Middlesex Township near Carlisle in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
The Army Introduces a Heavyweight: The 3-Inch Antitank Gun M5/M6
Photographed by Larry Gertner, September 11, 2012
1. The Army Introduces a Heavyweight: Marker
Responding to the battlefield realities encountered in the North African campaign against German armor, the United States Army Ordnance Department began to develop a heavier anti-tank gun to replace the diminutive 37mm M3A1 then serving on the front lines in 1942. By modifying the chamber of the barrel from the 3-inch Antiaircraft gun, (M3) and replacing the breech with that of the 105mm Howitzer (M2A1), a hybrid barrel, classified as the 3-inch Anti-tank gun (M5) was put into production. The new gun was then mounted to the M6 carriage, which was also developed out of the 105mm Howitzers and further modified with sloped shields to protect the crew from small arms fire. The new gun, designated the 3-inch Antitank Gun, M5/M6 was capable of penetrating armor 3.31 inches thick at 2,000 yards. Although heavy, requiring a 6x6 vehicle to haul it into combat, the 2,500 pieces produced during the war proved worthy weapons against Axis armor.
3-Inch Antitank Gun Gun: 3 Inch anti-tank
M5/M6
Weight: 5,580 lbs.
Length: 22.5 feet
Height: 5 feet
Range: 16,100 yards
Ammunition: AP; HE
Muzzle Velocity: 2600-2800 feet per second
[Captions:]
Soldiers of Co. A, 772nd Tank Destroyer Bn. set up a 3-inch antitank gun in the snow covered forest near Grandmenil, Belgium. January 4, 1945.
The 3-inch antitank gun with trails and spades developed for firing. Its great weight prevented this gun from being towed by a jeep.
Erected by U.S.
this page online
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, World II.
Location. This marker has been replaced by another marker nearby. It was located near 40° 12.351′ N, 77° 9.545′ 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: Sergeant Frederick A. Counsel (a few steps from this marker); World War II Core Area
Photographed by Larry Gertner, September 11, 2012
2. M5/M6 on display
Other markers no longer nearby. Sergeant Michael A. Mira (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been confirmed missing); Kady Brownell (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been confirmed missing); They Called Them "Hellcats" (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been permanently removed); Colonel Peter R. Mansoor (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been permanently removed); a different marker also named They Called Them Hellcats (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it).
More about this marker. The wayside and the associated 3-Inch Antitank
Photographed by Larry Gertner, September 5, 2018
3. The Army Introduces a Heavyweight: Marker
The marker and gun are no longer in this location.
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. This marker has been replaced with the linked marker with different erecting organization information.
Also see . . . 3-inch gun M5. Wikipedia entry. (Submitted on April 16, 2020, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
Photographed by Larry Gertner, September 5, 2018
4. The Army Introduces a Heavyweight: Marker
The gun and marker have been relocated to an area near the parking lot.
Credits. This page was last revised on August 7, 2026. It was originally submitted on July 4, 2017, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. This page has been viewed 464 times since then and 62 times this year. Last updated on March 9, 2021, by Carl Gordon Moore Jr. of North East, Maryland. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 4, 2017, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. 3, 4. submitted on September 10, 2018, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.
Editor’s want-list for this marker. Photos of the wayside and the associated 3-Inch Antitank Gun M5/M6 that have been moved to a new location near the PAK41/43. • Can you help?
