Posted on Nov 17, 2017
Marine reunited with his World War II rifle
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This was passed on to me via the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP)
Marine reunited with his World War II rifle - By Sarah Elsesser, Palm Beach Post - ORLANDO, FL - A 90-year-old World War II veteran who described being a Marine as the "high point" of his life has been reunited with his M1 Garand rifle after 73 years. Dick Cowell was 18 and the war was in full swing when he enlisted in the Marine Corps and was handed a uniform, the rifle and some bullets. The firearm, his sergeant told him, was now his girlfriend, his wife and his friend. He had to take it everywhere with him, he was told. And he should never, ever call it a gun - unless he wanted to stand naked in front of his company. It was a mistake he only made once. This Veterans Day, the old Marine is reconnecting with the dented, scratched rifle that became his third arm during the war. Today, it's a historic relic that is bringing his family closer. "It's my baby," Cowell said of the rifle. "I am very appreciative that Richard was able to find it after 73 years."
Marine reunited with his World War II rifle - By Sarah Elsesser, Palm Beach Post - ORLANDO, FL - A 90-year-old World War II veteran who described being a Marine as the "high point" of his life has been reunited with his M1 Garand rifle after 73 years. Dick Cowell was 18 and the war was in full swing when he enlisted in the Marine Corps and was handed a uniform, the rifle and some bullets. The firearm, his sergeant told him, was now his girlfriend, his wife and his friend. He had to take it everywhere with him, he was told. And he should never, ever call it a gun - unless he wanted to stand naked in front of his company. It was a mistake he only made once. This Veterans Day, the old Marine is reconnecting with the dented, scratched rifle that became his third arm during the war. Today, it's a historic relic that is bringing his family closer. "It's my baby," Cowell said of the rifle. "I am very appreciative that Richard was able to find it after 73 years."
Marine reunited with his World War II rifle
Posted from wftv.comPosted in these groups: 
WWII World War Two
WWII World War Two
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 3
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That Marine and his rifle still look ready to take on the enemies of our nation and freedom worldwide.
I've got two Garands, one was made towards the end of the Korean war (late enough that it's unlikely to have seen combat) but the other was made during WWII. I have wondered about the soldiers or Marines who were entrusted with their use.
I've got two Garands, one was made towards the end of the Korean war (late enough that it's unlikely to have seen combat) but the other was made during WWII. I have wondered about the soldiers or Marines who were entrusted with their use.
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You can take the Man out of the Marines, but not the Marine out of the Man
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