Today in WW II: 22 May 1939 Fascist Italy and Nazi Germany sign the Pact of Steel, a declaration of trust and cooperation that also included secret provisions on military and economic matters.

M-40 155mm Gun Motor Carriage

The M-40 Gun Motor Carriage mounted the M1 or M2 155mm gun in an M3 mount. This is the identical carriage to the M-43 that mounts the 8-inch howitzer.

The carriage was developed from the M4 Sherman tank chassis. In development, this vehicle was designated T83. In addition to its armament, it carred 20 rounds of 155mm ammunition. It was fitted with a rear spade and a folding crew platform behind the gun.

The manufacturer was Pressed Steel Car Company of Pittsburgh, PA.

Specifications of the M-40 155mm Gun Motor Carriage

Crew	8
Weight	41 tons
Height	9 feet 4 in.
Width	10 feet 4 in.
Length	21 feet 10 in.
Engine	Continental R-975-C4 (9 cyl radial)
Horsepower	395 bhp
Road Speed	24 mph
Range	100 miles

A pair of M-40 155mm Gun Motor Carriages of Battery B, 937th Field Artillery Battalion, providing fire support to U.S. Army 25th Infantry Division , Munema, Korea, 26 November 1951.

M-40 155mm Gun Motor Carriage.