A rare World War Two tank rolled off a ship Monday at Terminal 7 at the Port of Tacoma. The fully-restored M4A1 Sherman tank is headed to the Flying Heritage Collection at Paine Field in Everett, where it will be on display this spring.
Operated by the U.S., Russia and the United Kingdom during World War Two, the U.S. manufactured more Sherman tanks than any other tank, according to Port of Tacoma officials. With an uncomplicated design, the tank could be produced in factories that made automobiles, trucks and train cars before the outbreak of the war. The tank that arrived in Tacoma was built at Pressed Steel Car Company in Chicago. After it was accepted into the U.S. army in 1943, it was released to the Dutch Army in 1945. C&C Military Services in England spent the last two years restoring the tank to World War Two form.
Founded by Paul G. Allen, the Flying Heritage Collection contains rare and legendary World War II-era aircraft, many of which are the last of their kind. The collection is operated by Friends of Flying Heritage, a non-profit organization committed to educating the public about these rare, historic aircraft. Learn more at flyingheritage.com.
