[Hugin]

Interesting article. Of course it’s possible that both McNair and Patton opposed a heavier tank. McNair cites a prevaailing veiw among combat commanders that a heavy tank was not needed, and there was no role for tank on tank combat. Patton certainly could have been one of those commanders.

[TalonDJ]

Patton certainly could have been one of those commanders.

That seems likely. He did favor speed and mobility in his tactics and strategies. He did not have the clout McNair had though. I would be willing to bet that most commanders on the ground, given a choice between a Sherman with a better gun, and a slower tank, would have taken the gun. The OP article is the best run down I have seen on why they did not realize they needed a better gun.