https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...80_large-1.jpg
Infantry, Fort Benning, Ga
Date taken:February 2, 1950
Photographer:Ralph Morse
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...d_medium-1.jpg
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...80_large-1.jpg
Infantry, Fort Benning, Ga
Date taken:February 2, 1950
Photographer:Ralph Morse
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...d_medium-1.jpg
What is the vehicle? It looks like an American version of a BREN gun carrier theme.
I believe it is an M39 APC, actually AUC Armored Utility Carrier, which at the time was being replaced by the M75 and shortly thereafter, the M59.
I have to wonder how many got a foot caught in the cargo baskets on the sides of the vehicles whilst dismounting in a hurry and ended up with a face full of tread.
The M39 Armored Utility Vehicle (T41) was an American armored vehicle designed during the Second World War, which saw service in that conflict and in the Korean War. Like a number of vehicles of this type, it was built using an existing chassis, that of the M18 Hellcat.
The M39 was originally designed as a prime mover for the 3-inch Gun M5. Approximately 650 (640 utility/APC variants, 10 command and reconnaissance) were modified from M18 chassis between October 1944 to March 1945. They saw service in Europe during the last months of World War II and were widely used during the Korean War, where they were employed in variety of roles, including as troop transports, medevac ambulances, and ammunition carriers for 155mm M41 Gorilla self-propelled howitzers'. M39s played a vital role in supplying and ferrying troops to isolated outposts during the later defensive phase of the Korean War, though their thin armor and open tops meant the crew were vulnerable to enemy fire, and the fully enclosed M75 armored personnel carrier would eventually replace it in this role.[1] The M39 was withdrawn from service in 1957.
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...f5c4a2_b-1.jpg
We got pretty good at living around those sort of vehicles, you'd be surprised. Not too many mishaps.Quote:
Originally Posted by Paul S.
IIRC, that's an International Harvester publicity photo touting their manufacture of M1 Rifles.
The M39 Armored Utility Vehicle, that's not your grandfather's Buick! :madsmile: