United States' Aircraft Aces updated

I've additional aces to the list.

United States' Douglas C-47 Skytrain transport photo added

The C-47 was the work horse of the air. It transported supplies to remote places and dropped paratroopers behind enemy lines.

United States' Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress photos added

The B-17 Flying Fortress was an amazing airplane. It could take an amazing amount of damage and still get the crew back to base.

I've added some photos, including one where in the distance (above the tail) you can see a Me 110 starting its pass.

United States' Vought F4U Corsair fighter photo added

Initially the Vought F4U Corsair was considered too dangerous for carrier operations and was relegated to land based Marine Corps units. Later it was shown to be quite safe the United States Navy started to use it in carrier operations.

I've added a photo of a F4U firing it's rockets at Japanese positions.

United States' North American B-25 Mitchell bomber photo added

The Americans were looking for a way to take the war to Japan and the idea to bomb Japan by B-25 medium bombers was eventually decided upon. The B-25s took off from the carrier USS Hornet and did very minor physical damage to Japan but ultimately it lead to the attack on Midway which was the turning point in the war in the Pacific.

I've now added a photo from that mission.

United States' T17 Armored Car updated

After seeing the success of the Germans in Europe, the United States Army wanted to have armored cars to use for reconnaissance. However, several models were in the running when the Palmer Board recommended that only one model be the main focus of production. The T17 and T17E1 were in the running but were not selected. However, the British were in need of armored cars and ordered the T17E1.

United States Production updated

Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto was right, the Japanese empire woke a sleeping giant when the Japanese attacked the United States in December 1941. The American, primarily locomotive and automobile, industry stepped up to the task and produced a phenomenal amount of weapons that supplied the Allied military fighting the Axis powers. Over 88,000 tanks alone were produced!
I've added a table that shows tank production by manufacturer.

United States' M18 Gun Motor Carriage, Hellcat updated

Can you imagine using this bad boy in your morning commute to work? It could get up to 55 MPH and if there was a traffic tie-up you'd just go cross country around it! Ok so I'm dreaming!
I've updated some of the specifications information on the M18 Hellcat page.

United States' M26 Pershing heavy tank updated

Tank doctrine of the United States in much of World War II was to have tank destroyers kill enemy tanks and heavy tanks weren't pushed to be developed or produced. Then the Battle of the Bulge changed all that and the M26 Pershing heavy tank was rushed into production. However, very few saw action in Europe and some saw action on Okinawa.

United States' T14 Heavy Tank updated

Another heavy tank design that only produced two prototypes was the T-14. Initially the British showed interest in it but by the time the prototypes were completed the Churchill was already being used.
If anyone has photos, send'em my way!

United States' M6 heavy tank updated

The United States did develop the M6 heavy tank that might have done well against the German Panthers and Tigers, but it was never put into full production because the medium tanks were given priority.

United States' North American P-51 Mustang fighter photos added

The North American P-51 Mustang was a marriage between a British engine and an American airframe that produced the top fighter of World War II.

United States' Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress photos added

Probably the most well known of the allied bombers, the B-17 Flying Fortress, was there from the attack on Pearl Harbor to the end in Europe and Japan.

United States' Lockheed P-38 Lightning fighter photos added

Still my favorite all-time fighter of World War II is the P-38 Lightning. I've added some additional photos:

United States' Consolidated PB4Y-2 Privateer maritime patrol bomber photos added

Consolidated also produced the PB4Y-2 Privateer maritime patrol bomber.
I've added some photos for it too.

United States' Consolidated B-24 Liberator bomber photos added

I've often wondered what went through the minds of the men who were part of the crews on the big bombers? The initial boredom of the flight, alone with your thoughts, preparing your weapons, watching your squadron mates airplanes around you, probably wondering which of them won't return. The the adrenaline rush when enemy fighters are seen. Then the total helplessness one must have felt when the flak started as there was nothing you could do to the flak, after all you couldn't shoot at it if you were the crewman who manned defensive weapons. The feelings of relief when you were back at your home field. Then the waiting to see who didn't make it back.

My father, who was a Marine, has always said he respected the pilots of the planes that protected the skies above him when he was fighting in the Pacific. He knew that they'd fly their missions, and go back to a "comfortable" base where they could eat and sleep, while he remained in the front line. He knew they had a very difficult job.

I've added a bunch of photos for one of the United States' main bombers, the B-24 Liberator.

Plus a bunch more . . .

United States' Curtiss P-40 Warhawk fighter photos added

The main American fighter that held the lines during the first year of World War II was the P-40. It wasn't the best fighter being used, but it was very capable in the hands of a good pilot.

Plus many more photos . . .

United States' B-29 Superfortress photos added

Possibly the most expensive weapon system developed during World War II was the Boeing B-29 Superfortress. At $3 billion (1940s price), it may have surpassed the development of the atomic bomb (seems like I remember a figure of $1 billion for it).

United States' M6 heavy tank photos added

The M6 Heavy Tank was an early attempt by the United States to develop a heavy tank that would be the M3 Medium Tank's counterpoint. It however never saw combat was produced in very small numbers.

United States' Douglas TBD Devastator photo added

The TBD Devastator a design that was used past it's prime. But with nothing else available the fliers still flew them to battle the enemy.
I've added an additional photo for it.

United States' Republic P-47 Thunderbolt fighter photo added

I've added a new photo for the P-47 Thunderbolt fighter. The P-47 was a powerful plane that initially escorted bombers, but eventually found it's calling as a ground attack plane. It could carry a large load and survive lots of damage from ground fire.

United States' M4 Medium Tank photo

I've added a new photo of the M4 Sherman Medium Tank.

United States' M4 Medium Tank updated

The M4 Medium Tank may not have been the best tank during World War II, but it was reliable, and in numbers that allowed it to arm the Western Allies and supply them to Russia as well.
I've reorganized the M4 pages and added some minor information.

United States' M3 medium tank updated

The M3 Medium Tank was a design that was quickly put into production to get a more potent tank in the field while waiting for a better design to be developed. Almost 6,300 M3s were built during World War II. The British used many of them, and did like the 75 mm gun that gave them parity with German guns, though the M3 was rather tall.

United States' M22 light tank, Locust updated

The M22 Locust was intended to be used by airborne forces. However, the Americans didn't have gliders large enough to transport them. The British did, and used the Locust in combat.

United States' M2 medium tank updated

The M2 Medium was basically an upgraded M2 Light Tank. It had been intended to produce 1,000 of them but after seeing events in Europe in 1940 it was decided to design an improved medium tank to meet the needs of the military.

United States' M24 light tank, Chaffee updated

Not only was the M24 Chaffee an excellent light tank, but it led the way in producing a "combat team" of military vehicles that would share the same chassis, thus simplifying maintenance and supply.
I've made some minor additions and reorganized the page.

United States' M5 light tank updated

I've now updated the page for the M5 Light Tank I've also split out the the page for the M5A1.

United States' M3 light tank, Stuart updated

The M3 Light Tank was probably used by all the major Allied powers during World War II along with some captured ones being used by Axis forces as well. I've updated and broken out the different models of the M3.

United States' M2 light tank updated

A tank that was primarily used for training was the M2 Light Tank. It did see some limited combat in the Pacific.
I've updated and broken out the different models to their own pages.

• M2 main page
• M2A1
• M2A2
• M2A3
• M2A4

United States' M1 Combat Car updated

All tank forces had to begin with elementary designs at some point and one of the more successful early designs used by the United States Army was the Combat Car M1. In actuality it was a tank, but it had to be called a Combat Car to get by Congressional restrictions on tank development.
I've now added some minor historical updates.

United States' History updated

Lessons weren't learned from World War I and the United States was woefully lacking in tanks and other weapons at the start of World War II. Luckily industry was able to ramp up to become the arsenal of democracy. I've added some additional historical information for the United States.

United States' Divisions updated more

I've added some additional information on the divisions used by the United States in World War II. I've added formation year, dates and which theater they were in. Also added the Marines (my father was in the 3rd Marine Corps Division)!

United States' Divisions added

I've added a list of the United States' divisions formed and/or used in World War II.

United States' Consolidated B-24 Liberator bomber updated and photos added

Growing up in the 70s in Northern California I can remember the Forest Service using a B-17 and a B-24 to help fight forest fires. I was near enough to the fires that I could see their bomb bay doors open and drop the fire retardant seemingly right over my head. These just fueled my interest in World War II even more.
I've now added some additional information on the B-24 and added some pictures.

Aces updates

I've added updates for several of the Aces of these countries:

Finland: Aces
France: Aces
Germany: Aces
United Kingdom: Aces
United States: Aces

United States' North American B-25 Mitchell bomber and units updated

I've added some BuNo Numbers for the B-25 Mitchell and listed some of the PBJ units they were used in by the Marine Corps in World War II.

United States' Tank Destroyer Battalions updated

I've added a little more information on the American Tank Destroyer Battalions used during World War II.

United States' Curtiss P-40 Warhawk fighter updated and photo added

I've added a photo of the Curtiss P-40's cockpit and added some minor historical information.

United States' Douglas SBD Dauntless updated

I've added some minor additions to the Dauntless dive bomber.

United States' Curtiss SB2C Helldiver dive bomber updated

I've added additional historical and production information on the Curtiss Helldiver Navy dive bomber that was used during World War II. There's also a new picture.

United States' Squadron and Group Codes updated

I've added a bunch of Navy and Marine Squadrons.

United States' Grumman TBF/TBM Avenger torpedo bomber updated

I've added additional production figures for the Grumman Avenger torpedo bomber.

United States' Squadron and Group Codes

I've added the P-61 Squadrons that were used in Europe and the Pacific.

United States' Squadron and Group Codes and Aces updated

I've added more Squadrons and Aces from the P-40 units that were in the Pacific during World War II.

United States' Squadron and Group Codes, more updates!

Added even more United States squadrons. Seem like a never ending amount of them!

United States' Squadron and Group Codes updated

I've made a minor update and reordered the squadrons list.

United States' Aircraft Aces updated

I've added some night fighter aces to the American Aces listing.

United States' Aircraft Aces updated

I've added some additional names to the Aces list for the United States.

United States' Waco CG-4A Hadrian transport added

The Waco CG-4A glider was used in the main airborne operations conducted by the Allies during World War II.

United States' Vultee Vengeance dive bomber added

The dive bomber craze resulted in the RAF wanting a dive bomber of their own. Eventually this resulted in the Vultee Vengeance being developed. However it didn't live up to expectations and was relegated to being a target tug.

United States' Vultee Valiant trainer added

In the early years of World War II the Vultee Valiant was used by the Air Force and Navy for training. Over 11,000 were produced.

United States' Vought F4U Corsair fighter updated

I've updated and separated out information on the Corsair plus added some photos.

United States' Vought OS2U Kingfisher land and floatplane added

The Vought OS2U Kingfisher was used throughout the world in all fighting theaters by the United States Navy. It was used from ships or from inshore bases.

United States' Vought SB2U Vindicator updated

I've now added additional specifications and historical information for the Vought SB2U Vindicator.

United States' Squadron and Group Codes updated

The 9th Air Force's Group and Squadron codes have now been added.
If anyone has the British codes or codes for other units feel free to send them my way as I'd be happy to include them in this web site!

United States' Squadron and Group Codes added

When the United States entered World War II it was decided to adopt the British system of unit identification codes. This was a system where there was a 2 letter/digit code that indicated the unit, and a 3rd letter that designated the particular aircraft in the unit. Of course there were exceptions to this, but probably 99% followed this method. I've now added the Squadron and Group Codes for the units in the 8th Air Force. I'll add the 9th Air Force later.

United States' Aircraft Aces updated

I've added some more American Aircraft Aces to my list.

United States' M40 and M43 Gun Motor Carriage updated

The United States was able to bring to bear some very accurate self propelled artillery in the last months of the war. The M40 and M43 Gun Motor Carriages were well liked by their crews and were even nicknamed "long range snipers" because of their accuracy.

United States' M16 Multiple Gun Motor Carriage updated

After a few poor designs for anti aircraft half tracks, the M16 Multiple Gun Motor Carriage was very well received by the Marines and the Army. Its nickname was very well deserved, the "meat chopper."

United States' Aircraft Aces added

I've started to create a list of American Aircraft Aces. It's just the start and I hope to find more sources to make the list more complete.

United States' M15 and M15A1 Multiple Gun Motor Carriage updated

The M15 Multiple Gun Motor Carriage was a successful anti-aircraft half track. It could easily be used against aircraft or ground targets.

United States' M8 Howitzer Motor Carriage updated

The United States needed close support for the troops and eventually decided upon the M8 Howitzer Motor Carriage in the early years of the war. It was a 75 mm Howitzer mounted in a large turret on top of an M5 Light Tank chassis.
I've added some new specifications information.

United States' M8 Light Armored Car updated

The M8 Light Armored Car was used by many countries into the late 1970s.

United States' M3, M3A1 Gun Motor Carriage updated

The need for a self propelled anti tank gun by the United States and British resulted in the M3 GMC being developed and produced.
I've added some additional specifications and reorganized the page.

United States' M3A1 Scout Car updated

I've added some additional specification information for the M3A1 Scout Car. For something that wasn't very good at cross country use, there were over 20,000 produced. One would have thought that production could have been better spent on half tracks.

United States' Northrop P-61 Black Widow fighter updated

I've added a list of P-61 Aces.

United States' M3 half track updated

The M3 Half Track was widely used by the Allied forces in World War II and used by many countries up into the 1980s.
I've added additional specifications and a couple of photos.

United States' Landing Vehicle Tracked LVT (4) updated

I've added some additional specification data for the LVT (4).

United States' Landing Vehicle Tracked (LVT) updated

I've updated and broken out my LVT pages.

United States' prototype photos added

I've now added several photos of prototypes that never made it out of the T Designation prototype stage.

T1 Gun Motor Carriage:


T18 Howitzer Motor Carriage:


T27 Gun Motor Carriage:


T27 Mortar Carrier:


T36 Gun Motor Carriage:


T53E1 Gun Motor Carriage:


T55E1 Gun Motor Carriage:


T95 Gun Motor Carriage:

United States' M8 Howitzer Motor Carriage photo added

I've added a photo of the M8 Howitzer Motor Carriage.

United States' M36B2 tank destroyer photo added

I've added a photo for the M36B2 Gun Motor Carriage.

United States' M4 variant photos

Some additional photos of M4 Medium variants.

POA-CWS 75H-1:



M17:

United States' M16 Multiple Gun Motor Carriage photo added

I've added a picture for the M16 Multiple Gun Motor Carriage.

United States' M7 and M37 Howitzer Motor Carriage, M12 and M40 Gun Motor Carriages updated

I've been making some updates to the M7 and M37, M12, and M40 pages. Reorganized them a little, though still should rewrite much of the text and arranged the photos. Hope to add more photos later today, but Spring is calling me outside. . .

United States' Number Designations added

I've started working on added the different letter-number designations for vehicles that were used by the United States in World War II. It's only a start, so there are some I am missing.

• LVT
• M
• T

United States' M18 Gun Motor Carriage, Hellcat updated

The M18 Gun Motor Carriage was the fastest all tracked tank used in World War II. I've added a ton of new historical and variant information, as well as photos.

Prototypes:

United States' M4A3 Medium Tank, Sherman updated

Finally getting some tank updates in! The United States' M4 Medium tank was a mainstay of its military forces. I've updated the description and specification information for the M4A3 model.

United States' Republic P-47 Thunderbolt fighter updated

The Republic P-47 Thunderbolt was one of the top fighters and fighter bombers used by the United States in World War II. It started out being used on long range escort missions and eventually was used in the fighter bomber role.
I've added quite a bit of specification information and put the different models on their own pages.

United States' Republic P-43 Lancer fighter added

The Republic P-43 wasn't a great fighter, but it did lead to the development of the exceptional P-47 Thunderbolt. After initial use as a fighter the P-43s were converted into photo reconnaissance aircraft.

United States' Northrop P-61 Black Widow fighter

One of the coolest looking planes from the World War II area is an all black Northrop P-61 Black Widow night fighter. Just looking at it makes a shiver run down your spine knowing it meant business.
I've made some additional specification and historical updates.

United States' North American P-51 Mustang fighter updated

I've added quite a bit of new specicifications and historical information for the North American P-51 Mustang which was the most famous fighter in World War II.

• P-51A
  
• P-51B
  
• P-51C
  
• P-51D
  
• P-51H
• P-51K

United States' North American B-25 Mitchell bomber updated

I've added quite a bit of new specifications and production data for the North American B-25 Mitchell. It's probably one of the more well known and recognizable medium bombers used in World War II.

United States' Ranks updated

I've added what the insignia is for the different ranks in the US Army.

United States' North American AT-6 trainer added

The most produced and used trainer that the United States produced was the North American AT-6. It was used by over 40 countries all the way into the 1990s.

United States' Martin PBM Mariner updated

I've added additional variant, production, and specification information for the Martin PBM Mariner series of float planes.

United States' Martin 187 Baltimore A-30 bomber updated

I've added specifications for many of the Baltimore models produced during World War II.

United States' Martin Model 167, Maryland bomber updated

I've added quite a bit of new specifications and production information for the Martin Maryland bomber that was used by France, Britain, and South Africa during World War II. I've also added a picture.

United States' Lockheed C-69 Constellation transport added

Even though the C-69 Constellation was used quite extensively post World War II it was developed and produced in very small numbers.

United States' Lockheed PV-2 Harpoon bomber updated

I've put the PV-2 Harpoon onto its own page, added new historical information and specifications.

United States' Lockheed PV-1 / B-34 Ventura bomber updated

I've added some additional specifications and variant information for the Lockheed PV-1 / B-34 Ventura.

United States' Lockheed P-38 Lightning fighter updated

I've added a major update for the P-38.

• P-38 Main Page
• P-38 Photos
• P-38D
• P-38E
• P-38F
• P-38G
• P-38H
• P-38J
• P-38L
• F-4
• F-5

United States' Lockheed C-60 Lodestar transport added

I've now added a page for the Lockheed C-60 Lodestar that was used for passenger transport duties. Unfortunately, I couldn't find any pictures. If anyone has some, send'em my way!

United States' Lockheed Hudson bomber updated

I've added some new specifications and production information for the Hudson.

United States' Grumman TBF/TBM Avenger torpedo bomber updated

The Grumman TBF/TBM Avenger was seen in nearly every naval battle starting with the Battle of Midway.
I've now updated its page with additional specification and production information.

United States' Grumman F6F Hellcat fighter updated

I've added quite a bit of new specification information for the Grumman F6F Hellcat. The Hellcat shot down nearly 3/4 of the enemy planes shot down in the Pacific.

United States' Grumman J2F Duck floatplane added

The Grumman J2F Duck was a good all around amphibian plane. It was used on patrols, air sea rescue, anti submarine, and many other duties.
I've now added a page for it.

Hobby Master 1/72 Armor, 3404, United States' M10 Wolverine added

I've added Hobby Master 1/72 M10 Wolverine to my display of tanks and planes.

Hobby Master 1/72 Armor, 3601 and 3602, United States' M-24 Chaffee added

A couple more additions to my 1/72 collection are a couple M24s, the 3601 and 3602.

3601:



3602: