Armored M20 tank next to the F4U Corsair Fighter

The open-top armored car M20 has the same chassis as the M8 armored car but, given that it was designed purely as a command and reconnaissance vehicle, the distinctive M8 turret and 37mm main gun are not installed. Because field commanders were expected to be riding aboard the vehicle it was equipped with far more radio equipment than a traditional armored car or tank and additional seating was provided to accommodate the “brass.” A .50 cal. machine gun was provided on a ring mount to provide anti-aircraft protection, as well as provide covering fire in the event of ambush or ground attack. It is on display courtesy of Polimeni International

M8 Greyhound Tank next to the WWII P40 fighter

Originally conceived as a fast moving tank destroyer it was used effectively in the hands of generals like General Patton to act as modern day cavalry, screening the flanks of fast moving tanks and mopping up rear areas bypassed during his advance from Normandy. It’s 37 mm cannon was augmented with a coaxial 30 caliber gun and a .50 caliber gun on a turret ring to ward off enemy aircraft and offer heavy ground defensive fire. It had a crew of four. It 6 wheel drive vehicle was powered by a gasoline fueled Hercules JXD, 320 cubic inch, 110 hp engine in the rear of the vehicle and was capable of a top seed of 55 mph.

“Meat Chopper” Quad .50 WWII machine gun next to P47 Thunderbolt fighter

Taking the best American automatic weapon of World War II, the .50 caliber machine gun, designers created a mobile four gun assembly for it, giving US forces enormous firepower to bring down low flying enemy aircraft and tackle enemy emplacements. Nicknamed the “Meat Chopper,” it could cut down entire trees hiding snipers. It went on to be used in Korea and Vietnam.