GWW I checked the sites you posted and sent an email to the webmaster. On the M-45, he indicates no M-45's on inventory after 1954, but when we switch to Pentomic in Aug 1956, 31st Regt 7th Inf Div had a platoon of M-45s for Inf Spt tanks, for which they were designed. He has the papers and books, but I was there and test drove one. Nice pic of the M-45 and it does substantiate the mantlet cover, which I don't recall seeing. It's really great when a number of people on the site take an interest....we wind up with all sorts of links and info that normally would be overlooked. Thanks
Bill