Air Force (1943)

Air Force (1943)

Air Force is a 1943 World War II film that follows the crew of a B-17 Flying Fortress as they take part in several engagements in the Pacific Theater of the war including the Battles of Pearl Harbor, Wake Island and the Philippines. Directed by Howard Hawks, the film was released during the height of the US involvement in the war.

The following weapons were used in the film Air Force (1943):

Rifles

M1903 Springfield

Several U.S. troops can be seen armed with M1903 Springfield bolt-action rifles. These rifles appear to be used by Japanese soldiers as well.

M1903 Springfield Mk. I rifle - .30-06

Springfield seen on the left.

Ground crew defend the field with Springfields.

Japanese troops appear to also be armed with the Springfields. These were used mostly likely because they were only seen from a distance and authentic enemy weapons were probably hard to acquire at the time.

Submachine Guns

M1928 Thompson

Several Marines are seen with the M1928 Thompson. Since the movie takes place from 1941-42, it is actually correct to show this older version: the simplified M1 was not adopted until April 1942.

M1928 Thompson with 50-round drum magazine - .45 ACP

The Thompson is seen in the center.

On the right, a Thompson can be seen.

Handguns

Colt M1911A1

A Colt M1911A1 is seen in the holsters of US Army officers in the film.

World War II issued Colt M1911A1 Pistol - .45 ACP

The M1911A1 is held by Lt. Monk Hauser (Charles Drake) as he waits for an order to shoot the tires.

Colt New Service

A Japanese officer is seen carrying what appears to be a Colt New Service revolver.

Model 1909 Colt Army Revolver - .45 LC. This model is stamped "Property of U.S. Government" under barrel and "M1909" on front bottom of grip strap. Grips not original - US issue bore plain uncheckered walnut

A Japanese officer is seen carrying what appears to be a Colt New Service revolver.

Machine Guns

Browning M2 Aircraft

The Browning M2 Aircraft heavy machine gun is the main armament of the Mary Ann, the B-17 Flying Fortress seen in the film.

Browning M2 Aircraft - .50 BMG

Winocki (John Garfield) opens fire with the Browning. The name Winocki would be used by Quentin Tarantino to tell a story in Pulp Fiction.

Firing twin Brownings.

Winocki uses the improvised tail gun.

Fake Browning M2 (dressed-up Vickers gun)

Modified Vickers machine guns dressed up to resemble the water-cooled variant of the Browning M2 are seen in anti-aircraft positions held by the US in the Phillippines.

Vickers Mk1 Machine Gun- .303 British

Browning M2- .50 Water Cooled

What appears to be the water-cooled variant of the Browning M2 is in reality a modified Vickers.

The modified Vickers in action. This was most likely used due to most of the weapons being used to fight the actual war.

Browning M1918 Aircraft Gun

The machine gun is seen mounted in the rear gunner position of the US bombers appears to be a Browning M1918 Aircraft Gun, which was a Browning M1917 modified for aircraft use by removing the water jacket. When Japanese planes attack the airstrip in the Phillippines, several members of the B-17 crew open fire with these machine guns as well.

Browning M1918 Aircraft - .30-06

Sgt. Joe Winocki (John Garfield) opens fire with the Browning machine gun.

The Browning is seen in the gunner position.

Browning M1919 held.

Madsen Machine Gun

Japanese soldiers are also seen using a machine gun that is supposed to resemble the Type 99 Light Machine Gun. The weapon used is likely the similar in appearance Madsen machine gun.

Portuguese Madsen machine gun - 7.92x57mm Mauser

Japanese troops armed with the machine gun.