A tank used in the Korean and Vietnam Wars is coming to the Bryan American Legion post for permanent display. The M47 Patton main tank is scheduled to arrive from Fort Hood Friday morning (May 1) around 11 a.m. The public is invited to the post at Highway 21 and Waco to watch the arrival. The opportunity to acquire the tank, according to the legion’s news release, is considered to be a “vital tool for community education and a tribute for community education and a tribute to the Cold War and Vietnam-era veterans who comprise a significant portion of the Post’s membership.” The legion’s first vice commander, James Pfeffer, is quoted in the news release as saying the tank “stands as a monument to the service and sacrifice of all veterans in our community and a conspicuous landmark letting visitors know our affiliation to the military and national defense”. News release from the Bryan American Legion Post 159: American Legion Post 159 is proud to announce the official transfer of a historic M47 Patton Main Tank, a significant addition to the Post’s grounds, scheduled for Friday, May 1st. This unique acquisition was made possible through a rare transfer from Fort Hood, ensuring this piece of military history remains in Texas to honor the service of local veterans. The opportunity arose when a previous recipient was unable to fulfill the requirements for the tank’s transfer. Post 159 moved quickly to secure the vehicle, viewing it as a vital tool for community education and a tribute to the Cold War and Vietnam-era veterans who comprise a significant portion of the Post’s membership. “It [the M47 Patton Main Battle Tank] stands as a monument to the service and sacrifice of all veterans in our community and a conspicuous landmark letting visitors know our affiliation to the military and national defense” said 1st Vice Commander of the American Legion James Pfeffer. While the M47 Patton was primarily utilized by the U.S. Army during the early 1950s, its legacy is deeply intertwined with the veterans of the Vietnam War. Many Vietnam-era tankers began their training on M47s or the subsequent M48s. The M47 was a special tank built quickly for the Korean War. It featured a new, high-tech way to aim the big gun, which made it much more accurate. The skills learned on this tank helped American soldiers later during the Vietnam War. The tank will serve as a permanent landmark at Post 159, located at 101 Waco St in Bryan at the corner of Waco St and Hwy 21. The Legionnaires are planning on using the May 1st transfer, the Post plans to officially welcome the “M47 Patton” to its new home in the Brazos Valley. Event Details: ● Date: FRIDAY, May 1, 2026 ● Time: 07:30 at Ft Hood (Loading the Tank) ● Time: Approx 11:00 a.m. at American Legion Post 159 Bryan (Arrival Time) ● Location: 101 Waco St in Bryan, Texas About Earl Graham Post 159: Chartered in 1919, Earl Graham Post 159 has proudly served the Bryan-College Station community for over a century. For 106 years, The American Legion has remained dedicated to its Four Pillars: Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation, National Security, Americanism, and Children & Youth. Our Post continues this legacy by providing unwavering support for local veterans and their families while fostering a spirit of selfless service through youth mentorship and robust patriotic programs.