By Steven J. Zaloga

M26 Pershing tanks were on the frontline with US armored units by the later end of World War II. This tank was a match for any tanks being used in the German order of battle. Including the Panther and Tiger tanks. 

As soon as the M4 Sherman matched against the German Panther and Tiger tanks, American tank crews knew their vehicles were not up to scratch. They needed a heavily armed and armored tank. It needed to take on the powerful German panzers on a more equal footing.