Soviet troops ride on American M3 Lee medium tanks during the liberation of Vyazma. The tank's rubber-padded tracks, visible in the image, were less durable under Eastern Front conditions than all-steel tracks.
Vyazma, March 12, 1943.
After months of heavy fighting, the Red Army recaptured Vyazma, an important stronghold in the German Rzhev–Vyazma defensive system. Among the armored vehicles advancing through the city were American-built M3 Lee medium tanks, supplied to the Soviet Union through the Lend-Lease program.
This rare photograph shows Soviet infantry riding on an M3 Lee as the armored column moves through the devastated streets. Although overshadowed by the T-34, the M3 played a significant role during the difficult years of 1942–1943, when every available tank was urgently needed at the front.
Soviet crews often criticized the M3 for its tall silhouette, limited armor protection, and unusual layout, with the main 75 mm gun mounted in the hull. However, the vehicle offered respectable firepower and mechanical reliability. One feature that proved less suitable for Soviet conditions was its rubber-padded tracks, whose rubber components wore quickly during prolonged operations over rough terrain and could be damaged by combat.
Despite its shortcomings, more than 1,300 M3 Lee tanks were delivered to the USSR. They served in several Red Army formations during critical campaigns before gradually being replaced by newer Allied and Soviet armored vehicles.
Taken by renowned Soviet war photographer Yevgeny Khaldei, this image illustrates the contribution of Allied industrial production to the Soviet war effort and documents one of the many cities liberated during the Red Army's westward advance.
Technical Photo Data
Photographer: Yevgeny Khaldei
Date: March 12, 1943
Location: Vyazma, USSR
Recommended Reading
- Steven J. Zaloga — Armored Champion
- Richard Overy — Russia's War
- Boris Kavalerchik — The Tanks of Operation Barbarossa
- "General Lee tank Red Army WWII photos"
- "M3 Lee Soviet use Eastern Front photos"
- "Lend-Lease tanks Red Army Vyazma photos"