M4A3

The M4A3 is a variant of the M4 Sherman medium tank used by the United States Army and Allied forces during World War II. It was produced by Ford Motor Company and is distinguished within the Sherman family by its Ford-built powerplant, the Ford GAA gasoline engine, which provided a robust source of power for the chassis. The M4A3 shared the general hull and turret layout of the Sherman family and was produced in several subvariants over the course of the war.

Armament and variants varied within the M4A3 designation. Early M4A3s commonly carried the 75 mm M3 gun, while later subvariants covered alternative armaments, including 76 mm guns and other specialized configurations. As with other Sherman models, turret and hull designs remained largely consistent, even as gun types and features evolved through field modifications and factory changes. Construction incorporated a mix of welded and cast components depending on batch and factory supply.

Operational history and legacy. The M4A3 entered service in 1942–43 and saw widespread combat with United States forces and Allied units in Europe, North Africa, and other theaters. It was valued for its combine of power, reliability, and relatively straightforward maintenance, contributing significantly to Allied armored operations in the mid-war period. As the war progressed, many M4A3 tanks were supplemented or replaced by newer Sherman variants offering improved suspension, armor, or firepower.

Postwar use and preservation. Some M4A3 tanks remained in service with foreign militaries after World War II and were occasionally adapted for later roles. Surviving examples are preserved in museums and private collections, where they are studied as representative examples of the Sherman family’s development and wartime production.