The M-3 was derived from the M-2 which was never put into large scale production due to its inadequate 37 mm gun.  The M-3 was mounted with a 75 mm howitzer derived from the famous French World War I weapon.  This weapon was mounted in a sponson in the hull and proved effective in the desert war despite its being difficult to aim.  The M-4 Sherman with a turret-mounted main gun was based on the M-3

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