The Art Of Tank Warfare - Chris Keeling

AMERICAN UNIT OPTIONS
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The following options may be available to some American armor units:
• Additional superstructure armor: This was a 30mm plate welded to the sides of the superstructure to
cover weak spots. This plate was often used as a target by German tank and antitank gunners due to
its position.
• Additional turret armor: This was a 30mm plate welded to the outside of the turret to cover weak spots.
This plate was often used as a target by German tank and antitank gunners due to its position.
• Hedgehog plow: This plow was attached to the underside of the hull on the front of the tank, enabling
it to plow through thick brush and hedgerows without exposing its belly to enemy fire.
• Antiaircraft machinegun: A Browning .30 caliber machinegun on a central pintle mount is optional.
• Radio: Some early vehicles did not include a two-way radio (although they did have a receiver set). This
option allows the vehicle to have a two-way radio.
• Turret umbrella: This “field improvised” modification consisted of mounting a large cafe-style umbrella
over the open turret, which provided some protection from the elements as well as allowing hand grenades
to roll off, however, it was very large and consequently difficult to hide.
• Wet ammo stowage: This was designed in response to complaints that Sherman tanks would often catch
on fire when struck, and was simply a storage system for main gun ammunition which was filled with a
mixture of water, antifreeze, and a rust inhibitor.