![]() The M60 itself would not be deployed to Vietnam, but would be a mainstay of American armored formations, particularly in Europe. The M60 also was the basis for the M60 Armored Vehicle Launched Bridge and the M728 Combat Engineer Vehicle, both of which were deployed to Vietnam alongside the M48s. 50 caliber machine gun for the commander, and a coaxial 7.62mm machine gun. ![]() The M60 was the final tank in the Patton family line and America's first Main Battle Tank. While the M48 was slogging it out in Vietnam, the next in line of the Patton family of tanks was coming into service with the American military: the M60 Patton, the M48s eventual replacement. As such, it was often used as a route clearance vehicle to " sniff out " the explosive devices. The Patton was also one of the few vehicles that could withstand the landmines that were employed against American forces. A favorite of the troops was the Patton's canister rounds, which acted like a giant shotgun through the jungle, cutting down man and tree alike.Ī number of M48s were also converted to M67 "Zippo" tanks that mounted flamethrowers for dealing with stubborn Vietcong and NVA soldiers. The Patton's ruggedness allowed it to absorb a good amount of damage and its 90mm main gun was a welcome addition against dug-in enemies. More often than not though, the M48s were relegated to infantry support - a role they excelled at. The American Pattons easily defeated the NVA's PT-76 tanks and BTR-50 APCs. ![]() One of the few instances of tank combat came during the NVA assault on the Ben Het Camp where elements of the 1st Battalion, 69th Armored Regiment were stationed. Soon, Army units were bringing their own Pattons to the fight.ĭue to the nature of the conflict, the M48s did not often have the chance to go toe-to-toe with North Vietnamese armor. ![]() The M48 was also introduced too late to see combat in Korea, but just over a decade later the Marines would take it to Vietnam. Like its predecessors, the M48 also mounted a 90mm main gun it was the last tank to do so, but had significant improvements in armor and performance. ![]()
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