
dinner was black bread & butter w/jelly different types of soup I had soup with potatoes, meat and cabbage, coffee or tea I don't remember anything else I'm sure there was other items on the menu, its been 49 years ago where did the time pass.

I THANK THE EDITOR/WW2DB FOR ALLOWING ME TO LEAVE MY COMMENTS AND MILITARY EXPERIENCE DURING THE VIETNAM WAR.

GERMANY 1966/67 VIETNAM 9TH INF. DIV.1967/68 AND (I FFV) I FIELD FORCES VIETNAM 1969/70. IT WAS THE BEST OF TIMES, IT WAS THE WORST OF TIMES...