Recently I have had numerous requests for information on the LVT(4) Flametracs used by the USMC on Peleliu. Not much info. is available on the subject, but in the past few years I have visited several archives and collected everthing that is known to exist. I will keep looking, as you never know what may turn up in future searches. Here is everything that I have found so far.
During the USMC's campaign in the Palaus, in September of 1944, six LVT(4) Amtracs were test fitted with the Navy's mark 1 flame thrower unit. This device was quite large and could not be fitted into any of the tanks then in service with the Marines. After action reports speak favorably of the use of this combination of weapons systems, but mention numerous areas needing improvement. These reccomended improvements included designing a flame unit that could be mounted in a sturdier fully enclosed armored vehicle. This led to the Sherman "Flametank" which saw extensive service on Iwo Jima and Okinawa late in WWII.
This photo is from a TM dealing with the flame unit itself. It looks rather complicated and would be a challenge to scratchbuild. I have not located a manual for this weapon, but there must be one somewhere!!
These last three shots show the "Flametracs" in action on Peleliu. They all appear to be painted in a camouflage, have several MGs mounted to provide cover fire, and are working closely with Marine infantry.
