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The M102 was introduced in 1964 as a replacement for the WW2 M101 105mm Howitzer.  It was used extensively in Vietnam as an airmobile gun, being carried by CH47 Chinook helicopters to the tops of mountain firebases and also on river patrol boats (The larger Monitors)  It used welded aluminum carriage and trail so that it was able to be towed by a 3/4 ton truck, whereas the older gun needed a 2 1/2 ton truck to haul it.  The firing position is also lower. 

 


The M102 has also seen action by the US Armed Forces in the Gulf War and Afghanistan, but has recently been replaced by the M119, an airmobile gun designed by the Brits.  The National Guard still use this gun, and was last used by them in Iraq in 2004. It is still used in AC130 gunships.

Being hauled by a CH47

 Mounted on a river monitor in Vietnam

In a convoy in Kuwait

 

This M102 guards the old  I.O.O.F. Cemetery in Amelia, Ohio