M50A1 Ontos Anti-Tank Vehicle - Triangle VA
N 38° 32.666 W 077° 20.579
18S E 295809 N 4268826
The Ontos used by the U.S. Marines in Vietnam is on display at the National Museum of the Marine Corps next to the Quantico MCB in Virginia.
Waymark Code: WMC5MW
Location: Virginia, United States
Date Posted: 07/28/2011
Views: 3
After World War II, the U. S. Army developed the M50A1 Ontos as an anti-tank vehicle for use by reconnaissance personnel. The Ontos, which means 'thing' in Greek, had six 106mm recoilless rifles mounted on its turret. But because the Ontos was lightly-armored and susceptible to land mines and .50 caliber rounds as well as damage from airbursts, the Army ultimately rejected the concept. The Marine Corps accepted it and ordered the production of 300 vehicles in the mid-1950s and the Ontos became a part of the Fleet Marine Force.
The Ontos saw action in Lebanon and the Dominican Republic, but its most significant contribution was in Vietnam in the 1960s. Since there wasn't much use for tank destroyers in Vietnam, the Ontos was put to use defending perimeters in Danang and Khe Sanh. Its mobility provided fire support for the infantry in the heavy fighting at the Battle of Hue.
After Vietnam, the Ontos faded away. They were used until they wore out and cannibalized for parts. Many were donated to local governments for rescue and fire-fighting missions. Chassis were sold to construction companies.
One of the very few Ontos left is on display in the Vietnam Gallery at the National Museum of the Marine Corps in Triangle, VA. The Ontos is seen in a realistic mock-up of Hue City as it travels through the streets providing support to Marines.
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