3

The display was very well received by the public, judges, and media. Several spectators returned for a second look

or to take photos after realizing they had left their cameras in their cars. The display and related artifacts received

four awards on Sunday. Silver medals were awarded to S/N 1,000,000 M1 Garand rifle, and the Primer Actuated

Rifle (which was not entered in competition, but awarded the medal based on judges input). The Medal for Merit

received The Certificate of Recognition, and the entire display won Best Educational Award for Contemporary

Arms 1890 fifty years ago. To put into perspective how close this competition was this year, the display came in

third place separated from first by 5 of 300 points!

I think I speak for all those working the show that we were completely exhausted by Sunday night. However, the

countless stories from veterans of WWII, Korea, and Vietnam, that were issued, drilled, trained, or shot an M1

Garand far surpassed the sore feet, legs, and backs. Based on our non-scientific research, about 70% have

experienced an M1 Thumb. Those who served in the Army all seemed to admit to the sore thumbs, and in many

cases admitted to more than one case. Those in the Marines were either less forthcoming with the rest of the story

or paid a little more attention to their drill sergeants during training. Many just said, Once was enough. The award

for the youngest case belongs to a son of an Army officer who learned his lesson at nine years old!

THE CROWD

W

AS HUGH

WITH OVER 63,000

THROUGH

THE DOORS BY

SA

TURDA

Y

.(BELOW

 L

 

T

O R) JOHN GARAND'S MEDAL

 OF

 MERIT

, HIS NOTE BOOK

FOR

THE FIRST

 

TRIALS OF

 HIS RIFLE,

AND HIS CAR BADGES FOR SPRINGFIELD

ARMOR

Y

.