Holy Artillery | The M7 Priest

The M7 Priest Howitzer Motor Carriage, distinct from traditional tanks, merged a formidable 105mm howitzer with the Sherman tank platform, resulting in a highly mobile artillery vehicle. Serving as a versatile artillery platform on the battlefields of WWII, it played a pivotal role in America's mechanization of modern warfare, demonstrating unparalleled adaptability and firepower. Its second iteration, the M7B2, was also used successfully during the Korean War.

1. 105mm howitzer: The M7 Priest was equipped with a powerful 105mm M2 howitzer, providing it with significant firepower on the battlefield.
2. Mobility: Built on a modified M3 medium tank chassis, the M7 Priest was highly mobile, allowing it to maneuver across various terrains and keep pace with advancing troops.
3. Crew Composition: The crew typically consisted of a commander, driver, gunner, loader, and assistant driver and radio operator, each with specific roles in operating the vehicle and its artillery.
4. Versatility: The M7 Priest served multiple roles on the battlefield, including direct fire support for infantry and armored units, artillery barrage against enemy positions, and even as a mobile command post.
5. Artillery Support: With its howitzer capable of firing high-explosive shells, smoke rounds, and even anti-tank rounds, the M7 Priest provided crucial artillery support to ground forces, suppressing enemy positions and fortifications.
6. Adaptability: As the war progressed, the M7 Priest saw various modifications and upgrades to enhance its performance and address evolving battlefield needs, showcasing its adaptability to changing circumstances.