A "Captured" P-38 pistol.

[Rabid Rich]

I remember reading some of WWII correspondent Ernie Pyles books many years ago. In one of those books/stories he wrote about a unit that gathered weapons and such from the battlefields. They would take the damaged weapons all apart putting the individual pieces in barrels, buckets whatever. Then after cleaning the parts they would reassmble the Garands, carbines, 1911's, etc. No time for matching up serial numbers etc.
I wonder If the Germans didn't do the same thing? Never heard for sure.
One more thing I remember about Ernies story. He was looking thru the battle damage rifles and mentioned some of the carvings in the stocks. Initials of course and other sentiments . One even had a picture of a Wife or sweetheart inlayed into the buttstock.
Pretty interesting and food for the imagination.
Also bolsters the respect for ALL our service men and women that give so much for us.
GOD Bless Them ALL!
Post Script: I think I will check out some book stores and get some of Ernie Pyles books. Great reading.