Are there any verified stories of bullets being stopped by objects worn / carried by the target?

Question

I've heard several stories (mostly from WWII) about hip flasks, bibles, pocket watches etc deflecting bullets. Are there any such stories whihc look like they're probably true?

Answer 1

Yep. Here's one.

The prayer book that saved the life of James Grant of the Black Watch when he was struck in the breast by a German bullet. Picture © Black Watch Museum.

There's a picture of it at the link provided.

Here's another -

A CIGARETTE case that saved the life of a young First World War soldier from Keevil is being sold at auction on Saturday.

While fighting with the Army Service Corps in France and Belgium during the Great War, Private O.T House came under enemy fire.

Fortunately for him he was carrying a white metal cigarette case, given to him by his sister Beryl, in his top pocket - a decision that saved his life after one bullet struck the case on its hinge.

A picture of it at the second link!

And a really famous one -

Many young Turks make a pilgrimage to Gallipoli during their manditory army service to see where Ataturk (who later founded the modern Turkish republic) was shot and miraculously saved by a watch in his breast pocket. This is an amazing chapter of Turkish history, a monument was later erected on the spot proclaiming "This is where Ataturk was given to us."

http://www3.telus.net/geoffieboy/turkey/turkey2.html

Answer 2

Yes there are plenty. Most local museums have the actual item that stopped the bullet that was meant to kill a local person. I have seen some of these items and they do include Bibles, cigarette cases, hip-flasks, pocket watches even a pack of playing cards and a clip of spare ammo. The stories of them come from not only WW2 but also WW1 and the Boer War. I met the man who was saved by an ammo clip of 3 bullets that stopped another during the battle of Ladysmith during the Boer war. He wore it on the end of his watch chain.

Answer 3

I have seen several examples in museums devoted to the American Civil War. Bibles, belt buckles, books, canteens and such. It happens.

I also saw an example to two bullets that met in mid air. Their noses flattentd and fused together and the base of each bullet extended out the back of the mass. That would be rare!


Of course the Civil War weapons did not have the velocity of today's rifles.

g-day!

Answer 4

Yes there was a case last year in Horsham of a shopkeeper chasing a thief who shot him and he was saved by something in his jacket pocket. I think it was amobile phone.