Favorite Firearm: Remembering a War Hero

by
posted on December 26, 2014
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
ascani.jpg

Submitted by Elliott McDaniel, Illinois

When considering my favorite firearm, I immediately settle on the two service arms originally issued to my father-in-law, now deceased, Maj. Gen. Fred J. Ascani, who retired from the United States Air Force. General Ascani was a hero of World War II, a famous test pilot and the program director for the XB-70 Valkyrie, a long-range strategic bomber.

Ascani was a 1941 graduate of West Point and one of the first to join the then fledgling Air Force. He subsequently served in the military for 32 years. Knowing of my interest in firearms, and that I was a former Army officer myself, he asked me 10 years ago if I would like to have his service sidearms. Of course, my answer was yes.

undefinedIncluded was Ascani's Colt "Official Police" revolver in the then Lend-Lease caliber of .38/200, a cavalry holster and a Colt M1911A1 .45-cal. pistol. A bit of minor detective work indicated that the Colt revolver was manufactured in 1941 and the M1911A1 was produced in 1943. Disassembly of the latter showed all parts were indeed correct for 1943 Colt manufacture.

When asked about the circumstances surrounding issuance of the firearms, Gen. Ascani indicated that the revolver was given to him in 1941 as he left West Point. The cavalry flap holster was standard because of the horse-mounted training then conducted at the military academy. The M1911 came into his possession after it was mistakenly included among an inventory of "Lost" equipment after the costly raid against the Ploiesti, Rumania, oil fields in which the Air Force lost an inordinate amount of aircraft and men. As a Wing Commander, Ascani said the hardest part of his career was writing next-of-kin letters to the families of more than 80 lost airmen.

The Colt M1911A1 remains my most treasured firearm-for its intrinsic value and, most importantly, for the man and the missions behind its service.

Nearly every shooter has a favorite firearm. If you would like to share the experience of owning yours with other American Rifleman readers, or on americanrifleman.org, send a sharp color photograph of the gun, accompanied by its story in fewer than 400 words, with your name, address and daytime telephone number to: Favorite Firearms, American Rifleman, National Rifle Association, 11250 Waples Mill Road, Fairfax, VA 22030-9400. Photos and submissions cannot be returned and may be edited for clarity and brevity.  

Latest

Winchester 400 Legend
Winchester 400 Legend

Review: Winchester 400 Legend

Winchester Ammunition decided to split the difference, caliber-wise, between the .45-70 Gov't and the company's previous 350 Legend to create the new 400 Legend.

More Public Ranges Coming After EXPLORE Act Implementation Order Signed

U.S. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum signed off on a Secretarial Order in late June to begin implementation of key provisions of H.R. 6492, which means more hunting and shooting opportunities on public lands across the U.S.

The Marine Corps Scout Sniper Memorial Project

With the United States Marine Corps celebrating its 250th anniversary this year, an elite force within that branch is collecting funds to remember the service and sacrifice of its fallen with a dedicated memorial in Quantico, Va.

Silencer Central Banish 12: A Hunter-Friendly Shotgun Suppressor

Billed by Silencer Central as "the first shotgun suppressor designed specifically for hunters," the new Banish 12 has a number of field-friendly features and also stands out as one of the few shotgun suppressors on the market.

Marine Corps Knives Of World War II

Considered an essential piece of kit for every Marine, a wide variety of private-purchase and standard-issue knives were pressed into service in every theater of the war to tackle tasks ranging from hand-to-hand combat to everyday chores.

The Armed Citizen® July 21, 2025

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.