US Light Tanks: From Obsolete to Best on the Battlefield

This video provides a detailed history of American light tanks used in World War II, starting with the M3 Stuart and culminating in the M24 Chaffee. It explains the development of these tanks in response to lessons learned from the Spanish Civil War, where early American tanks like the M2A2 were found to be under-armored. The M3 Stuart, introduced in 1941, addressed some of these deficiencies with improved armor and a more powerful engine. However, its flat armor and small 37mm gun limited its effectiveness, especially in the North African campaign. Despite its shortcomings, the Stuart performed better in the Pacific, where it was comparable to Japanese tanks but still struggled with bunker penetration and jungle maneuverability. The M3A1 introduced improvements like a welded hull, a turret basket, and power traverse, while the M5 Stuart replaced the aircraft radial engine with twin Cadillac engines and introduced sloped armor for better protection.

The video continues by highlighting the M24 Chaffee, the most advanced American light tank of WWII, which featured a 75mm gun adapted from aircraft and an innovative torsion bar suspension system for superior mobility. It also covers specialized variants, including the M3 Satan flamethrower tank, which was designed for close-quarters combat against fortified Japanese positions, and the M22 Locust airborne tank, intended for use by paratroopers but largely ineffective in combat. While the Stuart series played a significant role in WWII, particularly in reconnaissance and infantry support, the Chaffee marked the pinnacle of American light tank design during the war. The video concludes by noting that lessons from these tanks influenced post-war armored vehicle development, particularly in airborne operations.

National Museum of Military Vehicles Wins Third Consecutive Top Attraction Award

[July 8, 2024 – Dubois, Wyoming] The National Museum of Military Vehicles is honored to announce its receipt of the Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Award for the third consecutive year, maintaining its status as a top-tier global destination. This prestigious award places the museum within the top 10 percent of attractions worldwide, recognizing establishments that consistently receive outstanding traveler reviews on Tripadvisor.

Located near Dubois, Wyoming, the museum spans 160,000 square feet and features a comprehensive collection that includes the musket that fired the first shot at the Battle of Bunker Hill in 1775, a vast array of historic firearms, and the United States’ largest private collection of military vehicles, all set within engaging, immersive displays. The facility also houses a theater, several meeting rooms, a restaurant, and conference facilities enhancing the visitor experience.

Visitors frequently express awe and admiration for the museum’s world-class expansive exhibits and thoughtful presentation. One recent review highlighted the exceptional experience: “Fantastic museum. An unbelievable collection all artfully displayed. Even the cafe was fantastic.” Another visitor shared, “My wife and I stopped here on our way back from Yellowstone and were absolutely amazed at the number of vehicles, firearms, and related items in this huge museum.”

Museum founder Dan Starks commented on the museum’s educational mission, “No museum in the U.S. matches our scope of education about American military history. While other museums may focus on a single war or military branch, we honor American freedom by educating about all of our military branches across multiple conflicts.”

John Boris, Chief Growth Officer at Tripadvisor, congratulated the museum, stating, “Travelers’ Choice honors businesses that consistently demonstrate a commitment to hospitality excellence. The National Museum of Military Vehicles has made a memorable impact on its visitors, compelling many to share positive reviews of their experiences. This recognition by Tripadvisor serves as a trusted marker for quality, helping travelers decide where to visit next. “We hope this accolade continues to attract visitors in 2024 and beyond.”

A Review of American Half-track Armored Fighting Vehicles in WWII and Korea

In this video, the National Museum of Military Vehicles showcases its collection of half-tracks, including eight fully restored models on display. The M2 and M3, developed during World War II by White Motor Company and Diamond T, were nearly identical except for the M3’s longer body and rear door, which allowed for greater troop capacity. Both models featured a vertical volute spring suspension system for improved mobility. International Harvester also produced half-tracks, designated M5 and M9, with rolled homogeneous steel armor instead of face-hardened steel.

The video highlights specialized variants, including the M4 and M4A1 mortar carriers and the rare M21 forward-firing mortar carrier. Anti-aircraft models like the M15 and M16 Multiple Gun Motor Carriages were also covered, with the M16 earning the nickname “meat chopper” for its firepower in the Korean War. Other modifications included the T19, an early self-propelled howitzer, and the Australian M15 Special with a 40mm Bofors gun. As the war progressed, fully tracked armored personnel carriers replaced half-tracks, marking the end of their military role.