One of the most iconic pieces of equipment in US military history, over 40,000 M3 half-tracks were manufactured during World War II, with many thousands of similar models supplied to allied forces.
The M3A1 half-track was ideally suited for swiftly transporting troops to the front lines and through gaps in enemy defenses. Capable of reaching speeds up to 45 mph and armored sufficiently to withstand most small arms fire, it excelled in this pivotal role.
Crewed by three men, it could accommodate up to ten fully equipped troops. The chassis saw numerous adaptations, including variants serving as tank destroyers, mortar carriers, and ambulances. However, the most common configuration was the M3A1, armed with a powerful .50 caliber heavy machine gun and two or more .30 caliber machine guns.
