While over 2,000 of these tanks were produced, they largely missed World War II because of bureaucratic infighting.

Well, the M26 Pershing fits into neither of these categories. In other cases, a piece of technology might mark an important milestone, but end up virtually obsolete by the time the next war rolls around, as was the case with USS Ranger (CV 4). In some cases, there simply aren't any conflicts going on through which the gear can demonstrate its worth (the B-36 Peacemaker comes to mind). It is a story of bravery and fortitude you will never forget.Sometimes, a good weapon system never gets a chance to shine. Marine tankers–individually and as an organization–met every challenge posed by this vicious, protracted, and forgotten war.

Many of these stories are presented here for the first time, such as the unique role played by tanks in the destruction of the illfated Task Force Drysdale, how Marine armor played a key role in the defense of Hagaru, and how a lone tank made it to Yudamni and then led the breakout across the high Toktong Pass. Marine Corps Tank Battles in Korea details every action, from the valiant defense at Pusan and the bitter battles of the Chosin Reservoir, to the grinding and bloody stalemate along the Jamestown Line. In this followup to his enormously successful Marine Tank Battles in the Pacific (Combined Publishing, 2000), Oscar Gilbert presents an equally exhaustive and detailed account of the little-known Marine tank engagements in Korea, supported by 48 photographs, eight original maps, and dozens of survivor interviews. The Corps’ salvation was the existence of its Organized Reserve (an organization rich in veterans of the fighting in World War II), the availability of modern equipment in storage and, as always, the bravery, initiative, and adaptability of individual Marines. The outbreak of the Korean conflict caught America (and the Marine Corps) unprepared.

Tank battles korean war