The M8 light armored car entered combat service with the Allies in Sicily in 1943. It was purpose designed to serve as the primary basic command and communication combat vehicle of the U.S. Cavalry Reconnaissance troops. It was subsequently used by the US Army in Italy, Northwest Europe and the Pacific. In the latter theater, it was used mostly on Okinawa and the Philippines, and was even employed in its original tank destroyer role, as most Japanese tanks had armor that was vulnerable to its 37 mm gun. Over 1,000 were supplied via Lend-Lease to US allies; the United Kingdom, Free France and Brazil.
