Battle Tank | American Legion Liberty NC
Motorcyclist Map
Places Filter: Historic
View In Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/7yNp2pgDVE5SWh4m6
Description: The 105mm Howitzer Motor Carriage M37, commonly known as the M37 HMC, was an American self-propelled howitzer used during World War II and the early post-war period. Here are some key details about this artillery vehicle: 1. Purpose: The M37 HMC was designed to provide mobile artillery support to infantry and armored units on the battlefield. It was primarily used for indirect fire missions, such as artillery barrages and shelling of enemy positions. 2. Armament: The main armament of the M37 was the 105mm M4 howitzer. This howitzer had a range of around 11,500 meters (7.14 miles) and could fire various types of ammunition, including high-explosive shells, smoke rounds, and illumination rounds. 3. Mobility: The M37 HMC was based on the M24 Chaffee light tank chassis. It featured a fully enclosed armored turret for the howitzer crew and was powered by a gasoline engine, providing it with good mobility on the battlefield. 4. Crew: The M37 HMC typically had a crew of six to seven personnel, including the driver, gunner, loader, and other crew members responsible for ammunition handling and vehicle operation. 5. Service History: The M37 HMC saw action during World War II and was used by U.S. Army and Marine Corps units in various theaters of operation. It was employed in both the European and Pacific theaters, where it provided artillery support to ground forces. 6. Post-War Use: After World War II, some M37 HMCs remained in service for a period but were gradually phased out as more modern artillery systems were developed and adopted. 7. Preservation: Today, a few surviving M37 HMCs can be found in museums and private collections. They serve as historical artifacts and reminders of the role self-propelled howitzers played in mid-20th-century warfare.