The U.S. M1 155mm Gun

The U.S. M1 155mm Gun. . After World War I, it was clear to the U.S. that the French had created artillery that was far superior to anything the Americans could bring to the battle. Accordingly, during the 1920s, work began on an improved American artillery gun that would have greater elevation and more power. A design was standardized in 1938 using elements of the proven French configuration and it became known as the 155mm gun, M1. It was placed on a gun carriage with an eight-wheeled undercarriage supporting the main weight and a two-wheeled limber to carry the split tail ends for movement., It soon became obvious that the 155mm gun, M1 was a superior field artillery weapon noted for its excellent long-range accuracy. Its 95 pound shell could hit a target 15 miles away., The M1 first saw action in North Africa in 1942-43 against German forces led by Erwin Rommel and proceeded to render outstanding service wherever the Army fought in World War II. It was the only U.S. Army towed artillery weapon with a commonly used nickname; “The Long Tom.” The Long Toms, along with the 155mm and 8 inch howitzers, proved to be the backbone of U.S. heavy artillery., The Long Tom was so effective it was adopted by the British Army during the war and it remained in service with both nations through the Korean War. In addition, many of these guns were placed on self-propelled mounts and used by the United States in Vietnam. One could argue that basic design features of the 155mm gun, M1 and the 8 inch howitzer are used in U.S. Army artillery weapons designs even today., The museum’s model was acquired through the estate of Kevin Kronlund whose commitment to honoring our American military heritage remains alive through this, and similar historic military vehicles.