US M4A1 Medium Tank "Sherman"

In the collection of vehicles at the Tank Farm is the world’s second oldest U.S. Sherman tank still in existence, as well as the oldest running one. It is an M4A1 model of the Sherman medium tank. The collection’s M4A1 was produced at Pressed Steel Car Company and has hull serial number 192 and turret serial number 345. The oldest Sherman still in existence is “Michael” in the collection of the Bovington Tank Museum in the south of England. Michael was the first Sherman provided to the United Kingdom as part of lend lease.

The M4 Sherman series of tanks evolved from the Lee/Grant M3 medium tank series. While retaining much of the previous mechanical design the Sherman series had its main gun in a fully rotating central turret, a one-axis gyrostabilizer to improve its accuracy, and a reduced crew of five compared to the M3’s seven. Subtypes, such as A1, A3 etcetera, indicate standardized production variations, which were in fact often manufactured concurrently at different locations. The sub-types differed mainly in engines, although the M4A1 also differed from the other variants by its fully cast upper hull with a distinctive rounded appearance.

In addition to the Pressed Steel Car Co., M4A1’s were produced by two other manufacturers, Lima Locomotive Works and Pacific Car and Foundry Company. Together, a total of 9,527 M4A1's were manufactured from February of 1942 through July 1945.

The Tank Farm’s M4A1 has had several improvements/modifications made during its lifetime, including a stronger suspension replacing the M3-style it would have originally been built with. It also received an improved mantlet for the main gun to increase the turret’s frontal armor; and an improved single-piece transmission housing replacing the original three-piece bolted type. The hull of the Tank Farm’s M4A1 did not see other upgrades as it retains its direct vision ports through the front glacis plate; and no armor upgrades to the front or sides of the hull. Early M4A1’s served as training tanks and in combat in several campaigns, including the Italian campaign and North Africa.

The Tank Farm acquired our M4A1 in 1993, along with several other vehicles, when the Budge collection of armored vehicles was sold at auction in England. Despite being acquired in England, the tank had several modifications to its tool storage which indicate it served with Canadian forces at some point in its life. What an amazing life this tank appears to have had since its production in 1942, to include the possibility of crossing the Atlantic multiple times. 

Come Celebrate our Independence with us at the 4th of July Parade in Dale City, VA

Open House - August 26 & 27, 2023

Save the Date!!

After a Long Day Volunteering, at Cedar Run Brewery

In this section we introduce you to the staff and volunteers of the restoration shop. These are the people who "keep 'em running" and work so hard behind the scenes. We have asked Justin about his duties as a volunteer at the Tank Farm Restoration facility.

Justin, tell us about yourself.

I’m a country boy, raised in the Endless Mountain region of Northeast PA. I’m graduating tech school and currently working as an engineer, with operations at Digital Realty in Ashburn. I have a diverse background of work experience, between labor/technical and administrative skills. 

Describe your duties as a volunteer.

I help staff with general maintenance and restoration of vehicles. I perform general preventative maintenance, troubleshooting and repair of vehicles. I help with upkeep of the property and museum tours as well. Every day is something different, and the experience is fulfilling. 

How did you hear about Americans in Wartime and what drew you in?

I heard about the Open House back in 2021 through family, and wanted to show up and check it out. I was blown away by the display and demonstrations. It was announced that the Tank Farm was looking for volunteers, so I volunteered.

What started your interest in tanks and military vehicles?

I had an interest in the military and technical things like, weapons and vehicles from a very early age. I would study manuals and books about tanks and weapons, along with encyclopedias and history books, often reading until I feel asleep. 

What is your favorite armored fighting vehicle of all time? Why?

That’s a tough answer, as there have been many successful inventions throughout history that have established their legacy on the battlefield. Based on current design, performance, capability and reliability, I would have to pick the proven best; the German Leopard 2A7A1, which has successfully outperformed all other modern main battle tanks in recent competitions and has a reliable MTU MB-873 Ka-501 turbocharged diesel at 1,500 hp. Plus, it sports the battle proven and reliable Rheinmetall 120 mm/L55 smoothbore gun, which is the same as the M1 Abrams MBTs but a little longer. (credit: http://www.military-today.com/tanks/top_10_main_battle_tanks.htm)

What is your favorite vehicle in the AWE collection? Why?

This collection has many impressive pieces. So based on design, strength, mobility, and capability, I would say the Swiss Pz tanks and the Soviet era T-54/55 tanks I’ve had the pleasure to work with, rank among my top picks. These vehicles easily fit what you would close your eyes and imagine a main battle tank looks like and sounds like.

What is your favorite military history book or movie? Why?

Book: General George S. Patton-War As I Knew It- Great biography.

Movie: Platoon- For the 80’s realism attributed to the story of the daily struggle of Vietnam Veterans in combat.

Documentary: (favorable mention) The Emperial War Museum’s- The World At War- the definitive history of the Second World War- Excellent documentary with interviews of living veterans, officers and generals, including testimony from members of Hitler’s staff, Admiral Karl Doenitz, and Albert Speer.    

Ketchup or mustard?

Mustard, spicy brown or Dijon, although ketchup makes an excellent base for BBQ sauce.

Hamburger or hot dog?

Both it's the American way!

Justin Working on the M29 Weasel