This rare collection was taken by Office of War Information photographer Alfred T. Palmer in 1942, as he visited Fort Knox and were likely used for propaganda.
The photographs show American soldiers preparing for battle in their new tanks at Fort Knox, Kentucky involving the M3 and M4 tanks. The soldiers pictured were originally members of the 7th Cavalry Brigade which was reorganized and activated as the 1st Armoured Division in 1940.
America quickly realized the need for a strong armored force after witnessing the Nazis dominate the early years of the war in Europe thanks in part to the Panzerwaffe and their Panzer tank. Fort Knox is perhaps best known as the site of the United States Bullion Depository where a large portion of the country’s gold reserves is stored.
