![]() The dual problems of weak firepower and light armor cursed the Stuart tank throughout its service life. The B company gunners were able to knock out nine of the panzers. Still, the fight with A Company caused the Germans to turn their more vulnerable rear armor to B Company in its supporting positions. The American tankers fired 18 rounds at their foe during the Germans’ approach, only to watch hits spark as they bounced away harmlessly. ![]() One German tank, keeping its frontal armor pointed at an M-3 it had targeted, closed to some 30 yards before firing a shot that destroyed the American tank as it tried to retreat, killing or wounding most of its crew. One by one, the American tanks fell prey to the long-barreled 75mm cannon of the enemy. The thicker frontal armor of the panzers could not be penetrated by the M-3’s small 37mm gun. Support was provided by B Company, while A Company’s 12 M-3 Stuart light tanks attacked the larger German panzers.Ĭompany A quickly found itself in trouble. Companies A and B of the 1st Battalion, 1st Armored Regiment went into action. Three American halftracks mounting 75mm pack howitzers engaged the German advance but withdrew upon realizing their fire was ineffective. It was November 25, 1942, near the Tire River Valley in Tunisia. Thirteen Panzerkampfwagen IV tanks advanced down the Chouigui-Mateur road in an attack against the newly arrived American First Armored Division.
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