List of World War II weapons of the United States

US-guns-WWII

M1911A1

Frederic Laboureur Colt 1903 Pocket pistol-2013.19.1-IMG 7577-white

Colt Shooting Master

US Colt 45 M1917 Revolver

US S & W45 M 1917 Revolver

List of World War II weapons of the United States encompasses the various firearms, artillery, tanks, aircraft, and other equipment used by the United States during World War II. The U.S. had a significant arsenal that was both diverse and technologically advanced for its time, playing a crucial role in the Allied victory. This list highlights some of the most notable weapons and equipment fielded by the American forces during the conflict.

Small Arms

Rifles

• M1 Garand - The primary service rifle, semi-automatic, chambered for the .30-06 Springfield cartridge.
• M1903 Springfield - A bolt-action rifle, used primarily in the early stages of the war and by snipers.
• M1 Carbine - A lighter, semi-automatic rifle for officers, non-combat personnel, and paratroopers.

Sidearms

• M1911 pistol - The standard-issue sidearm, chambered in .45 ACP.
• M1917 revolver - Used alongside the M1911, chambered for the .45 ACP with moon clips.

Submachine Guns

• Thompson submachine gun - Widely used by American forces, known for its .45 ACP cartridge.
• M3 submachine gun - Also known as the "Grease Gun," it was simpler and cheaper to produce than the Thompson.

Machine Guns

• M1918 Browning Automatic Rifle (BAR) - A light machine gun for squad-level support.
• M1919 Browning machine gun - A medium machine gun, used in various roles.
• M2 Browning - A heavy machine gun, chambered in .50 BMG, used against personnel, aircraft, and light vehicles.

Artillery

• M1 Howitzer - A light howitzer used for direct fire support.
• M2 Howitzer - A medium howitzer, used for indirect fire support.
• M1 Garand - A heavy artillery piece, known for its long-range and high explosive power.

Tanks

• M4 Sherman - The primary American tank, versatile with various configurations.
• M3 Lee/Grant - An earlier model used before and during the initial stages of the war.
• M26 Pershing - A heavier tank deployed in the final stages of the European Theater.

Aircraft

• P-51 Mustang - A long-range fighter, pivotal in gaining air superiority over Europe.
• B-17 Flying Fortress - A heavy bomber, known for its durability and payload capacity.
• C-47 Skytrain - A military transport aircraft, crucial for airborne operations and logistics.

Naval Weapons

• Iowa-class battleship - Among the most powerful battleships, providing significant firepower.
• Fletcher-class destroyer - A versatile and widely used destroyer class.
• Gato-class submarine - The primary submarine class, effective in the Pacific theater against Japanese shipping.

Conclusion

The United States' arsenal during World War II was vast and varied, contributing significantly to the Allied powers' victory. From small arms to heavy artillery and advanced aircraft, American weaponry evolved throughout the war to meet the changing demands of the global conflict.