How many soldiers did carry handguns?

My dad was an MP in the Marines in the mid 50s to mid 60s and he carried a 1911A1 most of the time...even when he went to 'Nam in 63-64. He went with some engineer's group or something like that.


When dad returned from Nam in late 64, he "kept" his issue M1911A1 and still has it to this day. It is an Ithaca-made pistol that looks like it has seen better days, but it functions fine. The sights are tiny and its hard to hiot thins with it, in general, but it is very reliable.


I have no idea what dad's 45 is worth, but with the white issue leather "US" flap holster and the 2 extra mags in a green/tan web pouch to go with it, I'd guess its worth some serious cash. He'd never sell it, because it does yeoman duty in his nightstand. Once a Marine...oh, well...you know!


Yep, other soldiers carried pistols too, I guess. Interesting topic.


-SA