As part of the Ardennes campaign in late 1944, the Germans conducted a covert operation behind American lines. At the same time 12 Ersatz M10 ("Replacement M10") attacked American forces. The Ersatz M10s were cleverly disguised Panthers based on the Ausf G. The turret was disguised with a sheet metal superstructure, side skirts added and the vehicles repainted with American camouflage and markings.