This photograph, taken by an American soldier during World War II, shows a captured German StG 44 assault rifle displayed atop stone rubble. Developed by Nazi Germany, the StG 44 is widely regarded as the world's first modern assault rifle, combining select-fire capability with an intermediate-caliber cartridge. Photographs like this were commonly taken by Allied troops, including members of the 101st Airborne Division, to document captured enemy equipment encountered during the advance through Europe. Project: 218245