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Here is a terrific webpage that tells the history of the famous weapon, the Thompson Machine gun. It was a 45 cal weapon, generally with a 30 round ammo clip. It had little accuracy over 50 yards; similar to the 45 cal Grease Gun. https://www.outdoorhub.com/stories/2018/08/02/history-thompson-sub-machine-gun/
Below is a Chester Stanley (1969-70) photo of his Crew Chiefs position behind the pilot (Mike Holder was pilot).
Dan Keirsey had a Thompson in his "Lending Library" in 1972. You can also see it at his MP4.
Because of the small size of the Thompson, some pilots and door gunners carried one as their back up weapon.
These obsolete weapons were sometimes captured from the VC by our Armored Ground Troops and given to the Centaur men who so often provided them with great cover and assistance in combat.
Bruce Powell had one in 1967 for a while, but quickly replaced it with the issued, similar sized, and much more efficient and accurate Car 15. See Car 15 to the right.
Also see The Lost Weapons of Tan My by Brian Harrison
If you have notes or photos on this subject, please send them in. powellcentaur@gmail.com