"The T-34 in Vietnam" Topic

"The North Vietnamese army (officially the People's Army of Vietnam or PAVN) decided to create a tank arm in October 1959. As was the case with many Communist countries during the Cold War, the PAVN's first tank type was the WWII-vintage T-34.

The T-34s delivered to North Vietnam from the USSR were all of the T-34/85 version, with a 85mm main gun. The North Vietnamese tanks were refurbished in the Soviet Union prior to transfer and most if not all had T-54/55-type road wheels, in addition to a newer (type 10RT) radio…."

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Amicalement
Armand

Thanks Tango. Interesting.

I found this quote really interesting: "Finally in 1971, nine M41 Walker Bulldogs of the 11th Armored Cavalry regiment destroyed six T-54s and sixteen PT-76s." How did I ever miss reading that before?

The old M41 doing that much damage to the T-54s was an achievement. From what I have read the North Vietnamese took quite a while to catch up on the abilities of their crews. Also from what I have read the South Vietnamese crews were superior to the communists right to the end. But, you need ammo and fuel and competent generals too.

If I weren't so deep into painting Confederate ACW cavalry right now, this would inspire me to start painting the Britannia 20mm T-34s and T-54s I have.

Tom

Yes, I have seen pics of NVA T34/85s. But it seems that T54s and PT-76s were more frequently seen.

Two points: 1. to the best of my knowledge the 11th Armored Cavalry wasn't equipped with M-41 Walker Bulldogs; 2. having watched the ARVN 3rd Division skedaddling down QL1 without their weapons and riding in whatever vehicles they could steal, the blanket assertion that the ARVNs fought well during the Easter Offensive doesn't ring true for me.

LT

Happy you enjoyed it my friend!. (smile)

Amicalement
Armand

That was my understanding as well brass1!

@Brass1: I'm pretty sure the Black Horse Cav only had M48s and M551s (and lots of M113s). What the heck?

Finally in 1971, nine M41 Walker Bulldogs of the 11th Armored Cavalry regiment destroyed six T-54s and sixteen PT-76s.

From the article linked to Tango's original post. I don't know where this misinformation came from but I think we're all safe in calling it BS.

LT

I'm pretty sure the Black Horse Cav only had M48s and M551s (and lots of M113s).

Yes, IIRC, the US didn't use any M41s in Vietnam, but the ARVN did. And afterwards the NVA added those to their inventory after capturing them from the defeated South. I've seen pics online somewhere of NVA M41s with their insignia on the turret sides … Which appeared to be after the war.

Given that this author spouts that M113 Gavin nonsense puts his research and fact checking skills in doubt…

Turns out the ARVN had an 11th ACR as well and this link describes the action, along with a wealth of information on ARVN armored operations.

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Ah, that was actually my original thought (ARVN 11th Cav, I mean), Scoutjock, but the author had quite clearly put it into a section on US use.

Epic Fail!

I thought it the US 11th ACR … not the ARVN, too …

Per Lion's post, it was listed under US actions, but according to the link it was ARVN Cav.

I see … Thanks !

Just a note: in '72 the ARVN DID fight really well. US airpower was still a think and contributed mightily, but the tankers and soldiers held their ground, fought hard, and hurt the NVA so bad they couldn't mount another offensive for 3 years. Check out the battles of Tay Ninh and An Loc in '72. More T34s in '72, more T54A in '75.

In many cases the ARVN did fight well. And US airpower was a critical factor in that my times … e.g. at An Loc. link

Tay Ninh – link

That SPAA pictured: Does anyone know if more than one was built?