Weapons Of World War 2

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r and a half. At this time the U.S. produced the Great Sherman tank, and simultaneously the Axis forces developed the Panzer III. The Great Sherman had reinforced 62mm armor. This tank also boasted a 75mm gun on a power turret. The Great Sherman was exceptionally maneuverable for its size, and could travel 25 mph, which was very fast for a heavy tank model. Conversely the Panzer III had 2-layer 30mm armor, and was a very maneuverable medium tank with heavy firepower. The Panzer III could easily defeat a Great Sherman in a close range battle, because of its rapid acceleration and fast moving turret. The Panzer III was good, but soon the ally forces had to create a better tank.

Nearing the end of the war Ally forces finally fashioned a tank superior to the Panzer III. This tank boasted a 30mm turret gun, and a 75mm gun mounted on the hull; this tank was named the Grant Tank. “It could go through all other tanks like butter” (Collier 90). This tank was so successful because of its extremely thick reinforced steel plate. Though these tanks ruled the ground, the water was another story.

Tanks ruled most all the land fighting, but the seas were a different story. Ships and u-boats played a huge role in all of World War II. The most popular, and probably most used ship and carried was called the LSD by ally forces, and many names by other Axis countries, but was generally the same model. This ship was used for fighting, carrying troops, and could even serve as a dock for smaller boats. Most of the fighting the Ally forces did on the water was against the Japanese. One admiral had a sign posted on his ships bow that stated: “Kill Japs, Kill Japs, Kill More Goddam Japs!” (Fussel 92).
Though this vessel could serve as a fighter ship, most countries used it as a landing craft for infantry. Axis forces used these ships constantly to send infantry overseas...