Among the weapons the Red Army lacked the most during the war were so-called Armoured Personal Carriers (»APC«).
Once again the »arsenal of democracy« could be helpful as the American industry, inspired by the great combat success of the German »Halbketten«, was already in mass production of armoured halftracks.
International Harvester, a typical Lend-Lease supplier, adapted the
M3 halftrack to its own standards and started production of the new
M5 in December 1942.
Until September 1943, no less than 4625 vehicles had been produced of which 420 were delivered to the Soviet Union, probably in 1943.
There, the
M5, mainly supplied to the Russian southern Fronts, served successfully as artillery prime mover (though the rubber tracks lost some performance on soft ground), as command vehicle and in the reconnaissance units of the Red Amy.
Special thanks to Mr. Michael Franz, Germany, for providing precious informations.