Development of the M7 Priest began in 1941. The vehicle was based on the chassis of the M-4 Sherman tank, and in addition to the 105mm main armament, it had a .50 caliber machine gun.

4,267 M7s were produced and served on all fronts. The vehicle was in service with the Bundeswehr until 1959, when it was replaced by the M52 105mm self-propelled howitzer.