- For the Steel Division: Normandy 44 unit see SD:M5A1
M5A1 is a United States Tank unit in Steel Division II.
Background[ | ]
An upgraded variant of Light Tank M2 created by the U.S. Army Ordnance Department, the Stuart boasted thicker armor, improved suspension, a new gun recoil system accommodating the 37mm M5 gun (M6 in later variants), and no less than five Browning M1919A4 .30-06 machine guns. Although designated as a light tank, it was a match for German and Japanese tanks when it entered production in 1941, equal in armor and weapons to the Panzer III Ausf. G and superior to the dominant Type 95 Ha-Go. It's one drawback was the high silhouette, owing to the radial engine and the elevated crankshaft. Used in a combat role by the United States, Great Britain, and the Soviet Union, the Stuart was relegated to scouting, screening, and support duties in 1942 due to the increasing sophistication of enemy tanks.
The M5 Stuart was introduced that year, boasting twin Cadillac V-8 engines and Hydra-Matic transmissions, a redesigned hull, and was overall quieter, cooler, and roomier. Despite its lack of firepower at that point, the M5 retained the 37 mm gun and remained in production until 1944, where it was replaced by the M24 Chaffee. A total of 22 744 M3 and M5 Stuarts were produced in dozens of variants. Surplus Stuarts would trickle into national armories after the Great War, eventually making it one of the most widely used tanks in history. The M5A1 was the most numerous variant produced, with 6 810 units.
83rd Armored Reconnaissance Battalion of the 3rd Armored has a light armor company or troop.
3rd Armored was one of the two American Armored Divisions that remain with the heavy armored division composition. Originally 32nd and 33rd Armored Regiments had two Medium Tanks Battalions along with a light Tanks Battalion equipped with M5A1. But the Regiments were reorganized to have each battalion have one light and two medium companies.
Task Force Butler commanded two medium companies of the 753rd Tank Battalion. Task Force Butler has 117th Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron which had a light armor company of M5A1.
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 along with 91st Cavalry Recon Squadron. These had a light tank company equipped with M5A1.
101st Airborne Division was supported by 1st Bn, 66th Armored Regiment from 2nd Armored Division during between 17 Jun 44 to 26 Jun 44. 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 equipped with M5A1 and two medium tank companies. 759th Tank battalion supported 101st Airborne Division between 28 June 44 to 8 July 44. This was a light tank battalion equipped with three companies of M5A1.