M4A3, Tank, Medium, 75mm "Sherman"
In the fall of 1941, the M4 Sherman medium tank was adopted by the AS Army to replace the M2 and M3 tanks currently in service. The M4 would become the standard tank for the US Military during the war and was supplied to multiple Allied nations. By the end of the war, between 40,000 and 50,000 M4s were built.
The 75mm M4 Sherman came in several models and was distinguished primarily by its 5 separate engines used to meet production demands. By 1944, the M4 was surpassed by newer German armor, so modifications were made in an attempt to match them. A new high velocity 76mm gun, a new turret, better armor, and wider tracks were added.
This style M4 (designated A3 because of the Ford engine) was first introduced in 1942. It was armed with a medium velocity 75mm gun and became the staple of the US Armor forces. The M4A3s built by Fisher Tank Arsenal, 1944-1945, also included wet stowage for its main gun ammunition. This was included to reduce the chance of the ammunition exploding when the tank was hit by hostile fire. Though not suitable for action in Europe, 75mm M4s continued to see service in other parts of the world where enemy armor was weaker or non-existent.
This was M4A3 sat outside a VFW building before being accepted by the Fort Snelling Military Museum. It was transferred to the Army Transportation Museum
this page online
Specifications
Maker: Fisher Tank Arsenal
Engine: Ford GA V-A
Weight: 68,500 pounds
Ground Pressure: 14.1 pounds per square inch
Fording Depth: 36 inches
Fuel Capacity: 174 gallons
Speed: 26 mph
Range: 130 miles
Crew: 5
Erected by US Army Transportation Museum.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, World II. A significant historical year for this entry is 1941.
Location. 37° 9.983′ N, 76° 34.468′ W. Marker is in Newport News, Virginia. It is in Fort Eustis. Marker can be reached from Washington Boulevard just south of Madison Avenue, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 300 Washington Blvd, Fort Eustis VA 23604, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. M15A1, Semitrailer, Tank Transporter, 45 Ton (here, next to this marker); M26A1, Truck, Tractor, 12 Ton 6×6 (here, next to this marker); M911, Tractor, 25 Ton, 8×6 (C-HET) (a few steps from this marker); M747, Semitrailer, Heavy Equipment, 60 Tons (a few steps from this marker); Petroleum Railway Tank Car (a few steps from this marker); Landing Craft Vehicle Personnel (LCVP)
Additional commentary.
1. Marker location
This marker is on the grounds of Fort Eustis. Permission was requested before photographing.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 1, 2023. It was originally submitted on February 27, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 132 times since then and 16 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 27, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
