Middlesex Township near Carlisle in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Flexibility, Firepower and Mobility
M109 to M109A7 155mm Self-Propelled (SP) Medium Howitzer
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), February 25, 2023
1. Flexibility, Firepower and Mobility Marker
The M109 series SP howitzer provided quick and efficient mobile artillery support on the battlefield from the Vietnam War to the Global War on Terror. Introduced in 1963, the M109 retained the same chassis and turret as its predecessor, the M108 105mm SP howitzer, but boasted a 155mm cannon with muzzle brake and fume extractor, as well as rear stabilization spades.
Beginning in 1973, forty years of successive improvements yielded seven variants (M109A1-M109A7 "Paladin"), which incorporated a longer cannon tube, improved shielding, nuclear, biological and chemical protection, computer and communication systems, and a redesigned turret.
In 2021, The U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center's (USAHEC) M109A5 Howitzer arrived at Letterkenny Army Depot (LEAD) in need of paint restoration. The skilled artisans within LEAD's Process Support Division meticulously sanded, prepped and painted the mobile gun platform, fully embracing the historical significance of their restoration mission. LEAD's partnership with USAHEC reinforces both organizations' commitment to preserving Army history.
M109A5 SP Medium Howitzer Serial No. 6889 Armament:155mm M284 cannon, .50 Caliber M2 machine gun
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Engine: 405 hp Liquid Cooled 8V71T Turbocharged Diesel of 440 hp Low Heat Rejection Liquid Cooled 8V71T Turbocharged Diesel
Maximum Speed: 35 mph
Weight: 27.5 tons
Length: 30.1 ft
Height: 10.8 ft
Width: 10.3 ft
Crew: Chief of Section, Gunner, Ammo Team Chief, Assistant Gunner, Cannoneers 1, 2, 3, Howitzer Driver, Ammunition Support Vehicle Driver
Provenance: #6889 was initially manufactured as an M109A2, was later converted to an M109A4, and finally to its present model as an M109A5 in the late 1980s. It was then issued to a U.S. Army Forces Command (FORSCOM) unit at Fort Carson, Colorado to be used for training in 1989.
[Captions:]
An M109A3 with M992 Ammunition Support Vehicle and M332 Ammunition Trailer (right) from 3rd Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery, 1st Cavalry Division, firing in support of Operation Quick Strike during Desert Storm, February 24, 1991.
Members of the LEAD's Process Support Division pose by the restored M109A5.
Erected by The United States Army War College; United States Army Heritage and Education Center; equipment donated by BAE Systems and
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), February 25, 2023
2. Flexibility, Firepower and Mobility Marker
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Military • Roads & Vehicles. A significant historical date for this entry is February 24, 1991.
Location. 40° 12.441′ N, 77° 9.632′ W. Marker is near Carlisle, Pennsylvania, in Cumberland County. It is in Middlesex Township. It is on Soldiers Drive south of Army Heritage Drive, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 950 Soldiers Dr, Carlisle PA 17013, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in South-Central Pennsylvania and in Greater Harrisburg. It is also in the American Northeast, in the Mid-Atlantic, in Appalachia, and specifically in Northern Appalachia. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds 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 marker: Juno Beach (within shouting distance of this marker); Sword Beach (within
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., June 25, 2026
3. M109A5 SP Medium Howitzer Serial No. 6889
Other markers no longer nearby. Private First Class Willard Dominick (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been confirmed missing); Sergeant First Class Randall D. Shughart (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been confirmed missing); Corporal John D. LaWall (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been confirmed missing).
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. This updated marker has replaced the previous linked marker.
Credits. This page was last revised on August 6, 2026. It was originally submitted on February 27, 2023, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 274 times since then and 48 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 27, 2023, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. 3. submitted on June 28, 2026, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.
