Type 2 Ka Mi Platoon

Includes seven LVT Amphibian Tanks

The LVT(A)1 (37mm) and LVT(A)4 (75mm) gave the the Marines the ability to land tanks capable of knocking out Japanese defences at the same time as infantry.

Amtracs (Amphibious Tractors) were initially designed to provide logistical support, bringing supplies and troops from off-shore onto and beyond the beaches. As the Pacific campaign progressed the ability of these Amtracs to cross coral reefs and shallow water lead Marine commanders to push for the experimental upgrade of these vehicles to include armour plate and machine-guns so that they could deliver troops onto the beach under enemy fire. They proved invaluable and soon the Marines were able to count on Amtracs to deliver troops whenever they would be facing an enemy on the beaches.

The next step was to add a modified M5A1 Stuart turret, creating the LVT(A)1 Amtank, and eventually an M8 Scott turret creating the LVT(A)4 Amtank. These tanks were able to land with the infantry in their traditional LVT Amtracs and provide fire support to suppress the defenders as they approached the beach, and the directly targeting enemy emplacements once on the shore.

The Amtanks served with distinction from their first landings in February 1944 during the Marshall Islands campaign through to the end of the war and the invasion of Okinawa where 290 Amtanks and 872 Amtracs were involved in the landings.