Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day: Honoring Those Who Served and

The Fallen

The M5A1 Stuart in Europe During WWII

The M5A1 Stuart light tank is the one of a series of light tanks from the Second World War. They were based on the M2 series that came out before the war. The M2 series would develop into the M3 then M3A1 and finally the M3A3 all based on the same design built around a 7 cylinder continental radial gas motor. The M3A1 would be popular with the British in North Africa where it became known as the “Honey” and would also see heavy use with the Marines in the Pacific. A heavily modified and improved version would come out in 1942 known as the M5 and later the M5A1 Stuart light tank. This new version looked much like the M3A3 but replaced the 7 cylinder radial engine with twin Cadillacs coupled to automatic transmissions. This improvement made it an easier tank to drive and reduced driver fatigue, making it more combat effective. In all cases the turret basically remained the same except when a radio was added in the M5A1. The gun in all the models stayed the same 37mm gun which was not very effective against most enemy armor. Not until near the end of the war would we see a completely new tank emerge with a vastly improved main gun, the Chaffee Tank with its 75mm. 

Our M3A1 Stuart on a Film Set in West Virginia

Even though the Stuarts were obsolete by the end of the war they would soldier on as part of the military assistance program with our allies. Our M5A1 Stuart was one of those sent abroad with this program and landed up in Portugal. If it wasn’t for this program post war, most of these vehicles would have landed up on ranges or as scrap. 

Our M5A1 Stuart on Display at our Open House

Our M5A1 in Stephen's City at the Heritage Museum

Our M5A1 at a Rippon Landing Event

In this section we introduce you to the staff and volunteers of Americans in Wartime. These are the people who "keep 'em running" and work so hard behind the scenes. 

Bill, tell us about yourself.

I was an Armor officer during the cold war, stationed in Germany and the U.S. Currently I work for a large financial firm. I am a home brewer and do the bourbon barrel aging work at a brewery in Loudoun County. 

Describe your duties as a volunteer.

Basically, what ever Marc, the Operations Manager, tells me to do, without breaking anything. I think I am a better driver than a mechanic, but I’ve learned a lot over the years!

How did you hear about Americans in Wartime and what drew you in?

It was so long ago; I don’t remember exactly but it was by accident. I do remember being disappointed that I wasn’t aware of the museum sooner.

What started your interest in tanks and military vehicles?

As a kid I was into tank models, and of course being an ex-Armor officer, I have an ingrained interest.

What is your favorite armored fighting vehicle of all time? Why?

This is probably too specific of an answer, but it was my M60A3 (TTS) blade tank, C-65, 3/35 Armor. It was a great tank, despite having the bulldozer blade attachment, which was given to each Company Executive Officer at the time. It had great night vision, shot far and true, but more so than just the vehicle, I had one of the best crews. For me it isn’t just the vehicle, but also the men that crew it.

What is your favorite vehicle in the AWE collection? Why?

Too hard to choose! There are so many historically significant or technologically interesting vehicles in the collection. I like the Centurion due to its size, Swiss PZ due to its technology being similar to the M60A3, and also the Russian T34. Years ago, after successfully driving it out of the storage barn, Marc slapped me hard on the back, declaring “that’s a tank driver!”

What is your favorite military history book or movie? Why?

We Were Soldiers Once...And Young: Ia Drang The Battle That Changed the War in Vietnam - both the book and movie. It is such a great story of leadership during adversity.

Ketchup or mustard?

Mustard

Hamburger or hot dog?

Hot Dog - A great vehicle for toppings!

Bill and Bruce Finishing Up the Clutch on the GAA

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