Vehicle Description
To be OFFERED AT AUCTION at Auctions America's Auburn Spring event,
May 11-13, 2017.
Chassis No.
BILL OF SALE
Estimate:
$ 15,000 - $ 20,000 US
Once the United States rearmament program was under way in 1941,
the U.S. Army recognized the need to develop full-tracked tractors
to tow the various calibers of artillery pieces then entering
service. The wheeled trucks in service were too limited in towing
and cross-country ability to properly address the U.S. Army's need
for mobility and towing capacity in its new armored divisions. The
M5 prototype was tested in late 1941 and entered service in October
1942. The M5 was designed specifically to tow the medium category
artillery pieces - specifically the 105-mm and 155-mm field
howitzers. The tracks and suspension were based on the M3 "Stuart"
light tank. The M5 was designed to carry the complete howitzer
crew, their weapons, gear and ammunition (56 rounds of 105-mm and
24 rounds of 155-mm). A winch was mounted on the front, and air
brakes were provided for operating the brakes on the towed
howitzer. The M5 successfully served the U.S. artillery units
throughout World War II on all fronts. The M5 was well-built and
well-liked by its crew.
