Hobby Master 1:48 Ground Power Series HG1007
M4A3 Sherman Diecast Model
USMC 4th Marine Tank Btn, "Doris", Iwo Jima, February 1945 | Limited Edition
500
Pieces Worldwide |
|
| 1:48 Scale | | Length | | Width |
|---|
| M4A3 Sherman | | 4.75" | | 2.25" |
Known as the "Fighting Fourth" the 4th Marine Division was comprised of many units. One of the units was "D" Company of the 4th Marine Tank Battalion. The 4th Marine Division was formed on May 12, 1943 and was made up entirely of reservists except for 2 officers. It also was the first Marine Division to go directly in to battle and to capture territory held by occupying Japanese forces. The Division fought in some of the bloodiest battles of the Pacific, Kwajalein, Saipan, Tinian and Iwo Jima.
The assault on Iwo Jima began on Feb 19 1945. The 4th Marine Tank Division landings began at 0940 when LSMs delivered the first tanks on Yellow Beach. Because of the problems caused by the volcanic sand it wasn't until 1300 before all the tanks were ashore. Landing on Iwo Jima was uncontested but when the beaches became congested with men and equipment that instantly sank in loose volcanic ash and became bogged down the Japanese defenders unleashed their big guns, mortars and snipers. The scene was one of carnage as men crawled along the shifting surface desperately trying to advance to the shelter of dunes or into shell holes made by the naval barrage that preceded the landing.
Under the support of the tanks from the 4th MTB the Marines slowly worked their way towards their objectives. They encountered several long delays while engineers cleared mine-fields while under heavy fire. During their advance the tanks helped clear fortified caves and pill boxes and provided physical cover for the foot soldiers.The Japanese had definitely prepared for the invasion and intended to make the island their last stand with no surrender. On March 26, 1945 after five long bloody weeks Iwo Jima was finally cleared of enemy forces. The U.S. casualties totaled over 26,000 with over 7,000 dead while only 1,000 of the original 20,000 Japanese defenders survived. These sacrifices made it possible for B-29 bombers to make 2,400 unscheduled landings with 27,000 crewmen on their return flights from bombing mainland Japan. The 4th Marine Division was the first into action and they were the first to be sent back to the U.S. Where it was deactivated on November 28, 1945 and reactivated in 1966.
The pilot model of the M4 was completed in September 1941, and the Sherman became the most widely produced tank of the war. The M4 Sherman defeated heavier tanks with superior numbers, and by using outflanking tactics to strike thinner enemy flank armor. Shermans also achieved success with progressively upgunned models and by working with tank destroyers. The Sherman tank--named by the British--was fast, maneuverable, mechanically reliable, easy to manufacture, and effective in its infantry support role. It served with the US Army and Marines during World War II, and the US transferred large numbers to the United Kingdom and allied forces of many countries. © Copyright 2003-2025 The Flying Mule, Inc.
The Hobby Master "1:48 Ground Power Series" range presents detailed, ready-made diecast models of military vehicles.
Hobby Master "1:48 Ground Power Series" diecast vehicles feature:
- Diecast metal construction with some plastic components.
- Rotating turret, elevating cannon and accurate hull.
- Selected opening hatches.
- Painted, fitted, non-moving tracks on detailed non-rotating wheels.
- Realistic panel lines, antennas, access panels and surface details.
- Pad printed markings and placards that won't fade or peel like decals.
© Copyright 2003-2025 The Flying Mule, Inc.
