Go for Broke!

Go for Broke! (1951)

Go for Broke! is a 1951 war movie written and directed by Robert Pirosh (Battleground) starring Van Johnson. The film focuses on the exploits of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, and to a lesser extent, the 100th Infantry Battalion, which were both composed of Japanese-Americans in World War II. The 442nd would become one of the most decorated units in the United States Army, with twenty-one members being awarded the Medal of Honor. The title refers to the motto of the 442nd, of which many of the actors were veterans of, with the notable exception of Henry Nakamura. The film was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Story and Screenplay, but lost to eventual Best Picture winner An American in Paris. MGM failed to extend its copyright after 28 years, so the film is now in the public domain.

The following guns were used in the film Go for Broke! (1951):

Allied Weapons

M1 Garand

Most of the American soldiers in the film carry M1 Garands.

M1 Garand semiautomatic Rifle with leather M1917 sling - .30-06

The men of the 442nd parade with their M1 Garands.

Tommy (Henry Nakamura) gets the all-clear while covering Sam (Lane Nakano) and Masami (Harry Hamada).

Sam (right) and Masami clear the German OP.

T/Sgt Culley (Don Haggerty) with his M1 Garand.

2LT Grayson fires his M1 Garand.

M1 Carbine

M1 Carbines are issued to officers like 2LT Grayson (Van Johnson) and Captain Solari (Dan Riss). SSG Ohhara (Henry Oyasato) gets one as well when he receives a field commission.

World War II Era M1 Carbine, with Dark Walnut Stock, 'L' peep sight and no bayonet lug - .30 Carbine - correct for most of WWII, shown with khaki sling and oiler and a period twin magazine pouch for buttstock

Captain Solari's M1 Carbine can be seen leaning on the wall.

2LT Grayson fires his M1 Carbine.

Newly commissioned 2LT Ohhara with his M1 Carbine.

Browning Automatic Rifle

Chick (George Miki) is issued a Browning Automatic Rifle.

Browning Automatic Rifle - .30-06

Chick's BAR slung over his shoulder as he boards the troop ship.

Chick provides covering fire while Kaz (Ken K. Okamoto) fires his M1 Garand.

Browning M1919A4

A Browning M1919A4 is seen next to a dead soldier. T/Sgt Culley (Don Haggerty) tries to make use of it, but can't find any ammunition.

Browning M1919A4 on an M2 tripod - .30-06 Springfield

T/Sgt Culley tries to get the M1919 working.

M2 Mortar

Tommy (Henry Nakamura) is forced to use an M2 Mortar on his own when the crew is knocked out.

M2 Mortar - 60mm

The mortar crew lays down some fire.

After the crew is knocked out, Tommy has to detach the tube.

Using his dirt filled helmet as a baseplate, Tommy operates the mortar on his own.

Mk 2 hand grenade

Various soldiers are seen with Mk 2 hand grenades.

Mk 2 "Pineapple" High-Explosive Fragmentation hand grenade

Tommy's Mk 2 can be seen hanging from his jacket collar.

Another Mk 2 on a downed soldier.

M1911

An MP (Ray Hyke) is seen with a holstered M1911-type pistol.

Original Colt M1911 (dated 1913) - .45 ACP

Axis Weapons

MP40

Some Germans are seen using MP40s.

MP40 submachine gun - 9x19mm

M55 Reising Submachine Gun

A M55 Reising Submachine Gun is mocked up as an MP40 in one scene.

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Reising M55 (folding stock variant)

MP40 submachine gun - 9x19mm

A German officer fires his MP40 mock-up.

MG42

Germans are seen using MG42s. Sam captures one and forces the remaining Germans to surrender.

MG42 with sling and bipod collapsed - 7.92mm Mauser

The Germans defend against the charging 442nd.

Sam with the captured MG42. 2LT Grayson is seen to his right with an M1 Carbine, while Frank (Akira Fukunaga) assists.

Gewehr 1898

One German soldier is seen with an antiquated Mauser Gewehr 1898.

Mauser Gewehr 1898 - 7.92x57mm Mauser

WWI rifle, WWI helmet. Why couldn't the guy on the right be wearing a pickelhaube?

Luger P08

Tommy (Henry Nakamura) takes a Luger P08 as a war trophy after he, Sam (Lane Nakano) and Masami (Harry Hamada) take out a German observation post.

Luger P08 - 9x19mm

Tommy proudly shows off his captured Luger.

Gewehr 43

A German soldier at the observation post uses a Gewehr 43.

Gewehr 43 - 7.92x57mm Mauser

A German soldier fires his G43. This also offers another shot of the Reising mocked up as a weird MP40.

The G43 after the OP is silenced.

Other

An American M24 Chaffee helps the 442nd clear the way to the Lost Battalion.