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They used the same turret for both according to my sources, what are you basing your response on? There were many variations between the M3 with the D37812 turret and a M3A3 which then led to their using the new improved turret on the M5A1.Quote:
Originally Posted by emmagee1917
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...1Turret3-1.jpg
By all the photos I can find, M5 Stuart is what I'm sticking to.
The deck ( top of the bottom half [ hull ] of the tank ) aft of the turret on the M5 is higher than the M3 series . I'm not an armor expert by any means , but IIRC , it had to do with the engine radiator placement move or bigger radiators ???
Chris
Try Zaloga's book on the M3/M5 Stuart, same turret used in last production of M3A3 and the initial production of he M5A1. There were several of modifications within a given series, but the hatch covers are unique for that modification, one for the Commander and one for the gunner, each a periscope. It was a small cramped turret but by this time had a basket for the turret crew, the Commander was also the loader.
Anyway you can't really tell with only a rear view, and you're guessing, at least I tried to identify and noted it could be either. Want to really be frustrated, tell us if it's an Army or Marine Stuart. That engagement Company K, 106th Infantry actually had the support of by a platoon of medium tanks of Company B, 762d Tank Battalion because they were stalling the advancement of the Marines on their right flank. The photo for this post along with the info I have provided is located in the US Army in WWII, The War in the Pacific, Campaign in the Mariana's, by Philip Cowl page 184.
Seems like there is always Service rivalry and I always wondered how good they got along in the pacific. Even in the movie the pacific they show a little bit of this. But maybe once the bullets started flying it was all good. At least that would be nice.