US Light Tanks: From Obsolete to Best on the Battlefield

The evolution of US light tanks during World War II began with the M3 Stuart and evolved through models such as the M3A1, M5, M5A1, and M24 Chaffee. It also included unique tanks like the M3 Satan flamethrower and the M22 airborne light tank. In this video, Dan Starks, Founder of the National Museum of Military Vehicles, describes the progression of these tanks from obsolescence to being the best on the battlefield.

TIMESTAMPS
00:00 - M3 Stuart and its Origins
10:47 - M3A1 Improvements
15:04 - M5 & M5A1
20:44 - M24 Chaffee
24:21 - M3 Satan Flamethrower
28:04 - M22 Locust

Highlights Include:

* M3 Stuart Tank: Learn how the Spanish Civil War influenced its development and the pivotal role it played early in WWII.

* M3A1, M5, and M5A1 Stuart Tanks: Discover the incremental improvements that enhanced their combat efficiency.

* M3 Satan Flamethrower Tank: A unique adaptation of the Stuart tank, designed for specialized assault missions.

* M24 Chaffee Tank: Explore the culmination of light tank design in WWII, offering superior firepower and mobility.

* M22 Airborne Light Tank: Insight into the design and deployment of this airborne light tank during WWII.

[neilpk]

It's incredible how much information this video packs into a half hour.
Just imagining how cool it'd be to hang out with Mr Starks and the tanks for an afternoon.

[thunderK]

The M24 Chaffee also had the advantage of a 3-man turret, meaning that the commander no longer needed to load the gun and could focus solely on commanding the tank.

[folgore]

The M24 Chaffee still looks surprisingly modern compared to the M3 Stewart. It adopted so many features that became standard on Post-War tanks up to the present day.

[Paladin]

As a kid growing up in the 1960s I used to visit a surplus yard located about ten miles from home in the north Florida countryside. Among the vehicles I would crawl over was an early model M3 Stuart. I recognized it because I read a ridiculous comic book series DC put out called "The Haunted Tank". I know it was an early model because it was bristling with machine gun ports. The racks that held the fixed guns on either side of the chassis were still present. At the time I assumed all Stuarts were armed this way.

[oconnorsean]

You know your stuff when you establish your own museum, , thank you Mr Starks

[michaeltelson]

In Robert Crisp’s book “Brazen Chariots” he gives an alternate explanation of the nickname “Honey”. He said his driver put it through the paces that would shed tracks on British tanks, but the M3 didn’t shed them. It was a “Honey “ to drive.

[kalaharimine]

Excellent presentation, Thank-you Mr Starks.

[briancoates]

My uncle was a tank commander in Vietnam. He said he spent much of the time relaxing on the beach because tanks didn't do good in jungles and swamps. I believe he had a M-60 tank.

[thetruthseeker]

Finally some competition to "The Tank Museum". And it's on Our side of the Atlantic! Great videos, please keep them up!!!

[pyronuke]

One of my favorite vehicles is the 75mm Howitzer Motor Carrage M8, which was a M5 Stuart with a brand new turret mounting a 75mm pack howitzer. My great-great uncle serverd as a loader on one in Italy.

[tman]

Ive been to your museum multiple times. Me n my boys love this place

[scipioafricanus]

Very knowledgeable. I had never heard of the M3 Satan before.

[Stl]

There's nothing better than old timers teaching. Whether it's a video on tanks, construction lumber, or vehicles, anytime the video starts with an old timer I know it's gonna be good.

[davidk]

Thank you for this wonderful overview, Dan. You must have a great team working earnestly to assure that the script, lighting, sound, cameras, editing, etc. all come together. Top notch production values. I think it underlines the thoughtful displays and layout of the galleries. Although the museum is vast, it does not feel (or sound) that way. I've always lauded the NMMV's curation but have come to notice and appreciate the contemplative design seamlessly integrated in the same place where you can turn a corner and say "wow."

[bostonrailfan]

M551 saw action in Operation Just Cause in Panama where it actually fulfilled its job of aerial deployment and in Operation Desert Storm as well, where they saw combat including using their missiles

[billwilson-esyn]

The US Army Arsenal invented the vertical and horizontal volute bogie suspension. The flat wound spring was chosen because it could still support some weight when broken in two. The M3 and M5 also used the Buick Hydromatic automatic transmission that had 4 forward speeds and one reverse gear. The British and Aussies really liked the automatic transmission since that allowed the driver to keep his eyes 'on the road' and not looking at the gauges when shifting gears. They also liked the twin Cadillac V8's since one could keep the tank moving if the other one became disabled. The Caddy V8 was also used in the Marine Corps LVT Amttaks with engine inside each side to power the tracks. The early M3 halftracks used factory Caddy V8's that were assembled to go inside cars. Those were fancy with polished aluminum intake manifolds and water pumps plus other deluxe features. Those stayed stateside at the training bases.

[stefanschutz]

Excellent presentation. Thank you so much from a former leader of a platoon of five Centurion tanks in the Dutch Army, ages ago.

[maxstr]

I wasn't even aware this museum exists. I'm subbed to a bunch of tank related channels but YouTube only just recommended this now.

[lauriewong]

I know much more now than I did 30mins. ago. A really great presentation! thanks!

[patrickjames]

Excellent Presentation and so thoughtfully delivered and enunciated. Nice to learn info I did not know. As a WWII history buff, thanks.