April, 1945 European Theatre
As the Allies make their final push into Nazi Germany, Don “Wardaddy” Collier commands an M4A3E8 Sherman tank named Fury and its five-man, all-veteran crew
M4A3(76) W HVSS SHERMAN “EASY EIGHT”
The legendary U.S. tank M4 Sherman first went into production in February 1942, and would undergo a number of modifications in order to combat the powerful threat posed by its opposing German counterparts. One such variant was the March 1944 M4A3(76)W, which took the late production hull and its superior armor, fitting it with an effective 76mm anti-tank gun. While this extra weight ultimately proved the undoing of the (76)W, it provided the impetus for the development of the horizontal volute spring suspension (HVSS) which was married with wider tracks on the M4A3E8 “Easy Eight” for a smooth and easy drive.
Speed
23 mph (37kph)
Weight
33 tons (29,000 kg); 65,036 lb
Range
109 miles (175km)
ARMAMENT
THE CREW
COMMANDER
Don Collier, the battle-hardened U.S. Army sergeant of the 2nd Armored Division also nick-named Wardaddy commands the Sherman tank called “Fury” and its five-man crew.
GUNNER
Boyd Swan, aka “Bible” is Furys’ gunner. As his nickname suggests, he’s very religious (Christian obviously). He’s the crews’ spiritual guide often quoting verses from the bible.
LOADER
Grady “Coon-Ass” Travis, Furys’ loader, known for his vulgarity and barbarity, acquired as the result of combat experience in combat in North Africa, France, Belgium, and Germany.
DRIVER
Corporal Trini “Gordo” Garcia. Fury’s kind and sympathetic driver although also quite rude and angry at times. Often referred to as “the Mexican” by Coon-Ass
ASSISTANT DRIVER/BOW GUNNER
Norman “Machine” Ellison, an innocent, truly good army typist that was newly enlisted when he was assigned to be the assistant driver/gunner in Fury.