- For the Steel Division: Normandy 44 unit see SD:M4A1 OP (155mm)
M4A1 OP is a United States Artillery 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. Artillery observation tanks are fitted with additional radio equipment and greatly improved optics. However, as is the case with the Sherman, this necessitates the removal of the main gun, replacing it with a dummy barrel.
The Armored Field Artillery Battalion was equipped with three M4A1 in their Field Observation Sections. This M4A1 carries the observation team for M1A1 Long Tom battery.