The bazooka was one of the first anti-tank weapons based on the HEAT shell to enter service, used by the United States Armed Forces in World War II. It was nicknamed "bazooka" from a vague resemblance to the musical instrument of the same name. In addition to a actual bazooka the word bazooka is often used to refer to all shoulder mounted tube weapons such as RPGs.
PFC William H. Gillespie of Lavonia, Ga, (left), a 3.5 bazookaman and SGT John Havis of Munire, Ind, a gun commander of 155mm howitzer, holding a 2.36 bazooka, both members of an artillery battalion, 1st Cavalry Division. Korean War SC Coll Box 1 RG6S-KWP.13
Battle of the bulge - The members of the 101st Airborne Division, right, are on guard for enemy tanks, on the road leading to Bastogne, Belgium. They are armed with bazookas. 23 Dec 1944
American soldier with Bazooka of 80th Infantry Division near Wiltz (Luxembourg)
Soldier with M1 Rocket Launcher "Bazooka"
This African-American combat patrol advanced three miles north of Lucca (furthermost point occupied by American troops) to contact an enemy machine gun nest. Here a bazooka-man cuts loose at the target some 300 yards distant.
