Full Name Medium Tank, M4A3 (76)W HVSS
Class Heavy Vehicle
Movement 6
Armor Value 5
Vs Infantry (RNG / FPR) 5/6
Vs Vehicle (RNG / FPR) 8/10
Traits
Period Late 1944-1945
Theaters of Service
  • Western Europe

The M4 Sherman (and variants) was the most widely used medium tank by the United States and Western Allies in World War II. The type proved to be reliable, relatively cheap to produce, and available in great numbers. The U.S. produced 49,234 in many variants, with thousands distributed through the Lend-Lease program to the British Commonwealth and Soviet Union. Designers stressed mechanical reliability; ease of production and maintenance; durability; and standardization of parts and ammunition in a limited number of variants. The type served in all theaters during World War II. A crew of five operated the vehicle. This Sherman variant was the first to be factory-produced with the horizontal volute spring suspension (HVSS) system. With wider tracks to distribute weight, and the smooth ride of the HVSS, it gained the nickname 'Easy Eight' from its experimental designation (“M4A3E8”). The type was armed with the 76 mm M1 (L/52) main gun, which provided significantly more stopping potential against heavily-armored German tanks than the 75 mm M3 (L/40) gun. The gun fired a variety of armor-piercing rounds, and also a high-explosive round for soft targets. These M4 Sherman variants also carried one .50 caliber and two .30 caliber Browning machine guns. These variants had a top speed of 30 mph. American industry produced 2,617 units beginning February 1944, and they all saw service in Western Europe late in the war. This unit represents all these variants.

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