Marines take cover behind a M4A2 Sherman named King Kong – Saipan July 8, 1944. Tank of the Company C, 4th Tank Battalion.
Company C of the 4th Tank Battalion pioneered the use of wooden side armor as a defense against Japanese magnetic antitank mines. This innovation made its combat debut during the Kwajalein landings, marking the first significant use of such armor by Marine tank units in the Pacific Theater. The wooden armor provided added protection against the magnetic mines that Japanese infantry often used in close-quarters tank assaults.
One notable tank in Company C was “King Kong,” commanded by Lt. Max English, the leader of the 2nd Platoon. Unlike most tanks, which were painted in standard olive drab, Lt. English had a distinctive camouflage pattern applied to the turret of his tank. This customization allowed his tank to be more easily recognizable in combat, enhancing both coordination and leadership on the battlefield.