It was Germany's last ditch offensive and what came to be the biggest tank battle ever to take place. A battle of epic proportions, it was on this day in 1943 that the Battle of Kursk took place between German and Soviet forces. With 3000 German tanks and even more on the side of the Russians in addition to the fleets of aircraft involved, the sheer metal made this one fight destined for the record books. Although less technologically advanced, the larger numbers of Russian machinery and the operational reserves at hand resulted in the Red Army's surprise victory over the Nazis. Despite coming at a great cost of both lives and weaponry, this win entirely changed proceedings on the Eastern Front and is still to this day, recognized as the largest armored clash involving tanks in history. And there you have Cockpit USA's blast from the past for this week!