From the moment that the M4 Sherman had been matched against German
Panther and Tiger tanks, the American tank crews had known that their
vehicles were outclassed by the opposition. What was needed was a more
powerful tank, more heavily armed and armored, that could take-on the
powerful German panzers on a more equal footing. Although it took time
to develop by the latter months of the war numbers of M26 Pershing tanks
were reaching the frontline US armored units. Well armored and with a
powerful 90mm gun the Pershing was a match for any tank in the German
order of battle.