REM 3200
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jimmyj nailed the answer about why a revolver was the standard issue sidearm for aircrew.
What .38 was my Dad issued in Vietnam?
- Thread starter gfors
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jimmyj nailed the answer about why a revolver was the standard issue sidearm for aircrew.
sigp220.45
US Veteran
THE PILGRIM
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snowman.45
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I grew up with a career Air Force Sgt. father. He was EOD and most of his time in, we were stationed at SAC bases. As a young kid in the '50s and '60s, I saw a lot of Air Police and SAC security guys on the bases, as well as a few armed pilots in Alaska. I know all of the AP guys I saw in the early to mid '60s were issued Model 15s, as were the pilots I recall seeing armed. Alaska was a pretty hot spot to be during the Cold War, and I used to watch F102s and F106s hitting the afterburners during Arctic Circle scrambles, as well as see and hear the B52s, and B47s taking off. Seemed like there were a lot of potential combat missions launched in that era, especially in that we were in Alaska during the Cuban Missle Crises, the Kennedy assassination, and the great earthquake.
My father was often issued sidearms when he and his unit were detailed to disarm downed fighters from WWII in the Aleutian Islands in the early '60s, as well as for other details and flight line duties dealing with the movement and loading of nukes. For some details, he carried a Model 12 2". For others, he carried a Model 15, and yet for others, he was issued a 1911, but I seem to remember those were mostly issued with white web gear for ceremonial purposes. I remember him cleaning that web gear at home.
My father was often issued sidearms when he and his unit were detailed to disarm downed fighters from WWII in the Aleutian Islands in the early '60s, as well as for other details and flight line duties dealing with the movement and loading of nukes. For some details, he carried a Model 12 2". For others, he carried a Model 15, and yet for others, he was issued a 1911, but I seem to remember those were mostly issued with white web gear for ceremonial purposes. I remember him cleaning that web gear at home.
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My condolences on your dad passing. Your post tells me a few things about him like
1. he must've been a great dad based on your efforts that say you're thinking of him.
2. He was definitely a hero in my eyes as all those that served are
3. He was a gun guy so that revolver could be a model or caliber of his choice but upon a zoom of pic, it appears that the holster has the sight protector flap at top and gives rise to the 15 as the model carried.
I would assume that after having his BHP stolen, if he had another or other personal weapon, he would've remembered it and protected it.
My vote is for the M15.
1. he must've been a great dad based on your efforts that say you're thinking of him.
2. He was definitely a hero in my eyes as all those that served are
3. He was a gun guy so that revolver could be a model or caliber of his choice but upon a zoom of pic, it appears that the holster has the sight protector flap at top and gives rise to the 15 as the model carried.
I would assume that after having his BHP stolen, if he had another or other personal weapon, he would've remembered it and protected it.
My vote is for the M15.
I agree with the majority here. The issue revolver was the Model 15
Combat Masterpiece. .38 Spl. But, as a bird colonel you Dad could
carry about anything he wanted to. Sorry for your loss, and thank
God for men like him.
Combat Masterpiece. .38 Spl. But, as a bird colonel you Dad could
carry about anything he wanted to. Sorry for your loss, and thank
God for men like him.
The well known marine pilot of whom you speak was non other
than hall of fame Boston Red Sox great Ted Williams.
Revolvers were routinely issued as private protection armament for pilots, back to WWII. The official reason stated is that revolvers were more easily handled with one hand; the other might be occupied (particularly with chopper pilots) managing the aircraft, unbuckling, gathering gear, etc.
One of my high school buddies, Army Mohawk pilot Lt. Ed Cribb, was issued a refurbished S&W Victory Model in Vietnam. Sadly, he lost his life after his aircraft was disabled by ground fire and he had to eject too low - chute never opened fully. His remains now rest in the Fort Benning cemetery.
The AF got the first class Model 15s.
John
One of my high school buddies, Army Mohawk pilot Lt. Ed Cribb, was issued a refurbished S&W Victory Model in Vietnam. Sadly, he lost his life after his aircraft was disabled by ground fire and he had to eject too low - chute never opened fully. His remains now rest in the Fort Benning cemetery.
The AF got the first class Model 15s.
John
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gfors
SWCA Member
He was awarded the Silver Star during a mortar attack (November 1, 1964) on some B57’s (which weren’t supposed to be there). He jumped into a battle-damaged fire truck, drove to the flight line, and started fighting the blaze. Ordinance (bombs) and ammo on the B57’s were exploding and mortars were raining from the sky. According to the commendation, he was “instrumental in saving valuable aircraft, supplies, and the lives of a large number of personnel.” His commander wanted to recommend him for a Purple Heart, because of the burns he sustained. My dad asked his commander to quash that commendation. He thought the Purple Heart should be awarded to someone who was “injured in battle”. He didn’t think his burns were injuries, compared to what others were going through.
He ended up in the A1E, because he wanted combat experience, and his squadron of F-100’s wasn’t going to deploy. After he’d been there a while, the F-100’s did deploy to Vietnam. He was miffed, as he really wanted a chance at becoming an ace. He flew a bunch of fighters (and even a bomber, the FB-111), but never got a chance at a “dogfight”.
ordnanceguy
SWCA Member
Hard to say, but to me it looks like a spare 20 round magazine. Notice the magazine in the mag well. That looks to me like two mags taped together. And the 100 MPH tape did not stop there. The muzzle appears to be taped as well, probably to avoid foreign matter getting into the barrel in case the pilot is making a quick exit on the ground after departing his aircraft.
The USAF was first to adopt the AR-15. I am not an AR expert but with this pic being dated '64-'65 the rifle could be either an AR-15 or an early M16. The revolver is almost certainly a Model 15 Combat Masterpiece.
He could hit a little, probably had good hand eye co-ordination.
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Looking at the photo, it appears to me that the stocks on that revolver are flat across the bottom. I believe that style of magna handles was standard for target sighted revolvers, including the Model 15.
My old 60's -70's M&P has what Elmer Keith called "plainclothes" stocks ... rounded off towards the bottom of the butt. Pretty sure the holstered revolver is a Model 15.
My old 60's -70's M&P has what Elmer Keith called "plainclothes" stocks ... rounded off towards the bottom of the butt. Pretty sure the holstered revolver is a Model 15.
Those are not model 10 grips, they are model 15 grips. Just called a buddy that was enlisted during same time period and he confirmed model 15 as others have said.
He could hit a "little". I don't think anyone has hit over .400
for the season since he did. I'm not a huge baseball expert
but I believe there were a few before.
When I was in D.C. in 1955 I got out to see a couple of games.
Senators vs Red Sox, I got to see Ted Williams.
The Senators had a fairly good hitter too. Harmon Killebrew.
bigggbbruce
Member
Looks like adjustable sights on a Model 15 to me.
OP
gfors
SWCA Member
Thanks to all for the kind words and educated guesses. It would appear that a Model 15 is in my future. How hard is it to find one with USAF stamped on it?
bigggbbruce
Member
Well.. lots more of them without..
I have a non marked 15-3. You'll just have to go looking for that specifically.
sigp220.45
US Veteran
I'll add this:
I was an Air Force SP from 83-91. At that time, a lot of Vietnam fighter jocks were full bull Colonels and filling slots as base and wing commanders.
There was just something about those guys. They were cool and unflappable and just real men. Your Dad seems like one. I bet you miss him.
I was an Air Force SP from 83-91. At that time, a lot of Vietnam fighter jocks were full bull Colonels and filling slots as base and wing commanders.
There was just something about those guys. They were cool and unflappable and just real men. Your Dad seems like one. I bet you miss him.
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