Yes, the hospital corps bolos were primarily used to clear brush. Not only that, but one can imagine that they were a fairly general tool used for just about anything that required a bit of oomph. If you handle one of the USMC (which stands for United States Medical Corps – not Marine Corps as it is often erroneously referred to) blades, you’ll note the weight and strength. I’d imagine they were used for hammering, opening coconuts, etc. along with whatever else was needed.

The bolos with the pointed tips would, in my opinion, make lousy fighting knifes as they were too thick and broad to penetrate the heavy wool. I’d imagine most guys wanted to have the knuckle knifes (long, slender blades with “brass-knuckle” handles for close-in fighting) over the bolos. Overall, bolos were consistently a utilitarian tool rather than for combat.