Im pretty sure the seabee's were issued them. interestingly both colt and s&w made model 1917's
Yes, that makes sense that both would of been involved. I have been looking at archival videos and see this hand gun and was wondering IF it was the M1917. I spoke with a guy that claimed the military personal that were issued the M1917 liked it better than the 1911 because they could re-load faster with the half moon clips. But that claim is subjective to the individual.
I do know I had friends in Viet Nam with 357 Pythons and 22 High Standards and 22 Woodsman. Personally I'd of gone with a 22 revolver because of the mud, moisture and such, but alas I was rejected from enlisting do to a knee injury that summer in the mines.