Fort Eustis in Newport News, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
M52A2, Truck, Tractor, 5 Ton, 6×6
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), February 26, 2021
1. M52A2, Truck, Tractor, 5 Ton, 6×6 Marker
In May of 1949, the Qualitative Requirements for Tactical Type Ordinance Transport Vehicles Conference made it policy that all 4,5, and 6 ton 6×6 trucks from World War II were to be replaced by new 5 ton 6×6 vehicles. The new 5 ton trucks were developed as a family of vehicles, the M39 series, with the tractor version being the M52. It was capable of driving on all types of roads, highways, and terrain, pulling both the old and new generation of light and medium weight semitrailers. The most common were the new 12 ton M127 Stake and Platform trailers, the M128/129 12 ton vans, and the new M131 fuel tanker. With certain limitations the M52 could also pull the M172 trailer.
The M52A2 version of the tractor was equipped with a multi-fuel engine that allowed it to use a variety of fuel in any mixture. The A2 version saw extensive service in Vietnam and proved itself a rugged and durable vehicle. In 1965, commercial tractors were purchased to replace the M52A2 on the highways of Europe, while the M818 tractor was fielded for rough terrain operations in the mid-1970s. This M52A2 was last used in Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm by the 68th Transportation Battalion.
Erected by US Army Transportation Museum.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Roads & Vehicles
this page online
Location. 37° 9.923′ N, 76° 34.51′ W. Marker is in Newport News, Virginia. It is in Fort Eustis. Marker is on Washington Boulevard, 0.2 miles south of Madison Avenue, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 300 Washington Blvd, Fort Eustis VA 23604, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Model 94×43, Truck, Tractor, 4-5 Ton, 4×4 (with) (here, next to this marker); M172A1, Semitrailer, Lowboy, 25 Ton (here, next to this marker); M818 Truck, Tractor, 5 Ton, 6×6 (here, next to this marker); M129A1C, Semitrailer, Van, 12 Ton, 4 wheel (here, next to this marker); M127A1, Semitrailer, Stake & Platform, 12 Ton, 4-Wheel (here, next to this marker); M123A1C, Truck, Tractor, 10 Ton, 6×6 (a few steps from this marker); M923, Truck, Cargo, 5 Ton, 6×6 (Modified) (a few steps from this marker); 2000D Fleetstar, Truck, Tractor, 5 Ton, 4×2 (a few steps from this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Newport News.
Regarding M52A2, Truck, Tractor, 5 Ton, 6×6. In first sentence, "Ordinance" is used where "Ordnance" should have appeared.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 1, 2023. It was originally submitted on February 28, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 1,007 times since then and 124 times this year. Last updated on February 22, 2022, by Carl Gordon Moore Jr. of North East, Maryland. Photo 1. submitted on February 28, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
