Did the USMC Use Halftracks in WWII?

[Tinman]

I'm thinking not, since so far I've found nothing on the web about it. Does anyone know?

Thanks!

[tmanthegreat]

I can't answer that question with certainty, but I do know that the USMC used LVT-4s and their variations. These were open-topped tracked vehicles armed usually with .30 and .50 caliber machine guns. They were amphibious and probably afforded greater protection to the crews than a standard M3 half-track would. Such amphibious vehicles also seem better suited to coming ashore and fighting on small islands than a vehicle designed purely for land warfare.



One of these vehicles in 1:18 scale would make a great little transport for the XD Marines. 21c could even engineer it to float!

[digger]

http://www.onsitediecast.com/images/Hc60409.jpg

[Threetoughtrucks]

There are plenty of pictures of half-tracks in the Pacific island campaigns but it is very hard to see any difference between Marine and Army troops using them.

Marine's were certainly surported by half-tracks with mounted 75mm guns and even quad .50 cals mounted on half-tracks but using these tracks in the traditional manner of armored infantry is another story. When the Marines moved inland on the bigger islands, Army units became involved and trying to tell who you are looking at is difficult. There were Marine Armored units but may have been only tanks, using M-4s, flamethrower M-4's and M-2A1 Stuart light tanks. The M-2A1's were obsolete when the war started but the Jap tanks were so poor, they were an even match for the old Marine tanks. The old story about "If it's not out of date and leaks oil it's not really a Marine vehicle". M-5 Stuarts replaced the M-2A1's.

I'd be interested if further research by somebody gives us an answer.

TTT

[Tinman]

Thank you all for your input!