# When was the last time that someone was bayoneted to death? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [October 16, 2015, 3:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-was-the-last-time-that-someone-was-bayoneted-to-death/734778 "2015-10-16T03:30:45Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 16\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![obbn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/d6d6ee/32.png) [@obbn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/obbn)\ **Post date:** [October 16, 2015, 5:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-was-the-last-time-that-someone-was-bayoneted-to-death/734778/27 "2015-10-16T17:02:49Z")
Last Thursday, pretty sure last Thursday. ---
**Author:** ![UncleBill](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/d26b3c/32.png) [@UncleBill](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/UncleBill)\ **Post date:** [October 16, 2015, 5:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-was-the-last-time-that-someone-was-bayoneted-to-death/734778/28 "2015-10-16T17:54:52Z")
> [@muldoonthief](#): > > I’d think one of the goals of using an M16 or M4A is to avoid combat that close. The concept of Defense in Depth takes that into account. When they are far, far away, bombs from the air. A little bit closer? Artillery. Closer still? Tanks, then mortars, rifles, handguns, bayonetes, then hands, then teeth. The plan is by the time you get to the last four options they are all dead or no longer a threat. ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [October 16, 2015, 6:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-was-the-last-time-that-someone-was-bayoneted-to-death/734778/29 "2015-10-16T18:03:18Z")
> [@UncleBill](#): > > The concept of Defense in Depth takes that into account. When they are far, far away, bombs from the air. A little bit closer? Artillery. Closer still? Tanks, then mortars, rifles, handguns, bayonetes, then hands, **then teeth.** The plan is by the time you get to the last four options they are all dead or no longer a threat. We’re supposed to _eat_ them? ---
**Author:** ![dropzone](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dropzone/32/7515_2.png) [@dropzone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dropzone)\ **Post date:** [October 16, 2015, 6:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-was-the-last-time-that-someone-was-bayoneted-to-death/734778/30 "2015-10-16T18:16:03Z")
Which raises the question, are ISIS fighters Halal? ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [October 16, 2015, 6:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-was-the-last-time-that-someone-was-bayoneted-to-death/734778/31 "2015-10-16T18:22:30Z")
> [@dropzone](#): > > Which raises the question, are ISIS fighters Halal? No, they’re beaucoup haram. _flees_ ---
**Author:** ![MrQwertyasd](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/9d8465/32.png) [@MrQwertyasd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MrQwertyasd)\ **Post date:** [October 16, 2015, 7:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-was-the-last-time-that-someone-was-bayoneted-to-death/734778/32 "2015-10-16T19:27:41Z")
> [@running\_coach](#): > > I wouldn’t have thought it was possible to find out but you guys took a stab at it. Some clear cut examples there ---
**Author:** ![MrQwertyasd](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/9d8465/32.png) [@MrQwertyasd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MrQwertyasd)\ **Post date:** [October 16, 2015, 7:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-was-the-last-time-that-someone-was-bayoneted-to-death/734778/33 "2015-10-16T19:30:42Z")
What about knife fights ? Do all troops get issued knives ? ---
**Author:** ![Dissonance](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/85f322/32.png) [@Dissonance](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dissonance)\ **Post date:** [October 16, 2015, 7:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-was-the-last-time-that-someone-was-bayoneted-to-death/734778/34 "2015-10-16T19:39:59Z")
The last bayonet charge carried out by the US Army was in Korea on February 7, 1951, led by [Captain Lewis Lee Millett](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lewis_L._Millett). He was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions but also privately told not to do anything that stupid again. About 20 of the 50 dead Chinese were found to have been killed by bayonets. The citation reads: > [@](#): > > Capt. Millett, Company E, distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty in action. While personally leading his company in an attack against a strongly held position he noted that the 1st Platoon was pinned down by small-arms, automatic, and antitank fire. Capt. Millett ordered the 3d Platoon forward, placed himself at the head of the 2 platoons, and, with fixed bayonet, led the assault up the fire-swept hill. In the fierce charge Capt. Millett bayoneted 2 enemy soldiers and boldly continued on, throwing grenades, clubbing and bayoneting the enemy, while urging his men forward by shouting encouragement. Despite vicious opposing fire, the whirlwind hand-to-hand assault carried to the crest of the hill. His dauntless leadership and personal courage so inspired his men that they stormed into the hostile position and used their bayonets with such lethal effect that the enemy fled in wild disorder. During this fierce onslaught Capt. Millett was wounded by grenade fragments but refused evacuation until the objective was taken and firmly secured. The superb leadership, conspicuous courage, and consummate devotion to duty demonstrated by Capt. Millett were directly responsible for the successful accomplishment of a hazardous mission and reflect the highest credit on himself and the heroic traditions of the military service. > [@UncleBill](#): > > The concept of Defense in Depth takes that into account. When they are far, far away, bombs from the air. A little bit closer? Artillery. Closer still? Tanks, then mortars, rifles, handguns, bayonetes, then hands, then teeth. The plan is by the time you get to the last four options they are all dead or no longer a threat. Just keep in mind what Murphy Law has to say on the matter - final protective fire doesn’t. ---
**Author:** ![Atomic\_Alex](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/atomic_alex/32/175_2.png) [@Atomic\_Alex](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atomic_Alex)\ **Post date:** [October 16, 2015, 8:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-was-the-last-time-that-someone-was-bayoneted-to-death/734778/35 "2015-10-16T20:19:23Z")
> [@MrQwertyasd](#): > > Some clear cut examples there I thought we just charged right in and made our point. ---
**Author:** ![TriPolar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tripolar/32/3008_2.png) [@TriPolar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TriPolar)\ **Post date:** [October 16, 2015, 8:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-was-the-last-time-that-someone-was-bayoneted-to-death/734778/36 "2015-10-16T20:29:43Z")
> [@Disposable Hero](#): > > I thought we just charged right in and made our point. I think we need to run through it again. ---
**Author:** ![Atomic\_Alex](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/atomic_alex/32/175_2.png) [@Atomic\_Alex](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atomic_Alex)\ **Post date:** [October 16, 2015, 8:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-was-the-last-time-that-someone-was-bayoneted-to-death/734778/37 "2015-10-16T20:39:36Z")
> [@TriPolar](#): > > I think we need to run through it again. Indeed, I think the OP missed the thrust of our arguments. ---
**Author:** ![ftg](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ftg/32/2801_2.png) [@ftg](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ftg)\ **Post date:** [October 16, 2015, 9:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-was-the-last-time-that-someone-was-bayoneted-to-death/734778/38 "2015-10-16T21:38:52Z")
I wouldn’t be surprised if it hasn’t happened in Africa in recent days. In addition, out-of-date weaponry is quite common among the more desperate militias there. Ammo might be hard to get for some groups, so … use the blade. ---
**Author:** ![UncleBill](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/d26b3c/32.png) [@UncleBill](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/UncleBill)\ **Post date:** [October 17, 2015, 1:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-was-the-last-time-that-someone-was-bayoneted-to-death/734778/39 "2015-10-17T01:09:28Z")
> [@running\_coach](#): > > We’re supposed to _eat_ them? You’ve not subsisted on MREs or C Rats for weeks, I see. A little hot sauce… ---
**Author:** ![Shakester](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/shakester/32/437_2.png) [@Shakester](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shakester)\ **Post date:** [October 17, 2015, 5:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-was-the-last-time-that-someone-was-bayoneted-to-death/734778/40 "2015-10-17T05:07:16Z")
> [@muldoonthief](#): > > I’d think one of the goals of using an M16 or M4A is to avoid combat that close. Yes, but… you can’t rely on things always working out that way. If enemy troops are suddenly right on top of you (or if you’re suddenly right on top of them) asking them to back up a bit so you can shoot them may not be effective. Faced with the possibility of such a situation, having the option of affixing bayonets seems to me a sensible precaution. ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [October 17, 2015, 6:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-was-the-last-time-that-someone-was-bayoneted-to-death/734778/41 "2015-10-17T06:05:08Z")
> [@ftg](#): > > I wouldn’t be surprised if it hasn’t happened in Africa in recent days. In addition, out-of-date weaponry is quite common among the more desperate militias there. Ammo might be hard to get for some groups, so … use the blade. Probably, since the machete is commonly used by African militias and terrorist to kill lots of people. ---
**Author:** ![Ken001](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/43a26b/32.png) [@Ken001](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ken001)\ **Post date:** [October 17, 2015, 9:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-was-the-last-time-that-someone-was-bayoneted-to-death/734778/42 "2015-10-17T09:34:26Z")
Ahh…release the tiger? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-was-the-last-time-that-someone-was-bayoneted-to-death/734778.md?page=1)