Lower Ninth Ward in New Orleans in Orleans Parish, Louisiana — The American South (West South Central)

M561 "Gamma Goat"

United States

— 1969-1973 —

M561 "Gamma Goat" Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cajun Scrambler, September 11, 2020

1. M561 "Gamma Goat" Marker

Inscription.
Type: Amphibious Six-Wheel Drive Truck
Manufactuer: Consolidated Diesel Electric Company
Weight: 7.330 lbs. (3.6 tons)
Engine: Detroit Deisel (GM) 3-53-N Series 3 Cylinder, 103 hp.
Max Speed: 50 mph
Crew: 1-8, with passengewrs
Number Built: 14,274

Noted for its mountain goat-like off-road performance, the "Gamma Goat” was nicknamed after Roger Gamaunt who invented its powered articulated joint. Designed in the late 1950's by Chance-Vought Aircraft, the M561 could be set for two or six wheel drive, and could use its tires to propel itself in amphibious operations. Bilge pumps were standard issue to deal with minor water on board but drivers had to remember to close the hull's drain openings before swimming the vehicles.

Object ID# 666304

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Military • Roads & Vehicles.

Location. 29° 57.541′ N, 90° 0.412′ W. Marker is in New Orleans, Louisiana, in Orleans Parish. It is in the Lower Ninth Ward. Marker can be reached from Chenault Boulevard, 0.2 miles south of North Claiborne Avenue (State Highway 39), on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 4209 Chenault Boulevard, New Orleans LA 70117, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking

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distance of this marker. M1939 Automatic Air Defense G (61-K) (a few steps from this marker); M5 3 inch Anti-Tank Gun (a few steps from this marker); Skoda 37 mm Kanon P.U.V. vz 37.L/47.6 (a few steps from this marker); M1897 "French 75" Field Artillery Gun (a few steps from this marker); AZP S-60 Anti-Aircraft Gun (a few steps from this marker); M1937 Anti-Tank Gun (within shouting distance of this marker); The Post Magazine (within shouting distance of this marker); D30 Howitzer (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in New Orleans.

More about this marker. Located on the grounds of the Louisiana National Guard, Jackson Barracks base. The Ansel M. Stroud Jr. Military History & Weapons Museum is located on site. Museum is opened M-Sat 10-4. Highly recommend checking before a visit to make sure base/museum is opened and accessible to civilians, as it is an active military base.

Also see . . . Geaux Guard Museum website. (Submitted on December 20, 2020, by Cajun Scrambler of Assumption, Louisiana.)

Photographed By Cajun Scrambler, September 11, 2020

2. M561 "Gamma Goat" Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on February 12, 2023. It was originally submitted on December 18, 2020, by Cajun Scrambler of Assumption, Louisiana. This page has been viewed 157 times since then and 20 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 18, 2020, by Cajun Scrambler of Assumption, Louisiana.