Sands of Iwo Jima is the classic 1949 World War II film starring John Wayne as Marine Sgt. John M. Stryker. The film follows Stryker and his platoon as they participate in the battles of Tarawa and Iwo Jima. Filmed on Camp Pendleton in California, the movie featured several veterans of the actual battles as well as actual US Marines stationed at Pendleton.
The following weapons were used in the film Sands of Iwo Jima:
The M1903A3 Springfield rifle is used by the Marines during training exercises at the film's beginning.
M1 Garand
M1 Garands are used by a vast majority of the US Marines in the film, including Sergeant John M. Stryker (John Wayne), Corporal Richard Dunne (Arthur Franz), PFC Peter Conway (John Agar), PFC Al Thomas (Forrest Tucker), PFC Benny Regazzi (Wally Cassell), PFC Charlie Bass (James Brown), PFC Dan Shipley (Richard Webb), PFC Frank Flynn (Richard Jaeckel), PFC Eddie Flynn (William Murphy) and Private 'Ski' Choynski (Hal Fieberling).
M1 Carbine
US Marines can be seen using the M1 Carbine including Captain Joyce (John McGuire), Lieutenant Harold G. Schrier (who plays himself) and some Marines in the archival footage.
M1918 Browning Automatic Rifle
PFC George Hellenopolis (Peter Coe) serves as the Squad's M1918 Browning Automatic Rifle gunner. Several other men can be seen using the BAR.
Browning M1919A4
The Browning M1919A4 can be seen mounted on the Amtracs and is used by Marines during the Tarawa and Iwo Jima battles.
Browning M2HB
The Browning M2HB machine gun is also mounted on the Marine LVTs and is used by the Marines during the Tarawa and Iwo Jima battles.
M2 Flamethrower
The M2 Flamethrower is used by Marines to flush out the machine gun bunker at Tarawa.
M2 Mortar
An M2 Mortar is briefly seen when PFC Al Thomas (Forrest Tucker) goes to the rear to retrieve ammo.
Mk II hand grenade
Mk II hand grenades are seen used in a training exercise that nearly turns tragic. They are also carried by Marines as they hit the beach at Tarawa.
Arisaka Type 38
Arisaka Type 38 rifles are used by Japanese soldiers when they ambush some Marines at Tarawa.
Nambu Type 99 Light Machine Gun
Japanese forces are seen firing the Nambu Type 99 Light Machine Gun as Stryker tries to throw the satchel charges during the battle of Tarawa.
Colt M1911A1
The Colt M1911A1 is mainly seen in the holsters of numerous Marines including Stryker.