In commemoration of the 80th Anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima, USMCweaponry presents the story of three servicemen and the weapons they brought home with them from the island.

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USMC Springfield Armory M1 Garand #2020049 was picked up in March, 1945 on Iwo Jima by Major “Todd” Moore. Major Moore was the commanding officer of the 45th Fighter Squadron and the leading ace of the Seventh Air Force with 12 confirmed kills, 1 probable and 3 damaged. Major Moore served overseas for 37 months and flew over 150 combat missions. His awards include the Silver Star, the Distinguished Flying Cross with four Oak Leaf Clusters, and the Air Medal with nine Oak Leaf Clusters. Major Moore stated that he picked up this rifle following a skirmish between Marines and Japanese near the island’s 2nd Airfield.

Major Todd Moore and his P-51 Mustang

#2020049 has a worn SA 10-43 barrel and SA EMcF cartouched stock with USMC depot made sling. Internally, the rifle retains traces of volcanic sand. Inside the stock a small DOPE tag was found, with the windage and elevation zeroes for the Marine who carried this incredible rifle into combat. Due to serial number proximity and the location in which this rifle was found, it is believed that #2020049 was carried by a Gyrene from the 3rd Marine Division (Norton collection). Many years after bringing #2020049 home with him, Major Todd Moore would go on video with the rifle in order to preserve its history. A phenomenal bring back, #2020049 is the only USMC M1 Garand with firm ties to the Battle of Iwo Jima.

Iwo Jima bringback M1 Garand #2020049 still has traces of volcanic sand in the stock.

Major Todd Moore at his home with M1 Garand #2020049 and other items from his time in service.

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USMC Colt M1911 #618795 was issued to Major Alexander Elder, a Marine artillery officer upon his joining the 12th 155mm Gun Battalion in the fall of 1944. Renamed the 2nd 155mm Howitzer Battalion of the 1st Provisional Field Artillery Group for the invasion of Iwo Jima, Major Elder’s howitzer would serve as the battalion’s executive officer. Major Elder’s unit would provide heavy artillery support for the 3rd, 4th and 5th Marine Divisions during the battle, under constant enemy fire themselves.

Marines with the 2nd 155mm Howitzer Battalion providing fire support during the Battle of Iwo Jima (USMC).

One of 10,700 Colt M1911s produced and sent to the Marine Corps in 1919, #618795 retains its original blued finish with some minor parts replacement during its subsequent decades of service. The trigger has been updated to a M1911A1 type and the grips were replaced, while the barrel remains original. The overall condition is nice considering the service this pistol saw. As World War II came to an end and Major Elder would see no further combat, he would be given the opportunity to purchase his M1911. Considering the original documentation #618795 possesses, this pistol is in exceptionally rare company as a battle documented Marine Corps Weapon.

Marine Corps muster rolls for Major Elder in late 1944 & 1945 (NARA)

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During the final days of the Battle of Iwo Jima, the B-29 “McGugin’s Marauders” was forced to make an emergency landing on the island. The B-29’s navigator, Captain Malcolm “Mal” Fleming would write an incredible account of his week on an island surrounded by death. As the fighting wound down, Captain Fleming and some of his crew would accompany Marine officers in search of Japanese samurai swords to bring home as souvenirs in the network of caves the defenders occupied during the battle. One large cave the group encountered was full of all sorts of Japanese and American weapons, with the coveted samurai swords in a far back chamber. Being met with Japanese gunfire as the group attempted to take the swords, the group grabbed what they could on the way out before sealing the cave shut with explosives. Captain Fleming would grab USMC M1 Carbine #34315 in haste on his way out, and take it home with him after the war.

Captain Fleming’s account of his time on Iwo Jima following an emergency landing at the end of the battle.

An Inland M1 Carbine manufactured in the earliest days production, #34315 is largely original and in fair condition. Like Springfield Armory M1 Garand #2020049, this Carbine has a copious amount of volcanic sand remaining in the stock, particularly behind the buttplate. Sold at auction last year with Captain Fleming’s narrative and a signed document identifying #34315 as the “rifle” he brought home with him, this M1 Carbine is an excellent time capsule to the Battle of Iwo Jima.

Iwo Jima Bringbacks M1 Garand #2020049 and M1 Carbine #34315

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When the Marine Parachute Regiment was disbanded in 1944, the majority were assigned to the 5th Marine Division. Captain Robert “Bobby” Dunlap would be one of these Marines, and would bring his Paramarine issued M1941 Johnson Rifle with him. Captain Dunlap’s Medal of Honor citation reads as follows:

“For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as commanding officer of Company C, 1st Battalion, 26th Marines, 5th Marine division, in action against enemy Japanese forces during the seizure of Iwo Jima in the Volcano Islands on 20 and 21 February, 1945. Defying uninterrupted blasts of Japanese artillery, mortar, rifle, and machine-gun fire, Capt. Dunlap led his troops in a determined advance from low ground uphill toward the steep cliffs from which the enemy poured a devastating rain of shrapnel and bullets, steadily inching forward until the tremendous volume of enemy fire from the caves located high to his front temporarily halted his progress. Determined not to yield, he crawled alone approximately 200 yards forward of his front lines, took observation at the base of the cliff 50 yards from Japanese lines, located the enemy gun positions, and returned to his own lines where he relayed the vital information to supporting artillery and naval gunfire units. Persistently disregarding his own personal safety, he then placed himself in an exposed vantage point to direct more accurately the supporting fire and, working without respite for two days and two nights under constant enemy fire, skillfully directed a smashing bombardment against the almost impregnable Japanese positions despite numerous obstacles and heavy marine casualties. A brilliant leader, Capt. Dunlap inspired his men to heroic efforts during this critical phase of the battle and by his cool decision, indomitable fighting spirit, and daring tactics in the face of fanatic opposition greatly accelerated the final decisive defeat of Japanese countermeasures in his sector and materially furthered the continued advance of his company. His great personal valor and gallant spirit of self-sacrifice throughout the bitter hostilities reflect the highest credit upon Capt. Dunlap and the U.S. Naval Service.”

Perhaps the only M1941 Johnson Rifle on Iwo Jima, #A0009 is in original condition. Captain Dunlap carved “Bobby” as well as “VMS” into the stock of the rifle, but otherwise it appears as a standard issue M1941 would. Captain Dunlap’s rifle would go to auction following his death, with the Simpson family of Collector’s Firearms buying the rifle. Excellent articles about Captain Dunlap’s by Brad Simpson and the Galesburg Register do a fine job detailing his time on Iwo Jima and life after. Currently on display at the Collector’s Firearms in Galesburg, Illinois, Captain Dunlap’s #A0009 can still be viewed today.