M4A1 Sherman with US infantry

The M4 Sherman medium tank was undoubtedly the most widespread and most used armored vehicle during the Second World War. The M4 formed the backbone of the American armored forces and was produced in numerous versions and variants. The first model to go into large-scale production was the Sherman M4A1 characterized by a rounded hull and a cast turret. The first Shermans adopted a 75 mm gun. later replaced with a 76 mm high-speed gun. The Sherman M4A1 entered service in 1942 and went to equip the armored units of the United States Army in the first months of the war. Thanks to its Continental R975 engine it was able to perform well in all types of terrain. Its real strength, however, was its construction project.