On 19 June 2009, former U.S. Army General Colin Powell cut the ribbon to officially open the New National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center near the home of the U.S. Army’s Infantry School, Fort Benning, Georgia. The new museum is world class and quite large, with approximately 190,000 square feet dedicated to telling the story and honoring the U.S. Infantryman from 1607 to the present. The museum features six separate era galleries where exhibits are arranged by dates, although many of the early exhibits; “Securing Our Freedom” 1607-1815, and “Defining a Nation” 1815-1898, Manifest Destiny and the Civil War, exhibits are not yet open to the public. Among the many exhibits there are many personal items and stories of individual soldiers, some famous, others just ordinary soldiers who did an extraordinary job.

The International Stage

The gallery exhibits currently open to visitors begin with the “The International Stage” 1898-1920. Upon entering the display area there are many artifacts from the Spanish American War, including a porthole from the USS Maine. The Maine was a U.S. ship that mysteriously exploded and sank in a Cuban harbor, and eventually led to the war with Spain. Moving ahead, the visitor steps into World War I “no man’s land” by entering a sandbag covered trench. Along the walls of the “trench” are artifacts and photos that project the miserable conditions troops endured during the “Great War” (less rats and decaying bodies). Moving further one hears the rattle and sees the muzzle flash of a machine gun reflecting off of the wall. There is also an audio-visual exhibit that tells the story of Medal of Honor recipient, Sergeant Alvin York, one of the most famous Infantrymen of the war.

World at War

One of largest exhibits in the museum is “World at War” representing World War II, to include both European and Pacific Theaters of operations. Summarizing the events that unfolded during the conflict are projected on a rotating globe-like screen on the floor. Vintage films are continually running on screens throughout the exhibit areas. Small arms used by all of the belligerents involved are on display, as well as personal weapons and gear of famous soldiers and generals that include Audie Murphy’s service cap and German Field Marshall Herman Goering’s gem covered baton. Other artifacts are a U.S. Army Jeep and a Japanese gas mask designed for a horse. On display are uniforms of both Allied and Axis soldiers. Several dioramas in the exhibit area depict significant battles.

Cold War

The next chronological exhibit is the Cold War 1947-1989 that includes many artifacts and weapons fielded during the period, from a Browning Automatic Rifle designed during World War I, to the Davy Crockett, a small nuclear weapon developed during the 1960s for Army Infantry use against large Soviet troop concentrations, should the Cold War ever suddenly go hot. Many items from the Korean Conflict are also on display. Visitors can listen to Korean War veterans tell their recorded stories inside a recreated bunker. The Vietnam Gallery allows visitors to experience a search and destroy mission in a hot and humid jungle environment. Many personal effects of prisoners of war are displayed to offer a glimpse of the brutal conditions captured U.S. servicemen endured during their confinement in places like the infamous Hanoi Hilton. The Berlin wall was erected in 1961 by the Communist East German Government to keep East German citizens from defecting into West Berlin. The tearing down of the infamous wall in Berlin, Germany in 1989 marked the end of the Cold War era. On display in the museum are three complete sections of the Berlin Wall covered with graffiti, painted by citizens of Berlin.

Sole Superpower

The Sole Superpower exhibit, from 1989 to the present, was so named to describe the United States’ status after the Cold War ended. The Gallery covers the smaller scale conflicts like Grenada, the War on Terrorism and the two Iraq Desert Wars. On display are many high-tech weapons used by U.S. Forces as well as captured enemy weapons and equipment.

The Hall of Valor

Prominently featured in the Grand Hall is the Hall of Valor, a glass-enclosed space dedicated to recognizing deeds of exceptional bravery. On the outside, quotes are etched in the glass, and inside, plaques honoring each of the nearly 1,500 Infantry recipients of the Medal of Honor line the walls. A computer allows visitors to look up details for each Medal of Honor recipient.

The Last 100 Yards

The Last 100 Yards is one of the museum’s featured exhibits. It consists of a 100 yard long inclined ramp lined with lifelike Infantrymen from all periods. The name “Last 100 Yards” signifies the Infantry’s “boots on the ground” role in closing and seizing the last yards of ground from the enemy. A World War II glider, Huey helicopter and Bradley Fighting Vehicle complete the display.

The Officer Candidate School Hall of Honor

The Officer Candidate School Hall of Honor was established to recognize distinguished OCS graduates and as a method to motivate and provide incentive for both candidates and graduates to excel. This gallery honors the over 2,000 Soldiers who have been inducted into the OCS Hall of Fame since 1952. A computer is provided to search for individual inductees. A timeline follows the early beginnings of the U.S. Army’s Officer Candidate School and chronicles its development and history.

The Ranger Hall of Honor

This exhibit was formed to preserve the spirit and contributions of the Army’s elite Rangers. Honored are nearly 200 soldiers who have been inducted into the Ranger Hall of Fame since 1992. A computer allows visitors to search for individual inductees by name. Also featured are U.S. Army Ranger history, its origins, and their role in military history. Several exhibits display uniforms, weapons and other items used by Army Rangers during World War II, Korea, Vietnam, and Grenada.

World War II Company Street

Located directly behind the museum building is a complex of seven restored World War II buildings to allow museum visitors a trip back in time. The simple wooden “Series 700? buildings were mass produced in the 1940s to meet the demands of the rapidly growing Army preparing to enter the war. After 1945, the post-war Army was rapidly downsized and the buildings, no longer needed, were being torn down. However, a building of each type; a barracks, mess hall, orderly room, supply room, chapel, and General George Patton’s headquarters building and sleeping quarters were spared and restored. Each of the structures are fully furnished with realistic touches that include 1940 era music, photos and furniture. A Physical Training field, like those used for daily PT by recruits, adds to the realism. A final touch are the period street lights.

Rifle Range

In addition to the era galleries there is an interactive rifle simulator, where for a small fee visitors can experience the feel of firing an M16 rifle. The rifles don’t fire live ammunition, but are fitted with lasers and a recoil simulator. The shooter gets 30 shots to hit 20 targets to “qualify”. It is the same type of device the Army uses to introduce new recruits to the M16.

IMAX Theater

The museum’s unique theater features a large high resolution screen that is five stories high and 70 feet wide. Images are projected in three-dimension that give the viewer the illusion that they are in the film. The 300 seat capacity theater features Hollywood movies as well as military documentaries.

Dining

For lunch or dinner the museum offers fine dining in a causal atmosphere at the Fife and Drum American Bistro located inside the museum.

Gift shop

For souvenir hunters, the Soldier Store offers a large selection of mugs, T-shirts and jewelry – many emblazoned with museum and Army logos. There is also a wide variety of military history DVDs and books, not offered elsewhere.

The Family Support Gallery

This gallery pays homage to the parents, children, spouses and other loved ones who make sacrifices just as important as the soldier’s. It also includes a play space for children where they can try on costumes and role play.

Brief History of Fort Benning, Georgia

Fort Benning is situated near Columbus, Georgia and covers over 182,000 acres. Ninety-three percent of the facility is in Georgia and seven percent is in Alabama. Fort Benning was established by Congress as Camp Benning during 1918, and assigned permanent status the same year. At the request of the Columbus Rotary Club, the Camp was named after Confederate Army General Henry L. Benning, a resident of Columbus. During the Civil War General Benning commanded a Georgia Brigade in the Army of Northern Virginia. After the war ended, Henry Benning returned to Columbus where he practiced law until his death in 1875.

The first mission of Fort Benning was to provide basic training for U.S. Army troops during World War I. After the war ended, Fort Benning struggled for appropriations. However, by the mid-1930s the post was booming with construction because of the federally funded building projects initiated during the Great Depression. Just prior to the United States’ entry into World War II, the 2nd Armor Division was established at Fort Benning. The facility also became the home of the “Big Red One,” the First Infantry Division. An officer candidate school and airborne training center were also established at the Fort. During 1943, the 555th Parachute Infantry Battalion, known as the Triple Nickel, was formed and trained at the Fort. Airborne training is still conducted at Fort Benning.

The new museum replaces the old one that was located on Baltzell Ave, which opened in 1958. Although the original museum was located on Fort Benning, the new facility is just outside the gates on South Lumpkin Road, making access easier for visitors. There is no admission fee, but donations are appreciated. Cameras are permitted, but no flash photography is allowed. Adult and school group tours are available.

As part of their Knob Creek, Kentucky experience many enthusiasts have included a trip over to the General Patton museum on nearby Fort Knox. If you have visited the Patton Museum recently, you will have discovered that most of the museum’s exhibits and vehicles are no longer there. As part of the base realignment and closure program (BRAC), the Armor Center has begun to move its headquarters from Fort Knox, Kentucky to Fort Benning, Georgia, where a new National Armor and Cavalry Museum is planned in the near future. The remaining exhibits at Patton Museum at Fort Knox basically are personal and historical items from the famous general.

National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center
1775 Legacy Way
Columbus, Georgia 31903
(706) 685-5800
www.nationalinfantrymuseum.com

The museum is open 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Sunday. The museum is closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

As of January 2011, The National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center will be closed on Mondays for general maintenance. The facility will be open during federal holidays that fall on Mondays to include Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Memorial Day and Independence Day.

Directions to the National Infantry Museum are to take I-185 south from Columbus, Georgia to exit 1B. Drive west on US 27/280/431 for about a mile, then turn left at the light onto Fort Benning Blvd. The museum will be a little more than a mile south, on the right.

by Robert Segel

HISTORY

The Japanese recognized the value of automatic weapons and their tactical use almost from their inception in the late 1890s. From 1900 through 1945, they constantly sought examples of machine guns from manufacturers worldwide for testing and evaluation, resulting in Japan successfully manufacturing heavy and light machine guns based upon the designs of Hotchkiss, Brno, Lewis, and even Browning. It is surprising then that their recognition, evaluation, development, manufacture and use of submachine guns had such a low priority until the mid 1930s.

From the 1920s through 1930s Japan imported two types of submachine guns for limited special naval marine service units use. They were primarily the Bergmann SIG M1920, imported from Switzerland (a licensed copy of the MP18/I), and secondarily the MP34/I imported from Germany. Both of these guns were chambered for the 7.63x25mm Mauser cartridge. The Bergmann guns (as they were collectively known) employed a removable barrel jacket collar of Japanese manufacture – added after importation – that acted as a bayonet attachment point. These heavy, wood-stocked, yet well made and reliable submachine guns proved useful in the Sino-Japanese War. In particular, their effective use during the attack on Shanghai caught the attention of Japanese commanders. This success resulted in the Imperial Japanese Army finally requesting development of its own submachine gun in the late 1930s.

DEVELOPMENT

In their initial development, there were two basic models, roughly continuing the blowback operating principles of the Bergmann. The first was simply referred to as the Model I. This was in 8mm Nambu, with a 50-round box magazine. The second was referred to as Model II and was built around a new 6.5mm cartridge and utilized a 30-round box magazine. Tests were conducted in 1936 and 1937 on the Model I. It was found to be generally satisfactory but modifications were recommended. Tests in June of 1937 on the Model II were canceled due to severe functioning problems using the new 6.5mm cartridge. As a result of the initial tests on the Model I, in April of 1937 an improved Model I was provided to the Cavalry School for testing. Once again, recommendations came back requesting changes and modifications in construction, operation and reliability. As a result of this test and other ordnance priorities, further development was shelved. It wasn’t until April, 1939 that the Nambu factory then produced a Model III submachine gun still based upon the original design of the Model I. Tests were conducted on the Model III and further modifications were recommended resulting in the Model III-B. A few minor changes were requested resulting in the Model III-C which was finally accepted and adopted in 1940 for standard service as the Type 100 (1940) submachine gun.

DESCRIPTION: TYPE 100 (1940)

The Type 100 submachine gun was ultimately produced in three variants. The first two were the Type 100 (1940) with slight variations for infantry and paratroop use and the third was the Type 100 (1944). The Type 100 (1940) was well made, but generally unremarkable although they did have several unique design features. Both of the 1940 versions of the Type 100 were identical except the paratrooper model had a hinged folding stock immediately behind the receiver that allowed the wooden stock to be folded 180 degrees forward along the right side of the gun. This provided a more compact envelope during paratroop drops but also was a source of weakness in the overall strength of the weapon. Both guns were chambered for the bottle-necked and underpowered 8mm Nambu pistol cartridge. The barrel was chrome lined to help retard wear and corrosion. There was a cylinder below the barrel jacket that served as an attachment point for the Model 30 (1897) bayonet. The magazine was a 30-round staggered-column stamped sheet metal box-type, curved to accommodate the bottlenecked 8mm Nambu round. When inserted into the magazine-well, located on the left side of the weapon, the curve faced forward. This forward-curving magazine proved to be a great liability, particularly in jungle environments, where it caught on branches and vines, often causing accidental discharge that resulted in friendly fire casualties. The rate of fire was a manageable 450 rpm and was full automatic only. A light metal bipod was available, but was not widely deployed. The firing pin was fixed, but instead of being milled into the breechface, it screwed in, making replacement easier and more cost-effective. Additionally, a moveable L-shaped bar was incorporated into the breechface to cover the firing pin during the feeding cycle to inhibit premature ignition. The bar then cammed upward and out of the way as the cartridge entered the chamber. Sights consisted of a blade-type front sight and tangent-type rear sight with an adjustable aperture from 100 to 1,500 meters. The one-piece, wood-stocked infantry version of the Type 100 (1940) was produced at the Kokura Arsenal and the folding two-piece wood-stocked paratroop version was produced at Nagoya. Though approved for use in 1940, these two versions of the Type 100 (1940) didn’t start coming off the production line until late in 1942. It is estimated that the Kokura Arsenal only produced approximately 7,000 of the infantry version and Nagoya only produced approximately 3,000 of the paratroop version. Issued to special marine landing forces and paratroopers, the Type 100 (1940) saw combat service in Palembang, Sumatra; Leyte, Philippines and Okinawa.

DESCRIPTION: TYPE 100 (1944)

By 1944, Japanese commanders in all areas of operations were demanding submachine guns and in mid 1944 the Atsuta Arsenal in Nagoya started producing the third and final variant of the Type 100. It was recognized that further modifications and simpler production methods were needed to attempt to mass produce the Type 100 to meet the increased demand. The Type 100 (1944) version used the same action and is constructed in a similar manner as the Type 100 (1940), but numerous manufacturing shortcuts were employed to simplify production. The operating spring was strengthened and elongated, resulting in an increased rate of fire of 800 rpm, almost doubling that of the earlier 1940 version. As the 8mm Nambu cartridge was acknowledged to be of low power, it was thought that increasing the cyclic rate would, in turn, increase the hit probability with an accompanying synergistic effect. The bayonet cylinder was removed and a simple single bayonet lug was attached to the barrel jacket to accommodate a shorter style bayonet. A compensator was permanently affixed at the end of the barrel jacket extension. The compensator had two holes, the one on the right being over twice as large as the one on the top left. This was designed to compensate for the gun’s tendency to move up and to the right as a consequence of the increased rate of fire. The rear sight was simplified to a single fixed aperture realistically set for 100 meters. A wooden butt plate was utilized and simply nailed on. The replaceable firing pin that screws on to the face of the bolt was retained but the L-shaped masking bar was eliminated. Additionally, spot welding was used to a great extent, in emulation of the British Sten Mk II and the US M3 submachine guns. This method of construction can be readily seen on the front sight, bayonet lug, magazine housing, barrel lock, operating spring guide and trigger guard. Markings were simplified to “100 SHIKI” (read right to left “Type 100”) and located at the top of the rear of the receiver tube, with the serial number and Nagoya arsenal stamp on the left rear end of the receiver tube. It is estimated that with only approximately one full year of production from mid 1944 to mid 1945, only 7,000 to 8,000 of the improved type 100 (1944) were produced, as Japan was suffering from severe materiel shortages and the factories were under constant B-29 bombing attacks. Sources indicate that the Type 100 (1944) was never distributed to active combat troops in the final year of the war but held in reserve for the expected Battle of Japan. There are, however, examples of the Type 100 (1944) in the United States, that were registered in the 1968 Amnesty by veterans of the island fighting, who mentioned these as captured in combat.

CONCLUSION

In all, less than 30,000 Type 100 submachine guns were built of all variants and was the only submachine gun actually manufactured in Japan. This is a relatively small number compared to the millions of submachine guns produced by the United States (M1928 and M3), England (Sten), Russia (PPSh-41) and Germany (MP40) in a war during which the pistol-caliber submachine gun reached its zenith. Why Japan was so slow to recognize the value of such a weapon remains a mystery. Had they adequately armed themselves with weapons of this type, the result of certain closely attested battles with the Allies could well have turned out differently. The Type 100 is relatively rare in the US collectors market, although a small number were brought home by G.I.s as war trophies. It is interesting to note that while G.I.s were allowed to bring back a submachine gun war trophy they were generally not allowed to bring back magazines. Thus, an original Type 100 submachine gun magazine is far rarer than the gun itself.

The Japanese required a rifle that was similar to the standard issue Model 38 Arisaka in almost every respect. In 1938 The Italian Royal Arms Factory (F.A.R.E., Fabbrica Armi Rego Esercito) designed and built a rifle that fit their needs and it was subsequently called the Type “I”.

This new rifle utilized a Model 91 Carcano action as a starting point. One major difference was that the single stack 6 round Mannlicher clip that was standard on the Italian Carcano was not used in the Type “I”. A staggered 5 round box magazine common to the Arisaka and the 98 Mauser was successfully mated to the Carcano action. The gun was then chambered in the standard 6.5mm Japanese semi-rimmed caliber and the action was notched to accept the Japanese stripper clip. The rifle also used the standard Japanese bayonet and sling. The sights were also similar to the Arisaka and were adjustable from 400 meters to a very optimistic 2400 meters. The front sight was adjustable by means of a dovetailed slot.

The stock was manufactured just like the Arisaka using the two piece buttstock. This design required that the buttstock be dovetailed and pinned together. The buttstock came in two different lengths. The shorter one should fit the average Japanese soldier just fine. The longer version seemed to be far too long for the average person. It has been reported that these longer rifles were specifically made for some Special Naval Landing Force units (The Japanese Marines); that had members of particularly large stature. These longer stocked rifles would fit these soldiers comfortably.

The Type “I” was built by three Italian arms factories between 1938 and 1939. Most were produced by “Gardone V.T”. (50,000 to 70,000), followed by “FNA Brescia” (30,000 to 40,000) and “Beretta” (20,000 to 30,000). The total estimated production was between 100,000 to 140,000.

There are no markings on the rifles that will tell you the manufacturer without disassembly. The serial number is all that appears visible on the left side of the chamber. If you remove the action you would see proof marks and the manufacturer marks on the bottom of the receiver. However, I have seen some rifles with no markings at all. An easier way to determine the manufacturer is the following guide. A letter code was assigned to the different factories to precede the serial number.

A, B, C, D, E, F > Gardone V.T.

G, H, I > FNA. Brescia

J, K, L > Beretta

Some “J” series rifles were made by FNA. Brescia due to an overrun.

These were very well built sturdy rifles that weighed in at an impressive 8 lbs. 12 ozs. They are a pleasure to shoot with a minimum amount of recoil and they are very accurate. The rifles used in this article are typical examples. One was made by Gardone and has the longer style stock. The other one was built by FNA, and it also has the longer stock. This gun has a mint bore and is very accurate. The group shown was shot at 100 yds with Norma factory ammo and measures just under 2 1/2 inches.

A great deal has been written regarding the poor quality and inaccurate Carcano rifle. I have found from personal experience that the Carcano is a very good weapon and with proper ammunition it can be a very accurate rifle. The Carcano served its country for over 60 years. I find it difficult to accept that any country would utilize a rifle in two World Wars if it was unsafe and inaccurate.

The Type “I” was used extensively in the Philippines and several were captured in the battle for Okinawa. They saw service in Peliliu, Burma and several other campaigns. They were also standard issue to several Japanese Navy units. These rifles served with distinction and are a unique piece of WW II History with a very unusual origin.

The Jap 11 served as an incredibly well made and well thought out gun. Its solid feel and beautiful workmanship belie its weight of 22 and 1/2 pounds. The Japanese chose the 6.5 (0.256 inch) cartridge to conform the gun to their already extant Arisaka rifle cartridge. Unlike its successor, the Jap 96, the Jap 11 takes the standard 6.5 rifle round. The ‘11’ boasts a muzzle velocity of 2,440 feet per second. Its sight gradates from 300 to 1500 meters with no windage adjustment. The Jap 11 pounds out 500 rounds per minute in full auto only fire. All parts of the gun show excellent craftsmanship and attention to detail. The Japanese even made some heavy tripods for these guns.

The Type 11 possesses two interesting features, one of which is unique to the gun. On examining the gun, one immediately notices the short off-set stock. This feature later appeared on the Japanese Type 97 tank gun, a 7.7mm gun freely adopted from the ZB-26. One suspects that the 97’s off-set stock comes from the Type 91, a tank mounted version of the Type 11. The Type 91 distinguishes itself from the Type 11 by carrying a long focal length telescopic sight. The Type 91’s sight resembles the Type 97’s long focal length except that it necks down just before the front clamp and front optic.

The Type 11 contains one unique feature, the feed hopper. This hopper supplies the bullets to the chamber by way of five round 6.5 Arisaka rifle stripper clips. The hopper feed serves as a magazine for six stripper clips. The king size hopper feed first appeared on the modified Type 11 designated in 1931 as the Type 91 tank machine gun. The Type 91 also boasted the previously mentioned long focal length scope. Some guns registered as Type 11s may actually be Type 91 tank guns sans scope.

Some criticism of the Type 11 comes from its somewhat complicated internal parts. This criticism stems mostly from point of view, whether Japanese or American. The internals of the Type 11, though more complicated than American design, do work well. The reader shall learn this from the last Japanese soldier who fired this particular gun. He sat deep in the jungles of Burma finding no problem with his gun. The soldier’s bullets traveled straight and true. He found his problem to be the American bullets that were coming back. From the American bullets he did not escape.

Dolf Goldsmith, Ed Libby, and Kent Lomont

Two years ago, Forbes Mathews acquired the Type 11 and a Type 96 from a collector in other climes. Just after these two guns cleared to Forbes, Dolf Goldsmith came to Marietta to research his Browning book and witness the birth of his new grandson. As explained in greater depth in another article, Mr. Goldsmith met Mr. Mathews at a private shooting range in north Georgia. The newly acquired Type 11 became a major player in both of their meetings.

Inside the well-equipped machine shop, Forbes and Dolf examined the newly acquired Type 11. Mr. Goldsmith first examined the exterior and mechanics of the ‘11’. He found the weapon to be in excellent shape. Mr. Goldsmith then tore down the Type 11. He found the interior parts to be well oiled and in excellent condition. Dolf found the hopper to be another matter. Though the hopper appeared to be in the same condition as the rest of the gun, Dolf found a piece missing.

Prior to Mr. Goldsmith’s arrival, Forbes had consulted with Doug Hollberg and Herman Lisle about the ammunition. Mr. Lisle, a long time shooter and reloader, came up with a formula for making the 6.5 reloads. Then, as they say, it got down to cases. For the Type 11, Doug found that the Norma Japanese 6.5 cases work in the stripper clips. For the Type 96 he employed a different solution. Doug took a tip on the 96 cases from the shooters of the Banzai Society. He fabricated the 96 6.5 cases from 35 Remington. The 35 Remington cases neck down to 6.5 X 48. The Japanese and reloadable Norma 6.5 cases calculate to 6.5 X 50. Mr. Lisle calculated the load. Mr. Lisle’s load works well in either gun. .

Before assembling the ammunition, Doug placed a telephone call to Ed Libby. Ed complimented Mr. Lisle on his calculations. Mr. Libby explained that their 6.5 load would work in both the Type 11 and the Type 96, and also advised Doug of the previously mentioned different cases used in the Type 11 and Type 96. Mr. Libby then added this caution. DO NOT USE ANY WORLD WAR II JAPANESE AMMO IN JAPANESE LMG’s. Because the powder deterioration after more than 50 years can produce very hot loads. These hot loads not only can damage a prized war relic but also may do harm to the shooter.

Dolf Goldsmith reassembled the Type 11. He then took it to the firing range. Though the gun fired accurately, the missing part made it a single shot. Afterward, Forbes Mathews placed a telephone call to Kent Lomont. Mr. Lomont sent Forbes the needed part to fix the Type 11 hopper. Forbes, a master machinist, duplicated the part and sent the original back to Kent Lomont. Forbes Mathews later showed us the part and correctly remarked, ‘Don’t try this at home.’ With the gun fixed, Forbes and his son have spent many an afternoon ‘putting brass on the ground.’ In the following the reader will learn the history of this particular gun.

Merrill’s Marauders

The war went badly for the allies in Southeast Asia. Gen. Frank Dow Merrill had had enough of backing up. He vowed to take the fight to the enemy’s heart in Burma. Merrill’s Marauders, along with a unit called Mars Task Force, marched into Burma to take the fight to the Japanese. Both units on separate missions were aided by the Kachin. Even today, no matter what flag flies above them, the mighty Kachin walk free.

Capt. John K. Benfield Jr. joined Merrill’s Marauders early on. The Marauders arrived outside their main objective of Myitkyina Airfield on the night turning July 28, 1944. Capt. Benfield, Sgt. Patton, and Cpl. Wooten took bayonets to well dug in soldiers from the Japanese 18th Division. A night fight, both fierce and terrible, ensued. At battle’s end, only Capt.Benfield remained wounded but standing. His two incredibly brave friends and more than 30 of the Japanese soldiers had perished in the fight. The rest of the Marauders went through the gap to take the airfield. Capt. Benfield brought the Type 11 gun out of the fight. A piece of the Japanese defender’s shirt still remains embedded in the stock at this very hour. Just before his death several years ago, a photographer snapped a picture of Capt. Benfield holding the Jap 11. This photograph ran in Capt. John Benfield’s obituary. A copy of the article and a number of other authenticating documents came with the gun.

On a personal note, I found firing this particular Jap 11 to be extremely interesting. My uncle Will Howard served with Merrill’s Marauders. He knew Capt. Benfield. He very well may have seen this gun in the jungles of Burma so many years ago. Uncle Will did not come out of the jungle until 1946. Until the day he died Uncle Will had nothing but the highest praise for Gen. Frank Merrill and everyone who served with him. The United States Army agrees with Uncle Will. The Army Ranger School outside Dahlonega, Georgia proudly carries the name of Major General Frank Dow Merrill.

In the fullness of time, Forbes Mathews intends to pass this historic weapon to his son. This historic weapon fought battles long ago and half a world away. In time the old gun shall pass from one generation to the next. In the meantime, father and son will continue to shoot together. They have at their disposal a gun in wonderful condition that also embodies an almost incredible history.