The Fall of France led the United States to frantically find ways to counter the new threat profile of the German panzer divisions. This led to the formation of the Tank Destroyer Branch whose main purpose was to blunt any German armored exploitation attempts with a mobile tank destroyer force to eliminate the enemy tanks. While such a tank destroyer was in development, the urgency for a vehicle led to a conversion of a M4A2 hull with a larger, open-topped turret carrying a high-velocity 3-inch gun into battle. This weapon system would be adopted as the 3-inch Gun Motor Carriage M10.
The gun stabilizer is a system that improves the tank gun’s aim at the target and preserves (stabilizes) its aim even when the hull vibrates during movement, which allows it to perform effective aimed fire during vehicle movement or when temporarily stopped. This reaction time and accuracy between target detection and effective hit draw the line between life and death in tank warfare. Read more about the gun stabilizers in the article.
Carrier aviation was a relatively new field when World War II began, with some nations starting with biplanes as their main carrier aircraft. However, as technology marched on and aircraft became more sophisticated and robust, the need to mate the new technology to existing roles proved pivotal to keeping the equipment the most advanced. As such, when the US Navy pursued the F3D-1, it aimed to have the first operational jet aircraft that was carrier-capable.
Among the different tanks provided to the Soviet Union as part of the Lend-Lease program, arguably the most underrated tank was the Valentine tank. An infantry tank that the British eventually phased out for newer tanks like the Churchill, the Valentine had a surprising staying power within the Soviet Army. The Soviet Army received half of all Valentines produced by the British and Canadians and used them all the way to the end of the war against both the Germans and Japanese.
In the early morning of December 7, 1941, Japan launched a surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, taking the lives of many American servicemen and crippling much of the U.S. Pacific Fleet while at port. Outraged and united by the rallying cry “Remember Pearl Harbor,” the United States declared war on Japan. In the rapid industrial mobilization that followed, new warships were named in honor of the courageous officers who perished during the attack; among these was the USS Bennion, named for a valiant battleship commander who made the ultimate sacrifice at Pearl Harbor. This is the story of her service in the war.
The M551 Sheridan was a light tank born from the U.S. Army’s post-World War II ambitions, bringing both innovation and controversy. Designed to be air-transportable and amphibious, this 16-ton marvel boasted a powerful 152 mm gun/launcher capable of firing both high-explosive shells and anti-tank missiles. Despite its advanced features, the Sheridan’s combat history is riddled with challenges, from troubles with its radical new armament to its mixed reception in Vietnam. Yet, it persevered and performed unique roles both on and off the battlefield that gave it lasting legacy in the history of American armored fighting vehicle development.
The M1A1 HC tank, developed in the mid-1980s, was a tank built to accommodate changes into the M1 Abrams design for the United States Marine Corp (USMC) to replace their M60A1 tank. Production began in November 1990, incorporating changes like deep-wading adapters and stronger tie-downs. The USMC received 269 units by 1992, with additional transfers and upgrades continuing until 2005. The M1A1 HC saw sterling combat service in the USMC in the Gulf War, Iraq, and Afghanistan.
The M46 Patton emerged from the modernization of the M26 Pershing to address the evolving needs of the US Army. With significant upgrades in engine power, transmission, and firepower, the M46 would play a crucial role during the Korean War. Despite technical challenges, the M46’s deployment marked a significant advancement in tank technology, bridging the gap between World War II designs and the more modern tanks that followed.
Among the T-34s used by the Soviet Army as they marched towards Germany, there ought to be a number of M4A2 Shermans within the inventory. A sign of cooperation between the distant Allies, the M4A2 Sherman was provided to the Soviet Union as part of the Lend-Lease program that led America and Britain to supply critical material and equipment to the Soviets. The M4A2 Sherman helped set-up several significant units for the Soviet Union to use in the Great Patriotic War to fight both the Germans and Japanese to the war's conclusion.
Of the tanks in the US Army during World War II, perhaps none had as much unique personality as the T26E1-1 "Super Pershing." With the tacked-on applique armor, the tank looks like something out of a steampunk setting, yet the tank still represents the most formidable tank the US Army brought to the European Theater.
