John C. Garand
John Cantius Garand (born January 1, 1888 in St. Rémi (Canada), † February 16, 1974 in Springfield (Massachusetts) ) was the weapons designer who developed the first semi - automatic self - loading rifle that was used by the American armed forces, the M1 Garand . As a child he moved to Connecticut in the United States and attended school there until he was 12 years old. He then took a job in a textile factory, where he later rose to become a machinist. From 1919 he worked for the Springfield Armory and was commissioned to develop a self-loading rifle for the US Army . 15 years later he was done with it and in 1934 the rifle was finally patented. For his services to Springfield Armory, he received the Medal for Meritorious Service in 1941 , one of the highest honors for civil servants, which is awarded for outstanding service. In 1944 he received the Medal for Merit , which is also awarded for outstanding service. Garand never received royalties or the like for the rifle. The plan to present him with $ 100,000 in recognition of his services was passed to Congress, but failed. Garand held an advisory position within the company until his retirement in 1953.
Individual evidence
| personal data | |
|---|---|
| SURNAME | Garand, John C. |
| ALTERNATIVE NAMES | Garand, John Cantius |
| BRIEF DESCRIPTION | Canadian-American arms manufacturer |
| DATE OF BIRTH | January 1, 1888 |
| PLACE OF BIRTH | St. Rémi (Canada) |
| DATE OF DEATH | February 16, 1974 |
| Place of death | Springfield, Massachusetts |