During the latter stages of World War II, the U.S. Army introduced the M26 Pershing tank to address the shortcomings of the M4 Sherman, particularly in confronting heavily armored German tanks like the Panther and Tiger. While the Pershing boasted superior firepower and armor, many American soldiers were reluctant to abandon the familiar Sherman. This preference wasn’t rooted in nostalgia but in practical battlefield realities.
Reliability and Familiarity
One of the primary reasons U.S. crews favored the Sherman was its mechanical reliability. The M4 Sherman had been in service since the early years of the war and had undergone multiple upgrades. By 1944-1945, it was a proven platform. Crews knew how to operate, maintain, and repair it under combat conditions. Spare parts were abundant, and field modifications were common. In contrast, the M26 Pershing was new, untested in many theaters, and prone to mechanical issues. Crews lacked experience with the new systems, and logistical support for the Pershing lagged behind.
Mobility and Speed
The Sherman was faster and more maneuverable than the Pershing, especially in the varied terrain of Europe. While the M26 had heavier armor and a more powerful 90mm gun, it was significantly heavier—over 10 tons more than the Sherman. This extra weight made it slower and less suited for crossing narrow bridges, muddy roads, or rough countryside where mobility was critical. Speed often meant survival in a tank battle, and Sherman crews had learned to use their mobility to flank enemy tanks or withdraw quickly when necessary.
Tactical Doctrine
U.S. armored doctrine at the time did not emphasize tank-on-tank combat as the primary mission of American tanks. Instead, tanks like the Sherman were intended to support infantry, exploit breakthroughs, and outmaneuver the enemy. Anti-tank duties were assigned to tank destroyers. Therefore, the Sherman, with its 75mm or 76mm gun, was seen as adequate for its intended role. For many crews, switching to the Pershing, which was designed more with tank-versus-tank combat in mind, was a shift from what they were trained to do.
Availability and Numbers
Another key reason for the Sherman’s continued use was simple availability. By the time the M26 Pershing arrived in significant numbers—early 1945—the war in Europe was nearing its end. Only a few hundred Pershings were deployed before Germany surrendered. In contrast, tens of thousands of Shermans were already in service across multiple fronts. Units were understandably reluctant to re-equip and retrain on a new vehicle so late in the conflict.