Forces of Valor Metal Proud Series 912102A

Highly detailed model of the Sherman U.S. M4A3 Medium Tank (Wading version)

The U.S. Sherman M4 tank actually has a large assortment of model variants to its name. Initially
begun as the Sherman M4 which was the very first model variant deployed to the European Theatre
Operation, it later with minor modifications derived the M4A1 variant. While Soviet Union, Brits,
and other allied countries armament production were significantly affected during the beginning of
the war, the U.S also supplied its allies with a new Sherman variant powered by two General Motor
engines put together to form a single unit. This Sherman designation was known as the M4A2. The
U.S. army themselves used the Ford GAA V8 engine version of Sherman, known as the Sherman
M4A3, and these vehicles were used primarily in the ETO.
As one could imagine, tanks and many military equipment did not get fully destroyed during a
military operation, some might receive minor or severe damage, and the ordnance had always been
very conscious with cost control. Many damaged tanks would be transferred to the nearest service
hub for repair unless the tank was practically disabled, where it would then be shipped back to the
US mainland to carry out a complete overhaul with new parts.
For this specific release – the Sherman M4E8 - this was the case. It was built based on return parts
from ETO and re-deployed to the pacific theatre of operations. These Sherman M4 were equipped
with the E8 type suspension containing 3 horizontal volute spring bogies on each side. It had a much
wider track width compared to regular Shermans - these widened tracks provided better floating to
the tank while driving on soft terrains. The Sherman M4E8 were used towards the end of World War
II finale while the U.S decided to enter the Japan mainland through their south entrance at Okinawa.
The Imperial Japanese army reacted with very heavy fortifications against the U.S attempt. As a
result, the Sherman 105mm Howitzer gun was deployed to the front line, with an effective range of
XXX. The howitzer helped clear out passage for infantry. Very similar to many seashore landing
operations the landing craft could not directly approach the shore, the Sherman tanks were
equipped with a special wading tank unit from behind, so it could raise the air intakes for
amphibious use. The Sherman M4E8 wading tank would be deployed at a close distance to the
shore, until it reached the ground crews who would remove the clumsy upper intake part.