Questions for 101st troopers

[White Oak]

My step daughter and son-in-law are having a home built and moving to a rental home for a few months.He asked me if I would keep his weapons at my place until they can move into their new home.His father was a retired Sgtmajor with the 101st Airborne in Vietnam(Two tours)(One tour Korea)(World War II Infantry).One weapon is a Chinese SKS and the other is a puzzle to me.A metal plaque is on one side of the stock,written
Sgm Thomas Pollard
CoB 1SG BNSGM
24 Feb 66-22 Dec 66
RVN Strike Force
on the other side is a 101st Airborne Eagle burnt into the stock.I have looked all over this weapon and cannot tell what it is,no Chinese or Russian marking,only numbers.It can only be loaded by opening the bolt and loading maybe 5 or 6 rounds straight down.My two questions,Where can I find out about the 101st Airborne RVN Strike Force and what is this weapon?will try to post photo's

[White Oak]

Right side of weapon

[White Oak]

Left side of weapon

[White Oak]

left side stock with plaque

[frisco-kid]

"STRIKE FORCE" was/is the motto for the 2nd Battalion, 502nd Parachute Infantry Regiment of the 101st. When your son-in-law's Dad was in Nam with them, it was just the 1st Brigade in-country; 1/327 ["Above The Rest"]; 2/327 ["No Slack"]; and 2/502 ["Strike Force"] He was the 1st Sgt. for Bco. I was in Cco, [1st Sgt. Walter Sabalauski] 2/502 from JUN66-JUN67. He was promoted to our Battalion Sgt. Maj., but I don't remember exactly when. Like Sabalauski, another one of those tough, 3 CIB, career paratroopers. Quite a guy.

I can't tell you much about the rifle, but it's a cool family heirloom. I hope I helped on the 101st part.

Always good to see ya posting, Danny.


AIRBORNE, BRO!

[DMZ-LT]

Looks like a WWII German 98 Mauser , but that makes little sence. Got a book at home I'll check tonight

[Bill Farnie]

It looks like the old WW II French rifles we found in a weapons cache when my unit was down around Chu Chi. I have some pictures at home and I'll check after work.

Looks like a '98 Mauser to me too.Any idea what round it fires?
Also any markings on the action,especially the reciever ring?

[82Rigger]

Yep! It's a Model 98 Mauser.

The sling set-up on the buttstock says it's most likely a Model 98k.

Unless it's been rechambered the cartridge is the standard 8 x 57 mm Mauser round.

[White Oak]

Just wanted to add that when Sgt Major Pollard retired he moved back home and was elected Mayor several times.I think he finally got tired and stopped running,he passed away about 1995 or 1996.He was a good Mayor also.
Just another short story about the Sgt Major,My mother and Mr Pollard graduated from high school together,they went through 12 years of school together and were good friends.Now fast forward to Nov 1968,I was a PFC,just graduated from AIT and just reported to Fort Benning,Ga for basic jump school.Sgt Major Pollard is Sgt Major of Infantry School.My Mom tells me one day on the phone that when I have time to drop by and visit,just tell him who I was.Well,I never could bring myself to just dropping in!!