Quote:
Originally posted by Onthefield:
Does anyone know what type of machine guns were used by the 101st airborne division
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In the June 1944 jump the 101st Airborne Division were issued .30 calibre browning light machine guns. This was in response to a need for a light machine gun that had more fire power than the Browning automatic rifle. The LMG was in fact heavier in weight than the BAR but the increased firepower more than compensated.
When the Division dropped into Holland for Market Garden they were issued with BAR's, however it is not unlikely that many LMG's were also held onto to beef up their firepower.
I believe the correct designation for the Browning LMG is M1919A6. It has a wooden stock. If you own Rendezvous with Destiny there is a good picture of this weapon on the front dust cover.
Of course they also used the tripod-mounted M1919A4 Browning Machine Gun.