The M1 Abrams has been the main battle tank of the U.S. Army since the early 1980s. It is named for General Creighton Abrams, a World War II tank commander and later Army chief of staff.
The first production tanks were completed by Chrysler in Lima, Ohio, around 1979 and 1980.
Ohio Connection
The Joint Systems Manufacturing Center in Lima is the only main battle tank plant in the United States, and Abrams tanks are still built and upgraded there.
Service History
The Abrams saw major action in the 1991 Gulf War and has been continually upgraded over the decades.
See It in Person
Ohio is a great place to see military history up close. The National Museum of the United States Air Force near Dayton is free and displays hundreds of aircraft, and local veterans memorials, county historical societies, and VFW and American Legion posts across the state often display vehicles and artifacts. Thank a veteran when you visit.
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