Born on the Fourth of July

Born on the Fourth of July is the 1989 feature film adaptation of an autobiographical novel written by Ron Kovic, a US Marine who was paralyzed during the Vietnam War and subsequently became involved in the anti-war movement. The film was directed by Oliver Stone (who received his second Academy Award for Best Director) and stars Tom Cruise as Kovic. The film was part of director Oliver Stone's unofficial "trilogy" of Vietnam War-themed films which included 1986's Platoon and 1993's Heaven & Earth.
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=Rifles=
== M1903 Springfield ==
During the 4th of July parade set in the late 1950's, ROTC cadets are seen marching with M1903 Springfield rifles. ROTC cadets carry the rifles in a 4th of July parade set in 1969.
thumb|none|600px|ROTC cadets marching with 1903 Springfield rifles.
thumb|none|601px|ROTC cadets marching with 1903 Springfield rifles are met with more animosity in a 4th of July parade in 1969.
==M1 Garand==
During the 4th of July parade set in the late 1950's, veterans are briefly seen marching with what appear to be M1 Garand rifles.
== M14 Rifle ==
Ron Kovic (Tom Cruise) and his fellow Marines use M14 rifles during the Vietnam sequences, which take place in January 1968, when the rifle was in the process of being replaced by the M16A1 in the United States Marine Corps. The rifle is used in several pivotal sequences, including the accidental shooting of Vietnamese civilians in a hamlet, the death of one of Kovic's squadmates and finally when Kovic himself is paralyzed during an ambush. 
thumb|none|601px|Several Marines on patrol with their M14s.
thumb|none|601px|Kovic and his squad search a hamlet in Vietnam.
thumb|none|601px|Ron Kovic (Tom Cruise) fires his M14 after being ambushed by NVA forces.
thumb|none|601px|Kovic continues to fire his M14, despite being already wounded in the foot.
thumb|none|601px|A close-up of Kovic's M14, firing on full auto. Note the blank shell casing.
==Type 56 carbine SKS==
North Vietnamese soldiers can be seen with SKS Type 56 rifles during the ambush of the Marines. 
thumb|none|600px||An NVA soldier running with a Type 56 rifle.
==Norinco Type 56== 
North Vietnamese soldiers fire Type 56 rifles during the ambush of Kovic's Marine platoon. 
thumb|none|601px|NVA soldier fires his Type 56 from a fortified position. Note the closed front sight indicating that the rifle is a Type 56.
=Machine Guns=
== M60 ==
Marines fighting in Vietnam can be seen using M60 machine guns. The M60 also is seen mounted on Marine "Huey" helicopters.
thumb|none|601px|The Marine M60 team opening fire.
thumb|none|601px|A Marine on patrol with an M60 on his shoulder.
thumb|none|601px||A Marine with a M60 falling back after being ambushed.
thumb|none|601px|A Marine "Huey" helicopter covers the Marines on patrol with an M60 mounted on the side.
==RPD==
An RPD is seen being fired by a NVA soldier.
thumb|none|601px|An NVA soldier fires the RPD at a Marine helicopter.
=Handguns=
==M1911A1==
A Marine fires a M1911A1 during the battle which paralyzes Kovic.
thumb|none|601px|A Marine behind Kovic fires an M1911.
=Other=
==M79 Grenade Launcher==
An M79 Grenade Launcher is briefly seen carried by a Marine in Vietnam.
==M72 LAW==
In the film, one of the weapons carried by the Marines in Vietnam is the M72 LAW.
==M20A1 "Super Bazooka"==
In the film, one of the weapons carried by the Marines in Vietnam is the 3.5 inch M20A1 "Super Bazooka" rocket launcher. A Marine can be briefly seen assembling a 3.5 inch M20A1 "Super Bazooka" when Kovic's platoon is ambushed. 
thumb|none|601px|A Marine assembles his M20A1 "Super Bazooka".
Category:Movie
Category:Drama
Category:War
Category:Oliver Stone