1944 M39 Armoured Utility Vehicle T41E1 Tanks in Town 2024, Ghost Army

In March 1944, the United States Army Ordnance Department authorized the conversion of two M18 tank destroyers as prime movers for the 3-inch Gun M5 on Carriage M6, a towed antitank gun used by tank destroyer battalions, and armored command and reconnaissance vehicles. The vehicles were respectively designated the T41 and T41E1. Tests were "highly successful," but the Ordnance Department decided that the configuration of the T41E1, which allowed for easy conversion between a prime mover or command vehicle, would suit the needs of the program, so work on the T41 was stopped; when equipped as a prime mover or command vehicle, the vehicles would still respectively be referred to as T41 or T41E1, however.
The T41 was equipped with an SCR-610 radio and stowage space for 42 rounds of 3-inch ammunition. It had a crew of two, and could seat up to eight passengers. The T41E1 had an SCR-506 or SCR-608 radio in addition to the SCR-610, with an auxiliary generator. It could carry up to seven passengers. A bazooka and three antitank mines were provided for self-defense in the reconnaissance role. On 26 June 1944, the Ordnance Committee approved the production of 650 T41 prime movers from early M18 Hellcat tank destroyers that had been returned under Ordnance directive to the Buick factory that March to fix problems with their transmission gear ratios, as well as incorporate the latest modifications. In November 1944, the number of T41s to be produced was reduced to 640 and the design was standardized as the Armored Utility Vehicle M39.
This M39 has the serial number 323 and is the only one in The Netherlands. Only a few worldwide now remain in existence.
• What Was the Ghost Army?
This Buick M39 UAV, as used by The Ghost Army was a United States Army tactical deception unit during World War II officially known as the 23rd Headquarters Special Troops, and top secret until 1996. Only in 2022 President Biden awarded the Congressional Gold Medal to this, until 1996 top-secret US Army unit.
See: • What Was the Ghost Army?