m4shermantank

Looks like there are more M-3's (Lee/Grant) than M-4's (Sherman) in that line.

The Sherman tank was also jokingly referred to as the Ronson. As in the cigarette lighter that "lights on the first strike". Their ammo storage wasn't so well protected.

What a great picture. Being a history fanatic, I can't help but wonder if the reaction from the populous back then regarding the switch from the M-3's to the M-4's would be comparable to today's F-22's and F-35's. Could you imagine trying to aim the whole tank instead of just the turret?

There are also some M3 Stuart light tanks in the background

In the mood of the day, the government was lying to the public, telling everyone that our M3s and M4s were the best tanks in the world. By the time they got into action they were ridiculously obsolete. Incredibly reliable, but garbage. Men died by the thousands in 43, 44 and early 45 because of that. It wasn't until the M26 was fielded in early 1945 that our tankers had a vehicle that could go toe to toe with the stuff the enemy had been using for years.

www.flickr.com/photos/sdasmarchives/sets/7215763785117332... from the San Diego Air and Space Museum Archives has similar photos of the aftermath of the Battle of Monte Cassino

Thank you for sharing this shot

just beautiful

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