Fort Sill in Comanche County, Oklahoma — The American South (West South Central)

U.S. M108 105mm Self-Propelled Howitzer

Photographed by James Hulse, September 9, 2021

1. U.S. M108 105mm Self-Propelled Howitzer Marker

Inscription. The M108 105mm Self Propelled Howitzer saw service in combat with two Field Artillery battalions in the Vietnam War. It entered service in 1962 as the replacement for the M52 105mm Self-Propelled Howitzer. A total of 355 M108s were produced by Cadillac Motor Car Division of General Motors. The range of the M108s 105mm howitzer filled the gap between the maximum range of the 120mm mortar and minimum range of the 155mm howitzer. The tube was the same as that used on the towed M102 howitzer. However, the M108s tube had a chamber evacuator. This cylinder at the muzzle end evacuated toxic gasses from the tube to prevent asphyxiation of the crew. The slab-sided hull and turret were made of welded aluminum and carried 87 complete rounds. Though used effectively in combat during the Vietnam War, the M108 lacked the lethality compared to larger 155mm howitzers. Production of the M108 ended in 1963 in favor of the M109, which mounted a 155mm howitzer in a virtually identical vehicle. It was gradually phased out of service from the US Army in the early 1970s and was replaced by the M109 155mm Self-Propelled Howitzer.

Caliber -

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4.13 in. - 105 mm
Weight - 49,493 lbs. - 22,450 kg
Range - 12,205 yds. - 11,500 m
Shell Weight - 33 lbs. - 14.9 kg
Muzzle Velocity - 1,550 ft/sec. - 472 m/sec.
Elevation - (-6 to 75 degrees 360 degrees) - (-106 to +1,333 mils)
Traverse - 360 degress - 6,400 mils
Rate of Fire - 4 rpm - Crew 6
Maximum Speed - 35 mph - 56 kph
Cruising Range - 220 miles - 354 km
Engine - Detroit Diesel Model 8V-71T engine, 420 hp, Allison cross-drive transmission
CCN# 97729

Erected by U.S. Army Field Artillery Museum. (Marker Number 500.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, Vietnam. A significant historical year for this entry is 1962.

Location. 34° 40.013′ N, 98° 23.16′ W. Marker is in Fort Sill, Oklahoma, in Comanche County. It is at the intersection of Corral Road and Randolph Road, on the right when traveling west on Corral Road. The marker is located in the central section of Artillery Park at the U.S. Army Field Artillery Museum. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 305 Corral Road, Fort Sill OK 73503, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the

Closeup of the U.S. M108 105mm Self-Propelled Howitzer and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, September 9, 2021

2. Closeup of the U.S. M108 105mm Self-Propelled Howitzer and Marker

Kiowa Tribe,

in the Comanche Nation,

and in Southwest Oklahoma—Great Plains Country.

It is also in the American South,

specifically on the prairies,

and on the Southern Plains.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the Comanchería,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

and the Louisiana Purchase.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: XM-104 105mm Self-Propelled Gun (a few steps from this marker); U.S. MGR-1 Honest John Rocket (a few steps from this marker); U.S. M4 Lacrosse Missile (within shouting distance of this marker); U.S. T-162 175mm Self-Propelled Howitzer (within shouting distance of this marker); Soviet M1931/37 122mm Field Gun (within shouting distance of this marker); 155mm Self Propelled Howitzer, M109 (within shouting distance of this marker); "Killed in Action at FSB Rita, November 1, 1968" (within shouting distance of this marker); U.S. M37 105mm Self-Propelled Howitzer (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map

The full view of the U.S. M108 105mm Self-Propelled Howitzer and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, September 9, 2021

3. The full view of the U.S. M108 105mm Self-Propelled Howitzer and Marker

of all markers in Fort Sill.

More about this marker. Marker and Museum are located on Fort Sill, an active U.S. military installation. The museum is open to the public, but appropriate identification is required for access for Fort Sill.

Also see . . . U.S. Army Artillery Museum. (Submitted on February 18, 2023, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.)

Credits. This page was last revised on February 18, 2023. It was originally submitted on February 18, 2023, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 920 times since then and 163 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on February 18, 2023, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.