Pineville in Rapides Parish, Louisiana — The American South (West South Central)
M56 Self-Propelled Anti-Tank Gun
United States
— Production---1953-1959 —
Photographed By Cajun Scrambler, April 21, 2022
1. M56 Self-Propelled Anti-Tank Gun Marker
Type: Self-propelled gun
Manufacturer: Self-propelled gun
Weight: 15,600 lbs (7.8 tons)
Armament: 90 mm M54 Gun
Max Speed: 28mph Cruising Range: 140 miles
Crew: 4 - Commander, Gunner, Loader, and Driver
Number Built: 325
The M56 "Scorpion" saw combat use with US Airborne Forces during the Vietnam War. While a self-propelled gun looks, and functions, like a tank, there are some key differences. Tanks shoot in a straight line, and must have a line of sight on their target. A self-propelled gun shoots upwards, and the crew aims by using maps, compasses, and reports on enemy location. This means that no line of sight on the target is needed so they are typically placed behind the front lines and have armor much thinner than that of tank. The unprotected crew compartment, led to its replacement by the M551 Sheridan, which had a fully armored turret.
The M56 Scorpion was used by light troops to augment or replace towed anti-tank guns.
SN: ; Object ID# 666924
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Military.
Location. 31° 22.197′ N, 92° 24.255′ W. Marker is in Pineville, Louisiana, in Rapides Parish. Marker is on E Street near 3rd Street, on the left
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Willys M38A1 Truck "Jeep" (here, next to this marker); M113A2 Armored Personnel Carrier (here, next to this marker); M37 Dodge Weapons Carrier (a few steps from this marker); D-7 Bulldozer (a few steps from this marker); M551 "Sheridan" Armored Airborne Assault Reconnaissance Vehicle (a few steps from this marker); M19A1 "Duster" (a few steps from this marker); M2 155mm Field Gun (within shouting distance of this marker); M728 Combat Engineer Vehicle (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Pineville.
More about this marker. Streets given are inside Camp Beauregard. Located on the grounds of the Louisiana National Guard, Camp Beauregard base. The Louisiana Maneuvers & Military Museum is located on site. Highly recommend checking before a visit to make sure base/museum is opened and accessible to civilians, as it is an active military base.
Photographed By Cajun Scrambler, April 21, 2022
2. M56 Self-Propelled Anti-Tank Gun Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on August 14, 2022. It was originally submitted on August 14, 2022, by Cajun Scrambler of Assumption, Louisiana. This page has been viewed 72 times since then and 7 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 14, 2022, by Cajun Scrambler of Assumption, Louisiana.
