Give me the LE! It has worked all the time without problems, no matter if in the sand, mud or the jungle.
That one is a DCRA 7.62 conversion with target sights, but you are right the LE bolt action is much less troublesome than any semi-auto. KTK
Well as a paratrooper you wouldnt have a big bulky m1 garand you want a smaller m1 carbine ( carbine is actually pronounced carbyne) but the garand is more accurate and powerful. BTW There still making garands today for hunting purposes.
See if this picture of the carbine shows up. It might be lighter but the M1 is a very nice rifle and probably be worth it's weight in gold. KTK Uploaded with ImageShack.us
If I were in the pacific I would've chosen the carbine because of the size and weight. If I were in Europe it would've been a tie between the two. Having fired the M1 carbine I know that it is a very good weapon.