Corydon in Harrison County, Indiana — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
World War I
German 77 M.M. Trench Mortar
New Model "96" made in 1916. This Leichte Minenwerfer, "Light Bomb Thrower" was captured by the French Army and presented to the United States Government by the Government of France.
It weighed 550 lbs. when in action and could fire a 10 lb. projectile over half a mile.
Presented to American Legion Post 123 Corydon, by the United States Government by act of Congress. Delivered 1925.
Erected 1925 by American Legion.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, World I. A significant historical year for this entry is 1916.
Location. 38° 12.709′ N, 86° 7.536′ W. Marker is in Corydon, Indiana, in Harrison County. Marker is on East Cherry Street near North Elm Street, on the left when traveling east. On County Court House Lawn. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Corydon IN 47112, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Stately Beginnings (here, next to this marker); In Honor Of The Men from Harrison County (here, next to this marker); Harrison County (a few steps from this marker); Polly Strong Slavery Case (within shouting distance of this marker); Corydon Convention Of Freemasons (within shouting distance of this marker); Downtown Corydon (within shouting distance of this marker); World War I Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named World War I (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Corydon.
Regarding World War I. Trench mortars were refined during the stalemate on the Western Front of World War I. Officially called Minenwerfers by the German Army, these weapons were respected and feared by the allied soldiers. Examples of the 7.7 cm model (as referenced on this marker) were brought back to the United States after the war as trophies.
Also see . . . Everything You Need to Know About WWI Mortars. War History Online website entry (Submitted on December 1, 2021, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
Credits. This page was last revised on December 1, 2021. It was originally submitted on July 30, 2008, by Al Wolf of Veedersburg, Indiana. This page has been viewed 1,494 times since then and 24 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 30, 2008, by Al Wolf of Veedersburg, Indiana. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.