combat knife adopted by the usmc in 1942 traditionally used a 7 in. carbon steel blade and...
TRANSCRIPT
AMERICAN WEAPONS IN THE VIETNAM WAR
KA-Bar
Combat knife adopted by the USMC in 1942
Traditionally used a 7 in. carbon steel blade and leather-washer handle.
• Later models had a serrated blade to cut pilots out of crashed air craft
Carbine Favored when providing suppressive fire
to save heavier ammunition Shorter barrels were favored when
traveling on trucks, planes, or helicopters. They were often aimed in the direction of
the enemy, not directly at the enemy, to hold them down where they are.
Replaced by the M16
Beehive Rounds
Anti personnel round fired from artillery gun
Filled with metal darts that are ejected during its trajectory
Known as the beehive round because of the sound the metal darts make during flight
M14
The M14 rifle is the last issued “battle rifle” issued to troops
Issued to troops durring basic training
Replaced by the M16 in 1970 Still used for ceremonial reasons
today
M16
The M16 replaced the M14, and can either fire semi auto or full auto rounds
Used by the US Intended for jungle warfare Most produced weapon of its caliber
M60
Formerly called the “united states machine gun”
Can fire many different rounds such as ball, tracer, and armor piercing rounds
Introduced in 1957, it is still used today
M14
The M14 rifle is the last issued “battle rifle” issued to troops
Issued to troops durring basic training
Replaced by the M16 in 1970 Still used for ceremonial reasons
today
M16
The M16 replaced the M14, and can either fire semi auto or full auto rounds
Used by the US Intended for jungle warfare Most produced weapon of its caliber
M60
Formerly called the “united states machine gun”
Can fire many different rounds such as ball, tracer, and armor piercing rounds
Introduced in 1957, it is still used today
M14
The M14 rifle is the last issued “battle rifle” issued to troops
Issued to troops durring basic training
Replaced by the M16 in 1970 Still used for ceremonial reasons
today
M16
The M16 replaced the M14, and can either fire semi auto or full auto rounds
Used by the US Intended for jungle warfare Most produced weapon of its caliber
M60
Formerly called the “united states machine gun”
Can fire many different rounds such as ball, tracer, and armor piercing rounds
Introduced in 1957, it is still used today
M14
The M14 rifle is the last issued “battle rifle” issued to troops
Issued to troops durring basic training
Replaced by the M16 in 1970 Still used for ceremonial reasons
today
M16
The M16 replaced the M14, and can either fire semi auto or full auto rounds
Used by the US Intended for jungle warfare Most produced weapon of its caliber
M60
Formerly called the “united states machine gun”
Can fire many different rounds such as ball, tracer, and armor piercing rounds
Introduced in 1957, it is still used today
Deanna WilliamsM-79
The m79 grenade launcher is a single-shot, shoulder-fired, break action grenade launcher that fires a 40x46mm grenade that appeared during the Vietnam War.
It was popular among American soldiers (particularly US Army) because it was easy to use, was reliable, and its firepower.
American troops dubbed it the “platoon leader’s artillery”.
Deanna WilliamsRPG
A rocket-propelled grenade is a shoulder-fired, anti-tank weapon system that fires rockets with an explosive warhead.
Are very affective against armored vehicles like APCs.
Used extensively during the Vietnam War, especially the Vietnam People’s Army and Vietcong.
Deanna WilliamsClaymore Mine
A directional anti-personnel mine used by the U.S. military
Command-detonated and remote-controlled
Was developed in WWII
The type M18A1 was standardized in 1960, seeing its first action in the Vietnam War
During the Vietnam War, Vietcong, etc. would turn the mines around to face American troops. In retaliation, American troops would turn them back around.
M2 Flamethrower
American man-portable backpack flamethrower
Burn time lasted about 47 seconds Effective up to 20 meters (need to get
close)
Eric Zaneski
M102 Howitzer
Light weight towed weapon Basic artillery Used to clear land from obstructions and
enemy forces
Eric Zaneski