
The T26 Pershing originated with the T20 Medium Tank, which was to be the
eventual replacement for the Sherman with approximately the same firepower
and armor protection and the Tiger I. The most famous action involving
Pershings was the capture on March 7th, 1945, and the Ludendorff railway
bridge across the Rhine at Remagen in which four Pershings played a
leading role. Ironically, the Pershings never crossed the badly-damaged
bridge as they were considered too heavy for it; instead they were ferried
over five days later. The Pershing carried a 90mm anti-tank gun which
could penetrate the front armor of a Panther or Tiger.
