M3 light tanks of US 9th Marine Defense Battalion near the base of Bibilo Hill, Munda, New Georgia, Aug 1943

M3 light tanks of US 9th Marine Defense Battalion

This vehicle was an attempt to place the powerful American 90mm anti-aircraft gun on a self propelled chassis for use as a tank killer. Shown above are the T53 and to the right, the modified T53E1. 500 vehicles were to have been produced, but the order was cancelled. Questions arrose about poor mobility, instability, engine cooling, crew protection, excessive height and too little weight to handle the recoil of the gun. The entire project was terminated in the Spring of 1944.

T53 Sherman SP 90mm tank killer

M4 Sherman tanks and men of the US 1st Marine Division on the beach of Cape Gloucester, New Britain, Bismarck Archipelago, 15 Dec 1943