16 replies to this topic

[Hawkeye_Joe]

5th Ranger pic shot in France 6/24/45

Notice the M1 Thompson and notice that it has no stock and the sling is attached to the pistol grip and yes.. I know it's posed in a studio..

[Sgt]

Hawkeye--
I very much enjoyed the photo. I know this is posed in a studio, but can we assume this is probably his gear?

[Hawkeye_Joe]

Yes.. he is a bonafide 5th Ranger.. had several photos taken of him in his uniform and gear..

[TactAdv]

Most folks would miss these, unless you've had to consider them yourselves.......but there are three extremely interesting things shown in this pose that lend absolute credence that this was a man of considerable (combat) experience, and that time, and other combat Vets, had imparted more than a little survival wisdom into him.

The first thing you notice is a complete disregard for "proper" weapons protocols.

-The TSMG, as shown, is quite purposefully rigged as a fast response weapon.....having no doubt realized that he had resorted to employing it as a "point shooting" weapon from the low-ready position almost exclusively, the elimination of the stock and rigging the hasty sling is.......quite intelligently arranged for deciding the old question in combat contacts of "the Quick and the Dead".
-The M1911A1 (presuambly) is shown in a butt-forward cross-draw carry that only a seasoned veteran of streetfighting would have learned. The holster flap is not tucked, it's been removed. Again, seasoning and repeated validation of speed and accessability.
-The M3 in the tight-thonged leg rig. Her has spent as much time rigging the knife......as modifying the Thompson. That's significant as it shows the value placed on accessability of the knife as fighting tool.

Though posed, this is a pretty remarkable picture in that I fully suspect that this is almost exactly the kit he wore on a daily basis, he didn't leave anything off for the pose, that's what he moved about in, save maybe for some ammo carry kit, these guys moved fast and light.

I'd be curious to know for sure, but my guess is that he probably survived the War...............as a direct result of the lessons he has obviously learned and shown here.
-TomH

[Hawkeye_Joe]

According to the 5th Ranger's history Ranger Jim Royle did indeed survive the war.

He is wearing the "Presidential Unit Citation" as the only decoration on his M42 wool shirt this would be the only thing I think he would not wear into combat. The M3 is oftimes seem strapped to the leg in this manner but both Rangers and Paratroopers. Except for his Combat jacket and helmet and his GP bag and haversack I'd say he's ready for anything. The only strange thing about this photo is the color of the Ranger diamond, which was blue with yellow letters and border...this one doesn't look that way in fact it looks reversed.

[full auto 45]

This is the "cool" thompson pictures I like!

cool thompson photo

[Roland, Headless Thompson Gunner]

Mike, would you call that a 'point and shoot position"? Once again you've kidnapped a historically relevant thread and brought it down to the boards level. Congrats!

[First Sergeant]

I failed to locate the Thompson in Mike's most recent photo........good job !! Better post another.

Chuck

[full auto 45]

Just couldn't help myself...............sorry. Chuck, try again.

My headstone

[John Jr]

Since your dead, can I have her?



(the girl you dummy, the girl.....oh hell I'll take em both)

[First Sergeant]

Thanks Mike !! The only part of the Thompson I saw this time was the forearm hanger.......and surprisngly it seems to be hanging a bit low !!

Chuck

[sten guy]

Why didn't the girl have the Thompson cocked??!!!

STEN

[knobcreeknut]

Hey Mike, isn't that my gun she' holding ? to bad I was out of town and couldn't assist.

[Z3BigDaddy]

Wait a second, we went from a photo of an American Patriot to TommyGun porn? And I thought Mr Phil and I were the kings of thread hijacking.....

[full auto 45]

PORN!! Well by golly, if that ain't ALL AMERICAN, I don't know what is!
Hey that gives me an idea, www.tommygunporn.com .................hum?

[First Sergeant]

Mike,

I just checked the domain www.tommygunporn.com is still available........be patriotic and go for it.

Chuck

[Bisley45]

is it just me or does his left brest pocket look full and or heavy? could he have a couple of XX mags in his breast pocket?

BB