Join us for a must see event with all of our tanks and military vehicles on display and in action, a special War on Terror exhibit including a 9/11 firetruck, an EMT vehicle, steel from the Twin Towers, and so much more! Medal of Honor recipient from the Vietnam War, General James Livingston, will be a special guest of honor! There will be a scavenger hunt for kids and veterans make sure you stop by the Veteran's Table when you enter. Join as a member and get your name in the hat for a drawing for a tank ride. 

This huge living history event will be at our Tank Farm, 13906 Aden Road, Nokesville, VA. Register in advance by clicking right here!

The M-50 Sherman is a modification a a M4A4 Sherman from the Second World War. The new nation of Israel was using mostly obsolete tanks it was able to buy from Europe to defend itself from hostile neighbors. Realizing the limitations of the 75mm armed Sherman’s they were using they worked with the French to modernize them. They chose the 75mm high velocity gun of a French AMX 13, wide late war suspension and an upgraded engine to make the M-50 more lethal. The engine was a Cummins VT 460 turbo charged diesel. 

The M-50 would see service with the Israelis in the Six Day war in '67 and in reserve units in the '73 Yom Kippur War. Later some of the M-50’s would be transferred to friendly Lebanese units.

Our M-50 would come out of England in the late '80’s to the collection at the Tank Farm. When we received the tank it was still in Lebanese blue/grey color and looked rough. We restored it in the early '90’s and used it until we had engine problems. The tank sat idle for a long time until some replacement original engines became available in the UK. Once an engine was sourced we re-restored the tank and put the recently purchased engine in its proper place. If you look closely at the front of the tank you will see the scars of a long service with multiple armies. 

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. 

Shorty, tell us about yourself.

I am a 68 year old married father of two, first Generation American, and a retired firefighter from Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department after 25 years of service. I also retired from the West Virginia Air National Guard in 1998 after serving for 27 years. I live in Haymarket and volunteer at least one day a week at the Farm and have been a volunteer for 23 Years. 

Describe your duties as a volunteer.

I do anything that needs to be done within my abilities. I consider myself more of a part changer instead of a mechanic.

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

After attending my first open house I found out that they needed more volunteers; because back in the old days we had two open houses a year.

What started your interest in tanks and military vehicles?

I was collecting military collectables and through the collecting community I found out about the Tank Farm. I went to my first Open House and was hooked.

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

I would have to say it would be one of the three Tank Destroyers. The WWII tank Destroyers were some of the fastest vehicles. We have three of them, the M-10 or Wolverine, M-18 or Hellcat, (which is still one of the fastest tanks today) and the M-36 Jackson. They had a very serious job to do - attack, shoot and get out of the area before getting discovered.

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

It would be the M-1917 Light Tank, the first tank of the US Army. The restoration project took many years and was enjoyable to work on something that old. Almost every part was taken apart and either replaced, restored, or fabricated. It was very satisfying to see it start up and pull out of the shop on its own power after so many years.

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

The movie that had a profound impression on me was the Longest Day. I remember my father explaining to me what it was about and that quite a few actors had actually participated in the battle itself. I still enjoy watching it today.

Ketchup or mustard?

Mustard

Hamburger or hot dog?

Hot Dog!

Shorty and Dave Working on the GAA