- Garry_Redmon

This is what I have heard. I can't verify it to be totally complete or accurate.

The StuG III was found in a bog in Latvia. It fell through the ice at some point during the war. During the seasons as the water rose and fell, the muzzle brake and end of the tube was uncovered and exposed to the air which made it rusted and pitted while the rest of the StuG remained in the oxygen deprived muck and preserved. When it was discovered, a tow hook was place inside the cupola which tore loose and took most of the cupola and part of the roof armor. Another attempt was made when it was excavated from the bog and a T-54 ARV was used to pull it out of the bog.

When it was released from the bog, it was a veritable time capsule. Main gun ammo, MG ammo and other equipment was retrieved. I believe that personal effects and personal weapons were not found, but I don't know for sure. The crew was able to bail out before it went under as there were no human remains found. The vehicle had its zimmerit intact, but after its retrieval, it began to peel off. Most was collected in bags and sent with it to Ft. Knox. How Ft. Knox got possession and the time frame, I'm not sure. Perhaps Don can found out from the museum curator.