McKinley American Legion M2A1 105 mm Howitzer - Chicago, IL
Posted by: libbykc
N 41° 49.830 W 087° 40.484
16T E 443972 N 4631177
This artillery display is in the parking lot of the McKinley American Legion Post.
Waymark Code: WM13H6R
Location: Illinois, United States
Date Posted: 12/15/2020
Views: 3
This display is in the parking lot of the McKinley American Legion Post. There is no information given about it, but a small label on the the artillery reflects that it is an M2A1 105 mm light howitzer made at Rock Island Arsenal.
There is a marble veterans monument next to it.
"Designated as the M2A1 before and during World War II, the M101 105MM howitzer is one the most exported howitzers produced by the United States. The M101 was first produced in 1940 and production continued until 1953. The howitzers were produced at Rock Island Arsenal, as were several subsequent modifications and experimental designs conducted on the carriage and barrel.
"The M101 has been exported to 70 additional operators, many of which continue to use the weapon system today. The United States retired its M101s entirely by 1989 when the M119 105MM howitzer entered service. However, M101s are retained in limited service for avalanche control in some regions of the country. Shells are loaded and fired to trigger avalanches which can prevent risks to human life, agriculture and property.
"The M101 howitzer has seen action on five continents and was last used in combat by the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. The howitzer has been used widely in other more localized wars and conflicts from the 1950s through today." (
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