Nice photo of M3. Tested in October 1943, first saw combat in 1/44 with the Army (Bougainville) and 2/44 by the Marines (New Britain)
I've found an info on M42 in photo's caption of Zaloga's book only:
Quote:
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"The only main armament mechanized flamethrower to reach series production in 1945 was the M5-4, with 151 completed. None reached combat, but they remained in service through the early 1950s (...) The flamethrower tank was designated as M42B1 when based on the M4A1, and M42B3 when based on the M4A3".
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(a bit of explanation: POA-CWS H1 main armament flamethrowers were not produced in series, but were apparently treated as an authorized field modification).