Middlesex Township in Carlisle in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
They Called Them "Hellcats"
The M18 Tank Destroyer
Photographed by Larry Gertner, July 30, 2026
1. They Called Them "Hellcats" Marker
Officially known as the M18 76mm Gun Motor Carriage was hardly comparable to the horse and buggy. It was the jaguar of heavy armor during World War II. Nicknamed the "Hellcat" by the men who served in them, the M18 could reach speeds of 50mph on the open plain. It also carried quite a punch with a 76mm gun capable of firing a variety of ammunition that could knock out most enemy tanks. The M18 Tank Destroyer quickly gained a reputation among the anti-tank battalions as an effective "tank killer," infantry support was unintended and often created problems of mobility. The Hellcat lost its advantage of speed when it had to support a slogging infantry.
The Hellcat only had three deficiencies. The open turret was susceptible to ground and aircraft fire. To achieve its incredible speed, it sacrificed armor plating, with as little as one inch, as compared to the M4 Sherman Tank's four inches. Finally, the M18 used a smaller, Continental nine-cylinder gasoline engine, as compared to larger and more powerful diesels that were coming into service. The M36 Tank Destroyer was the diesel-driven replacement M18. All Hellcats were
this page online
M18 Tank Destroyer information box:
Gun: 76mm
Length: 22 feet
Width: 9 feet
Height: 8.5 feet
Ammunition: A.P., H.E.
The torsion bar suspension, like a luxury car, gave the tank destroyer the smooth ride necessary to reach high speeds.
Erected by The United States Army Heritage and Education Center.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, World II. A significant historical date for this entry is March 15, 1945.
Location. 40° 12.532′ N, 77° 9.623′ W. Marker is in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, in Cumberland County. It is in Middlesex Township. It is on Soldiers Drive near Army Heritage Drive, in the median. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 950 Soldiers Dr Carlisle PA 17013, 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,
Photographed by Larry Gertner, July 30, 2026
2. M18 "Hellcat" Tank Destroyer
Repainted since being moved to its new location
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: General Matthew Bunker Ridgway (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Flexibility, Firepower and Mobility (about 600 feet away); Gold Beach (about 600 feet away); Operation Overlord (about 600 feet away); Operating for Freedom (about 600 feet away); Omaha Beach (about 600 feet away); Ranger and Airborne Operations (about 600 feet away); Utah Beach (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Carlisle.
Other markers no longer nearby. Major Joseph R. Foust (Retired) (was here, next to this marker but has been permanently removed); Flexibility, Firepower, and Mobility (was here, next to this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); Oscar Goes To War (was about 500 feet away but has been confirmed missing); The Army Introduces a Heavyweight: The 3-Inch Antitank Gun M5/M6 (was about 500 feet away but has been permanently removed); Private First Class Willard Dominick
Photographed by Larry Gertner, July 30, 2026
3. M18 "Hellcat" Tank Destroyer
Current location at the main entrance. The marker is on the far side of the AFV.
More about this marker. The M18 Tank Destroyer was moved from its previous location on the Army Heritage Trail to replace the M109A5 Self-Propelled Howitzer that was previously at the main entrance.
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. Entries for the previous location and iterations of the marker
Also see . . . M18 Hellcat. Wikipedia entry:
Officially designated the 76 mm Gun Motor Carriage M18 or M18 GMC (Submitted on August 4, 2026, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
Credits. This page was last revised on August 4, 2026. It was originally submitted on August 4, 2026, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. This page has been viewed 18 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 4, 2026, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.
