This Joseph Stalin IS-2 tank was on display outside the museum grounds of War Museum Overloon, the Netherlands, during the warmer months. The tank has now been sold and is on display in the American Heritage Museum in Hudson, USA.
It is a World War Two Russian heavy tank and was largely developed during 1943 and produced in large numbers from early 1944.
The IS-2 Tank In Action
Thanks to its 122mm gun, this tank could compete with the German Tigers and Panthers at the time, although its slow loading time gave it a disadvantage on them. Its heavy frontal armor could handle the much feared German 88mm gun from a long distance very well, although German tank crews soon adapted their tactics and focused their fire on the side and back armor, which were more vulnerable, especially at a closer range.
The tank was assigned to so-called “Guard Battalion” tank brigades and these were mainly put to use as blockbusters when running into heavy enemy opposition. During heavy assaults the tank was renowned for destroying bunkers and fortifications with its powerful HE rounds. IS-2 tanks were reported to flatten whole building blocks as they moved up with the infantry during the Battle of Berlin.
The tank is bearing no markings except for a welded serial number at the back of the turret (see detail photo underneath).
About 2250 pieces produced. Very dangerous enemy for the germans. Nowadays it’s inside the museum, the museum employe told me by email. I hope so, this tank is quite rare, not many around.
Hi Alex,
We took these pictures a while ago, so you may be right.
We visit the museum now and then so we’ll check it out.
Thanks for your reply 🙂
Thanks for the details and sharing them with your pictures 🙂
Which others Soviet tanks are in this museum please?
I wonder how this tank came to museum,did Soviets just give it away??
This tank fought on the Battle of Berlin, then was given to the East german army, After the DDR collapse probably Ended here, he Is now restored, an American Museum bought It, there Is a video on YouTube by the “chieftain” featuring It and the story
Thank you Gillo for pointing out that the tank is not in Overloon anymore. It is now at the American Heritage Museum in Hudson, USA. We have added the information to the article!