- For the Steel Division: Normandy 44 unit see SD:M4A1
M4A1 is a United States Tank unit in Steel Division II.
Background[ | ]
The ubiquitous M4 Sherman medium tank evolved from the M3 Lee medium tank pressed into service as a stop-gap model in 1941. Designed by the U.S. Army Ordnance Department, the tank built upon proven technologies developed for American tanks of the 1930s, combining them with British experiences in tank design. The result was a versatile, reliable, and cheap tank much like the Soviet T-34.
The M4 entered service in late 1942, outperforming its older sibling in every aspect, the Sherman went on to become one of the most widely produced armored fighting vehicles of World War II. It was well armored, relatively fast, and cheap to produce, becoming the backbone of Allied armored divisions across the world and a major element of the Lend-Lease program for the Soviet Union. Nearly 50 000 tanks were produced before production ended in 1945 and were used across the world.
The M4A1 sub-designation indicates a Sherman model manufactured with a fully cast upper hull, a standard Continental R975 radial engine, and a 75mm medium-velocity general-purpose gun.
During the Normandy Landing, 3rd Armored was orginally equipped with M4s and M4A1s.
Task Force Butler commanded two medium companies of the 753rd Tank Battalion.
Over the Task Force 45's period of active service multiple tank battalions 751st Tank Battalion and 755th Tank Battalion and elements of 13th Tank Battalion serve in the task force.
101st Airborne Division was supported by 1st Bn, 66th Armored Regiment from 2nd Armored Division. 2nd Armored Division was a Heavy Armored Division which had two Armored Regiment each with three battalions. Each battalion was reorganized into having a light tank company and two medium tank companies.