My name is Glenn Husted and I am the new curator of the Armed Forces Museum at Camp Shelby, Mississippi. I am going to tell you an incredible story which I will need your help with its final chapter. I can only start the story with its known history. What happened before this is where I need your help. If you have already heard this story, please forgive me for repeating it.

At the outbreak of WWII, there was 320 acres in a town called Flora, MS (near Jackson) where there was a US Army ordinance depot. This depot bordered the property of a Mr. C. W. Floyd. This 320 acres was seized through eminent domain laws for the sum of $35 to expand the ordinance depot to keep up with war demands. This seizure deprived Mr. Floyd of his crops on that property.

At some point during the war, a small tank, known then as a combat car, was sent to the plant either as a weapons testing platform for munitions manufactured there or as a sentinel vehicle. At the end of the war, Mr. Floyd petitioned the government for the deed to his land. The government returned the deed with the same stipulations for the same sum.

At this point our story takes a 32 year hiatus. In 1977, the tank was discovered on Mr. Floyd's property. When the federal government realized it was the only one left in the world, they were intent on retrieving it. However, Mr. Floyd pointed out that he owned everything on the property, as per the deed, including the tank. This is the part where your organization comes in.

At the time the tank was discovered, the following marking were still very legible on the front slope of the vehicle. "8 (triangle) 80 (triangle) F11." We believe it to be the 11th tank issued to F company of the 80th regiment, 8th Armor division. What we don't know is when the 8th armored division was issued these and when they turned them in or to whom they were turned in to. It would also be of keen interest to us is any one from F company could be found still living.

The tank in question is what we believe to be a T2E2 (M2A2) made at Rock Island Arsenal in 1935. The nickname of this tank was the "Mae West" because of it's two well-endowed turrets. It had a crew of four and its armaments consisted of 1-50 cal and 2-30 cal. machine guns. Any information your organization could provide would be greatly appreciated in helping us solve the mystery concerning this tank and its history.

Sincerely,

Glenn Husted
MSG(ret.) US Army Tank Corp