"When Did the M41 Lt. Tank Leave US Service?" Topic

My understanding is the M41 started to be replaced by the M551 in 1969, and that otherwise, M41s were replaced by M48s in some units stationed in Europe around that time or earlier.

When did the M41 completely leave US service?

and…

When did the M41 stop serving in US service in Europe?

Thanks,

irishserb

They were apparently gone by the late 50s in Europe … see this link:

14cav.org/a2h.html

Interesting, thanks. Thinking back, none of the cav unit photos from Europe that I've seen dated 1966-1969 have had any M41s, they have all been M60s, mostly A1s.

By the way, I just realize that I omitted "Vietnam" from my first sentence above. M551s replaced M41s in Vietnam in 1969 according to what I've read.

West German units had them too, but they were replaced by the Leopards starting in 1965. They served along with the M47s, until the West Germans upgraded to M48s, Leopards, and Jagdpanzer Kanones.

Not sure when they were totally eliminated.

Danes used them as well, and they continued to be in service there through the end of the Cold War in 1989, though they got an upgrade starting in around 1985.

My understanding is that some units used the M48s after the M41s, but before the M551s saw service. There are some pics of M48s patrolling along the inter-German border with jeeps, in the Armored Cav units, in the late 1950s – three per company, plus jeeps/M151 Mutts.

The M41 was still in use in Europe into the late 60s in the Cav regiments. It was phased out of the divisions in the late 50s/early 60s when the Army abandoned the light/medium/heavy tank concept, but was retained for reconnaissance because it was lighter and quieter than an MBT. I remember seeing some in the PA National Guard in 1976 or 77.

I think the M41s may have served in some West German units, up until the Luchs was introduced, in the mid-1970s, but don't quote me on that.

I seem to remember that there were about 900 US M-41's in storage in Italy according to the 1990 CFE filings.

Interesting stuff. In searching around, I am finding a bit of conflicting info. I'm trying to figure out if I could use M41s in US forces in 1967 or 1978 Cold War hot scenarios.

I would assume that the 1990 stockpile was more related to possible MAP allotments or other assistance programs, but cool to know that they were there in any event.

The M551 started replacing the M41 about 1969 so the M41 could be used in 1967 by the US, but not by 1978

Definitely use them for 1967 scenarios involving the cav regiments. By 1978, only the 4th or 5th wave US reinforcements (low priority NG units and mobilized USAR divisions) deploying around M+120 would have them. They would face all those T34/85s the Soviets had in storage, since there probably wouldn't be much else left if WW3 went on that long without burning down the whole world.