M3 GMC

The M3 Gun Motor Carriage (GMC) self-propelled gun mounted the 75 mm M1897A5 (L/36) gun on the chassis of the M3 Half-track, to serve in anti-tank and fire support roles. The type first saw action with the U.S. Army in the Philippines in 1941–1942. By 1942, the U.S. Army was also using M3 GMCs in tank destroyer battalions in the North African Campaign. Throughout the war, the M3 also served with the U.S. Marines in the Pacific Theater of Operations, where it proved highly effective against Japanese Type 95 Ha-Go and Type 97 Chi-Ha tanks. The M3's 75 mm main gun was functionally the same as the M3 Lee/Grant and the majority of M4 Sherman medium tanks used during the war. Upon the introduction of this gun into combat by the United Kingdom in North Africa in May 1942, the sponson-mounted 75 mm gun on the M3 Lee/Grant proved to have a longer range and greater penetration capability than most Axis armored units. It was also effective against infantry, because ammunition for the gun included high explosive, anti-personnel rounds. This vehicle had a maximum speed of 45 mph. The M3 GMC itself saw limited service with other countries. Britain received a batch of 170 vehicles via Lend-Lease, and used them in their Armoured Car Regiments. The type also saw service in Sicily, Italy, and France during 1943-1944. The Free French Army also used M3s for training before receiving M10 tank destroyers. American industry produced 2,202 M3 GMCs from 1941 to 1943.