Carried one in Basic, and for a few years after that in the National Guard. Never got the thumb, although I saw it happen. I have the more unique injury: M1 wrist. Cold morning at Ft Leonard Wood, the drill sergeant gave the "inspection arms!" command. I was a little off target and missed the handle, which went right up my wrist. Pushing 50 years later, the scar is faint but still visible. Also broke a stock on one in a bayonet assault course . . . but that's a different story.