Japanese T-38 Rifle Family Souviner

[Bill Grist]

This type 38 Rifle was picked up on Anguar Island, Palau Island Group South Pacific by My Uncle William B. Kidd a 19 Year old 81st. 'WILDCAT' Division 322nd. RCT, Line Company Rifleman..Anguar Island was a heavily defended Japanese island, that Japan had received as war booty from Germany after WW1. Landings were made on 17 September 1944 for a two day campaign which lasted 2 months, on 28 September 1944 the 81st. Division would suffer their highest Casualities of the war..After Anguar the 81st. would again see heavy action on Luzon, PI.. Even though Uncle Bill would become a successful Attorney he could never shake the horrow of war and died at a young age of 65.. SO I dedicate this post to him and all the fine young men and women of all nations that have served their countries in time of war......Now the rifle..Type 38 with two zeros in front of the sn. denoting aresnal rebuild.. The MUM has been over stamped with a rising sun flag design which more than likely denotes purchased by some patroitic orginaziation and given to a Japanese Unit or a pre war school as this is a very early type 38..The bayonet is Mukden Aresnal..Can someone translate the kanji on the stock.. In the picture of the GIs on the troop transport ship Pvt. William B. Kidd is the tall GI on the left...Enjoy BILL

[cool-e]

I don't know what is neater: the rifle or having and Uncle Billy the Kidd

[gar]

nice Rifle

[packin9]

65...way too young.

[bill1]

A real piece of history.

[History]

That's what it's all about!!!! You got a great family Bill.