M3 Lee (US030) Medium Tank, M3 The US M3 Medium tank had one of the shortest development periods of any tank in WWII. It was quickly adapted from a previous design and rushed into production in under a year. In June 1940 developments in Europe forced the US army to rethink its choice of tank armament.

From reports of the fighting in France it was concluded that the 37mm gun of the M2 Medium tank was just not good enough and that a 75mm weapon would be needed on the modern battlefield. The basic hull design of the M2 Medium tank was retained, the sponson where the machine-gun was mounted on the M2 was enlarged to fit a 75mm gun, while the turret retained the 37mm gun.

The initial request for a 75mm armed tank was made in June 1940 and by April 1941 the first pilot models were rolling off the production lines. The M3 was only ever intended as a stopgap measure while design work went on for the turret mounted 75mm gun tank. This eventually led to the M4 Sherman tank.

In Flames of War The M3 Lee is a good steady tank, though it may not seem as flashy as the Sherman it has a few advantages of its own. Like the Sherman the main gun can be fitted with a Stabiliser giving it the ability to put shells in the air while still on the move.

Having two guns can also prove a bonus as your guns can fire at different target platoons if required. Though remember if you fire both weapons you get an additional +1 to hit. Designed by Evan Allen Painted by Wayne Turner