The M2’s were certainly primary force protection pieces on most “permanent” perimeters/positions in Indian country -— but the M60, especially in our AO and era of the M14, was a readily available and beloved workhorse and killing tool.
NOTHING in God's creation — gives a Grunt on a “Walk” greater comfort that having along three or more M60s — and enough locals to carry LOTS of belted and canned 7.62 cal ammo — which was common to our carry pieces.
I don't recall ever hearing a Grunt complain about carrying at least one belt for the M60s while the bigger guys would carry 2, it was like carrying a meal for your monster who would help devour their monsters.....
I've seen 90 pound local gals carry up to four 7.62 cal belts or 2 cans of ammo all day long up hill in the mountains, and never utter a complaint.
One regret - is that NONE of us had a camera to take a picture of the beauty of the M60’s tracers at night in interlocking fields of fire across our front — nor the results in the morning.... Unfortunately, tracers also identify the location of their origin!
Bad Mojo.
M60 crews paid dearly....
However — those damned auto grenade launchers look like they could generate Marine orgasms and enemy $hi+ fits!
Thanks for your excellent memory, post and photos...
Of course 7.62 cal = 7.62 MM
Getting old is a bitch, but it sure as hell beats the alternative!
Of course 7.62 cal = 7.62 MM
Getting old is a bitch, but it sure as hell beats the alternative!
I loved the M60 !
I have related the story before as to how we welded up the front and rear parts of the receiver that caused runaways or failure to fire etc !! We had some custom op rods with dual sear notches etc ....all the wear points were case hardened and ceramic coated like the sear and such .......
Beau Coup Pucker Factor Belts were nooooooooo problem !
Great memories !
Stay safe RR !