How Did the US Army Lose a WWII-Era T28 Super Heavy Tank for a Quarter of a Century?

The importance of tanks in warfare was underscored after their introduction in World War I, and their significance continued to increase throughout World War II. As conflicts unfolded in both Europe and the Pacific, the United States recognized the need to enhance its military capabilities for a decisive victory, culminating in the development of the T28 Super Heavy Tank.

Unfortunately, this initiative was abruptly halted, leading to the manufacture of only two prototypes. One prototype became inoperable due to damage sustained during testing, while the whereabouts of the other took an unexpected turn, remaining lost for several decades.

The United States wanted to match the German Army’s powerful tanks

T28 Super Heavy Tank prototype on display outdoors — The T28 Super Heavy Tank was meant to smash through the German Army’s Siegfried Line. (Photo Credit: Mark Holloway / Wikimedia Commons CC BY 2.0)

Following their triumph in World War II, the United States and its Allies gleaned invaluable insights into conflict dynamics and potential strategies for the future. Even during the ongoing war, the US military actively sought solutions to its then-current shortcomings. Most notable was the Wehrmacht‘s superiority in tanks, which posed a considerable challenge for the Allied forces, as shown by the formidable Siegfried Line, which hindered their efforts to breach Germany.

In 1943, the US began developing plans for a new tank, ultimately designated the T28 Super Heavy Tank. Engineered for resilience, this innovative vehicle aimed to possess the necessary strength to breach enemy lines while ensuring sufficient protection for its crew.

The United States begins work on developing prototypes

Front view of a T28 Super Heavy Tank prototype on display outside — The prototype models for the T28 Super Heavy Tank had double-tracked treads. (Photo Credit: Pahcal123 / Wikimedia Commons CC BY-SA 4.0)

In March 1944, the decision was made to produce five T28 Super Heavy Tanks, each outfitted with a 105 mm T5E1 anti-tank gun as their primary armament and a .50-cal Browning heavy machine gun as their secondary weapon. Setting itself apart from its contemporaries, this vehicle boasted notably thicker armor, with metal reaching up to 12 inches in thickness at certain points, aimed at providing superior protection against anti-tank weaponry.

Nevertheless, challenges arose during the manufacturing process. The T28’s hefty weight of 95 short tons restricted its maximum speed to approximately 8 MPH. Furthermore, the tank encountered considerable difficulties maneuvering over obstacles.

The T28 Super Heavy Tank wasn’t really needed at all

Soldiers driving motorcycles through the boundaries of the Siegfried Line — The original intention was for the T28 Super Heavy Tank was to smash through the German Army’s Siegfried Line. (Photo Credit: Fox Photos / Getty Images)

As aforementioned, the initial plan for the T28 Super Heavy Tanks was to use them to smash through the Siegfried Line. However, beginning in mid-1944, the Allied forces began an all-out attack on the defensive line, and by early 1945, all of the bunkers along it had fallen.

Those in charge decided the T28s would now be used on the Japanese mainland. However, Japan surrendered before the tanks could be sent overseas, following the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. This led the US government to scrap any plans to further develop the vehicles. Only two prototypes were ever completed, with one becoming heavily damaged during testing at Yuma Proving Ground and ultimately sold for scrap.

The remaining T28 Super Heavy Tank was lost for decades

View of the rear of a T28 Super Heavy Tank on display outside — A look at the rear of the T28 Super Heavy Tank. (Photo Credit: Mark Holloway / Wikimedia Commons CC BY 2.0)

With the conclusion of the Second World War and the changing landscape of warfare, the T28 Super Heavy Tank became largely redundant. Extensive testing revealed flaws that would have posed significant challenges on the battlefield. Consequently, the US military shifted toward a different direction, prioritizing tanks with lighter and more versatile designs.

Throughout the following years, amid conflicts in Korea and Vietnam, the absence of the T28 tank was notable on the battlefield. Its WWII-era design had faded from relevance, no longer aligning with the military’s evolving strategic priorities.

The T28 Super Heavy Tank was eventually found in the weeds

View of the front of a T278 Super Heavy Tank on display outside — A T28 Super Heavy Tank prototype was lost for 27 years and eventually found in a field at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. (Photo Credit: Randen Pederson / Wikimedia Commons CC BY-SA 2.0)

The military’s concentration on developing new tanks led to the misplacement of the remaining T28 Super Heavy Tank prototype. Remarkably, it wasn’t until 1974, a staggering 27 years after its disappearance, that it was stumbled upon in a field at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. Neglected and exposed to the elements for decades, weeds had begun to encroach upon its structure.

Following its rediscovery, the prototype received significantly better care and reverence. It was relocated to the General George Patton Museum at Fort Knox, Kentucky, where it resided for several years before finding a permanent home at Patton Park in Fort Moore (formerly Fort Benning), Georgia.