Marksmanship in the U.S. Army : a history of medals, shooting programs, and training / by William K. Emerson.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Emerson, William K., 1941-

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

United States. Army--Medals, badges, decorations, etc.

United States.

United States. Army.

Shooting, Military--United States--History.

Shooting, Military.

Sharpshooting (Military science)--United States--History.

Sharpshooting (Military science).

History.

Physical Description:

xii, 256 pages : illustrations (some color) ; 32 cm

Place of Publication:

Norman : University of Oklahoma Press, [2004]

Summary:

Featuring hundreds of black-and-white illustrations of marksmanship medals, prizes, and badges, plus a special full-color section, this encyclopedia of U.S. Army shooting awards and training program rewards is a must-have for military historians and collectors. In Marksmanship in the U.S. Army, William K. Emerson details weapons training from the 1850s to the present, gathering this information for the first time in a single volume. Emerson highlights the philosophies behind army marksmanship and documents the awards, prizes, and badges bestowed upon the War Department's most elite shooters, artillerymen, and swordsmen. Proficiency training discussed in this book includes the use of sabers, cannons, sea mines, bayonets, tank weapons, aerial gunnery, bombs, and other weapons. Emerson integrates discussion of the criteria, people, and rationale behind each award into this historical account. Emerson's emphasis on national rifle and pistol matches, the history of selected army and NRA trophies, and significant players in the army's weapons training development enhances the comprehensive appeal of the latest contribution to military history by this experienced author.

Contents:

1. The Early Years: Setting the Stage 3

2. Shooting Badges, 1881-1921: The Soldiers' Inspiration 16

3. The Current Badges: Nice but Not Inspiring 51

4. Artillery and Swordsman's Badges: More than Just Small Arms 69

5. Unofficial Awards: What Some Soldiers Wore 90

6. Nineteenth-Century Prizes: The High Point of Magnificence 105

7. Prizes, 1903-1922: The Transition to Smaller Prizes 137

8. Prizes, 1922 to the Present: From the Common Soldier to the Elite 153

9. Distinguished Badges: Rewards in Gold 162

10. Trophies and Associated Awards: Other Rewards 180

11. From Beginning to Modern Day 223.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references (pages [229]-246) and index.

ISBN:

0806135751

OCLC:

54029249