British
M10 Wolverine
Lightweight and equipped with a high-powered anti-tank gun, the American M10 "Wolverine” was designed to be a tank destroyer. The M10 had mobility and long-range capacity, which made it an effective weapon as long as it stayed out of range of heavier tanks. Unfortunately, its lightweight construction made it vulnerable within range of a bigger tank such as a German Tiger.
M4 Sherman
The U.S. M4 Sherman was not the most powerful or most heavily armored tank on the battlefield, yet it served its purpose as a very reliable fighting machine. Because more Sherman tanks were produced than any other tank in World War II, these tanks often out-numbered enemy vehicles. The Sherman was arguably the most important tank of its time.
M3 Half-Track
The American M3 armored personnel carrier (APC) was one of the most widely used half-tracks in World War II. With wheels in front and a tank-like track system in the rear, the M3 served many purposes. Able to carry up to 12 men, the M3 could also tow artillery or be equipped with a variety of armaments, including anti-tank and anti-aircraft guns, heavy artillery, and mortars.
Willys Overland Jeep MB
This versatile 4-wheel drive vehicle could go places that couldn't be reached by any other vehicle, and the U.S. produced more than 700,000 of them during WWII. The Jeep could be used for short transport trips, reconnaissance, and even for fighting when fitted with a machine gun. "Jeep” comes from the pronunciation of GP, the abbreviation for General Purpose vehicle.
M7 Priest
The M7 Howitzer was built to fulfill the growing need for mobile firepower to support frontline soldiers. Built on the chassis of the M3 Medium Tank, this full-track, self-propelled gun was created with enough armor to protect itself and enough firepower to support infantry operations. The "Priest” was one of the best howitzer carriages in the early part of World War II.
Spitfire Mk VB
First produced in 1938, the Spitfire played an important role for the Allied Forces until the end of the war. Over time, the Spitfire was modified to incorporate heavier armor, better machine guns, and a more powerful engine. Renowned for its sleek design and unique oval wings, the Spitfire had the speed and maneuverability to counter Germany’s best fighter aircraft.
Germans
The German "Tiger” tank was heavily armored and packed a powerful punch. Initially designed in response to the success of the Russian T-34, the first Tiger tanks to come off the production lines were not very reliable. However, over time German engineers fine-tuned these battle machines, and the Tiger tank would become one of the most feared tanks in WWII.
The Panzer Mk. IV was a devastating force throughout World War II for the German Army. Armed with a 75-mm main gun, the Panzer provided the Germans with a powerful and mobile weapon. If the Panzer Mk. IV had one drawback it was its lack of speed for a light tank. Between 1940 and 1945, Germany produced over 8,000 of these tanks.
Hanomag Sdkfz.251
Though smaller than the M3 half-track, the Hanomag Sdkfz.251 had a little more speed than its American counterpart. It differed from the US half-track in that it didn't’t have front-wheel drive, which meant less control in certain terrain. However, with its larger track system, the Hanomag was a superior off-road vehicle. Armory included flamethrowers and heavy artillery.
VW Type 82 Kübelwagen
Literally translated, the German Kübelwagen means "bucket car". This lightweight vehicle was produced up until the end of World War II. Though similar in size to the U.S. Willys jeep, the 2-wheel drive Kübelwagen did not have the same off-road capabilities.
SdKfz.124 Wespe
First used by the Germans at Kursk, the SdKfz.124 Wespe (which translates as "Wasp”) was essentially a high-powered gun mounted on the undercarriage of an outdated tank. By fitting a howitzer on the tracks of an otherwise obsolete Panzer II tank, the Germans built a powerful support vehicle for their Panzer tank divisions.
Junkers Ju 87B Stuka
This dive-bomber was aerodynamically constructed to hold steady while making precise bombing runs. The distinctive sound of an incoming Stuka struck terror into enemy ground troops. In its prime, the Stuka played a key role in the Luftwaffe’s campaign over Europe, but as the war progressed, advanced Allied aircraft could better counter the Stuka.
Messerschmitt Bf-109e
The 109e boasted superb performance and handling. Early in the war, the Messerschmitt ruled the air in Europe. At the Battle of Britain, however, the limited range of the Bf 109e proved to be a crucial factor in Germany’s defeat. The plane’s inability to fly long-range bomber escort missions was a major handicap in the Luftwaffe’s air war with England.
Russians
T-34/85
Improving upon the already substantial armor and armament of its predecessor, the T-34/85 was fitted with an 85-mm anti-aircraft gun. Able to travel smoothly on just about any terrain, the T-34/85 was a formidable force throughout the war. When first confronted with original T-34/85 tanks, the Germans quickly took note of its superiority to their tanks.
T34/76
Acknowledging the superior design of German tanks, Russia developed the T-34/76 light tank. The T-34/76 was designed to excel in armor and firepower and match its German counterparts in all ways. Although effective battlefield vehicles, Russia was unable to produce as many of these tanks as planned, so the T-34/76 never became the combat powerhouse it was intended to be.
M3 Half-Track
The American M3 armored personnel carrier (APC) was one of the most widely used half-tracks in World War II. With wheels in front and a tank-like track system in the rear, the M3 served many purposes. Able to carry up to 12 men, the M3 could also tow artillery or be equipped with a variety of armaments, including anti-tank and anti-aircraft guns, heavy artillery, and mortars.
Willys Overland Jeep MB
This versatile 4-wheel drive vehicle could go places that couldn't be reached by any other vehicle, and the U.S. produced more than 700,000 of them during WWII. The Jeep could be used for short transport trips, reconnaissance, and even for fighting when fitted with a machine gun. "Jeep” comes from the pronunciation of GP, the abbreviation for General Purpose vehicle.
BM-13N Katyusha "Stalin Organ"
The Russian Katyusha was an effective mobile rocket launcher. The Russian Army typically fitted these rocket-launching ramps on trucks protected by armor. However, when times were tough they used any truck available. The Katyusha was not a very accurate rocket launcher, but because it fired rockets in salvoes, it overcame the lack of accuracy with heavy barrages.
Yak-9
First used in combat at the Battle of Stalingrad, the Yak-9 couldn't’t typically keep up with the technologically superior German fighter aircraft in one-on-one dogfights. However, Russian air forces often had an advantage in terms of the number of planes in the skies because they were able to mass-produce the Yak-9. All in all, Russia produced more Yak-9s than any other fighter aircraft.
Americans
Lightweight and equipped with a high-powered anti-tank gun, the American M10 "Wolverine” was designed to be a tank destroyer. The M10 had mobility and long-range capacity, which made it an effective weapon as long as it stayed out of range of heavier tanks. Unfortunately, its lightweight construction made it vulnerable within range of a bigger tank such as a German Tiger.
The U.S. M4 Sherman was not the most powerful or most heavily armored tank on the battlefield, yet it served its purpose as a very reliable fighting machine. Because more Sherman tanks were produced than any other tank in World War II, these tanks often out-numbered enemy vehicles. The Sherman was arguably the most important tank of its time.
The American M3 armored personnel carrier (APC) was one of the most widely used half-tracks in World War II. With wheels in front and a tank-like track system in the rear, the M3 served many purposes. Able to carry up to 12 men, the M3 could also tow artillery or be equipped with a variety of armaments, including anti-tank and anti-aircraft guns, heavy artillery, and mortars.
This versatile 4-wheel drive vehicle could go places that couldn't be reached by any other vehicle, and the U.S. produced more than 700,000 of them during WWII. The Jeep could be used for short transport trips, reconnaissance, and even for fighting when fitted with a machine gun. "Jeep” comes from the pronunciation of GP, the abbreviation for General Purpose vehicle.
The M7 Howitzer was built to fulfill the growing need for mobile firepower to support frontline soldiers. Built on the chassis of the M3 Medium Tank, this full-track, self-propelled gun was created with enough armor to protect itself and enough firepower to support infantry operations. The "Priest” was one of the best howitzer carriages in the early part of World War II.
The B-17 helped turn the tide of the war by delivering heavy blows to the Third Reich. Though maneuverable for a large aircraft, America’s standard heavy bomber was still an inviting target for fast German fighters like the Messerschmitt. The B-17 bomber was utilized effectively as a scout plane in the Pacific, assisting the U.S. Navy in the battle against the Japanese fleet.
The SBD-6 Dauntless was such a reliable carrier-based dive-bomber that many pilots preferred it to the newer "Hellcat.” The Dauntless had an unparalleled record, having the lowest loss rate of any aircraft in World War II. It wasn't’t the fastest plane in the American fleet, but it was a very steady aircraft. The Dauntless gave pilots a better opportunity to hit their targets on bombing runs.
Fast and agile, the P-51 Mustang also had great range and the ability to wreak havoc on the enemy. This sleek fighter served many purposes during World War II, including flying bomber escort on long-range missions over Germany. Before the Mustang arrived on the scene, U.S. bombers on daylight missions into the Fatherland were easy prey for Luftwaffe fighters on the prowl.
The gull-wing Corsair was one of the fastest, most able American fighter planes in WWII. Boasting an Impressive combat ratio of 11:1 against enemy fighters, the Corsair is credited with over 2,000 aerial combat victories in the Pacific. It was also an effective weapon against ground forces. The Japanese named the Corsair "The Whistling Death” due to its unique sound when attacking.
The 19,800-ton USS Enterprise was the most decorated and feared vessel in the U.S. fleet. Engaging in nearly every major sea battle in the Pacific, the Enterprise contributed to the demise of 911 enemy aircraft, and she sank or crippled well over 200 enemy ships. The "Big E” is credited with sinking two Japanese carriers alone and a third in collaboration with the Yorktown.
The HMS Prince of Wales engaged Germany’s battleship Bismarck in one of the crucial turning points of WWII. Though seriously damaged, the Prince of Wales sunk the Bismarck in what is now regarded as one of the great naval victories of the war. Two days after the attack on Pearl Harbor, Japanese aircraft attacked and destroyed the Prince of Wales.
The U.S. Navy started building the first Fletcher class destroyer in October 1939. Within two and a half years, the Navy had 175 Fletcher class destroyers ready for action. With a powerful arsenal of guns and torpedoes, the Fletcher destroyer could pound the enemy with immense firepower. The Fletcher destroyer remained in service until 1969, seeing action in Korea and Vietnam.
Though the U.S. submarine fleet consisted of only 1.6% of the total Navy personnel from 1941 to 1945, it accounted for over 60% of all Japanese ships sunk during this period. By striking with sudden, silent force, U.S. submarines effectively shut down Japan’s supply lanes in the Pacific. These powerfully armed subs had long-range capability and high cruising speed.
Designed to transport fully armed troops and the material necessary for amphibious assault, these boats were the perfect vehicles for landing thousands of troops in a relatively short timeframe. In addition, by using the "Higgins Boats” to establish beachheads, Allied forces didn't’t have to rely on securing ports, which were, in most cases, more heavily defended.
Japanese
Chi Ha 97
The Chi-Ha light tank was no match for the Russian and U.S. tanks. At Nomonhan, Japanese troops were nearly wiped out because the Chi-Ha’s guns could not stop the enemy tanks. In response to this failure, Japan increased the armor and firepower of the Chi-Ha, but the newly unveiled U.S. M4 Sherman exceeded the capability of the updated Chi-Ha.
Hanomag Sdkfz.251
Though smaller than the M3 half-track, the Hanomag Sdkfz.251 had a little more speed than its American counterpart. It differed from the US half-track in that it didn’t have front-wheel drive, which meant less control in certain terrain. However, with its larger track system, the Hanomag was a superior off-road vehicle. Armory included flamethrowers and heavy artillery.
VW Type 82 Kübelwagen
Literally translated, the German Kübelwagen means "bucket car". This lightweight vehicle was produced up until the end of World War II. Though similar in size to the U.S. Willys jeep, the 2-wheel drive Kübelwagen did not have the same off-road capabilities.
SdKfz.124 Wespe
First used by the Germans at Kursk, the SdKfz.124 Wespe (which translates as "Wasp”) was essentially a high-powered gun mounted on the undercarriage of an outdated tank. By fitting a howitzer on the tracks of an otherwise obsolete Panzer II tank, the Germans built a powerful support vehicle for their Panzer tank divisions.
Aichi D3A1 Val
This plane Gained notoriety during WWII as a dive-bomber with excellent speed. After delivering its payload, the Val had the unique ability to hold its own in dogfights. The Aichi D3A1 played a role in the attack on Pearl Harbor and also scored major win against the British fleet by sinking the HMS Dorsetshire, HMS Cornwall, and HMS Hermes.
A6M Zeke/Zero
The Japanese Zeke/Zero was a carrier-based plane that could outperform Allied land-based fighters. With its lightweight construction and powerful engine, this sleek fighter was extremely fast, maneuverable, and able to travel great distances. Heavily armed and capable of exacting substantial losses, the Zero was one of Japan’s premier aircraft fighters.
IJN Shokaku Class
The IJN Shokaku’s impressive list of engagements includes Pearl Harbor, Coral Sea and Guadalcanal, but the Shokaku did not participate in the battle at Midway, and her absence was felt hard during Japan’s loss at this crucial battle. In June 1944, the Shokaku was sunk in the Battle of the Philippine Sea by the USS Cavalla, delivering a crippling blow to the IJN.
IJN Yamato
The Japanese Yamato class battleship was the largest battleship in WWII. Commissioned just over a week after the attack on Pearl Harbor, and built in total secrecy, the Yamato boasted nine 18.1-inch main battery guns, carrying the most firepower of any ship ever seen. After surviving many battles in the Pacific, the Yamato was sunk in 1945, taking 10 torpedo hits before going down.
IJN Akizuki Class
The Akizuki carried an impressive arsenal, including four main batteries, each equipped with 3.9-inch, high-velocity guns. Having a rapid fire rate and the ability to hit targets at long range (up to 20,000 yards), these guns delivered heavy losses to the enemy. Over the course of the war, IJN increased armament on these destroyers with torpedoes and 25-mm machine guns.
U-Boat Type VII C
German U-boats had an extremely efficient success ratio against enemy ships, sinking one ship for every four torpedoes fired. The U-boat Type VII C had a range of about 9,700 nautical miles and was armed with four torpedo tubes in its bow and one astern. Germany’s U-boat fleet was a formidable weapon in the Atlantic, and the Type VII C was the workhorse of the bunch.
Dai-Hatsu 14M
Japan used the Dai-Hatsu landing craft effectively throughout World War II. Like the U.S. "Higgins Boats”, troops and supplies were unloaded via a panel in the bow. Used primarily for amphibious assault and supply transport, the Dai-Hatsu landing craft could also be fitted with a machine gun and used as a patrol gunboat.
