On the 80th anniversary of the iconic Sherman tank that spearheaded America’s liberation of Europe during World War II, the Museum of American Armor is seeking to honor those veterans who crewed these legendary vehicles along their families.
The Armor Museum has put out an “All Points Bulletin” for Sherman tank families to join the Armor Museum in observing the milestone anniversary on Thursday, November 10th at 12 Noon, on the eve of Veterans Day 2022.
“Sadly, we recognize that many of the Sherman tank crews are gone but their legacy is lasting. The invitation is out to all surviving Sherman tankers but we are also asking the families of Sherman veterans to join us in ceremonies that mark the 80th anniversary of when this iconic tank was introduced into combat,” stated Kevin Carroll, the Armor Museum’s Community Affairs Director.
Armor Museum’s founder and president Lawrence Kadish stated, “The Armor Museum continues to offer a powerful presentation that keeps alive the legacy of our nation’s military and the gift of freedom they have given all of us. The Sherman tank is an important part of that story and so we are asking tanker veterans or their survivors to come forward and help us preserve their legacy.”
In recognition of its considerable importance, the Armor Museum’s acquisition of a Sherman tank was one of the first actions undertaken by Mr. Kadish when he undertook the creation of the museum. “You can’t effectively tell the story of American courage during World War II without this particular tank on operational display,” observed Mr. Kadish.
Some 50,000 Sherman tanks were built by nearly a dozen different manufacturers during World War II, making them available to the Allies as well as American forces fighting in Europe and the Pacific. While not as well armed as its German opponents, the Sherman proved to be reliable, relatively fast, and produced in great numbers. As combat evolved during the conflict American tankers changes their tactics to confront and defeat the enemy’s superior armor.
Michael Sapraicone, Senior Armor Museum Trustee said, “This museum is a unique commitment by public and private sectors to preserve and present a seminal chapter in the history of our world that is still defining current events around the globe. But to put that in perspective, we need to hear from our Sherman veterans and their families as we pay tribute to a weapon that was manned by brave Americans nearly a century ago.”
Sherman veterans or their families are invited to reach out to the museum through its web site, www.museumofamericanarmor.com to confirm their attendance.