Middlesex Township near Carlisle in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
The "Duster"
Twin 40mm, Full Tracked, Self-Propelled Gun M42
Photographed by Larry Gertner, April 7, 2014
1. The "Duster" Marker
The M42, a redesign of the earlier M19, entered service in 1953. Developed to provide low-altitude air defense for armored and mechanical units, the m-42’s anti-aircraft armament was of limited value against modern high-speed jets. As a result, it was withdrawn from Regular Army service by 1963. However, the need to provide protection against air attacks for ground forces in Vietnam led to the M42’s recall into active service by 1966. Because an air threat did not develop, the M42 were instead used in ground support roles such as convoy escort and base perimeter defense throughout Vietnam. its 40mm guns, capable of firing 240 rounds per minute, were very effective against unarmored enemy units. It was nicknamed the “Duster” by Soldiers in Vietnam, where it was employed until 1972. In 1988 the M42 was replaced by more advanced self-propelled missile air defense systems.
“There was never an NDP (Night Defensive Position) hit that had a Duster on it. Because every other night we’d fire -we knew we were being watched, and the firepower of four Dusters banging into the trees is enough to scare…. anybody. It would be suicide to attack, because it’s got to be a ground attack, and they’ve got to cross open field. And we’d have chewed them alive.”
First
this page online
Erected by U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, Vietnam.
Location. Marker has been reported missing. It was located near 40° 12.183′ N, 77° 9.476′ W. Marker was near Carlisle, Pennsylvania, in Cumberland County. It was in Middlesex Township. It could be reached from Army Heritage Drive. Touch for map. Marker was in this post office area: Carlisle PA 17013, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker was in South-Central Pennsylvania and in Greater Harrisburg. It was also in the American Northeast, in the Mid-Atlantic, in Appalachia, and specifically in Northern Appalachia. Globally, it was in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it found itself in what was once the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location:
Photographed by Larry Gertner, April 7, 2014
2. Insert - "Duster" in action
Other markers no longer nearby. "Tigers in Support" (was here, next to this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); The M113 Family of Vehicles (was a few steps from this marker but has been permanently removed); Defender of Pusan (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); a different marker also named From Chu Lai to the Fulda Gap (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near
Photographed by Larry Gertner, April 7, 2014
3. Insert - "Duster" in action
Regarding The "Duster". The associated M42 AFV has been moved close to the Viet Nam Firebase display, but the marker was not noticeable (July 2026).
Also see . . . M42 Duster. Wikipedia entry. (Submitted on April 14, 2020, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
Photographed by Larry Gertner, April 7, 2014
4. Insert - M42 characteristics
Photographed by Larry Gertner, April 7, 2014
5. M42 on display
Photographed by Larry Gertner, April 7, 2014
6. M42 on display
Credits. This page was last revised on August 7, 2026. It was originally submitted on June 26, 2017, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. This page has been viewed 640 times since then and 58 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on June 26, 2017, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
Editor’s want-list for this marker. A wide shot of the marker and its surroundings. The M42 was moved closer to the Vietnam Firebase display, but the marker was not visible (July 2026). • Can you help?
