Ep 8. Fastest Army Vehicle; Uncle Sam; Tank Destroyers; Anti-Tank Rifle; Dive Bomber

Mail Call was a television series that aired on the History Channel from 2002 to 2009. Hosted by R. Lee Ermey, the show focused on answering viewer questions about military history and technology. Season 4 Episode 8 featured five segments on various topics related to military vehicles and weaponry.

The first segment of the episode focused on the fastest army vehicle. Ermey answered a viewer question about the top speed of the M1 Abrams tank, which is capable of reaching nearly 45 miles per hour. He also discussed the concept of a "land speed record" for military vehicles and the challenges of achieving high speeds while maintaining maneuverability.

The second segment explored the origins of the term "Uncle Sam" and its connection to the United States government. Ermey explained that the nickname came from a meat packer named Samuel Wilson who supplied barrels of beef to American soldiers during the War of 1812. The barrels were labeled with the letters "U.S." to indicate that they were government property, but soldiers soon began referring to the food as coming from "Uncle Sam" Wilson. The term eventually became associated with the government itself.

The third segment of the episode focused on tank destroyers, a type of vehicle designed specifically to combat enemy armor. Ermey discussed the development of tank destroyers during World War II and their role in battles such as the Battle of the Bulge. He also highlighted the M18 Hellcat, which was considered one of the fastest tanks of its time and could travel up to 55 miles per hour.

The fourth segment of the episode explored the anti-tank rifle, a type of weapon used to penetrate the armor of enemy tanks. Ermey discussed the development of anti-tank rifles and their limitations, including their short range and the need for precise aiming. He also highlighted some of the most notable models of anti-tank rifles, including the British Boys rifle and the Soviet PTRD.

The final segment of the episode focused on the dive bomber, a type of aircraft used to drop bombs on enemy targets from above. Ermey discussed the history of dive bombers and their role in major conflicts such as World War II and the Vietnam War. He also highlighted some of the most notable models of dive bombers, such as the Japanese Aichi D3A and the American SBD Dauntless.

Overall, Season 4 Episode 8 of Mail Call provided viewers with an informative and entertaining look at some of the most iconic military vehicles and weaponry in history. Through lively commentary and historical anecdotes, R. Lee Ermey brought these subjects to life and helped viewers gain a better understanding of their significance in military history.