ColorPicM24Chaffee

The U.S. M24 "Chaffee" light tank first reached the ETO late in 1944
as the replacement for the woefully obsolete M5 "Stuart" light tank.
The M5 did remain in service with frontline U.S. armored units
throughout the Second World War, however by 1944 its light
armament and light armor protection made it a death trap for its crew.
As such, although the M24 was admittedly not much better armored,
it's 75mm main gun represented a marked increase in hitting power
over the M5's inadequate 37mm main gun. The M24 is emblematic of
how much tank's grew in size and weight during World War II. For
example, the M24 "light tank" weighed approximately 20 tons;
comparable to an average size pre-war medium tank such as the 1939
era version of the Panzer III.

Despite the M24's late introduction into the Second World War its
manufacturer, General Motors' Cadillac Division, still managed to
produce 4,731 by August of 1945. In addition, the M24 enjoyed a long
service life with both the U.S. Army and other army's around the
world. For instance, the M24 served during the Korean War, although
it suffered badly against North Korean T-34/85 medium tanks supplied
by the Soviet Union. Nevertheless, through the end of the 20th
Century heavily upgraded M24's remained in front line service with
several South American armies.

Picture Courtesy of Steven Mercatante