One of the more famous competitors to the M1 Garand, the Johnson Model 1941 occupies an important niche in the history of American weapons development. Originally rejected by the U.S. government (they had already committed to the Garand, and the Johnson's virtues were not sufficient to justify another change), the Johnson was produced in quantity for the Dutch, who saw it as a fine upgrade for their colonial troops. This plan, in turn, was then scotched by the rapid movement of the Japanese through the Pacific, which left the Dutch with many crates of rifles and no colonies to receive them. The next interested party was the United States Marine Corps; stuck fighting with the Army for critical resources in the early days of America's participation in WWII (especially M1 rifles and Thompson SMGs), the Marines took matters into their own hands when it came time to equip their experimental parachute units, sourcing the Reising Carbine from commercial sources and Johnsons from the Dutch stock. Like many WWII airborne units, the Paramarines spent the bulk of the war on the ground acting as elite light infantry, distinguishing themselves in the Pacific during amphibious operations and raids. Later, the parachute units were disbanded, and much of their signature gear destroyed in the field; Paramarine accounts include tales of being ordered to pitch their Reisings into creeks and bury their Johnson barrels on the beaches before leaving the combat zones in anticipation of receiving standardized kit. Surviving USMC Johnsons are extremely elusive, as there were few to begin with, few intact survivors returned to states, and almost none officially documented, as both the USMC and Johnson Automatics records are extremely sparse. This particular Johnson is fitted with the standard sights and exterior markings, with a smooth hardwood stock, brown leather sling and a scarce Johnson spike bayonet with leather sheath. Bundled with the rifle is a grouping of items from Purple Heart recipient Corporal Joseph Aiello, USMC, a documented member of the 2nd Marine Parachute Battalion, including a number of documents and medals. The documents include a number of official USMC papers (such as his promotion to PFC in November 1940 and Corporal in May 1941), programs and publications listing him as a member in good standing of the Association of Survivors of WWII Parachute Units of the USMC (which in turn further document his membership in the 2nd), and personal recollections by Aiello of his service time. Among other incidents, Aiello saw action during the Choiseul Raid, the Bougainville Campaign and the Battle of Vella Lavella in the Solomons and had several close calls with death, once surviving a 3000-foot fall from a crippled aircraft with a failed parachute (recorded in a 1945 "Believe It or Not" article) and being physically blown out of his landing craft at Vella Lavella. In his recollections of his time at the Paramarine training establishment at Lakehurst, NJ, he mentions the issue of Johnson rifles to the unit, though records no serial numbers. Also included are a number of photographs (originals and copies, including one noted as his still-burning landing craft at Vella Lavella), service and markmanship medals (some inscribed to Aiello), and seven USMC patches for the Marine Raiders, 1st and 2nd Battalions, and others.

Excellent, with 97% plus of the original green parkerized finish, showing some edge wear, handling marks and spotting. The very fine stock shows some light scratches and dings, and the sling is scuffed and shows mild verdigris. Mechanically excellent.