Museum of the American G.I in College Station, Texas - Image of Museum American GI

WWII 105mm M2A1 Howitzer

Number Produced: 10,202
Crew: 8
Barrel Length: 7’7” (2.31 m)
Caliber: 4.1” (105 mm)
Rate of Fire: Up to 10 rounds per min.
Range: 12,300 yards (11,270 m)
Weight: 2.5 tons
Length: 19’6” (5.94 m)
Width: 7’3” (2.31 m)
Height: 5’8” (1.73 m)

The M2A1 105mm Howitzer (re-designated M101A1 in 1962) was the standard light field howitzer in the US Army in World War II. Developed based on German World War I 105mm howitzers, it filled the need for a motor-drawn artillery to replace outdated guns and tactics. With a moderate range, soldiers appreciated its accuracy and powerful punch. Its main purpose was antipersonnel, but it was flexible enough to provide indirect fire as well. It served in all major theaters of World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War and was purchased by 67 different countries.

Did you know?

One out of every five shells fired by the US during WWII was a 105mm HE round.

Later in the war, 54 self-propelled 105mm M7 Howitzers were developed and nicknamed “the Priest.”