Irzyk joined the Army in 1940 as part of the Army’s build-up in response to the evolving threat of Hitler’s forces in Europe after the invasion of Poland. The M1917, the United States’ first mass-produced tank, was based on the French Renault.Īlso celebrating a 100th birthday this year is retired Brig. Pershing saw the immediate value and need for tanks as part of his forces engaged in combat.Ĭelebrating a 100th birthday this year is the United States Tank Corps, which used tanks supplied by France and Great Britain during World War I.Īmerica’s first tank, the M1917, had just started production when WWI came to an end. John Pershing served as the commander of the American Expeditionary Forces sent to the fight by President Woodrow Wilson. Tanks in WWI were developed simultaneously by England and France as a means to break the deadlock of trench warfare.įor those interested in history, Little Willie can be seen in the tank museum in Bovington, England, along with the M4 Sherman tank nicknamed “Fury” used by Brad Pitt in the move of the same name.Īmerica entered WWI in April 1917 in support of England and France with no tanks in our formations. The British Army claim the first tank-like vehicle ever produced, nicknamed Little Willie, in 1915. AUSA Volunteer Family of the Year Award.

Letters to Congress & the Administration.

First ww2 tank battle