Evolution of US Tank Destroyers of World War II

Five beautifully hand-drawn illustrations detail the evolution of US tank destroyers of World War II. Included are the first stopgap tank destroyers M3 75mm Gun Motor Carriage (GMC) and M6 37mm GMC; the first purpose-built tank destroyer M10 3-inch GMC; the fastest armored tracked vehicle of the war, the M18 Hellcat; and the M36, the most powerful US tank destroyer.

Rather than fighting enemy tanks with tanks of its own, the US Army concluded that a specialized vehicle would be more effective and economical. The resulting “tank destroyers” were faster than traditional tanks, with better visibility and less armor.