G.I. Joe 12" World War II M8 Light Armored Car with Figure and Accessories USED

When a fast moving reconnaissance escort vehicle was needed to battle the Axis powers during World War II, the United States Army authorized the development of what would become the M8 Light Armored Car. Uniquely designed for the purpose of providing reconnaissance and escort support for advancing ground troops, the M8 was a six-wheeled lightweight armored car that gave the Allies a highly maneuverable, fast-attack vehicle to fulfill needed reconnoiter/combat support missions. It was manned by at least a driver and gunner/commander who coordinated reconnaissance and assaults against the enemy.

The M8 saw action in the Mediterranean, the Pacific and Europe. One of the battles in which the light armored car participated was the Battle of the Bulge, the brutal winter battle in the Ardennes Forest on the German/Belgium border that involved over a million men on both the Allied and Axis sides. In the severe cold and heavy snow of December 1944 and January 1945, Hitler attempted to break the Allied forces in a major offensive. The Germans launched a surprise attack and managed to make a "bulge" in the thin American line in the Ardennes. But the American forces fought back hard, not giving ground without a fierce fight. Hitler believed the offensive would be completed swiftly, but the cold weather and heroic American resistance destroyed his plan for a quick victory. Four weeks of bitter fighting ended with heavy losses to both sides, and through the courage and grim determination of the Allied forces, the Bulge was eradicated and the Allied forces were victorious.

In the annals of battlefield exploits, the M8 will go down as being an innovative, successful combat vehicle whose usefulness proved paramount in the Allied defeat of Axis forces in 1945.

Tow hook pulls GI JOE Howitzer (sold separately). - Turret, with 37mm cannon, elevates and rotates 360°. / Machine gun turret and .50 caliber machine gun attachment rotate 360°. - Authentic military markings and battle damage decoration. - Front hatches open. / Side utility boxes open. - Holds up to four GI JOE 12" figures.

The box has visible wear, creasing, bending, tearing and scuffing. The plastic has come loose near the top right. There is a puncture hole on the top. Some pieces have been re-tied to keep them secure in the packaging. Missing the action figure and 37mm cannon shells.