John Hughes in a U.S. Military Mock Enemy Training Uniform from the 1948-1960 era.

Each year at the Springfield and John C. Garand Matches the prestigious military histories of these rifles are bought to life as some of the competitors in attendance dress in period uniforms. This adds a colorful and rich flair to the National Matches that is unique to the Springfield and the Garand. So who are these walking history lessons?

Fredrick Chapman, Jonathan Liebrandt, and John Hughes from the Southern Michigan Gun Club all participate in history reenactments in addition to dressing in period uniforms for the Matches.

Frederick Chapman and Jonathan Liebrandt pose in their uniforms during the Springfield Match.

Their gun club also hosts a Garand match each January called “The Snow Shoot” in which competitors shoot in period uniforms from WW I to the Korean War. “Shooting in the uniforms gives you a feel for what it was like for the soldiers. I think about them as my helmet rings when I shoot,” said Fredrick Chapman who wore a WW I Army uniform in the Springfield Match.

James Radel dressed in 101st Airborne Easy Company 506 Paratrooper Uniform. He personally received his WWII jumpwings from Major Dick Winters of Easy Company.

James Radel from Sunbury, Pennsylvania also participates in reenactments including one of the largest WWII Air Shows on the east coast that is held on the first weekend of June each year in Redding, Pennsylvania. He reenacts the 101st Airborne 506 Easy Company that the mini-series “Band of Brothers” covers. His interest in WWII stems from his Grandfather who was in the service at the time. Radel began collecting rifles over 20 years ago which lead to vehicles, then finally uniforms. “I enjoy interacting with the people each year at the Matches. I have made it out every year since the first Garand Match and have brought more shooters with me each time,” said Radel who’s 101st Airborne uniform included a WWII jump wings pin that he received personally from Major Dick Winters of the 506 Easy Company.

Michael Baker dressed in a 3rd divison Army Uniform from the Spanish American War.

Not everyone who dresses in period uniforms for the matches participates in reenactments. This is the case for Michael Baker from Windham, Ohio who has attended seven of the eight Garand matches. “I do this out of respect for the men who wore these uniforms. This is a unique opportunity to mix my love for shooting with my love for history,” said Baker who dressed in a 3rd Division Spanish American War Army Uniform for the Springfield Match.

Robert Gray in early 1940 Navy Uniform (right) and Warren Cook in a Korean War Era Army Uniform (left).

 

Other uniforms represented included Robert Gray’s early 1940’s U.S. Navy uniform that he wore for the Garand Match. He traveled from Vermilion, Ohio to attend the Matches for his second year. Representing the Korean War Era was Ohio Military Reservist Warren Cook from South Euclid, Ohio. Cook is a member of the 521 MP Company 52nd Battalion of the Ohio Military Reserve that is comprised entirely of volunteers. He also participates in living history displays for the Korean War Era.

This just a glance of the colorful people the National Matches bring together each year. Their appreciation for shooting and history have come together to enhance the experience of the Springfield and John C. Garand Matches for everyone. For more pictures go to http://www.odcmp.com/Photos/05/Index.htm or results from the Springfield or John C. Garand Matches go to http://clubs.odcmp.com/cgi-bin/report_matchResult.cgi?matchID=827.