History

I started collecting General Officer and flag Rank memorabilia over thirty years ago. I am developing this site to highlight the history of the GO Pistol Program. 

During World War II, General George C. Marshall requested the design and development of a special belt to be worn by generals. The belt was issued with a holster for a Colt 1911 and a Colt .380. Generals began to receive .380s and could keep them when they retired. The .380 was eventually replaced by a nearly identical .32 caliber pistol. During the 1970s the army developed a special .45 caliber pistol with the serial number beginning with "GO" for General Officer. From 1986 to 2017, generals were issued the Beretta M9 with the "GO" serial number. They could purchase optional wood grips with a plaque to engrave their name and were given the option of purchasing the pistol upon retirement. Today, generals are issued the Sig M18 with the "GO" serial number.