Middlesex Township near Carlisle in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
The Army Introduces a Heavyweight: The 3-Inch Antitank Gun M5/M6
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), February 25, 2023
1. The Army Introduces a Heavyweight: The 3-Inch Antitank Gun M5/M6 Marker
Responding to the battlefield realities encountered in the North African campaign against German armor, the United States Army Ordnance Department began to develop a heavier anti-tank gun to replace the diminutive 37mm M3A1 then serving on the front lines in 1942. By modifying the chamber of the barrel from the 3-inch Antiaircraft gun, (M3) and replacing the breech with that of the 105mm Howitzer (M2A1), a hybrid barrel, classified as the 3-inch Anti-tank gun (M5) was put into production. The new gun was then mounted to the M6 carriage, which was also developed out of the 105mm Howitzers and further modified with sloped shields to protect the crew from small arms fire. The new gun, designated the 3-inch Antitank Gun, M5/M6 was capable of penetrating armor 3.31 inches thick at 2,000 yards. Although heavy, requiring a 6x6 vehicle to haul it into combat, the 2,500 pieces produced during the war proved worthy weapons against Axis armor.
3-Inch Antitank Gun Gun: 3 Inch anti-tank
M5/M6
Weight: 5,580 lbs.
Length: 22.5 feet
Height: 5 feet
Range: 16,100 yards
Ammunition: AP; HE
Muzzle Velocity: 2600-2800 feet per second
[Captions:]
Soldiers of Co. A, 772nd Tank Destroyer Bn. set up a 3-inch antitank gun in the snow covered forest near Grandmenil, Belgium. January 4, 1945.
The 3-inch antitank gun with trails and spades developed for firing. Its great weight prevented this gun from being towed by a jeep.
Erected by The
this page online
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, World II. A significant historical date for this entry is January 4, 1945.
Location. Marker has been reported permanently removed. It was located near 40° 12.45′ N, 77° 9.603′ W. Marker was near Carlisle, Pennsylvania, in Cumberland County. It was in Middlesex Township. It was on Soldiers Drive south of Army Heritage Drive, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker was at or near this postal address: 950 Soldiers Dr, Carlisle PA 17013, United States of America.
We have been informed that this marker is no longer there and will not be replaced. This page is an archival view of what was.
Regionally, this marker was in South-Central Pennsylvania and in Greater Harrisburg. It was also in the American Northeast, in the Mid-Atlantic, in Appalachia, and specifically in Northern Appalachia. Globally, it was in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it found itself in what was once the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy and also
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), February 25, 2023
2. The Army Introduces a Heavyweight: The 3-Inch Antitank Gun M5/M6 Marker
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location: General Matthew Bunker Ridgway (here, next to this marker); Operation Overlord (a few steps from this marker); Gold Beach (a few steps from this marker); Omaha Beach (a few steps from this marker); Ranger and Airborne Operations (a few steps from this marker); Utah Beach (a few steps from this marker); Sword Beach (within shouting distance of this marker); Liberation Pointe (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Carlisle.
Other markers no longer nearby. Oscar Goes To War (was here, next to this marker but has been confirmed missing); Private First Class Willard Dominick (was a few steps from this marker but has been confirmed missing); Sergeant First Class Randall D. Shughart (was a few steps from this marker but has been confirmed missing).
More about this marker. This wayside and its associated 3-Inch Antitank Gun M5/M6 have been moved to a new location on the Army Heritage Trail near the PAK43/41.
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. This marker has replaced the linked marker, which had different erecting organization information.
Credits. This page was last revised on August 6, 2026. It was originally submitted on February 27, 2023, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 357 times since then and 52 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 27, 2023, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
Editor’s want-list for this marker. Photos of the wayside and weapon in its new location (July 2026) near the PAK43/41 on the Army Heritage Trail. • Can you help?
