The History of Marine Corps Competitive Marksmanship
A historical look at the illustrious Marine Corps Marksmanship teams
Major Barde's extensively researched and footnoted book is considered the definitive text on the history of the US Marine Corps shooting programs. This detailed examination of the era from 1901 thru 1962 covers all of the most famous matches, both U.S. and internationally-based.
You'll learn about the most famous marksmen of each era and how they contributed to the Marines' legacy as the winningest service branch in U.S. competitive shooting. A must-have edition for any Marine Corps shooting competitor or those with an interest in American shooting competition history.
• U.S. and International matches
• Olympics participation
• Vintage shooting positions
• Team-based competition
• Automatic weapon markmanship
• The Krag, Springfield, and Garand in competition
• Equipment tricks and maintainance
• Amusing stories and anecdotes
Numerous appendices outline information on the most coveted awards and trophies, such as the Lauchheimer, Elliot Trophy, Lloyd Trophy, San Diego Trophy, The Holcomb, Edson and many more. Generously illustrated with historical photos from every era. This edition features a new Foreword by former Marine Shooting team competitor/coach MSgt Jim Owens.
It is in this historical record you will find many clues to the US Marines eternal emphasis on rifle marksmanship as a key tenet of their organization. Commandant Gen. David M. Shoup said it best in his Preface to this book:
"The triumphs and the defeats at Camp Perry, Wakefield, and Sea Girt played a fundamental part in the training and molding of combat Marines. The firing lines of these famous ranges produced shooters and techniques that augured well the successful battles of France, Nicaragua, Haiti, the Pacific Isles and Korea."