The M60 machine gun probably isn’t one of those few weapons that have gone without seeing the impact it has had on modern infantry combat, yet it has nevertheless left an indelible impression on recent histor,y and the soldiers who used it know it as “the Pig,” a label which was given to it with both a lot of love and some reluctance. The legendary M60 during the Vietnam War era illustrated the destructive might of the U.S. firepower and, at the same time, embodied the unshakable resolve of the troops who always depended on it. Though large, clumsy, and always needing to be fed with ammo, it was both a curse and a savior to the soldiers who had to pull it through the jungle.
The M60 was actually a post-World War II development. The U.S. Army needed a lighter, more versatile machine gun to replace the aging Browning M1919, and the design team made comparisons with German weapons used during the war period to draw inspiration. They combined the most advantageous features of the MG42 and FG42 paratrooper rifle to create the M60, a general-purpose machine gun for contemporary warfare.
The receiver was made of steel with an attempt to reduce the weight and simplification of the manufacturing process. The weapon utilized a gas piston mechanism, was belt-fed from the left side with disintegrating links, and was fired from an open bolt to provide cooling and maintain the same level of reliability during continuous firing.
Nevertheless, even “lightweight” was somewhat of a relative concept. The M60, without any ammunition, weighed around 23 pounds. With a belt of 7.62x51mm NATO cartridges, the weight would be close to 26 pounds. It was not very easy going for a person to carry it, but that weight also meant that the gun had a very serious punch: 550 to 650 rounds per minute, which was more than enough to suppress the enemy or cover the advancing infantry.
The design was definitely not perfect. Although the barrel-mounted bipod could give the weapon the stability it required, it also contributed to its size. The quick-change barrel was vital in prolonged firefights, but the gas system was often malfunctioning, which required some makeshift repairs in the field, like safety wiring to keep parts in place. Even with these hiccups, the Pig was still terribly powerful when it functioned. Its .30 caliber rounds could penetrate thick foliage, walls, and bunkers, leaving barely any space for those against whom the fire was directed to hide.
In most cases, the M60 was more than just a weapon for those who were in charge of it—it was a survival kit. Victor Renza, soldier of the 4th Infantry Division, remembers learning how to take apart and reassemble his gun blindfolded, knowing that his life could depend on it. He referred to his M60 as “No. 1 Gun,” his best friend in battle. But this reputation also made gunners highly vulnerable. The Pig was quite loud, and once it started shooting, the enemy usually concentrated a lot on silencing it, us the average life expectancy of an M60 gunner was very low during battle.
The position of the M60 within infantry units was clear: it should be used to deliver suppressive fire, force the enemy pinned in place, and allow the riflemen to advance or retreat. A company usually received eight guns of this kind, while platoons depended on the gunners to maintain defensive lines or to lead an attack against the enemy.
Psychologically, its impact was as significant as its firepower. The unique sound of the Pig was definitely a sign that the enemy should not expect to have an easy time. Renza remembers a fire exchange near Tuy Hoa where he sprayed 200 rounds into the bank of ariverv, keeping the opposing troops at bay even though he could not see them directly.
Nevertheless, the life of a gunner was an extremely tough one. Along with the weapon itself, which they were to carry on their shoulders, they also had to carry belts of ammunition, spare barrels, and all their personal belongings m which was quite often through the sweltering jungle, rice paddies, and rocky hills. On one occasion, Renza narrated that while crawling across a stream under fire on the Cambodian border, he was juggling new belts of ammo and firing over his squadmates to cover the wounded. This is a very sad image as far as the pressure and responsibility of those who carried the Pig is concerned.
Not only on the battlefield, but also the legacy of the M60 spans the whole world. With its unique figure and threatening sound, it became an icon in popular culture and was inscribed in people’s memory by the way of movies such as Rambo: First Blood. However, for the veterans, it was never just a prop for movies—it was their struggle’s symbol, their fraternity, and the thin line between life and death. It was both a huge relief and a moment of reflecreflectionng it to another gunner, thinking about what fate lay in store for the old companion left behind.
Though most units have since switched to more modern weapons such as the M24040 and different versions of the M60, still, some of the M60 models are still being used for limited purposes. The influence of the M60 continues to be felt in newer weapons and infantry tactics; thus, portable and reliable firepower during combat is still sought after. The Pig was probably heavy, temperamental, and demanding, but in the hands of a skilled gunner, it was the backbone of American firepower in Vietnam—and a weapon that soldiers never forgot.
