Think you have that somewhat skewed.
Europeans havr always seen sidearms of any type a badge of rank. Daggers and bayonets included.
So have many others.
In the US, outside military law enforcement or officers, handguns were for members of crew served weapons, armored vehicles or others whose jobs made longer weapons impractical.
They also were not considered offensive weapons primarily, but were there ready for instant use.
I think some people who write military books and even regs envisualise some things not from experience.
From my own experience, having something like a P 08 in a field environment would be a nightmare. A lot of time in dirty swamp water fully submerged.
They did learn and finally dumped them for the more practical P 38 with softshell holster.
Possibly saved some lives on their side.
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