The US 75-mm tank gun M2 was the standard American tank gun of the Second World War. The M2 originated from the famous French Canon de 75 modele 1897 field gun of World War I fame, which was also adopted by the United States and used well into World War II as the 75-mm M1897 field gun. The primary round fired by the M2 was the M48 High Explosive. This round traveled at 625m/s and contained 1.5 pounds of TNT filling. The M48 was available in two versions, standard or supercharge. Supercharge increased the propellent charge for greater muzzle velocity. Other important rounds fired by the 75-mm tank guns were the T30 Canister shot for use against troops in the open at short range, and two different types of armor-piercing rounds. The M2 was primarily mounted in the Lee Medium Tank M3. In Britain the tank was called by two names based on the turret configuration. Tanks employing US pattern turrets were called the "General Lee," named after Confederate General Robert E. Lee. Variants using British pattern turrets were known as "General Grant," named after U.S. General Ulysses S. Grant. Design commenced in July of 1940, and the first M3s were operational in late 1941. Created in 1942, this field manual reveals a great deal about the M2's design and capabilities. Intended as a manual for training purposes, it details the M2's assembly, maintenance, ammunition and accessories. Originally labeled restricted, this manual was declassified long ago and is here reprinted in book form. Care has been taken to preserve the integrity of the text.

Much has been written about the use of tanks in battle. Little, however, has appeared about the gunnery systems that are at their core. This book describes and examines the main gun systems of medium and heavy tanks from first use in 1916 in World War I to those fielded in numbers to the end of World War II in 1945, including tanks of the interwar period. Specifically considered are guns of a caliber greater than 35 mm, which have been deployed in numbers greater than 100. The emphasis is on guns mounted in turrets on heavier tracked armored fighting vehicles (greater than 15 tonnes) which were considered tanks. There are, though, exceptions, in that the naval 6 pounder guns in First World War British tanks, as well as the 75 mm guns in French medium tanks of the same period (all turretless) are included. The treatment of gun systems includes sighting and fire control equipment, gun laying equipment, mounts and the array of munitions fired, as well as the actual gun, including its, barrel, cradle, breech, firing mechanism, sights and recoil system. Related to this are issues of gun handling (loading and unloading), ammunition design and rates of fire. Also examined are the maximum impulse and energy generated by firing some of the munitions available that must be absorbed by the gun recoil system.

Modern combat is chaotic, intense, and shockingly destructive. In your first battle, you will experience the confusing and often terrifying sights, sounds, smells, and dangers of the battlefield--but you must learn to survive and win despite them. You could face a fierce and relentless enemy. You could be surrounded by destruction and death. Your leaders and fellow soldiers may shout urgent commands and warnings. Rounds might impact near you. The air could be filled with the smell of explosives and propellant. You might hear the screams of a wounded comrade. However, even in all this confusion and fear, remember that you are not alone. You are part of a well-trained team, backed by the most powerful combined arms force, and the most modern technology in the world. You must keep faith with your fellow Soldiers, remember your training, and do your duty to the best of your ability. If you do, and you uphold your Warrior Ethos, you can win and return home with honor. Subjects covered include: -Individual Readiness -Combat Care and Preventative Medicine -Environmental Conditions -Cover, Concealment, and Camouflage -Fighting Positions -Movement -Urban Areas -Combat Marksmanship -Communications -Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape