That’s why I emphasize the “report” bit… There are a couple of objections that I have about the wisdom of such a policy, as you point out, and then there are the mechanics of it all. Where were they chained to, and how was it managed? Who managed the keys, padlocks, and chains? How would they even get into the tightly-constrained space inside the tank?

Also, just how the hell did the guys making the reports of this make the discovery? Did they find a cooperative crew, or were they investigating a wrecked tank filled with dead bodies?

Wouldn’t surprise me a bit if the whole thing were entirely BS, but who knows?

Nonetheless, there are the reports throughout the literature from WWII to Vietnam, T-34 through T-55 and Type 59 tanks. No idea as to the veracity of any of it all…

noun: phosphorus
adjective: phosphorous

Then there is the neologism “semiautomatic pistol.” Even the NRA uses this. For John Browning and every other designer, manufacturer, retailer and user these were “automatic pistols” right through the 1990′s. This error is a feeble attempt to claim false expertise. Pistol, rifle, and shotgun terminology evolved independently, and the experts didn’t need to impose a false uniformity.