Is this a tank that went from WW2 service to Korean War Service without significant changes?

Almost, but not exactly. There were some front end reinforcements added right next to the idlers, and there were versions in Korea that used an updated track system. These were the more visible changes, I believe there were other less obvious internal and turret changes. I believe the reinforcing pads were intended for the addition of accessories like a dozer blade-- but I'm not a Chaffee expert-- perhaps Mr. Laughlin can chime in?
VR, Russ

The .50 cal also moved from its useless position in the back of the turret to in front of the Commander's coupla.

Meanwhile the sideskirts were removed also.

And yet you will see photos of M24 in 1950 with the side skirts, original track and useless rear facing 50 caliber mount.

The dozer pads began to appear early in production and some had them in World War II. The 50 caliber mount was sometimes moved by maintenance at the unit level.

Looking at Chaffees in Korea you will see ones identical to World war II configuration except the bumper pads and others with the newer tracks, moved antennas. Most of the updates to Chaffees were issued as kits to be done at unit level. Tracks were replaced as they wore out. It wasn't until the M24 was taken out of service to be refurbished and fed into the Military Aid and Assistance that they are guaranteed to have gotten all the updates.

"Newly landed U.S. paratroopers greet 1st Cavalry Division tank crewmen at Sukchon, North Korea, during the Korean War in October, 1950" :



Only the side skirts are missing

A few more Korea M24's in this thread

H.P.

Great picture Frenchy. That tank is lacking the dozer mounts but has the rubber pad track.

You're welcome. In fact I've mixed up early and late tracks and thought the rubber-padded ones (T85E1) were the early type !

H.P.

Thanks! I read that Chaffees did not see much use in WW2, but I have long dreamed of a scenario where a two tanks, one T-34/85 and one Allied one, would be together, this time on opposite sides of the war.

I specifically wanted to use a tank, but Sherman tanks were heavily modified from their WW2 versions, and the Pershing was little used in WW2. Now I can complete my idea!

The Easy 8 Sherman and the M26 Pershing were not very different then they looked in WW2. The M26 added fender braces and the infantry phone. Some M4A3E8s still had the split loaders hatch. The Shermans had some new stowage on the fenders and that was only the ones rebuild in Japan.

Tom

I assume, perhaps incorrectly, there were more Chaffees used in WW2 than Pershings. Plus I figure the Chaffee easier to build,