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Courtesy photo Members of the Sons of the American Legion Squad 74 presented a restored World War II 50 caliber machine gun to American Legion Post 74 in Sebring. There for the presentation were (back row, from left) Randy Sallis, S.A.L. Commander Gene Murphy, Wayne Arnado, Gary Clayton, Daryl Marsh and Ed Bates, Post commander; (front row, from left) Bill Martin, William Newbold, Bill LeMay and Joe Costello.

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published: Friday, October 05, 2012

Restored World War II machine gun finds new home

Special to the News-Sun

SEBRING - On Sept. 29, members of the Sons of the American Legion Squad 74 made a presentation to American Legion Post 74 of a restored World War II 50 caliber machine gun.

The machine gun, donated to the Veteran Services Office and passed along as a project for the American Legion for restoration, took more than a year to refurbish.

A paper trail on the gun was conducted and shows that the machine gun was issued to the Department of the Navy prior to WWII. Records indicate it was assigned to Flotilla Six in the Philippine Islands. The gun was used during the Cuban Missile Crisis, and eventually was impounded by the Miami Florida Police Department following a criminal investigation. Officials with that department asked that the gun be given to a Veteran Services Office.

Due to the liability risk to the county, it was determined that the water-cooled rapid fire machine gun should be donated to a local veteran organization. The American Legion Post 74 volunteered to take on the expensive and time consuming project to demilitarize the gun, and bring its appearance up to WWII military standards.

Spearheading the refurbishing committee was Sons of the American Legion member Darryl Marsh.

The gun was sanded, welded, and painted, honoring the soldiers from World War II. The completed monument is now on display at 528 N. Pine St., in front of Post 74.