M1A1  Carbine

The M1A1 Carbine is identical to the regular M1 Carbine. The only difference is  the folding stock. This was designed to be folded & carried in a canvas bag strapped to the  paratrooper's leg. The thought was that after the trooper landed the weapon would be instantly available  for him to defend himself against the enemy.   This weapon was specifically designed for  paratroopers and was the only American weapon manufactured during WWII for this specific job. The  M1A1 was  manufactured by Inland a Division of General Motors. Inland was the sole manufacturer of the M1A1  and some 140,591 were produced during the second world war.

The soldier on the right has a folded up M1A1 tucked under his right arm.