US forces were in a six-hour battle with Panther tanks of Panzer-Regiment 15, trying to push past them. Surrounding fields were a muddy quagmire and roads were mined. At long range the Panther's frontal armour was impervious to the guns of the attacking Sherman's.
Using artillery spotter planes, 155mm howitzers shelled the Panther's with high explosive and smoke. The German tankers were forced to close their hatches, reducing visibility.
A platoon of tanks led by 1st Lieutenant Arthur L. Sell closed on the Panthers under cover of the smoke. Sell's M4A3(76mm) tank got to within 50 yards (45m) of the Panthers and engaged them against their thinner side and rear armour, knocking out two Panthers before his own tank became bogged down in mud. It was then hit by fire from the Panthers, two of Sell's crew were killed and the other two wounded.
Two more of Sell's tanks managed to knock out the remaining Panthers.
Sell was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for his actions that day.

FROM: Osprey Publishing's- Campaign 242, Metz 1944.


PRICE: £675.00 (Unframed)
SIZE: Image approx. H 32cm x W 47cm (12.5 x 18.5 inches)
MEDIUM: Watercolour