There is a saying in the shooting industry, “Shooters don’t collect and collectors don’t shoot.” The means, supposedly, that true shooters are only interested in equipment that will help them hit their targets more accurately, while true collectors are not interested in shooting their guns because this could lessen their value. However, this is not entirely true. More and more, shooters are beginning to appreciate the history of their sport; many are becoming interested in researching and collecting memorabilia important to shooting’s past.
This trend is reflected in numerous books published today discussing the many shooting related artifacts people collect, from guns to targets to spotting scopes, iron sights, ammunition, ammunition boxes and especially shooting medals and trophies. One collecting sub-category that is attracting increasing interest from shooters and collectors is marksmanship medals. The history and details behind target shooting medals is a fascinating part of the sport.
William K. Emerson of Madison, Alabama has written a large-format, 256 page book titled Marksmanship in the U.S. Army: A History of Medals, Shooting Programs and Training. This new publication details not only the various military marksmanship awards awarded over the years, but also the philosophies behind marksmanship training in the Army and the role that competitions such as the National Matches played in this evolution. Emerson describes marksmanship competition as a way of encouraging excellence, from its beginnings in the 1800s, to its present day contests. Not only does he discuss competitions in rifle and pistol shooting, but also in artillery and machine-gunning. He provides extended descriptions and numerous photographs of the medals, awards and trophies awarded through the years. Of particular interest to National Match competitors is the latter half of the book where he examines the institution of the National Matches and the medals and awards that go with the rich history of this competition.
Emerson’s book is highly detailed and well-researched. Information about the medals and awards is chronicled in words and photographs. Numerous tables and charts are provided to facilitate the comparison of similar medals and awards. Particular detail and attention is given to the history of the Distinguished Marksman Badge program as it began in the Army and was expanded to include Distinguished Pistol Shot and Distinguished International Shooter Badges. Little known Distinguished badges such as the Distinguished Aerial Bomber and Distinguished Aerial Gunner Badges are also detailed.
The author is a retired U. S. Army officer who has researched and written about U. S. Army uniforms and insignia for over forty years. His many articles have appeared in magazines, journals and U. S. Army publications. He has provided instruction to U. S. Army museum curators, military collectors and historians. Emerson acknowledges receiving assistance from the Army Marksmanship Unit, the Infantry Museum at Fort Benning, the NRA and the CMP in researching his book and obtaining photographs.
Marksmanship in the U.S. Army successfully bridges the gap between shooters and collectors by providing information of interest to both. This hardcover edition will make a welcome addition to any shooter or collector’s library. Not only is the book highly informative, it is interesting and the kind of read welcomed by shooters on winter days when the coming shooting season is months away. It is the kind of book that collectors devour in order to be more informed about future purchases for their collection. In short, Emerson’s book is the kind of publication anyone interested in marksmanship, competition or gun collecting will enjoy and who, after reading it, will have a renewed appreciation for the traditions and history of American marksmanship.
Marksmanship in the U.S. Army was published by the University of Oklahoma Press. To order a copy, contact the publisher at 800-627-7377. The cost is $64.95 plus $4.50 for shipping the first book and $1.50 for each additional book. Interested persons can also go to the OU Press website at http://www.oupress.com and type in "Emerson" or "marksmanship" to find the book. |
