http://www.network54.com/Forum/47208/message/1172526955/USMC+Sherman+found+on+Iwo+Jima%21%21

Kind of makes you wonder what's still out there...

Thanks for sharing Jim,
I love these pics of old tanks being uncovered, makes the history that bit more 'real' if you get my meaning!

James

Question is - should it be preserved or restored?

Difficult one Jim.
It could be argued that restoring it is preserving it, however, i'd say it would depend on how many restored or preserved versions of this tank there are around today. If there are non restored then i'd say that would be the way to go, however, if there are some good ones around then preserving it could be a good option.
I just hate to see these peices of history left outside to rust away with a poor attempt at a (often inapropriate) paint scheme slapped on every 5 years as is the fate of many old tanks. It's so good to see them lovingly restored in museums where you can get an accurate idea of what it would have looked like originally. Especially with the modifications made to the Shermans on Iwo Jima (concrete, logs, cages and sandbags etc.) It would be great to see this restored to its former glory.

James

Stabilised and conserved in its current state. Speaking as an archaeologist

Restoration frequently involves either removing, altering or concealing the original features that make the object important in the first place. If you want a pristine looking representation of a USMC tank, modify another M4A3 without any interesting history attached to it and leave this one alone!

David

Keep it as it is.
Its always amazing when they dig something from this era up.

I only have one picture to go by however that tank doesn't look like it was recently uncovered.

I am judging by the grass growing around it and the relatively undisturbed ground around it.

Its very interesting though and I would love to see more about it.

Jeff

I would say restore it BUT, I think that it is an important part of the landscape and historical "feel" of Iwo.

David makes an excellent point of leaving it alone and converting/restoring an old one laying around somewhere.

I've never seen one (Marine version) in any museum. Perhaps that would be a nice addition to the Marine Corps museum???

I would leave it alone Looks way too rusty to restore anyway.

It's not though, all of the comnponents that make it unique are still there.

I would restore it an put it in the USMC museum. Restoration, at least really careful restoration can save all of the components that are still there. Missing ones (I.E. missing nails...etc...) can easily be replaced, without damaging the surrounding area. I think it would be a shame to let something this rare rust away to nothing.

Exactly my point. This really is a unique vehicle - it's NOT simply another M4a3, it's one which served in combat with fittings that were completely unique to this campaign...

I was thinking more along the lines of leaving it as-is and preserving it rather then restoring it. Most of the small stuff would be replaced with new copies if it were restored.

They don't HAVE to though, most of what is there. which is alot, is still in really good condition.

Exactly - I do get the feeling that others have looked at the image and ignored the VERY complete explanation posted by Dave Harper..