White Sands in Doña Ana County, New Mexico — The American Mountains (Southwest)

MGM-18 Lacrosse

Photographed by James Hulse, July 23, 2024

1. MGM-18 Lacrosse Marker

Inscription. Lacrosse came from a Navy project, transferred to the Army in June 1950, attempting to find a short range guided missile which could be used by the Marine Corps. Testing began in 1954 but the weapon would not be fielded until 1959. A surface to surface missile used against hardened targets and other fortifications, it could also be used against other installations and personnel while supporting troops in the field. The missile was electronically controlled and guided all the way in to its target, and could be used in all weather conditions so long as the target remained visible. Eight battalions were fielded, most in Europe, with one in Korea and one kept in reserve by the Army Strategic Corps. Numerous problems with the system, however, resulted in its being replaced in service by 1964.

Erected by White Sands Missile Range Museum.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Air & Space. A significant historical month for this entry is June 1950.

Location. 32° 23.166′ N, 106° 28.716′ W. Marker is in White Sands, New Mexico, in Doña Ana County. It is on Wsmr P Rt 1 (New Mexico Route 213) 4 miles south of U.S.

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70. The marker and various missiles are located on the grounds of the White Sands Missile Range Museum. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: White Sands Missile Range NM 88002, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Rio Grande Valley.

It is also in the American Southwest.

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 Gadsden Purchase,

and the Republic of Texas.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: SS-11 (here, next to this marker); Athena (a few steps from this marker); Balloon Launched Decelerator Test Vehicle (a few steps from this marker); Mace (a few steps from this marker); MGM-5 Corporal Missile (a few steps from this marker); HIBEX (a few steps from this marker); GAR-1 Falcon (a few steps from this marker); Pershing (a few steps from this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in White Sands.

More about this marker. The marker and museum are located on the White Sands Missile

The MGM-18 Lacrosse on a truck image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, July 23, 2024

2. The MGM-18 Lacrosse on a truck

Range, an active U.S. military installation. The museum is open to the public, but appropriate identification is required for access.

Also see . . .
1. Welcome to the White Sands Missile Range Museum. White Sands Missile Range Museum (Submitted on August 2, 2024, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.)

2. MGM-18 Lacrosse. Wikipedia

The MGM-18 Lacrosse was a short-ranged tactical weapon intended for close support of ground troops. Its first flight test was in 1954 and was deployed by the United States Army beginning in 1959, despite being still in the development stage. The program's many technical hurdles proved too difficult to overcome and the missile was withdrawn from field service by 1964.

(Submitted on August 3, 2024, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.)

A MGM-18 Lacrosse ready for launch image. Click for full size.

Public Domain - US Army - Redstone Arsenal Historical Information

3. A MGM-18 Lacrosse ready for launch

Credits. This page was last revised on August 3, 2024. It was originally submitted on August 2, 2024, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 294 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 3, 2024, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.