The proper use of a BAR
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Pfc. Alton Knappenberger aka Knappie crawled to an exposed knoll and went into position with his BAR in order to lay down some hate.
He single handedly took out 2 MG positions from 100 yards out and killed scores of enemy soldiers who had crawled up to a few yards of his position.
Shortly thereafter, an enemy 20mm. antiaircraft gun directed fire at him, and that too was destroyed.
The Germans began pounding his position with tank and artillery shellfire, but Knappie stood his ground a continued his one man stand.
In a span of two hours, Pfc. Knappenberger, a 20 year old farm boy from PA who was only 5'6" and 118lbs, held off 2 German infantry companies and killed over 60 of the enemy with his BAR; the only injury he sustained was a blister on his foot.
After only spending a total of 11 days in combat, he was awarded the Medal of Honor.
A Man With Guts, and a BAR
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A Man With Guts, and a BAR
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The Rotten Fruit Always Hits The Ground First
Proud Life Member Of:
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Proud Life Member Of:
NRA
Second Amendment Foundation
Citizens Committee For The Right To Keep And Bear Arms
DAV
Re: A Man With Guts, and a BAR
The gun was as as big as he was. Amazing shooting.
D. Brian Casady
Quid Llatine Dictum Sit, Altum Viditur.
Advanced is being able to do the basics while your leg is on fire---Bill Jeans
Don't ever take a fence down until you know why it was put up---Robert Frost
Quid Llatine Dictum Sit, Altum Viditur.
Advanced is being able to do the basics while your leg is on fire---Bill Jeans
Don't ever take a fence down until you know why it was put up---Robert Frost
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Re: A Man With Guts, and a BAR
Knappie is the very definition of Hero.
My Grandfather was a BAR gunner with the 45th Division 157th Infantry in France and Germany in 1944-45.
My Grandfather was a BAR gunner with the 45th Division 157th Infantry in France and Germany in 1944-45.
"People who need long explanations at moments when everything depends on instinct have always irritated me." ~ Guy Sajer
Re: A Man With Guts, and a BAR
Awesome story. I watched every episode of "Medal of Honor" when I had access to it. Great men!! After handling a BAR I now know why they call it 1918............it weighs 19 or 18 pounds!!!! The one I shot was AUTO(slow) and AUTO(a little faster). Accurate off the bipod.
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Re: A Man With Guts, and a BAR
How was it that he was alone for two hours? No comrades , artillary or air support? A feel good story but sounds fishy to me.
- marlinman93
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Re: A Man With Guts, and a BAR
Amazing story! That type of guy doesn't come along every day then or today!
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Re: A Man With Guts, and a BAR
It's a matter of recorded military history.Alphawolf45 wrote: ↑Fri Jul 17, 2020 9:19 am How was it that he was alone for two hours? No comrades , artillary or air support? A feel good story but sounds fishy to me.
I doubt that the archives of Arlington National Cemetary would make this stuff up.
http://www.arlingtoncemetery.net/awkappenberger.htm
The Rotten Fruit Always Hits The Ground First
Proud Life Member Of:
NRA
Second Amendment Foundation
Citizens Committee For The Right To Keep And Bear Arms
DAV
Proud Life Member Of:
NRA
Second Amendment Foundation
Citizens Committee For The Right To Keep And Bear Arms
DAV
Re: A Man With Guts, and a BAR
Again, it was some amazingly good shooting. There are a few who are truly that good. He was one of them. Obviously, he was able to ignore his fear. Everyone has fear when in a very dangerous spot like that. Not everyone can continue to function like he did. That is why he was awarded medals for his actions. Way above and beyond the call.
D. Brian Casady
Quid Llatine Dictum Sit, Altum Viditur.
Advanced is being able to do the basics while your leg is on fire---Bill Jeans
Don't ever take a fence down until you know why it was put up---Robert Frost
Quid Llatine Dictum Sit, Altum Viditur.
Advanced is being able to do the basics while your leg is on fire---Bill Jeans
Don't ever take a fence down until you know why it was put up---Robert Frost