Mary Lee Stubbs and Stanley Russell Connor

“ Generally the towed gun delivered more accurate fire and was easier to conceal, while the self-propelled one was more mobile and more easily positioned for action. The self-propelled gun, like the tank, was often employed in close support of infantry, although the tank destroyer was not designed or intended for an offensive role. With a strength of a little less than 800 men, the tank destroyer battalion of 1944 was largely self-sufficient and included strong reconnaissance and antiaircraft elements. ”

“ It had a total of thirty-six 3-inch or 76-mm. guns (towed or self-propelled) , which, in addition to performing their primary antitank missions, were frequently used in a general role of supporting artillery. Various other uses included destroying antitank guns, covering withdrawals, helping to clear minefields, and reinforcing artillery fires. ”