Figure 1.--The M4 Sherman tank was the iconic American tank of World War II. This particular Sherman was an early one--M4A. Notice the small size of the gun. It saw service in the North African campaign. It was brought back from North Africa to show off at War Bond drives, along with some of the tankers. This was a common pracrice. Sailors, aviators and marines also were brought back to help wih he War Bond drives. The first sign read, "BACK US: the 3rd WAR LOAN Drive." The other dgn read, "IT CHASED ROMMEL: ??? he M$ Genral Shermsn Tank. $90,000 in WAR BONDS will buy one of these BLITZ BUGGIES."

The M4 Sherman tank was the iconic American tank of World War II. This particular Sherman was an early one--M4A. Notice the small size of the gun. It saw service in the North African campaign. Here in 1943, some of the actual tankers, Allied servicemen, and Scouts are using a Sherman in the Third War Bond Drive. Scenes like this played out in frot of court houses all over the country. The Sherman was far from the best tank of the War. It was highly mobile, but it had a high profile, weak armor, and an under-powered gun. American tankers, however, developoed effective tactics for the Sherman and the numbers conmibed with air support helped overwealm dogged German defences.

Sherman M4 Tank

The M4 Sherman tank was the iconic American tank of World War II. The M4 Sherman was classified a , formally Medium Tank and was the primary tank used by the United Arnmy during World War II.. It first saw action in North Africa where it was used by both the Americans and British (1942). This particular Sherman was an early one--M4A. Notice the small size of the gun. It saw service in the North African campaign. The American Sherman was far from the best tank of the War. It was highly mobile, but it had a high profile, weak armor, and an under-powered gun. American tankers, however, developoed effective tactics for the Sherman and the numbers conmibed with air support helped overwealm dogged German defences. Throughout the War, improivemnrns were made on these tanks. This was the M4A3. The M4A was the earlies Sherman. This was the M4A3 so some modifications had already been made. The Sherman was far from the best tank of the War. It was highly mobile, but it had a high profile, weak armor, and an under-powered gun. American tankers, however, developed effective tactics for the Sherman and the numbers conmibed with air support helped overwealm dogged German defences.

War Bond Drives

A major tood in financing the War was War Bond drives. Adults bought bonds. Children coud buy stamps in school. Here in 1943, some of the actual tankers, Allied servicemen, and Scouts are using a Sherman in the Third War Bond Drive. This was a common practice. Sailors, aviators and marines also were brought back to help wih he War Bond drives. Scenes like this played out in frot of court houses all over the country. Novie tars also were used in the War Bond Drives. The War Bond drives not only helped finance the War, but took money out of the cosumer economy and thus limited both inflation and consumer demand competing with war production.

Created: 4:50 AM 10/8/2009
Last updated: 2:19 AM 12/19/2009