This was from another board but I thought it was worthy of sharing.... This 1911 was found in Bastogne, December 1944. Photo credit to Daniel MacMurray. He wrote: "Today I was able to hold and photograph something that absolutely stopped me in my tracks. One person I shared this with said "you had hell in your hands" He was right. I hope the hero who died with this at his side went quickly. This is so representative of what the heroes of WWII went through.... . Not only in the Pacific theatre, but the German front also. This was Bastogne in 1944. It's in a friends private collection and it took some doing to be able to photograph it. I was shaking when I handed it back. "I took these photos today.. A gentleman I know was kind enough to allow me that privilege. Often times we get so caught up in the gun we forget the sacrifices. This one really brings it home. It is believed that the this damage is from artillery fire. This weapon was very likely holstered at the time, and the soldier was facing the explosion. I can't begin to tell you how powerful of a sentiment this raised in my heart to hold this" I shared this in a few historical groups I belong to, so some of you have already seen this, but it's just too powerful of an artifact not to share with the rest of you.
A lot comes to mind on a quick viewing. That weapon shows a lot of use wear. The finish is rubbed off on sharp corners from being drawn and re-holstered. The trigger shows a lot of wear from being pulled. It seems the owner made it a long way only to fall to the terrible force of an artillery blast. If objects could talk...
The 1911 was the side arm of almost every soldier in WWII. It's mechanism is still today one of the most desired hand guns. I have one that looks just like this one in my collection but it was not used in war and does not state "United States Property". Thanks for sharing this Ralph.