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It was a sunny, hot Southern California day, perfect for a historical reenactment of World War II in the Pacific. Presenting one of the actors: a "Landing Vehicle Tracked" (LVT) amphibious tractor named "Cathy".
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Spectators and participants admire the nearby M4 Sherman Medium Tank.
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From the other side, a Japanese Type 97 Chi-Ha Medium Tank completes the lineup. This was used by the Japanese Army throughout the war, but was outclassed by the American and Russian tanks that they encountered.
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Since there was no interpreter, I had no idea what the announcer was saying, but it was obvious it was one of the battles in the Pacific. Here a US army platoon prepares to defend their base...
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...while the Japanese army sends their tank and soldiers in to fight.
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Two soldiers prepare to advance while ignoring the incongruous background of hangars in what should be a primitive jungle.
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Outgunned, the Americans surrender...
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as their opponents hoist the Rising Sun flag over the base.
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Sunburned reinforcements eventually arrive to re-take the base...
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...including the Sherman tank previously on display...
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...and a M3 Half-Track providing cover.
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Two soldiers take the opportunity to charge the base, a forgotten inventory tag hanging from a rifle.
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A Japanese soldier fires his weapon at approaching troops.
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The battle rages hot and heavy...
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...as the platoon finally prevails and retakes the base.
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A C-17 Globemaster flies over in a victory celebration. Woops... not WWII vintage? Well, it's still pretty impressive.
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More at Los Alamitos: Tanks and choppers