Necro Post ! But this thread is a top result in searches about WWII .38 Special , so I'll add some additional .

My late FIL was USMC MP during WWII ( state side ) . They were issued .38 Special . He carried S&W Victory . Don't know if only S&W were used , or if he manuevered to always use one because he preferred them ( he was knowledgeable shooter and hunter before his service ) .

He used them in several Duty shootings, generally with favorable , or at least expected results , with one exception .

He had occasion to shoot at a car moving away from him . He was aimed at the back of driver's head . The bullet penetrated the rear window , but had been deflected enough that it instead pass just outside the driver's ear .

It's my understanding that state side Mil LE and defense plant gaurds used 158 RNL , but I didn't think to directly ask him , and he passed 1993 @ 76yo .