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M26 grenade
M26 grenade
M26 grenade
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The M26 (designated during development as the T38) is a fragmentation hand grenade developed by the United States Armed Forces.

Key Information

M61 showing the additional safety clip

History

[edit]

Distributed to troops during the spring of 1953, the M26 saw limited use during the Korean War.[2] In 1954, tests were conducted under arctic conditions: the grenade performed well under temperatures below 0°, and no duds were reported,[3] though it was also reported that the detonation was ineffective under snow and soldiers had some difficulty pulling the pin while wearing winter gloves.[4]

The M26A1 and M61 were widely used in Vietnam. The M26A2 and M57 impact fuzes were unpopular with soldiers: after arming they caused friendly casualties if accidentally dropped or if they struck vegetation.[5] M26s were used in Vietnam for booby traps.[6]

During the conflict, new grenades were fitted with safety clips during the mid-1960s. The pins could be snagged in the thick vegetation resulting in accidents and there were also occasional cases of prisoners of war suicidally lunging at their captors to pull the pin. According to Rottman, some soldiers who trained with unclipped grenades failed to remove the clips before throwing, which posed the danger of an enemy finding and throwing the grenade back. The M26A1 and M61 were also often employed as booby traps.[7]

The M26 series (M26/M61) began to be replaced by the M33 series grenade (M33/M67) in 1969. While the M26 proved to be effective, it had an inconsistent casualty radius and was heavy, at 1 lb (0.45 kg). Though production ceased in the United States in 1968, stockpiles remained in US service during the 1970s.[2] The M61 was listed as a standard issue grenade as late as 1988 in US Army technical manuals.[8]

Background

[edit]

During World War II the flaws of the then standard issue Mk 2 grenade were already known: it suffered from poor and irregular fragmentation, while the blast and fragmentation effect on both ends were uneven, negatively affecting the casualty radius. The US Army conducted some field tests with the T12 and T13 "Beano" fragmentation grenades, but after some accidents, they were ultimately rejected by the troops.[9]

In May 1946, the War Department placed the specifications for a replacement: it needed to have a selective combination of an impact and time-delay fuse, capable of being used in both offensive and defensive roles and it also could be adapted for use as a rifle grende. In 1948, an interim design was chosen for further development and in January 1949 work began on what would become the M26.[10] The resulting T38 experimental grenade used a notched metal coil with an additional fragmentation layer on the base plug to provide a more even casualty radius. It was formally adopted by the United States Army in 1952 as the M26.[9]

Design

[edit]

The M26 uses an oval-shaped sheet steel body (giving it the nickname "lemon grenade") lined with a 0.13 in (3.3 mm) diameter metal coil notched every 0.20 in (5.1 mm) to ensure even fragmentation. It also features a fragmentation sleeve at the bottom of the filler cavity. According to Rottman, upon detonation the M26 releases 1,150 fragments that can inflict serious wounds in a radius of 15 m (16 yd), while the kill zone is 5 m (5.5 yd),[9] though US Army manuals note that the dispersal radius can reach up to 250 yd (230 m).[11] The fragments generated by the M26 and L2 series can penetrate thick clothing and damage internal organs.[12]

Fuses used include the pyrotechnic delay M204A1 and M204A2, which have a 4−5 second delay and the M217, which detonates on impact. Grenades fitted with the M217 are also fitted with a secondary pyrotechnic delay mechanism to detonate the grenade after 4 seconds if it fails to do so upon impact.[13] In the mid-1960s a safety wire clip (commonly known as the "jungle clip") was added to newly produced grenades to better suit the jungle warfare in Vietnam.[2]

The M26 series uses a 5.5 oz (160 g) Composition B filler.[9] All grenades, with the exception of the impact-fused variants have a 0.3 oz (8.5 g) Tetryl booster charge.[14] The M61 grenade (a M26A1 fitted with a safety clip) can be thrown at a range up to 40 m (44 yd) by an average soldier.[8] The M26 series (with exception of the M57) can be launched from a rifle using an adapter and a blank cartridge up to 170 yd (160 m).[15]

The grenades are individually stored inside fiberboard containers and packed 25 or 30 to a crate.[16][17]

Variants

[edit]

Live variants

[edit]
West German DM41 fragmentation grenade filled with Composition B. This example has been dissected to reveal the fragmentation sleeve and explosive charge
  • T38 − Experimental variant, standardized as the M26 in 1952[18]
  • M26 − The original variant of the M26 series. Like the late versions of the Mk 2 grenade, it uses either the M204A1 or M204A2 pyrotechnic delay fuse.[19] It can be fitted with an adapter and launched like a rifle grenade using a blank cartridge up to 170 yd (160 m)[20]
  • M26A1 − Slightly modified variant of the M26 to improve fragmentation. It can also be launched as a rifle grenade[20]
  • M26A2 − Variant fitted with a M217 impact fuse or the M204A1. If the M217 impact mechanism fails, a self-destruction device detonates the grenade after 4 seconds. If this also fails to work, the grenade becomes inert after 30 seconds. Early impact grenades have a red lever with or without the word "IMPACT" stenciled in black letters, while later versions have "IMPACT" embossed on the levers.[9] The M26A2 and M57 bodies does not contain booster pellets[16]
  • M56 − A M26A2 fitted with a M215 pyrotechnic delay fuse instead of the M204A1.[2] According to Owen, it can be used as a rifle grenade like the M26 and M26A1[21]
  • M57 − A modified impact-detonated version of the M26A2 with a safety clip (also known as the "jungle clip") added.[2] According to Owen, this variant cannot be used as a rifle grenade since the gas pressure can trigger the impact detonator prematurely. Also, a minimum trajectory height of 13–16 ft (4–5 m) must be achieved to activate the detonator[21]
  • M61 − Redesignation for M26A1s fitted with the safety clip.[2] Remained in service with the US Army as late as 1988[8]
A British L2-A2 fragmentation grenade
  • L2A1 − Adopted in 1964, it is a British copy of the M26A1 with a 3.6−5.5 second delay fuse.[22] It replaced the No. 36M grenade[23]
  • L2A2 − A L2A1 with a redesigned fuse well for ease of mass production, like its predecessor it is filled with 6.0 oz (170 g) a mixture of TNT and RDX[24]
  • DM-41 Splitterhandgranate − A West German copy of the M26A1 produced by Diehl Defence. It was replaced in 1978 by another Diehl design, the DM51 Spreng/Splitterhandgranate (blast/fragmentation grenade)[25]

Practice variants

[edit]
  • M30 − A cast body training version of the M26 and M26A1 with a reusable cast iron body painted blue and filled with 21 gr (1.4 g) of black powder. After being primed, the black powder charge ignites after 4 or 5 seconds resulting in a loud report (similar to a firecracker) and a puff of white smoke[26]
  • M62 − A M30 with a safety clip used to simulate the operation of a M61 grenade. Safety clips taken from expended live grenades can be reused on the M62, provided they aren't damaged or distorted[27]
  • L3A1, L3A2, and L3A3 − British dummy grenades similar in construction and appearance to the L2 grenade, but are painted light blue[23]
  • L4A1 and L4A2 − British training grenades fitted with the L30 percussion fuse and painted dark blue[23]

Users

[edit]
Ethiopian Soldiers from the Kagnew Battalion, 7th Inf. Div., in Korea, 1953

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

M26 grenade

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The M26 grenade is a high-explosive fragmentation hand grenade developed by the United States military in the aftermath of World War II as a safer and more effective replacement for the Mk II "pineapple" grenade. Featuring an oval-shaped, lemon-like body constructed from two pieces of thin-wall sheet steel enclosing a pre-notched fragmentation coil liner, it contains approximately 164 grams (5.75 ounces) of Composition B explosive filler, which detonates via an M204-series pyrotechnic delay fuze with a 4- to 5-second time delay after the safety lever is released. Weighing 454 grams (16 ounces) overall, the grenade measures 99 millimeters in length and 57 millimeters in diameter, allowing an average soldier to throw it up to 40 meters, with an effective casualty radius of 15 meters (kill radius of 5 meters). Development of the M26 began in January 1949 in response to a 1946 War Department requirement for an improved fragmentation grenade that addressed the Mk II's safety issues and inconsistent fragmentation patterns. The design emphasized a smoother, more aerodynamic shape for better throwability and a coil liner to produce numerous small, needle-like fragments—reportedly 2 to 4 times more than the Mk II—enhancing its anti-personnel lethality while using the more stable filler over TNT. Tested for reliability in various conditions, including environments where it performed adequately but proved ineffective under deep snow cover, the grenade was intended for versatile use, including rifle projection with attachments like the M7 booster for extended range up to 165 yards. Its average fuze delay of 5.04 seconds and casualty radius of 15 meters made it suitable for offensive and defensive roles. The M26 saw limited combat deployment during the starting in 1953 and became widely used in the after 1965, where its compact design and reduced weight compared to predecessors improved soldier mobility. Variants include the M26A1, which added preformed pellets around the fuze well for enhanced initiation; the M26A2, featuring an M217 impact for primary instantaneous upon striking a surface (with backup delay); the M61, an M26A1 variant with an added "jungle clip" safety mechanism; and the M30 practice version for training. Although declared obsolete in the U.S. inventory by the late and replaced by the M67, the M26 and its derivatives continued service with allies such as , , the (as the L2), (M26A2), and , with a modernized version remaining in service with the Israel Defense Forces as of 2025. It influenced post-war grenade designs globally.

Design and Specifications

Physical Characteristics

The M26 grenade is characterized by its distinctive ellipsoidal, oval-shaped body made of thin sheet steel, which earned it the nickname "lemon grenade" due to its smooth, compact form. This body measures approximately 3.9 inches (99 mm) in length and 2.25 inches (57 mm) in diameter, providing an ergonomic that enhances grip and handling compared to more bulky predecessors. The grenade's total weight is 16 ounces (454 grams), significantly lighter than earlier models, which contributes to its improved portability and ease of use in . Internally, the shell houses a pre-notched fragmentation coil liner composed of square wire, designed to produce numerous small, high-velocity shrapnel fragments upon detonation for enhanced lethality. The assembly includes a standard and spoon-style striker lever, which secure the mechanism until activation. In comparison to the Mk 2 "" grenade, with its heavier cast-iron body weighing around 22 ounces and segmented design, the M26's streamlined oval shape and reduced weight allow for a greater throwing distance—typically up to 40 meters for an average soldier—improving its tactical effectiveness in close-quarters engagements.

Explosive and Fragmentation Components

The M26 grenade employs 5.75 ounces (164 grams) of as its primary charge, a high-explosive mixture consisting of and TNT that enables rapid, high-velocity detonation upon initiation. This filler provides the energy required to rupture the grenade body and propel fragments outward, distinguishing it from earlier designs that relied on less powerful . Fragmentation is generated by an internal liner composed of coiled and notched steel wire within a thin-walled sheet steel body, which shatters into numerous small, high-velocity pieces optimized for wide-area coverage and penetration. This wire coil design enhances fragment density and uniformity compared to traditional cast-iron fragmentation grenades, such as the II-era Mk 2, by producing lighter, more numerous projectiles that prioritize area denial over heavy shrapnel mass. The resulting fragmentation pattern yields an effective casualty radius of 15 meters (50 feet), within which fragments are likely to cause serious injury or death, with a lethal radius of about 18 meters (60 feet); however, non-lethal fragment dispersion may reach as far as 230 meters, necessitating caution in deployment.

Operation

Arming Procedure

The M26 grenade is armed by first ensuring the safety pin is properly inserted through the safety lever and grenade body to secure the striker assembly in place. This pin, typically equipped with a pull ring, must be inspected for damage or improper seating prior to use. To prepare for throwing, the user grips the grenade firmly in the throwing hand with the thumb or fingers securing the safety lever against the body, preventing premature release. An optional safety clip may be inserted across the safety lever to secure it against the grenade body for additional security during storage or transport, but it is removed immediately before arming. The arming sequence begins with the user maintaining constant pressure on the while using the free hand to grasp the pull ring and sharply pull the free. This action arms the , as the pin no longer restrains the lever, but the user's grip delays striker release until the . The should then be thrown immediately to avoid accidental activation. For the throwing motion, the user employs an overhand technique from a standing, kneeling, or , releasing the as the arm extends, which allows the spring-loaded striker to fall and initiate the sequence. If using projection adapters for rifle-launched variants, a pull may be required post-throw to release the lever, though this is not standard for hand-thrown employment. Trained personnel can achieve a throwing of up to 40 meters (approximately 130 feet). Safety protocols emphasize thorough inspection of the grenade for intact safety devices, absence of cracks, and secure fuze assembly before handling. Users must maintain control of the lever at all times after pin removal to prevent the 4- to 5-second delay from starting unintentionally. A common tactic known as "" involves releasing the lever for a brief count of "one thousand one, one thousand two" (about 2 seconds) after pin removal but before throwing, reducing the effective delay to minimize enemy reaction time and retrieval risk; however, this carries the danger of premature if the full delay burns out during hold. Minimum safe distances for observers are 15 meters due to fragmentation hazards, and personnel should seek cover immediately after release. Dud grenades require a 5-minute wait before approach, after which EOD should be notified; do not handle or tamper with .

Fuze and Detonation Mechanism

The M26 grenade utilizes the M204A1 or M204A2 fuze, a pyrotechnic delay detonating mechanism that provides a reliable timed initiation sequence without emitting smoke or sparks. Upon release of the lever after the is removed, the spring-loaded striker rotates freely and impacts the primer, igniting the delay element—a powder train that burns for 4 to 5 seconds. This delay allows the grenade to be thrown clear of the user before . At the end of the delay period, the flame reaches , which explodes the main charge. The fuze's impact-resistant , featuring a robust and curved lever assembly, minimizes the risk of accidental initiation during handling, rough transport, or drops. In controlled testing, the M204 fuze demonstrated high reliability, with a 0% across 40 trials under standard conditions, representing a significant improvement over earlier designs prone to visible ignition signatures.

Development and History

Origins and Early Development

The origins of the trace back to post-World War II evaluations of hand effectiveness within the US military. In May 1946, the War Department Equipment Board outlined requirements for an advanced fragmentation hand , emphasizing a selective combination time-impact to enable versatile employment in offensive and defensive scenarios, including adaptation as a . This initiative was driven by lessons from WWII combat, where the standard Mk 2 's design—characterized by its segmented "pineapple" body—proved bulky for extended throws and yielded variable fragmentation patterns that limited consistent casualty radii. Development commenced in January 1949 under the US Army Ordnance Corps, focusing on a streamlined ellipsoidal (lemon-shaped) body to improve grip, , and uniform shrapnel distribution over the Mk 2's cast-iron construction. Early efforts prioritized material trials with thin-walled casings and internal wire coils for enhanced fragmentation, aiming to reduce weight while maintaining lethality without relying on the Mk 2's external serrations. Initial prototypes, designated as the series (including the T38E1), emerged from these efforts at key Ordnance facilities, incorporating explosive filler for reliable detonation via a time-burning (M20A1) as a practical compromise on the originally desired impact option. The Ordnance Corps conducted preliminary sketches and component validations in the late , drawing on WWII feedback to ensure the weighed approximately 16 ounces for better handling in diverse terrains. This phase laid the groundwork for a weapon that addressed the Mk 2's shortcomings in portability and fragmentation consistency, setting the stage for further refinement.

Testing, Adoption, and Production

The M26 grenade underwent extensive service tests of the T38E1 prototype in early 1952 by the Field Forces Board No. 3 to evaluate its performance against the incumbent Mk 2 fragmentation grenade. These tests focused on fragmentation patterns and lethal areas, revealing that the M26 generated 2-4 times more penetrating fragments than the Mk 2 within a 15-foot radius, though its overall lethal radius was slightly smaller at 60 feet compared to the Mk 2's 70 feet. No malfunctions occurred among the 40 M26 units tested, underscoring its reliability. Additional condition trials, reported in 1954, confirmed the grenade's suitability for cold weather operations but highlighted reduced effectiveness when buried in , with fragmentation impact dropping by up to 100% at 10 feet under 5 inches of cover. Successful outcomes from these evaluations led to the M26's standardization by the U.S. Army via Ordnance Committee Minutes Item 34232 in 1952, marking its formal adoption as the primary fragmentation hand grenade and replacing the Mk 2 in active service. It entered operational use during the , with initial field testing of small quantities occurring in spring 1953 to validate combat performance. The design's improved fragmentation and lemon-shaped body for better grip contributed to its rapid integration into U.S. forces. Production of the M26 commenced shortly after and ramped up to meet demands through the and , supporting its role in subsequent conflicts including the . Manufacturing emphasized the grenade's notched steel body and filling for consistent lethality. By 1968, the M26 was phased out of frontline U.S. production and primary issue in favor of the more modern , though existing stocks continued in limited service into the 1970s.

Variants

US Live Variants

The T38E1 served as an early for the M26 series, initiated in January 1949 as an interim fragmentation hand to address post-World War II requirements for improved designs over the Mk 2. Development focused on enhancing fragmentation efficiency and adaptability for both hand-throw and projection, with service testing conducted in February 1952; arctic testing in 1954 evaluated performance in extreme cold. The demonstrated a lethal radius of approximately 60 feet and was suitable for field use, though it showed reduced effectiveness when buried under snow. It was standardized as the M26 in February 1952 (OCM Item 34232) following successful trials. The M26 represented the original production model, adopted by the US Army in 1952 as a standard fragmentation to supplement fire in close combat. It featured a thin-walled sheet body with a notched coil for fragmentation, weighing 16 ounces, measuring 3.9 inches in length and 2.25 inches in diameter, and filled with 5.8 ounces of explosive. The grenade used the M204A1 fuze, providing a 4- to 5-second delay after arming, with a 0.3-ounce booster to ensure reliable detonation. Its oval "lemon" shape facilitated a range of up to 40 yards, producing fragments effective within a 15-meter casualty . The M26A1 was an updated variant introduced in the mid-, incorporating preformed pellets within the body for more consistent fragmentation patterns and improved reliability over the original M26. It retained the overall dimensions and weight of 16 ounces but reduced the filling to 5.5 ounces, paired with the enhanced M204A2 for greater delay consistency (still 4-5 seconds). This model addressed early production issues with fragment distribution, achieving a denser pattern of approximately 3.7 fragments per square meter at 5 meters. The M26A1 became the primary issue for forces by the late . The M26A2 emerged in the as a specialized variant emphasizing impact for tactical flexibility, particularly in environments requiring immediate response upon landing. It used the M217 electrical impact fuze, which armed in 1-2 seconds after release and detonated on contact or after a 3- to 7-second delay if no impact occurred, with a 5.5-ounce filling and 0.3-ounce pellets. Weighing 16 ounces and matching prior dimensions, it included an enhanced safety clip to prevent premature arming by securing the lever until intentional release. Although tested for projection, concerns over accidental in rough handling led to limited adoption compared to delay-fuzed models. The M56 and M57 were impact-detonating variants derived from the M26A2, optimized for rifle projection to extend engagement ranges beyond hand-throwing capabilities. The M56 incorporated the M215 pyrotechnic impact for reliable arming and detonation on contact, maintaining the 16-ounce weight, 5.5-ounce filling, and standard body dimensions. The M57 added a reinforced clip to the M26A2 design, further mitigating risks of accidental activation during transport or loading into launchers. Both models produced fragmentation patterns similar to the M26A1, with effective casualty radii around 15 meters, and were intended for use with launchers to achieve projection distances of 138-165 yards. The M61 functioned as a safety-enhanced version of the M26A1, featuring an additional "jungle clip" to secure the safety lever against the body, reducing the risk of arming from bumps or snags in dense vegetation or during carrier transport. It used the M204A1 or M204A2 with a 4- to 5-second delay, 5.5 ounces of , and identical physical specs to the M26A1 (16 ounces, 3.9 inches long, 2.25 inches diameter). Primarily issued to forces in the but also supplied to allies, the M61 improved operational safety without altering explosive performance, maintaining a 15-meter casualty radius.

US Practice Variants

The developed several variants of the M26 fragmentation hand grenade to enable safe training in handling, arming, and procedures without the risks associated with live explosives. These inert or low-explosive replicas closely mimic the physical characteristics, , and ballistic of the M26 series, allowing soldiers to operational techniques in controlled environments. The M30 practice hand grenade serves as a primary training aid for the M26 and M26A1 models, featuring a reusable body painted light blue with white markings for easy identification. Weighing 16 ounces to match the live grenade, it incorporates the M205A1 or M205A2 , which provides a 4- to 5-second delay before emitting a small puff of white smoke and a loud popping sound, simulating detonation without fragmentation or blast effects. This design facilitates familiarization with grip, throw range (approximately 40 meters), and safety protocols, while the black powder filler (21 grains) ensures minimal hazard during use. Another key variant, the M62, functions as a high-fidelity trainer specifically for the M61 grenade, a safety-clip-equipped version of the M26A1. It retains the 16-ounce body and external dimensions of the live model, painted blue to denote its practice role, and uses the M205A1 or M205A2 with a similar 4- to 5-second pyrotechnic delay. Filled with 21 grains of black powder, the M62 produces a visible and audible report upon activation, enabling realistic simulation of the arming sequence and throw dynamics while prioritizing trainee safety. This variant emphasizes procedural accuracy, including pull-ring extraction and spoon release, to build for combat scenarios.

Foreign Derivatives

The L2 series of fragmentation hand grenades, developed by the in the 1950s as a direct adaptation of the American M26 , featured a lemon-shaped body with pre-formed notches for controlled fragmentation and utilized the British L25A6 , providing a delay of up to 4.4 seconds. The L2A1 variant, adopted in 1964, employed an /TNT explosive filling in place of the original to align with local production capabilities, while the L2A2 incorporated manufacturing improvements for the fuse well to facilitate ; these grenades remained in service until the . Key modifications included metric dimensions for the body and assembly to suit British manufacturing standards, enhancing compatibility with equipment. West Germany's DM41 Splitterhandgranate, introduced post-World War II as a licensed copy of the M26A1, emphasized standardization efforts and incorporated the H-41 with a 3 to 5-second delay for reliable arming in field conditions. Produced by the starting in the 1950s and continuing into the 1970s, the DM41 used TNT as the primary explosive filler, substituting for to leverage available domestic materials, and featured slightly adjusted metric measurements for the serrated steel body to optimize fragmentation patterns. This variant was later succeeded by the DM51 in 1978, which retained the core M26-inspired design but updated the to the DM82A1 for improved safety. Australia manufactured copies of the M26 under license during the mid-20th century, primarily for use in regional conflicts, with adaptations including local sourcing of TNT explosives to replace and minor metric scaling of components for compatibility with production lines. In , the M26A2 served as the basis for domestic variants developed in the , notably during conflicts requiring enhanced reliability; these included modifications such as an improved safety introduced in 2012 to prevent accidental detonation from bullet impacts, while retaining the original notched body but filling it with RDX-based composites akin to TNT substitutes. The Israeli M26 IM, produced by , further incorporated a unique safe-and-arm mechanism and safety clip, tested for immersion up to 40 meters, with a 4.5-second delay to meet modern operational demands.

Operational Use

Primary Military Users

The served as the primary users of the M26 grenade, adopting it in 1952 as a standard fragmentation hand grenade for infantry units and continuing its widespread issue until 1968, when it was gradually supplanted by the M67 model. It saw initial combat deployment during the and became a staple for American troops in the , where variants like the M26A1 and M61 were commonly employed for offensive and defensive roles. The adopted the L2 series in , a direct adaptation of the M26A1 design featuring a modified 3.6- to 5.5-second delay , which equipped British and forces as their primary until later replacements. This variant differed primarily in its assembly and holder for improved compatibility with British ordnance standards. West manufactured the DM41 as a licensed copy of the M26A1 starting in the 1950s, filling it with explosive and incorporating it into stockpiles as part of NATO's defensive posture; the design emphasized reliable fragmentation for close-quarters infantry engagements. Additional adopters included , which produced M26A1 and M26A2 models under license for Australian Army use in post-World War II conflicts; , where the M26A2 variant was standardized and remains in limited service for its proven lethality; and the , whose Armed Forces and National Police have employed the M26 for operations. By 2025, the M26 and its derivatives are considered largely obsolete across major militaries due to advancements in grenade technology, though select nations maintain them in reserve stockpiles for training or emergency contingencies.

Combat Employment and Effectiveness

The M26 grenade saw its initial combat deployment during the final months of the in 1952–1953, where it was issued to U.S. forces, including , as a supplement to the older in close-quarters engagements. Its introduction late in the conflict limited widespread use, but it proved effective in trench fighting against Chinese forces, where its fragmentation pattern allowed for rapid area denial in confined spaces. In the from 1965 to 1973, the M26 became a primary for U.S. troops and was widely supplied to Army of the Republic of Vietnam (ARVN) forces as . and soldiers praised its aerodynamic lemon shape for improved throwability in dense jungle terrain, enabling ranges up to 40 meters by an average soldier. However, the 4–5 second delay drew criticism for permitting enemies to throw it back in some close-range encounters, prompting risky "cooking-off" techniques to shorten the time in flight. Tactically, the M26 excelled in area suppression, bunker clearing, and establishing defensive perimeters during patrols and assaults. In operations like the (1965) and engagements at Hill 823 (1967), U.S. infantrymen carried at least two per soldier and employed them to repel advances, with examples including direct kills on enemy personnel in close combat. It was often paired with the M1A2 projection adapter to launch as a , extending its reach for suppressing fortified positions beyond hand-throw range. During Marine assaults in Operation Colorado (1966), two-man teams used M26s to clear narrow enemy trenches, destroying clustered North Vietnamese soldiers within 15 meters. The grenade's effectiveness stemmed from its high-velocity fragments, achieving a 15-meter casualty radius in open areas through over 1,000 pieces that could penetrate cover and cause severe wounds. In urban or settings with dense and structures, lethality diminished as fragments were often deflected or absorbed, reducing its impact compared to open terrain. Post-Vietnam evaluations highlighted reliability issues from cooking practices, influencing the M67's design with enhanced safety clips and a more consistent delay to mitigate return throws and accidental detonations.

References

  1. https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/tr/pdf/AD0043040.pdf
  2. https://www.militarynewbie.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/TM-43-0001-29-Army-Ammunition-Data-Sheets-for-Grenades.pdf
  3. https://www.militaryfactory.com/smallarms/detail.php?smallarms_id=515
  4. https://www.elbitsystems.com/land/weapons-systems-and-munitions/ammunition/m26-im-hand-grenade
  5. https://www.bits.de/NRANEU/others/amd-us-archive/FM23-30(88).pdf
  6. https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/library/policy/army/fm/3-23-30/ch1.htm
  7. https://www.armywriter.com/board/references/TC3-23x30.pdf
  8. https://www.inetres.com/gp/military/infantry/grenade/hand.html
  9. http://michaelhiske.de/Allierte/USA/OrdnancePamphlets/OP1664/Volume02/Part04/Chapter11/Chapter11_01.htm
  10. https://dn720003.ca.archive.org/0/items/the-hand-grenade-rottman/vdoc.pub_the-hand-grenade.pdf
  11. https://sadefensejournal.com/grenades-artillery-by-the-fistful/
  12. https://bulletpicker.com/grenade_-hand_-practice_-dela2.html
  13. https://www.militaryfactory.com/smallarms/detail.php?smallarms_id=555
  14. https://cat-uxo.com/explosive-hazards/grenades/l2a1-hand-grenade
  15. https://www.ima-usa.com/products/original-west-german-cold-war-era-inert-dm41-grenade-design-copied-from-u-s-m26a1-grenade-rare
  16. https://cat-uxo.com/explosive-hazards/grenades/m26-hand-grenade-israel
  17. https://www.imfdb.org/wiki/M26_hand_grenade
  18. https://wiki.militaryconflictvietnam.com/index.php?title=M26_Frag_Grenade
  19. https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/library/policy/army/fm/3-23-30/appe.htm
  20. http://www.crusader80.co.uk/grenade.html
  21. https://5rar.asn.au/m26-grenade/
  22. https://chainlinkandconcrete.blogspot.com/2016/06/the-m26a2-m57-fragmentation-grenade.html
  23. https://www.philstar.com/nation/2021/07/19/2113463/grenade-found-port-area
  24. https://afsc.org/sites/default/files/documents/1972_NARMIC_Simple%20Art%20of%20Murder.pdf
  25. https://www.usmcu.edu/Portals/218/Small%20Unit%20Action%20In%20Vietnam%20Summer%201966.pdf
  26. https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/tr/pdf/ADA511302.pdf
  27. https://bulletpicker.com/adapter_-grenade-projection_-m.html
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