M4 Sherman
Technical Information
Background
The M4 Sherman was based on the chassis of the M3 Stuart improved by mounting the single main 75 mm gun in a traversing turret. Over 50,000 were produced during the war for use by the US Army and supplied to Allies in lend-lease. Sherman tanks served on all fronts during the war.
The Sherman was provided with a rather short barreled 75mm (3") main gun. This was an excellent, fast firing anti-infantry weapon. It was able to penetrate thin armor, which made the Sherman superior to the light weight Japanese tanks it encountered in Asia and the Pacific.
The Sherman was protected by 2" side armor. This was sufficient to save the crew from small arms fire and light artillery, but left the Sherman terribly vulnerable to the high velocity 75mm guns. Mechanically, the Sherman was highly reliable and easily repaired. t was probably the best all-around tank in the war against Japan.
