Government Hill in Fort Sam Houston in Bexar County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
M-48 Medium Tank 90mm "Patton"
Photographed by James Hulse, August 18, 2026
1. M-48 Medium Tank 90mm "Patton" Marker
Introduced in 1953 as part of a "family" of tank designs. The elliptical hull and turret provided greater armor protection while the M-41 90mm gun increased offensive power. Variants of the M-48 series saw service in Europe, the Middle East and Vietnam.
SAM1854
Weight • 98000 lb
Made by • Ford Motor Co. (1953)
Crew • 4
Armor • Hull front • 4.3" • Turret front • 8"
Armament • 1x 90mm Main Gun • 2x .50 Machinegun • 1x .30 Machinegun
Erected by Fort Sam Houston Museum.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Roads & Vehicles • War, Vietnam. A significant historical year for this entry is 1953.
Location. 29° 26.604′ N, 98° 27.821′ W. Marker is in Fort Sam Houston, Texas, in Bexar County. It is in Government Hill. It is at the intersection of Staff Post Road and Liscum Road, on the left when traveling east on Staff Post Road. Marker is about 125 feet from the SW corner of the Quadrangle. Access is restricted due to Fort Sam Houston being an active military installation. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Jbsa Ft Sam Houston TX 78234, United States
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in South Texas and in the San Antonio Metropolitan Area. It is also in the American South. Globally, it is in North America, a Gulf of Mexico state, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain, the Republic of Texas, and one of the Confederate States of America.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Quadrangle and the Staff Post (here, next to this marker); M-59 Armored Personnel Carrier (a few steps from this marker); M-5 Antitank Gun 3″ Towed (within shouting distance of this marker); UH-1B Utility Helicopter (within shouting distance of this marker); Bullis House (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Quadrangle: Hub of Military Activity in Texas (about 400 feet away); The Sally Port (about 500 feet away); Operation Encore: The Monte della Torraccia–Monte Castello Line (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fort Sam Houston.
Other markers no longer nearby. Ft. Sam Houston Quadrangle and Staff Post
Photographed by James Hulse, August 18, 2026
2. M-48 Medium Tank 90mm "Patton" Marker
Also see . . . M-48 "Patton" Medium Tank. (Submitted on June 12, 2010, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.)
Additional commentary.
1. Tank
I used to play on and in this tank while growing up on E. Grayson. The escape hatch under the tank was unsecured and you could crawl inside.
— Submitted April 25, 2023.
Photographed by James Hulse, August 18, 2026
3. M-48 Medium Tank 90mm "Patton" Marker
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., March 31, 2010
4. M-48 Medium Tank 90mm "Patton" Marker
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., March 31, 2010
5. M-48 Medium Tank 90mm "Patton" and Marker
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., March 31, 2010
6. M-48 Medium Tank 90mm "Patton" Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on August 21, 2026. It was originally submitted on June 12, 2010, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio. This page has been viewed 1,362 times since then and 26 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 21, 2026, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. 4, 5, 6. submitted on June 12, 2010, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.
