M26 and M46 Pershing - USA: books - history, types and construction

M26 / M46 Pershing Tank 1943-1953 (Osprey)

From the moment that the M4 Sherman had been matched against German Panther and Tiger tanks, the American tank crews had known that their vehicles were outclassed by the opposition. What was needed was a more powerful tank, more heavily armed and armored, that could take-on the powerful German panzers on a more equal footing. Although it took time to develop by the latter months of the war numbers of M26 Pershing tanks were reaching the frontline US armored units. Well armored and with a powerful 90mm gun the Pershing was a match for any tank in the German order of battle.

This title looks at the M26 and M46 Pershing which formed the backbone of the armoured units of the post-war US army.

Contents: Introduction - Developmental of the M26 Pershing tank - Combat record of the M26 in WWII - Development of the M46 - Combat record of the M26 and M46 in Korea - Foreign export of the M26 and M46 - The Plates - Index

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M26 Pershing and Variants - T26E3 / M26, M26A1, M45, M46 / M46A1

Covers the M26 Pershing tank and its variant s T26E3 / M26, M26A1, M45 and M46 / M46A1.

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Pershing - A History of the Medium Tank T20 Series

This comprehensive entry in R. P. Hunnicutt's 10-volume compendium of American tank history details the development of the T20 series of American tank prototypes ending with the standardized M26 Pershing.
Although M4 Medium Tank Sherman proved itself by contributing mightily to U.S. Armored divisions in WWII, it was eventually outclassed by some later German armored vehicles. Furthermore, due to its prewar development, the Sherman was designed using components developed on a shoestring budget.

In an effort to address these shortcomings and to take advantage of lessons learned on the battlefield, a program was launched in the spring of 1942 to develop an improved tank. This program resulted in the T20 series of tanks, which included a number of experimental prototypes that capitalized on advances made in engineering in the years since the design of the Sherman.

True to form, Hunnicutt spares no detail in his blow-by-blow history of the T20 series. The original T20 concept was expansive, beginning with investigations into a wide range of power trains, armaments, and suspensions. Hunnicutt carefully details each of the prototypes produced over the three years of development. Each experimental tank is illustrated with photographs and figures.

The T20 series concluded with the deployment of the T26E3 "General Pershing" in the closing months of the European War. A number of Pershing tanks played a dramatic role in the 9th Armored Division's struggle to take the Ludendorff Bridge at the Battle of Remagen. After this baptism by fire, the Pershing was standardized as the M26 in late March, 1945.
The Pershing tank served as the Army's first line tank during the immediate postwar period and played a major part in the first year of the Korean War, although it revealed itself to be poorly suited for use on Korea's muddy and hilly terrain.

With detailed diagrams and photographs, along with an extensive collection of reference data, Hunnicutt's Pershing is absolute must-have for anyone with a keen interest in American military history.

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Pershing vs Tiger : Germany 1945 (Osprey)

During the final battles on World War II's Western Front, the legendary German Tiger I heavy tank clashed with the brand-new M26 Pershing fielded by the United States. The Tiger I had earned a formidable reputation by the end of 1944, although its non-sloped armour and poor mobility meant it was being superseded by the Tiger II or 'King Tiger'.
While the Tiger I had been in the front lines since 1942, the US Pershing first entered combat in late February 1945, and more than 20 Pershings would see action before war's end.

This book examines the dramatic Tiger/Pershing duel at Elsdorf in Germany, and also assesses the clashes between German armour and the sole 'Super Pershing' deployed to Europe.
Featuring full-colour artwork, carefully chosen photographs and specially commissioned maps, this is the story of the first US heavy tanks in combat with the fearsome Tiger I during the last months of World War II in Europe.

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T26E3 Pershing Heavy Tank - Technical Manual (TM9-735)

The Pershing was the first operational heavy tank of the US Army; originally the T26, the tank was eventually redesignated the M26 Pershing medium tank. Named after General John J. Pershing who led the American Expeditionary Force in Europe in World War I, it was briefly used both in World War II and in the Korean War.
Intended as an improvement of the M4 Sherman, the prolonged time of development meant only a small number saw combat in the European theater, most notably the 9th Armored Division's dramatic dash to take the Bridge at Remagen.
On December 22nd, 1944, while the battle still raged, the brand new T26E3 tanks were ordered to be deployed to Europe. Twenty were sent in the first shipment, arriving at the port of Antwerp in January of 1945. They were given to the 1st Army, split between the 3rd and 9th Armored Divisions. A total of 310 T26E3 tanks would be sent to Europe before VE Day, but only the first twenty would see any combat action.

Created in 1945, this technical manual reveals a great deal about the T26E3's design and capabilities. Intended as a manual for those charged with operation and maintenance, it details many aspects of its engine, cooling, power and other systems.
Originally labeled restricted, this manual was declassified long ago and is here reprinted in book form. Care has been taken to preserve the integrity of the text.

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T-34-85 vs M26 Pershing - Korea 1950 (Osprey)

A hotly-debated topic amongst tank buffs is of the relative merits of the Soviet and American tanks of World War II. Using recently revealed documents, Steven Zaloga sheds light on the crucial tank battles of the Korean War as the rival superpowers' finest tanks battled for supremacy.
The Soviet-equipped North Korean Peoples Army initially dominated the battlefield with the seemingly unstoppable T34-85. As US tank battalions hastily arrived throughout the late summer and early autumn of 1950, the M26 Pershing took the fight to North Korea with increasing success.

Contents: Introduction - Design and development - Technical Specifications - The Combatants - Combat - Statistics and Analysis - Conclusion - Further Reading.

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