Waterloo in Monroe County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
M101A1 105MM Howitzer
United States Army - Serial No. 7354
Photographed by Thomas Smith, October 22, 2026
1. M101A1 105MM Howitzer Marker
The M101A1 105mm Howitzer is one of the most recognizable artillery pieces in American military history. Originally developed in the years preceding World War II, the M101 family of howitzers served the United States Army and allied forces through World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and beyond.
A towed artillery piece, the M101A1 was designed to provide direct or indirect fire support to ground forces. Its 105mm ammunition and mobility made it a versatile and widely used weapon system. A typical crew of approximately eight soldiers operated the howitzer, which could be transported by military vehicles and positioned where artillery support was needed.
This M101A1, Serial No. 7354, was located at the U.S. Army facility in Anniston, Alabama. In 2026, the City of Waterloo was selected by the U.S. Army Donations Program Office to receive the howitzer for permanent static display.
During the spring of 2026, the howitzer was transported from Anniston, Alabama, to Waterloo. It was subsequently demilitarized and restored for public display before being placed at the Veterans Memorial in
this page online
Though no longer capable of firing, this historic artillery piece remains a tangible connection to the generations of soldiers who operated equipment like it in service to the United States.
Today, it stands as a memorial to the courage, sacrifice and service of all American veterans.
KEY FACTS:
-Caliber: 105mm
-Weight: 2,260 kg (4,980 lbs.)
Maximum Range: Approximately 7 miles, depending on ammunition and firing conditions
Primary Use: Indirect artillery fire in support of ground forces
Era of Service: World War I through the Vietnam era and beyond
Mobility: Designed to be towed and moved with military vehicles
Original US. WW II - Korean War 105mm M60 Smoke WP M101 Howitzer Round
The M301 how fires semi-fixed ammunition, a flexible system where the steel projectile loosely into a cartridge case containing 7 adjustable powder increments. The standard combat round is the High Explosive (M1 HE) shell, which weighs roughly 33 pounds, measures 33.1 inches and detonates on impact, though the system also fires smoke, illumination, and anti tank variations.
In honor of all who have served, are
Photographed by Thomas Smith, October 22, 2026
2. M101A1 105MM Howitzer Marker
Erected 2026.
Topics. This memorial is listed in these topic lists: Military • War, Korean • War, Vietnam • War, World II.
Location. 38° 19.192′ N, 90° 9.733′ W. Memorial is in Waterloo, Illinois, in Monroe County. It is on Lakeview Drive near S. Library Street, on the left when traveling south. The marker is located in Lakeview Park. Touch for map. Memorial is in this post office area: Waterloo IL 62298, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this memorial is in Greater St. Louis. It is also in the American Midwest, in the Lewis & Clark Corridor, in the Corn Belt, and in the Great River Road Region. 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 Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Iraq, Afghanistan and the Global War On Terrorism Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker);
Photographed by Thomas Smith, October 22, 2026
3. M101A1 105MM Howitzer Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on November 1, 2026. It was originally submitted on October 22, 2026, by Thomas Smith of Waterloo, Ill. This page has been viewed 13 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 22, 2026, by Thomas Smith of Waterloo, Ill. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
