Track grousers aid in traction much like ice cleats, so they are added to the surface of the tracks. What is pictured are duckbill extensions which decrease the ground pressure so the tank can travel over softer ground like the muddy conditions in the Pacific.

These are all Marine Shermans... M4A2 and all have the 75MM.

The "spikes" are to keep Japaneses soldiers from opening the hatches and dropping grenades and such weapons inside the tank.


"Tank Warfare On Iwo Jima" by David Harper is an excellent source of information on these AFV's as well as a great source of images too.






Jeff