The M24 Chaffee - arguably the best light tank of World War II - was a fast, lightly armored vehicle with the ability to deliver relatively large caliber direct fire thanks to its excellent 75 mm M6 gun. More than 4,000 vehicles were produced by Cadillac and Massey-Harris from 1943-45. The first vehicles reached Europe in late 1944, where they proved very effective and highly reliable. At the outset of the Korean War, however, American forces equipped with the M24 Chaffees performed poorly against the enemy's T-34/85s, and these US units were soon augmented with M26 Pershings and M46 Pattons, along with M4A3E8 Shermans armed with the long 76mm gun. The Chaffee remained in American service until 1953, at which time it was eventually replaced by the M41 Bulldog.

After 1945 the M24 Chaffee was used by many American allies. The French army used them in Indo-China, including at the battle of Dien Bien Phu. Though obsolete by the mid-1960's, it remains in service in some client nations.

This particular 1:72 scale US M24 Chaffee Light Tank was attached to the 81st Recon. Squadron, 1st Armored Division, then deployed to Italy during 1945. Sold Out!

Dimensions:
Length: 4 inches
Width: 1.5 inches

Release Date: December 2013

Historical Account: "Old Ironsides" - After the fall of Sicily, the 1st Armored Division, which was part of the US Fifth Army, invaded mainland Italy. It took part in the attack on the infamous Winter Line in November 1943. It then flanked the Axis armies in the landings at Anzio, and participated in the liberation of Rome on June 4th, 1944. The division continued in combat to the Po Valley until the German forces in Italy surrendered on May 2nd, 1945. In June, the Division moved to Germany as part of the occupation forces.