The M551 Sheridan in the Vietnam War
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- Опубликовано: 8 сен 2024
- The M551 Sheridan light tank in the Vietnam War. The Sheridan tank in Vietnam was appreciated by some for its firepower but despised by others for its thin armor and poor reliability.
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12.7mm heavy machine gun fire on an aluminum hull spelled disaster for the Sheridan crew, if it was unfortunate enough to be engaged by the enemy. Same comment for the Marines and their amphibious tractor.....whether the P5 or the P7, cast aluminum hulls could not withstand 12.7mm heavy machine gun fire.
War is a "come as you are" affair, with rarely time to develop and field what an army would like, they go to war with what they have. Despite its shortcomings, the Sheridan served American soldiers to the best of its capabilities.
Yes you sum it up well! The M551's had a high casualty rate, and many shortcomings, still their brave crews made skillful use of it's strengths.
The vehicle was protected against 14.5mm all around, with the frontal armor rated for 20mm.
12.7mm would make a mess of the paint job - but war is hell.
Whilst not impressive for a tank, the protection was a major upgrade as compared to the next best thing airborne troops had in terms of mobile fire support; jeeps with recoilless rifles.
I was an artillery forward observer with F-Troop 17th cavalry. We had Sheridans and the crews didn't care for them at all. Tthey would've much preferred the M48s.
My dad was the main gunner on this tank in Vietnam
I was with B trp 1/1 Cav Americal Division '69-'70. If you look at some of the acav's you will see Snoopy sitting on his dog house behind a 50 cal. Those were 1st platoon tracks. We got the Sheridans in Jan '70.
Thank you for sharing your memories!
C-trp 1/3 ACR '73, CPT Michael Dunnigan super cool, tank gunnery, Sgt Ybarra 11D, Sp4 Ron Brionez 11B, Sp Chuck Swift 11C, Sp4 Webster Threats. Donna Anna Range, Operation Bright Star....82 Airborne White Sands, New Mexico, Brave Rifles Blood and Steel.
Great collection of clips and info! I'm reading about a m48 tank commander and trying to find a good book from a M551's perspective
Thanks! There are a some books on the M551, like this one "M551 Sheridan by Steven J. Zaloga". Not sure if it's broader airmobile than from the crews perspective?
I have watched this video many times, and I like it so much! At the first glance this was really powerful tank, but underappreciated due to some shortcomings, which took origin from mishandling the complex and awkward ammunition. This tank demanded skilled loader , who could gently showe a round into gun breach without having damaged projectiles propelling charge, which dropped on the floor when mishandled and damaged. But in combat when people are focused it could be barely achieved indeed. Not to mention "broken ribs" effect that led to attaching cereal bowl cupola for the commander, all shortcomings combined eliminated its success.
Thank you for your kind words! In pipeline we have a video on the US M3 Grant (Lee) and there is also a video on the Japanese Type 95 light tank previously published.
and forgot to mention this one on the SP-Howitzer M108, M109 ruclips.net/video/ExYOeGVSGr4/видео.html
@@Historiespanarna I expect your new videos!
Thats great! stay tuned and I will keep them coming!
@@Historiespanarna this is my vid I've shot some days ago, it will expose you to our local scenery when watching
ruclips.net/video/9FccjazNxGA/видео.html
It was a good tank in its limitations. Great for cavalry regiments, bad for heavy armor. Loved my time in them
Yes! They did a great job in infantry and base support, and with brave crews aware of the M551s weaknesses