"Tanks For The Memories": Sherman Tank On Display At History Center Rolls Onto Next Location
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- A Sherman tank rolled into Pittsburgh on June 17, and took up residence at Heinz History Center during its World War II exhibit.
Fifty-thousand Sherman tanks helped to defeat Nazi forces in Europe. But after seven months on loan, this one is moving out.
"Right now we're going to take it to Fort Indiantown Gap, and there's a re-enactment going on in a few days," said owner Tom Pippins of Sewickley.
Pippins says he fell in love with tanks as a kid.
"I told my dad, 'Hey, let's buy a tank.' He said no, so 30 years later I bought my own," Pippins said.
This one took part in the Battle of the Bulge. Eventually, it will return to Ligonier, where the owner's mother has a farm.
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Museum President Andy Masich says it caught people's attention.
"There wasn't anyone that passed the History Center over the past six months who didn't stop and take a selfie, in front of the Sherman tank," Masich said.
Pippins maneuvers his tank toward the flatbed truck, which will carry it to its next location. Pittsburgh contributed to the design during the war.
"The turret was made in Lawrenceville in 1944," Masich said. "Westinghouse helped make the gun stabilizer that made it possible for Sherman tanks to fire on the move. There are all kinds of Pittsburgh connections."
The next exhibit at the History Center will be "Toys of the '50s, '60s and '70s." That opens in early March. And at that time, the tank will be replaced with a 20 foot, inflatable Gumby.
A final word from History Center President Masich: "The Sherman tank has left the building. Tanks for the memories."