M4A3 76(w) with Sandbag Armor

By early 1945 the German tanks had become less common and the main threat was from infantry fired panzerfaust and panzerschreks. The sandbag armor offered a degree of protection from these weapons although Gen. George S. Patton discouraged their use. He felt that the extra weight led to increased automotive breakdowns. Tank crews felt otherwise and his orders were widely ignored.