M4 "Sherman"

The M4 Sherman (Nicknamed by the British after William T. Sherman) was the most produced American tank of World War II and remained in service for decades after, thanks to numerous upgrades and modifications. Its development began in the early 1940s as the United States sought a successor to the stop-gap M3 Lee. The design prioritized reliability, ease of production, and adaptability, leading to a tank that could be mass-produced in large numbers and easy maintenance far from home. The first production models rolled out in 1942, quickly becoming the backbone of U.S. armored forces.

The earliest versions were the M4 and M4A1 (75 mm), equipped with a 75 mm M3 gun in a fully rotating turret. The M4A2, M4A3, and M4A4 introduced different engine types, while the M4 Composite combined cast and welded hull construction. Though adequate in firepower initially, the Sherman's gun struggled against newer German tanks.

The Sherman Firefly, a British modification, addressed the early gun deficiency by mounting the powerful 17-pounder gun, allowing it to counter German heavy armor. While it retained the Sherman's mobility, its increased firepower made it one of the most feared Allied tanks in Europe.

A significant US improvement came with the M4A1(76)W and M4A3(76)W, featuring a 76 mm M1 gun with better armor penetration. The introduction of wet ammunition stowage increased crew survivability. These versions became more common in late 1944 and early 1945 and served well into the Korean War.

The Sherman's chassis also served as the basis for tank destroyers such as the M10 Wolverine and the M36 Jackson, which replaced the standard 75 mm gun with more powerful 76 mm or 90 mm cannons.

Additionally, numerous specialized variants were developed, including the M4(105) with a 105 mm howitzer for close support. Many other engineering, demolition, and artillery variants, as well as other prototypes, were also adapted from the M4 hull.

Beyond U.S. service, the Sherman saw extensive use worldwide. Britain, the Soviet Union, Free French forces and other Allied forces fielded them in large numbers during the war, while postwar users included the newly rebuilt Italy, Germany, and Japan. Israel modified its Shermans into the M-50 and M-51, while other users included Argentina and India. Some upgraded Shermans remained in service well into the late 20th century. In total, over 49,000 Shermans were produced, making it one of the most iconic tanks in history.