Excelling in both reliability and sheer production capability, the M4 Sherman series of tanks became the staple fighting-vehicles of the WWII Allies. The first version to be produced, the cast-hull M4A1, was succeeded by the welded-hull M4, the diesel engine M4A2, and finally the most widely-known tank of the series, the M4A3. Three types of main armament were used on the M4A3: on the initial production types, the 75mm main gun and on the subsequent types, the 76mm main gun for heightened penetration. Finally, to provide heavy fire support for assaults on enemy outposts, the powerful 105mm howitzer was later adopted. The 105mm howitzer was carried in a M52 combination mount and a vision cupola was fitted for the commander with a small hatch for the loader. It could fire M1 shells at angles from -10 to +35 degrees at a maximum range of 11,500m. About 500 of the M4A3 (105mm) were produced at the Chrysler factory in Detroit from May to September 1944. From September 1944 horizontal volute spring suspension was introduced on the M4A3 (105mm) together with the wider center-guide T66 tracks. The M4A3 (105mm) were deployed to European Theatre from July 1944, and played an indispensable role in the destruction of enemy positions by the U.S. infantry fighting on the front lines.
Oznake:
M4A3(105) Sherman
US Army (1784-now)
- 48 Tank Bn., 14 Arm. Div., 7 Army USA 30111286
January 1945 World War 2»Liberation of France
No. 22 Olive Drab - HQ Co., 69 Tank Bn., 6 Arm. Div. USA 30111251
December 1944 World War 2»Battle of the Bulge (Ardennenoffensive) – Ardennes
No. 22 Olive Drab w Whitewash - HQ Co., 756 Tank Bn. USA 30105957 Houston Kid II
February 1945 World War 2»Allied Invasion of Third Reich
No. 22 Olive Drab
