Hello, I am trying to build an impression for a US 78th Infantry Division Mortar crewman March-April 1945. I’ve already built a base kit, but I need some help with more mortar related items. I’m planning on using an M1 Garand but from what I’ve researched, those were only issued to squad leaders. I mainly just need advice on field gear and what weapon to use. Thanks!

Most of the WW2 images I have seen of mortar crews, they carry M1 Carbines and some carry .45 pistols.

 

Leigh 

By the book, the SL has a M1 rifle; and is the only one. 

So if I were to portray a corporal gunner in 1945, I should run an m1911 and the webbing for it as well as a pair of shoulder pads?

1 hour ago, Lachlan said:

So if I were to portray a corporal gunner in 1945, I should run an m1911 and the webbing for it as well as a pair of shoulder pads?

Generically and by the book it appears, yes.  Specific unit impressions based on a particular time/location could change the situation based on what they had / personnel / climate..etc..  The 78th arrived real late 1944 and received a lot of replacements post Bulge.  In your timeframe one of the divisions regiments was doing the duty of armored motorized infantry so that would change what and how they carried things vs having to walk across the Rhine.

2 hours ago, Rhscott said:

Generically and by the book it appears, yes.  Specific unit impressions based on a particular time/location could change the situation based on what they had / personnel / climate..etc..  The 78th arrived real late 1944 and received a lot of replacements post Bulge.  In your timeframe one of the divisions regiments was doing the duty of armored motorized infantry so that would change what and how they carried things vs having to walk across the Rhine.

I’m portraying G company, 311 Infantry

About 25 years ago, I purchased an M1 helmet. It had been "picked" here in Ohio, where I am from. The helmet was named on the inside and I lucked out and tracked down the veteran it belonged to who was still living. His name was Arthur Thurston from Medina, Ohio and he was a member of Company B, 302nd Infantry, 94th Inf Div and he was a member of a mortar squad. 

He's now deceased but we corresponded for a couple years.

He sent me a copy of this image of himself taken during the war in the field. He pointed out that he was armed with a .45 pistol as a rifle would have been too cumbersome considering the weight of the mortar he lugged around.

Sorry for the poor quality of the image but I'm sure it was the best the old man could do based on his skills.

 

 

 

Thank you guys so much, this info helped a lot.

Hello, I would also add that it wasn't uncommon for soldiers who were armed with 1911s to "relocate" other more powerful firearms such as carbines. I would still do some more research to make sure but from what I have seen from pictures and interviews, soldiers tried to protect themselves the best they could especially in the closing months as they didn't want to get killed in the closing months of the war.