The M4 Sherman was developed as the successor to the M2 and M3 tanks, although it used many components from the latter. Primarily, it utilized a slightly modified chassis from the M3 Lee vehicle. In developing the M4 Sherman, the main emphasis was placed on its role as an infantry support vehicle rather than fighting enemy tanks—that was the role of American tank destroyers. Only possible encounters with Pz.Kpfw III and Pz.Kpfw IV vehicles were anticipated. A significant factor was also the mass production of the new tank and keeping production costs as low as possible. As a result, a tank was created with good armament for 1942 and early 1943, medium armor but with a sloped front plate, yet with poor maneuverability and—especially in the early versions—very vulnerable to being hit, particularly in the engine compartment. However, at the same time, a tank was created that could be produced on a truly large scale and had considerable modernization potential. Many development versions of the M4 Sherman were produced in series. Chronologically, the first was the M4A1 version, which already had cast armor. Another—the M4A2—had welded armor and a new General Motors 6460 engine with 375-410 hp, but was much less prone to catching fire. The M4A3 version also appeared, armed with a 105 mm howitzer and powered by a Ford GAA engine with 450 hp. Based on the M4A3 version, two sub-versions were created: the M4A3E2 Jumbo with reinforced armor and the M4A3E8 with HVSS and a 76 mm gun. An interesting development version was also the T34 Calliope with mounted rockets, which were not aimed from the turret. A huge number of M4 Shermans were also supplied to the British and Red Armies. The former developed the Firefly version based on it, with an excellent 17-pounder anti-tank gun. During World War II, M4 Sherman tanks fought in North Africa (1942-1943), Italy (1943-1945), in the battles of Normandy, France, and Western Germany (1944-1945), but also in the Pacific or in service with the Red Army on the Eastern Front.After World War II, the M4 Sherman was used in many countries, including Argentina, Belgium, India, Israel, Japan, Pakistan, and Turkey. It also participated in many conflicts after 1945, including the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965 and the Six-Day War of 1967.
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