politics

These photos were taken before the move from Barnesville, GA.

Nestled now on the grounds of Lamar County High School, near Burnette Road, is a powerful emblem of both a community’s military heritage and its enduring spirit of learning. The M4A3E8 (76) Sherman tank (Serial No. 61312, U.S. Registration No. 30114334), built in January 1945, has finally found its long-awaited resting place—not in a museum, but as a living monument to history, service, and education.

From Campus Icon to Community Treasure

Once stationed at Gordon Military College, this Sherman tank was a familiar centerpiece on campus. For many former cadets, it was more than a relic—it was a playground. Stories abound of students who “painted the tank” overnight, splashing vibrant colors across its steel surface in an unofficial rite of passage that bonded classes and boosted school spirit.

In 1972, following the transition of the college into Gordon Junior College under the University System of Georgia, the tank—an unmistakable symbol of the school’s military past—was moved to the VFW post on Old Highway 41 to preserve its legacy.

A Hero’s Welcome to LCHS

Fast-forward to July 18, 2025, when the tank made its dramatic return to the heart of the county. Thanks to the efforts of school board member Danny Turner, local leaders, and the U.S. Army’s approval, the tank was gifted to Lamar County Schools free of charge—courtesy of an anonymous donor who funded the entire project.

Transporting the 70,000-pound behemoth was no small feat. After initial setbacks with standard tow trucks, heavy-duty rotator tow trucks were called in, and with a bit of humor—”The Nazis couldn’t beat the Sherman tank, but Eddie Buice and Arthur Edge did!” quipped Turner—the tank was safely delivered and positioned on the school’s grounds.

A Living Memorial of Pride and Purpose

The tank now stands as more than an artifact—it’s an educational ally to Lamar County High School’s AJROTC program. A grand memorial is in the works, intended to honor America’s veterans, the history of Gordon Military School, and the cadets who march past it today.

This past fall, history rolled back into the US Army Armor and Cavalry Collection—literally. After eight decades abroad, an American World War II tank has made its way home from Europe. This is no ordinary Sherman, but a rare M4A1(76)W, one of the first U.S. tanks to carry the longer and more powerful 76 mm M1 gun.

The Sherman’s Role in WWII

The M4A1(76)W represented a significant upgrade to the iconic Sherman line, offering increased firepower to meet the evolving challenges of armored warfare. These “up-gunned” Shermans first saw combat in Operation Cobra, the Allied breakout from Normandy in the summer of 1944.

In 1944 alone, the Pressed Steel Car Company produced 2,171 of these tanks, followed by 1,255 more in 1945 that featured the later horizontal volute suspension system. But of all those thousands, the one that just arrived in our care holds a unique distinction.

The Oldest Known Survivor

The newest arrival is only the fourth M4A1(76)W ever built—and the oldest surviving example known today. Constructed in January 1944, it was shipped to the United Kingdom in April 1944 and assigned to an American unit by July 1944, just in time for Operation Cobra.

After the war, it received upgrades and modifications before embarking on a new chapter in the early 1950s as part of the U.S. Mutual Defense Assistance Program, likely serving in the French military. Eventually, it was returned to the U.S. Army and placed as a monument at the American base in Baumholder, West Germany, where it stood sentinel for decades.

From Europe to the Collection

Now back on U.S. soil, the M4A1(76)W has taken up a temporary position in one of the restoration bays. The goal is to present it in the wartime paint scheme of “In the Mood.” While its journey home marks an important milestone, the mission is far from over—the goal is to restore it for near time display in 2025, honoring its combat service and historical significance.