The M8 Armored Car equipped the reconnaissance platoons of both towed and self-propelled tank destroyer battalions. (US Army Military History Institute)

The Reconnaissance Platoons of the battalion Reconnaissance Company were equipped with M8 Armored Cars. These light, fast vehicles were ideal for the reconnaissance and screening missions typically allotted to them, but were completely vulnerable to antitank fire from even the smallest and lightest German guns arrayed against them in 1944-45.

M8 Armored Car

Height: 7.5 feet
Width: 8.3 feet
Length: 15.7 feet
Weight: 8.2 tons

Combat radius (how far one can go on a tank of gasoline): 250 miles (road)

Armor

   Front: .625 inches
  Side: .375 inches
  Turret Front: .875 inches
  Turret Side: .75 inches

Maximum Speed: 55 mph (road)

Armament

   Main Gun: 37mm M6 Muzzle velocity: 2,900 feet per second
   Coaxial MG: .30-caliber
   Anti-aircraft Machine Gun: .50-caliber