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The Battle of Alcatraz Begins (1946)
September 1, 2018 Grunt.com Admin

The Battle of Alcatraz Begins (1946)

In Sept.67 I was coming of active duty, a gunny who was finishing his career, was involved in this operation. His unit had returned from WESTPAC. He said they opened up with a 3.5 Rocket launcher blew the doors off, and sent in the BAR men they emptied a few magazines all became silent immediately? This is the first time I have heard anything about since ’67.

The Battle of Alcatraz Begins (1946):
The Battle of Alcatraz followed an escape attempt from Alcatraz Island’s federal penitentiary by six inmates who got stuck inside a cell house after failing to secure a key to the prison yard. Trapped, the inmates took the guards prisoner and took control of the cell house. The US Marines were called in, and two guards and three inmates died in the ensuing confrontation. Two inmates were later executed for their role in the incident. How long was it before the next attempted escape from Alcatraz? More… Discuss

Tommy Curran

Filed in: Marine Corps Stories
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Comments

Buzz ALPERT 1960-66 - April 30, 2020

I think Mike is on target. I Don’t recall handling the 3.5 rocket launcher at Parris Island or in ITR after boot camp. But I’m an old Marine and my memory is not what it used to be. I checked Wikipedia and here is what the said about the bazooka.

Rocket Launcher, M20 “Super Bazooka”
Super Bazooka (mislabeled “SIAM-7 shoulder-launched anti-aircraft missile”) in Batey ha-Osef Museum, Tel-Aviv, Israel
Larger 3.5 in (88.9 mm) calibre warhead (Panzerschreck was 88 mm calibre)
Could penetrate up to 11 inches (280 mm) of armor
Extended range by about 150 m
Originally a larger version of the M9A1, designated M20 in late 1944.
Entered active service just before the start of the Korean War.

Bobby Lee - April 30, 2020

The Marines never went in with rocket launchers or opened up with the bar. They evaluated the issue and went to the top of the room they were held up in and broke a hole through about 8 inches of concrete. Once the hole was big enough they pulled the pins on two grenades and dropped them in the room. Mission accomplished. The Marines were never asked back for any help to secure an issue. The hole is still intact as is the holes made by the shrapnel. Very neat place to tour. Semper Fi.

Mike Beehler - April 30, 2020

3.5 rocket launcher in 1946? News to me

Bill - April 30, 2020

Horrible English? I know understand?

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