[whitesharkseeker]

This is a 20mm AT rifle. Placed as a memorial on Peleliu, it has since been stolen like so many relics on the island. Very sad since this type of battlefield find is so rare.

-Eric

 

[CW]

Hey Eric,
There were a bunch of Iwo Jima pics on eBay recently. Did you see the one of the Marines dragging the 47mm AT gun out of the bunker? Here's the link:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=270318751354&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT&ih=017

I wonder if the cannon in your picture isn't one from a tank. They had a pistol grip and stock on those.

 

[whitesharkseeker]

This is it. Sorry, meant 20mm.....

-Eric

 

[BIG ED]

Who steals this stuff? Scrappers?

 

[whitesharkseeker]

Hey Eric,
There were a bunch of Iwo Jima pics on eBay recently. Did you see the one of the Marines dragging the 47mm AT gun out of the bunker? Here's the link:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=270318751354&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT&ih=017

I wonder if the cannon in your picture isn't one from a tank. They had a pistol grip and stock on those.

No, I didn't see that particular photo! Darn, what a neat shot. Thanks for the heads-up...

-Eric

 

[byf45]

You know, as sad as it is, the scrappers or thieves might as well take such things. By the looks of it, the memorial has been uncared-for since it's installation and as the result of such neglect, it was disintegrating from its years in the sun, rain and salt air. Another decade and there would have been nothing left but rusted shards.
A shame to us who appreciate what the memorial was intended for and the sacrifice made by the men involved.
But such is the way man...
JohnB/

 

[whitesharkseeker]

You know, as sad as it is, the scrappers or thieves might as well take such things. By the looks of it, the memorial has been uncared-for since it's installation and as the result of such neglect, it was disintegrating from its years in the sun, rain and salt air. Another decade and there would have been nothing left but rusted shards.
A shame to us who appreciate what the memorial was intended for and the sacrifice made by the men involved.
But such is the way man...
JohnB/

Good point, wish the island museum would do things about deteriorated artifacts. All the extant LVT(A)'s on the island are so corroded their heavy turrets are falling right through the hulls due to weakened metal!