Radcliff in Hardin County, Kentucky — The American South (East South Central)
M103 Heavy Tank
Photographed by Kevin W., August 26, 2024
1. M103 Heavy Tank Marker
Armament: 120mm Main Gun, 1x .30 Cal MG, 1x .50 Cal MG
Max Speed: 21 mph
Weight: 65 Tons
Armor: Up to 10 inches (Front Hull)
The US Army developed the T43 during the Korean War to combat a perceived threat from comparable Soviet heavy tanks. The T43 was standardized as the M103, with 300 being produced between 1953-1954. The vehicles proved to be too heavy and suffered drivetrain issues from being under powered. Tanks of this size also created issues for battlefield mobility (bridges, mud, sand, etc.). The US Army used 80 M103s from 1953 into the early 1960s. They were phased-out in favor of focusing on standardized models of "main battle tanks" like the M48 and M60 series. The US Marine Corps operated the other 220 M103s until 1974. The M103 never saw combat; its main historical impact is that tank designers realized that a balance had to be maintained between firepower, armor, and mobility to create a tank good for most tactical situations. It remains the last heavy tank used by the US Military.
Erected by the city of Radcliff.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Roads & Vehicles
this page online
Location. 37° 50.565′ N, 85° 56.471′ W. Marker is in Radcliff, Kentucky, in Hardin County. It is on North Dixie Boulevard (U.S. 31W), on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 306 N Wilson Road, Radcliff KY 40160, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the American South and specifically in the Upper South. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture and also the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Radcliff Veterans Memorial (a few steps from this marker); Army Armored Forces Memorial (approx. 0.4 miles away); The Atcher Cabin (approx. 0.8 miles away); The Raine Cabin (approx. 0.8 miles away); The Stovall Cabin (approx. 0.8 miles away); Stith Cabin (1874) (approx. 0.9 miles away); The Haycraft Inn (approx. 2.4 miles away); M24 Chaffee (approx.
Photographed by Kevin W., August 26, 2024
2. M103 Heavy Tank Marker
Photographed by Kevin W., August 26, 2024
3. M103 Heavy Tank Marker
Radcliff - Fort Knox
Two Communities Growing Together
This M103 tank was presented to the city of Radcliff by the U.S. Army for display as a gesture of goodwill.
Two Communities Growing Together
This M103 tank was presented to the city of Radcliff by the U.S. Army for display as a gesture of goodwill.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 4, 2026. It was originally submitted on January 4, 2026, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. This page has been viewed 72 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on January 4, 2026, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia.
