LVT(A)-4 Okinawa
The LVT(A)-4 was a specialized armored variant of the Landing Vehicle Tracked (LVT), designed primarily to provide close fire support for assault troops during amphibious operations. The “(A)” in its designation indicates “Armored”.
Its development stemmed from the need for more substantial firepower than earlier armored LVT models. While the LVT(A)-1 was equipped with a 37mm gun, this weapon was found to be insufficient against heavily fortified Japanese bunkers. To address this, the LVT(A)-4 replaced the 37mm gun with a 75mm howitzer, mounted in an M8 Howitzer Motor Carriage turret. This significantly increased its capability to destroy enemy positions and provide close support. The 75mm howitzer was considered a major improvement for attacking Japanese strongholds.
In addition to the 75mm howitzer, the LVT(A)-4 typically carried three .30 caliber machine guns. Early production models of the LVT(A)-4 had a .50 caliber machine gun on a ring mount at the rear of the turret, but this was later replaced with two .30 caliber machine guns to maintain the turret’s balance. Some models also had an additional bow-mounted .30 caliber machine gun. Its crew consisted of six personnel.
The LVT(A)-4 retained the basic hull of the LVT-2 and LVT(A)-1, but with an armored superstructure. It weighed approximately 41,000 pounds (18,597 kg). It was powered by a 250 hp Continental engine, allowing it to reach speeds of 20 mph (32.18 km/h) on land and 7 mph (11.26 km/h) in water. Its range was about 300 miles (482.79 km) on land and 200 miles (321.86 km) in water.
The LVT(A)-4 first saw combat in June 1944 at Saipan. It was extensively used in major campaigns across the Pacific, including Guam, Tinian, and Okinawa, where its 75mm howitzer provided vital support for landing troops. Its design evolution, particularly the enlarged turret ring and the relocation of some machine guns, aimed to improve its fire support capabilities and crew protection. Production of the LVT(A)-4 amounted to 1,859 units, making it a significant armored variant of the LVT family. Some LVT(A)-4s also saw post-war service.