Etched in Steel, Commemorating Operations Enduring Freedom & Iraqi Freedom

Published on December 21, 2017
Duration: 8:21

This video explores commemorative firearms commissioned by military units during Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. It details how units would commission custom engravings on handguns from manufacturers like Kimber, SIG Sauer, and Glock to commemorate deployments, unit insignia, mottos, and personal messages. The speaker shares specific examples from his battalion, highlighting the customization options and personal significance of these unique firearms.

Quick Summary

Commemorative firearms from Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom were custom-commissioned handguns featuring unit insignia, mottos, and personal messages. Manufacturers like SIG Sauer, Kimber, and Glock produced these unique pieces, serving as significant mementos of military service during those conflicts.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to Commemorative Firearms
  2. 00:06What are Commemorative Firearms?
  3. 00:15Unit Commissioning Process
  4. 00:25Manufacturers: SIG Sauer, Kimber, Glock
  5. 00:39Kimber's Commemorative Program
  6. 00:45Custom Engraving Options
  7. 01:00Battalion Examples
  8. 01:15Bravo Company's Second Deployment
  9. 01:25Sergeant Hall's Initiative
  10. 01:32Firearm Choices: Kimber, SIG, Glock
  11. 01:45Kimber Custom II: 'Bad Company', 'DI BO CHET'
  12. 01:55Unit Emblem: First Battalion, Ninth Marines
  13. 02:01Origin of 'DI BO CHET'
  14. 02:19'Bad Company' Call Sign Explained
  15. 02:32Personal Motto Inscriptions
  16. 02:45Speaker's Personal Kimber Modifications
  17. 03:06Retrospective on Kimber Quality
  18. 03:31Kimber's Customer Service
  19. 03:39Other Kimber Issues
  20. 03:50Preferred Manufacturers: Springfield, Wilson Combat
  21. 04:02Other Personal Inscriptions
  22. 04:10Sergeant Hall's Simple Inscription
  23. 04:21Zal's 'Go one nine yourself'
  24. 04:55Devon Williams' 'Da Fuck' Inscription
  25. 05:13Story Behind 'Da Fuck' Inscription
  26. 05:34Sergeant Leonard's 'Burn Burn' Memorial
  27. 05:40Commemorating Sergeant Daniel Decilian
  28. 06:05Dean Janka's Commemorative Pistols
  29. 06:12Glass Case Option
  30. 06:26Two Different Pistols for Dean Janka
  31. 06:33Nickname 'Janxter'
  32. 06:45Intentions for Display vs. Shooting
  33. 06:58Unrelated Battalion Example: 1/6 Marines
  34. 07:03First Battalion, Sixth Marines Indian Head
  35. 07:15'V 16' Designation
  36. 07:18Battalion Order vs. Company Order
  37. 07:23223 Firearms in Battalion Order
  38. 07:31Conclusion: Historical Significance
  39. 07:40Not Pivotal to Small Arms History
  40. 07:45Future Historical Artifacts
  41. 07:49Distinction from Modern Commemoratives

Frequently Asked Questions

What are commemorative firearms from Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom?

Commemorative firearms from OIF/OEF are handguns commissioned by military units during these operations. They featured custom engravings like unit insignia, mottos, or personal messages, serving as tangible mementos of deployment and service.

Which manufacturers produced commemorative firearms for US military units?

Major manufacturers like SIG Sauer, Kimber, and Glock produced commemorative firearms for military units. Kimber, in particular, offered an extensive program for customizing handguns with unit-specific details and personal inscriptions.

What kind of customizations were common on OIF/OEF commemorative firearms?

Customizations typically included unit insignia, battalion or company crests, personal names, call signs like 'Bad Company', and sometimes unit mottos or phrases like 'DI BO CHET' (The Walking Dead).

Are Kimber firearms reliable for commemorative purposes?

While Kimber produced many commemorative firearms, the speaker experienced issues such as rear sights detaching during shooting and general concerns about their Series 80 1911 parts, suggesting potential reliability concerns for some users.

What is the historical significance of these OIF/OEF commemorative firearms?

These firearms are historically significant because they were created during the actual periods of deployment, unlike modern commemoratives. They represent a direct link to the experiences of soldiers serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.

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