Old Warhorse Arrives
You may or may not have noticed the massive M60 battle tank resting peaceably at East Hampton's Veterans of Foreign Wars Building - all 48 tons of it.
No, members of Everit Albert Herter Post 550 aren't plotting military maneuvers. The tank is just a retired war machine that will soon become a monument outside the post. It rolled into town Friday morning, with the help of an Army National Guard trailer.
The V.F.W. Post has been trying to acquire some type of military monument for some time, via an exchange program that makes old equipment available to veterans' organizations. James Strong, a post member and World War II veteran, initiated the search, hoping at first to secure a vintage mortar or something of the sort.
He found, however, that much more substantial pieces were available, including helicopters and tanks.
"This was all through the work of Jim Strong," said Herbert (Smokey) Anderson, the post's commander. "It was like a two-year operation."
The post has approval from the East Hampton Village Zoning Board of Appeals and Design Review Board to install a concrete slab next to its driveway, where the tank will sit permanently. Neither board had any objections when the proposal was reviewed this summer, although the post was told to meet setbacks.
"It's a hit everywhere, not just at the post," said Mr. Anderson. "I've gotten messages from Boy Scouts. I've gotten messages from Cub Scouts . . . but that's what it's for."
The post already displays a wide collection of wartime relics inside, which has made it a popular field trip destination for schools and Scout troops. The tank will make an impressive addition to the collection, said Mr. Anderson.
He also hinted that Harrison Schneider, a post member who served in a tank unit during his tour, might be tapped as a tank tour guide.
Regulations require the tank's hatch be sealed permanently, so its interior will be off limits. The tank's engine and armaments have also been disabled. Still, the mere sight of the massive vehicle is striking enough.
Mr. Anderson said the post was still awaiting a note from the Army explaining the tank's service history. He did know that it is an American-made M60A3 tank, last based at Fort Drum in Watertown, N.Y.
M60s were produced, in various forms, from 1960 through the early '80s. J .L.