June 1942

PowerPoint Show by Andrew ♫ Turn on Speakers

As the mechanized German Army swept through Europe in the early years of World War II, American military brass recognized the need to develop a strong armored force.

In 1940, the former 7th Cavalry Brigade was reorganized and activated as the 1st Armored Division.For the next two years, as engineers and factories rushed to design and manufacture new tanks, the men of the 1st Armored trained at Fort Knox, Kentucky.

In 1942, Office of War Information photographer Alfred T. Palmer visited Fort Knox, shooting in exquisitely detailed 4x5 color film to lend the images a monumental, intimidating power.

A Tank Driver

An M4 tank on training maneuvers.

An M3 tank and crew

An infantryman crouches beside a half-track with an M1 Garand.

Dust covered crew of an M4 tank.

An M3 Stuart light tank drives through a water obstacle.

An M3 tank crew aim their small arms weapons.

An infantryman aims his M1 Garand from inside an armored half-track.

A tank commander posing for a picture.

An M3 tank

An infantryman takes aim with a Browning machine gun.

A couple of light tanks.

A driver peeks out from a light tank at night.

A mechanic works on a troop transport vehicle.

A column of M3 tanks.

M3 tanks in action.

M4 and M3 tanks on maneuvers.