Did U.S. Tank Crews in WWII Get Issued Tommy Guns Like in the Movies?

The much-publicized imagery of World War II (WWII) tank battles often includes battle-ready soldiers clutching Tommy Guns (Thomson submachine guns). However, this popular portrayal does not always line up with the realities of life in a tank. So, did U.S. tank crews actually receive these iconic weapons, or were they issued different types of personal firearms?

Resource Scarcity and Practicality

At the beginning of the war, due to abundant available resources, there was a willingness and capacity to issue various types of firearms to different units. However, as the war progressed, the need for practical, space-saving, and cost-effective solutions became more critical. The M-3 submachine gun emerged as a more practical choice for tank crews. It was lighter, simpler to operate, and stored more easily compared to the Thompson (Tommy Gun).

The M-3 submachine gun, often referred to as the grease gun due to its distinctive design, proved to be an effective compromise. It originally cost approximately $15, making it significantly more affordable than the Thompson, which cost around $150. These cost considerations, along with the practical advantages of the M-3, made it a preferred choice for tank crews.

Role of Personal Firearms in Tank Warfare

Due to the nature of tank warfare, tank crews often spent a significant portion of their time outside the vehicle. When operating the M4 Sherman tank, for instance, with its 76mm gun, firing smoke and dust was a common occurrence. Given these conditions, tankers typically preferred to remain outside the tank to direct fire. It would be impractical to rely on a handgun in such circumstances, as the environment was too dangerous and hot to aim accurately at close range.

It's worth noting that while the Tommy Gun was more prevalent among infantry and police forces, tankers did carry personal firearms. However, they were equipped with weapons that were better suited to the tank environment and firefighting conditions. Many tankers were issued a sidearm, such as a partially modified .30 carbine or even the .45-caliber M3 Grease Gun.

Evolution of Tank Crew Weapons

During WWII, the variety of weapons used by tank crews evolved. Early on, carbines like the shortened M-1 Garand or the M1903 Springfield Carbine saw some use, but these were not well-received due to their limited effectiveness. By mid-war, the M3 submachine gun (commonly known as the grease gun) became the standard issue for personal defense. The M3 Grease Gun remained in use until the 1990s and was occasionally used by tank crews in conflicts such as the Gulf War, where it provided essential defense when soldiers had to evacuate their tanks under fire.

Moreover, it is important to recognize that throughout the war and in modern times, tank crews and other armored units are issued with personal automatic weapons to ensure their effectiveness in situations when they need to dismount from their vehicles. These include M3 submachine guns such as the Thompson and the M3 Grease Gun. These weapons are crucial for soldiers who must fight on foot and can provide much-needed support when disengaged from their armored vehicles.

Conclusion

The widespread portrayal of World War II tank crews carrying Tommy Guns is an excellent example of historical exaggeration for dramatic effect. In reality, due to practical and logistical reasons, U.S. tank crews were primarily issued with the M3 submachine gun, or grease gun, which better suited their needs during the war and in subsequent military operations. Understanding these realities provides a deeper insight into the realities of tank warfare and the practical considerations that shaped military equipment during WWII and beyond.