Marksmanship in the U.S. Army: A History of Medals, Shooting Programs, and Training

Featuring hundreds of black-and-white illustrations of marksmanship medals, prizes, and badges, plus a special full-color section, this encyclopedia of U.S. Army shooting awards and training program rewards is a must-have for military historians and collectors. In Marksmanship in the U.S. Army, William K. Emerson details weapons training from the 1850s to the present, gathering this information for the first time in a single volume.

Emerson highlights the philosophies behind army marksmanship and documents the awards, prizes, and badges bestowed upon the War Department’s most elite shooters, artillerymen, and swordsmen. Proficiency training discussed in this book includes the use of sabers, cannons, sea mines, bayonets, tank weapons, aerial gunnery, bombs, and other weapons. Emerson integrates discussion of the criteria, people, and rationale behind each award into this historical account.

Emerson’s emphasis on national rifle and pistol matches, the history of selected army and NRA trophies, and significant players in the army’s weapons training development enhances the comprehensive appeal of the latest contribution to military history by this experienced author.