"To the Chief of the GBTU Tank Directorate, Engineer-Colonel comrade Blagonravov
I additionally report on the issue of quality of M4A2 tanks with modernized suspension. After informing the Americans that M4A2 tanks with serial numbers less than #64926 have defective tracks, serial numbers of tanks in possession of the 16th OTP and the department were checked.
As of May 25th, 1945, the department and regiment have a combined total of 177 M4A2 tanks with modernized suspensions. All 177 tanks have serial numbers below #64926. These are the tanks whose tracks are considered defective.
Inspection of the markings on the track links was performed. It was determined that each track consists of links of various brands. The track links in one track are not of uniform brand.
Track links are marked as follows:
- D80073 CC
- C 135 866 E
- CWC
Track links of the third brand have a number underneath the W: 7, 8, 9, or 10.
During trials of M4A2 with serial number #64525 and registration number 30122505 a track link with the marking D80073 CC broke. This track link also had an old crack through 80% of the eye. This occurrence confirms that track links marked D80073 CC are not reliable.
Markings on broken track links that were observed by the 16th regiment earlier were not recorded, as the need for this only arose after receiving reports of low quality of CC branded track links.
I consider that until information from the USA arrives on the specific brand of tracks that is considered reliable, all 177 M4A2 tanks need to have their tracks replaced.
At the same time, I report that new track links for M4A2 tanks with modernized suspensions have not yet arrived to URT warehouse #37.
I ask for your direction on the aforementioned issues.
Chief of Military Acceptance of Imported Armament, Engineer-Colonel Davydov."