The M19 MGMC and the M42 Duster were both armed with twin Bofors 40mm guns. The M19 saw combat in the Korean War (1950-53) and the M42 Duster saw combat in the Vietnam War (1966-72). Both were not used in the role that they were designed for.  During WWII, the US Army recognized the need for a dedicated anti-aircraft vehicle. The M15 and M16 AAA half-tracks were good platforms, but the M15's 37mm cannon had a low rate of fire, and the M16's four .50 caliber machine guns were too short-ranged. The weapon that balanced both speed, range, and hitting power was the Bofors 40mm gun, but the M3 half-track was only able to carry one Bofors gun. The US Army began looking for a new tracked vehicle that could equip anti-aircraft batteries attached to armored divisions. In 1943, the US Army thought it had found a solution. The T65 used the chassis of the M5 Stuart light tank with a new turret mounting twin 40mm guns which provided the necessary firepower, with the speed and mobility to keep up with armored units. Although the testing was successful, the Bureau of Ordnance cancelled the T65, as M5 Stuart production was soon to be ended and be replaced by the new M24 Chaffee light tank. In May 1944, the T65E1 was designed using a modified M24 Chaffee chassis which was adaptable to carry various weapons. The chassis was slightly lengthened and it had 4 track return rollers (the M24 Chaffee had 3 track return rollers). The engine was re-positioned to the middle of the vehicle and the gun turret was moved to the rear. The rear hull had two doors to a stowage compartment. The T65E1 design was approved and it went into production as the M19 Multiple Gun Motor Carriage (MGMC). The M41 155mm Howitzer Motor Carriage (HMC) "Gorilla" used the same modified M24 chassis with a Gunner's Platform and recoil spade on the rear hull. Only 85 M41 HMCs were built in 1945 and only the US Army used it in combat during the Korean War (1950-53). M24 Chaffee, M19 MGMC, and M41 155mm HMC Comparison.  Production of the M19 was delayed as the requirements for anti-aircraft weapons had changed and chassis were diverted to build more M24 Chaffee light tanks. The M19 reached operational status in September 1945, too late to be deployed. Hostilities had ended and production cancelled meant that many of the M19s were delivered directly to ordnance depots and put in stowage.
M19 Specifications  Weight: 38,499 lbs. (17,463 kg) Engine: Twin Cadillac Model 42, V-8, gasoline, 220 hp (160 kW) Fuel capacity: 110 gal (416 L) Front and rear view of a M19 with T72E1 steel tracks. The pads on the front hull are reinforced mounting pads for attaching a dozer blade.   The M19 carried 336 rounds of 40mm ammunition onboard. The 40mm guns were fed by four-round clips into an automatic loader with a maximum capacity of seven rounds, and the dual guns could be fired in rapid bursts at 240 rounds per minute. The M19 could tow a M28 ammunition trailer which carried 320 additional 40mm rounds, making the total number of rounds 656. A ready clip of Bofors 40mm Anti-Aircraft shells.  Video: The devious secret of the M19 MGMC (Anti-Aircraft Vehicle) ANTI-AIRCRAFT ARTILLERY AUTOMATIC WEAPONS BATTERY (SP) Each Anti-Aircraft Artillery Automatic Weapons (AAA AW) battalion had four batteries (A, B, C, and D). The battery's Headquarters consisted of a Headquarters Section, a Communication Section, and a Maintenance Section. The battery's line units was 2 Automatic Weapons Platoons. The Automatic Weapons Platoon consisted of the Platoon Headquarters and 4 Firing Sections. Each Firing Section consisted of an Automatic Weapons Squad (one M19 MGMC) and a Machine Gun Squad (one M16 Quad-50 Half-track). A battery had a total of 8 M19 MGMCs and 8 M16 Quad-50 Half-tracks. Positions of a squad mounted in the M19 MGMC.  To simplify the transmission of messages, a numerical designation for each squad in the battery was used. Each squad was designated by a three-digit number. The first digit designated the platoon, the second digit designated the section of the platoon, and the third digit designated the squad of the section. The number 232 refers to the second squad of the third section in the second platoon. The number 220 indicates the entire second section of the second platoon and number 200 indicates the entire second platoon. Organization of an Automatic Weapons Platoon.  M19A1 VariantThe M19A1 was equipped with an auxiliary generator powered by a two-cylinder gasoline engine which was mounted on the right fender behind the battery box, to the right of the turret front. The auxiliary generator allowed the turret and 40mm guns to operate when the main engines were shut down. The M19 fighting compartment for the 40mm guns was perfectly round. The M19A1 had two sponsons added on either side of the fighting area for radios and communication equipment. Another visual difference between M19 and the M19A1 was the exhaust pipes. On the M19, the exhaust pipe traced around both sides of the turret front, but on the M19A1 the auxiliary generator forced a redesign so that both exhaust pipes extended to the left side of the vehicle. This field manual illustration of the M19A1 has an incorrect detail. The rubber chevrons of the T85E1 tracks on the front should be pointing down, not up.  The direction of rubber chevrons of the T85E1 tracks on this rear view illustration are correct. They are pointing up.  Korean WarAs the war in Korea began to flare up in July 1950, the M19s in stowage were reactivated. They replaced the M15 and supplemented the M16 Quad-50 half-tracks in US Army units. Production of the M19A1 planned for late 1945 was never started due to the end of the WWII. Some of the M19s were upgraded to the M19A1 standard prior to deployment to Korea. In Korea, the known units which were equipped with the M19 MGMC were:
A battery of an AAA AW Battalion was attached to a US Infantry Division or to a regiment of a division. A M19 being unloaded from a ship in the port of Pusan, late July or August 1950.  The combat debut of the M19 was in the Pusan Perimeter in late August 1950. At that time, the UN forces had complete control of the skies over Korea and there were no aerial threats. The M19 MGMCs and M16 Quad-50 Half-tracks were mainly used in the ground support role.  On 6 September 1950, a M19 of the 82nd AAA AW Battalion, US 2nd Infantry Division, is positioned on a hill overlooking a section of the Nakdong River west of Yongsan (today Yeongsan-myeon). A Browning .50 Caliber machine gun is mounted in front of the assistant driver's hatch and it is covered with a canvas.  After the successful UN landings at Inchon on 15 September 1950, the UN forces in the Pusan Perimeter broke out and started to advance northward chasing the retreating North Korean forces and link up with the elements of the US 7th Infantry Division driving southward from the Inchon beachhead. A M19 towing an ammunition trailer driving up a winding mountain road.  A M19 ran over an enemy mine. Note the right track coiled up in front of the vehicle.  On a number of occasions, North Korean T-34 tanks were encountered. The instant an enemy tank is spotted, the M19 crew trains its guns onto the target and opens fire which requires only a couple of seconds. Two hundred rounds per minute of 40mm rounds are poured onto the enemy tank, knocking out its periscopes, damaging its tracks, and creating a terrific din that must be enough to make the enemy tank crew think that all hell has hit them. The enemy tank crew lost time trying to locate who is shooting at them. They were unable to stick their heads out of the turret to take a look. Meanwhile, a US tank had drawn a bead on the T-34 and commences firing, knocking it out. Meanwhile, the section's M16 Quad-50 Halftrack would mow down any enemy infantry accompanying the T-34. On one occasion, a M19 executed “reconnaissance by fire.” To his front, the M19 commander noticed a fairly large straw stack. Knowing that North Koreans sometimes hide in straw stacks, he put a few rounds of 40mm HE into it, and the straw was set afire. In a few seconds, the stack was blazing, and it soon became apparent that there was something in the stack other than straw. The falling ashes uncovered a T-34 tank, which was then knocked out by a nearby US tank. North KoreaBy 30 September 1950, UN forces had recaptured Seoul. On October 7th, UN forces began crossing the 38th parallel into North Korea and advanced northward towards the capital of North Korea, Pyongyang. On October 29th, the US 7th Infantry Division made the last US amphibious landing of the Korean War. The 7th Division landed unopposed at a small fishing town Iwon (today Riwon) on North Korea’s eastern shore northeast of the port of Hungnam (south of Hamhung) and about 150 miles (241.4 km) southwest from the Russian border. The entire embarked force was ashore by November 8th. From Iwon, most of the 7th Division moved north against light opposition. On November 21st, the 17th Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division reached the bank of the Yalu River at Hyesanjin (today Hyesan). It was the must northern point any US ground unit reached in Korea during the war. The advance went quickly for the 7th Infantry and ROK units to the east while the US Marines to the west were not able to advance as fast. The division halted its advance until November 24th while the other units caught up to them and supply lines were established.  Sergeant N. F. Osbourne and his M19 crew was the first US squad to reach the Yalu River. Their glory was short lived.  A M19 with ammunition trailer on the perimeter of a camp.  On November 25th, the Chinese People's Volunteer Army (PVA) attacked and forced the 17th Infantry Regiment to retreat southeast to Pungsan (today Punggye-ri). Along with South Korean (ROK) units, it headed southwest along the coast to Hungnam to be evacuated from North Korea. From 27 November through 2 December 1950, M16 Quad-50 Half-tracks and M19s of D Battery, 15th AAA AW Battalion repulsed numerous enemy attacks on UN positions with .50 caliber and 40mm fire. The battery was instrumental in affecting the withdrawal of the remnants of the 31st Infantry Regiment and US Marines back to Hungnam. For their valorous actions, D Battery personnel were awarded posthumously two Distinguished Service Crosses and more than a dozen Silver Stars, making D Battery, 15th AAA AW Battalion, the most highly decorated AAA unit of the Korean War. A M19 look at a Chinese communist stronghold engulfed in smoke at Jamsil-ri (southeast of Seoul along the Han River) in January 1951. Note the South Korean (ROK) flag flying on the radio antenna. This M19 was most likely supporting a ROK unit.  A M19, registration number 40190223, of the 3rd AAA Battalion overlooks the Han River while supporting the 15th Infantry Regiment, US 3rd Infantry Division.  Another M19 of the 3rd AAA Battalion in a position along the Han River most likely near or in Seoul. On the turret side, it has kill markings for every 10 enemy soldiers claimed and below them are symbols for 3 enemy machine guns. Note the hand painted crude white star on the front hull.  A M19 stopped on a road in February 1951. The crew are scanning the nearby hillside for enemy troops and in the background down the road is a M16 Quad-50 half-track. Note the white star painted on the gun shield above the twin 40mm gun barrels.  The crew of this M19 is scanning a hill for enemy troops. A Browning .50 Caliber machine gun is mounted on the front hull with a WWII tombstone ammo can which typically held 200 rounds of ammunition. In front of the driver is the windshield of a drivers hatch foul weather hood. The Bumper codes are: 2-82AA (2nd Infantry Division, 82nd AA Battalion), A-111 (A Battery, 1st Platoon, 1st Section, 1st Squad).  This is another M19, registration number 40190675, of the 82nd AA Battalion (code is on front right fender). Note name "FLAK" is near the top of the gun shield.  Chipyong-niBy January 1951, the Chinese had pushed the UN forces back across the 38th parallel. Given their vast numerical superiority, the Chinese seemed unstoppable as they continued to push south. On January 7th, Chinese and North Korean troops captured the South Korean capital of Seoul for the second time in the war. The situation became so critical that contingency plans were made to withdraw all UN forces south to the Pusan Perimeter. Thirty-five miles (56.3 km) southeast of Seoul, Chipyong-ni (today Jipyeong-ri) straddled an important crossroads which control movement through the Han River Valley, a vital transportation corridor on the central Korean peninsula. The deserted village lay along a single track railroad stretching from Wonju, 20 miles (32.2 km) southeast of Chipyong-ni, to Seoul. If the Chinese captured Chipyong-ni, the UN forces would been in a dire situation. On February 3rd, the 23rd Regimental Combat Team (RCT), US 2nd Infantry Division, was ordered to Chipyong-ni and to hold it at all costs. Attached to the 23rd RCT was the 1st Ranger Company, a French battalion, the 37th Field Artillery Battalion (105mm), elements of the 503rd Field Artillery Battalion (155mm), a couple of tanks, towed anti-aircraft guns and a company of combat engineers. The French battalion, the UN Bataillon de Corée, later fought at Mang Yang Pass in South Vietnam, 24-29 June 1954. On February 5th, elements of Battery B, 82nd AAA AW Battalion, joined the 23rd RCT at Chipyong-ni, adding 6 M16 Quad-50 Half-Tracks and 4 M19 MGMCs to the defense of the village. A M19 of the 82nd AA AW Battalion stopped on a road near Chipyong-ni.  A M19 in a position at Chipyong-ni. Two crewmen appear to be warming themselves by a small fire or a GI pocket stove.  This is my close up of the M19 in the above photo. The M19's registration number is 40190306 and the name is "Cannon Ball". Note the fancy scroll below the name.  This is the rear of M19 Cannon Ball. Note the crew stowage mounted on the ammo bins on the rear of the gun turret.  On February 11th, the Chinese launched their Fourth Phase Offensive, striking the US X Corps at Wonju and Hoengsong which forced two UN divisions to withdraw under heavy pressure. Chinese troops soon cut off both main roads to Chipyong-ni, isolating the 23rd RCT about 20 miles (32.2 km) beyond the UN front line. The 23rd RCT strengthened their defenses of Chipyong-ni in preparation for the inevitable siege. On the afternoon of February 13th, four Chinese regiments amassed around Chipyong-ni. US artillery and air power held them at bay for the awhile. As darkness covered the valley, temperatures dropped to near freezing. At 2200 hours, the US and French positions began taking intense mortar, artillery and small-arms fire from three sides. The 1st Battalion, manning the northern perimeter, bore the brunt of the initial barrage.  Especially hard hit was Company C defending Route 24, the main road into Chipyong-ni. Around midnight, the air echoed with the deafening clamor of bugles, whistles, bells and battle cries as waves of Chinese infantry charged the northern perimeter, quickly followed by equally fierce attacks on the 2nd Battalion, on the southern perimeter, and the French Battalion to the west. The fighting was heavy but brief as the enemy probed the defenses around the village. At 0100 hours on the 14th, the Chinese renewed their assault from the north, but the 1st Battalion managed to hold their ground, forcing the Chinese to dig in after an hour of heavy fighting. The defenders found no reprieve, as the Chinese continued to probe the perimeter, hurling themselves into the fight with total disregard for their lives. On the eastern perimeter, 3rd Battalion’s Company K fought off several mass frontal assaults, inflicting heavy losses on the Chinese. The fighting in that sector became so intense that ambulances and medics could not get through to evacuate the wounded. At 0200 hours on the western perimeter, determined French defenders occupying a hill beat off waves of Chinese infantry charging up the hill. In the encounter, French legionnaires responded with a bayonet charge to the accompaniment of a hand-cranked siren that sent the attackers fleeing in fear and confusion. At one point, sustained attacks from the north forced Company C to withdraw, but the US troops quickly launched a counterattack and recaptured all overrun positions. In the south, 2nd Battalion’s Company G came under heavy attack for around 90 minutes and by 0400 hours was in danger of being overrun. US tanks arrived in time to provide some armored support. Each wave, stronger than the preceding one, was thrown at Company G at about 10 minute intervals. Company G losses by heavy enemy machine gun and mortar fire created gaps in the line. They could see each enemy wave in the light of illuminating flares, coming closer and closer, but they never faltered. They remained at their guns, shooting until the bitter end. The Chinese knew they would be exposed to US air strikes at daybreak. In the predawn hours, the Chinese carried out one last major assault against 3rd Battalion to the east, but the defenders managed to beat them back with a combination of US artillery, mortar and small arms fire. At 0730 hours, Chinese buglers sounded the call to withdraw. That night, the UN garrison had about 100 casualties. At daybreak on the 14th, US aircraft flying overhead forced the Chinese troops to dug in. The US and French troops used the opportunity to rebuild defenses, reposition artillery, and called in airdrops for resupply. To the south of Chipyong-ni, the US 5th Cavalry Regiment organized a relief force to break through to Chipyong-ni. Task Force Crombez managed to cross the Han River and approach within 8 miles (12.87 km) of the town before running into heavy enemy resistance. Fighting its way toward Chipyong-ni from the southeast, the British 27th Commonwealth Brigade also bogged down due to heavy resistance. The 23rd RCT had to hold on a while longer. The Chinese attacks picked up in intensity. That evening, Chinese mortars and artillery rained down shells on the besieged garrison. At 2030 hours, the bombardment lifted as massed Chinese infantry launched savage attacks all along the line against the 2nd and 3rd Battalions. Chinese soldiers again breached the perimeter in the eastern sector held by Company I, 3rd Battalion. And again the GIs quickly recovered the positions, as Company I launched a counterattack supported by Companies L and M. The Chinese launched two major assaults against Company K, but the eastern perimeter held firm. By 0130 hours on the 15th, the Allies experienced ammunition shortages as the Chinese continued to mount pressure all along the perimeter. An hour later, Chinese infantry broke through Company G to the south. The 1st Ranger Company, along with elements of Company F and the remnants of Company G, launched a desperate counterattack but were gradually driven back in hand-to-hand fighting. The 23rd RCT committed Company B and its last remaining reserve platoon to the counterattack, but enemy fire pinned them down. At daybreak on the 15th, US aircraft relentlessly attacked the communist forces and dropped supplies to the beleaguered garrison. At 1400 hours, the defenders called in napalm strikes on the entrenched Chinese, allowing Company B to recapture all lost ground. At 1630 hours, the exhausted GIs of Company B could see tanks of Task Force Crombez approaching from the south. An hour later, the relief column rolled into Chipyong-ni as Chinese troops fled under heavy fire from US aircraft and artillery. Video: Korean War: Battle of Chipyong-ni 1951 A M19 crewman observing enemy movements near the 38th Parallel in May 1951.  This is may close up of the M19 in the above photo. The registration number is 40190189. The top hat is the marking for the 15th AAA AW Battalion.  A M19 in a defensive position.  A US 3rd Infantry Division M19 fires at Chinese positions on the western (I Corps) front near the 38th parallel.  In July 1953, the battle of the Kumsong Salient was the largest battle of the last two years of the Korean War. By evening of July 13th, the Chinese had moved elements of five armies into attack and support positions along the central sector that encompassed the Kumsong salient. Facing them from west to east were the ROK 9th and Capital Divisions of US IX Corps and the ROK 6th, 8th, 3rd and 5th Divisions of ROK II Corps.  The increase in the tempo of artillery and mortar fire corroborated earlier intelligence reports from prisoners, deserters, agents and reconnaissance that the Chinese were about to launch a major drive aimed primarily at ROK divisions on the central front. After darkness descended, the Chinese forces moved forward en masse. After heavy fighting all along the line on July 14th, the ROK Capital, 6th, 8th, 3rd and 5th Divisions were ordered to back south of the Kumsong River line at the base of the bulge and to dig in. Due to heavy losses, the US 3rd Infantry Division took over the ROK Capital Division's sector on July 15th. At the top of the photo, the 65th Infantry Regiment, US 3rd Infantry Division, was dug in along the ridge crests. This M19 belonged to the 3rd AAA AW Battalion and was positioned among the 105mm howitzers of the US 58th Field Artillery Battalion. This photo was taken days before the Armistice was signed.  M42 Duster During the Korean War, the US Army decided to phase out all vehicles based on the M24 Chaffee tank chassis including the M19 MGMC, in favor of designs that utilized the chassis of the new M41 Walker Bulldog Light Tank. Since the 40mm guns were still an effective anti-aircraft weapon, a modified version of the gun mount used in the M19 was mounted in a redesigned turret to accommodate the smaller turret ring of the M41 tank and it was designated as the M42 40mm self-propelled anti-aircraft gun. The M19 turret was not interchangeable with the M41 turret. M42 Specifications  Weight: 24.8 tons (loaded) Engine: 6-cylinder air-cooled gasoline, 500 hp (375 kW) Main Armament: Crew:6
The vehicle could be crewed by 5 men, in which case the commander would also act as sight setter.  Production of the M42 began in early 1952. It entered US Army service in late 1953 and replaced a variety of different anti-aircraft systems in armored divisions. In 1956, the M42 received upgrades, changing the designation to the M42A1.  The fuel-injected AOSI-895-5 engine of the M41A2 and M41A3 76mm gun tanks was installed in the M42 when the kits became available. The new fuel injection system increased the operational range to around 193 km (120 miles). The M42 had conical flash hiders on the 40mm guns, but these were replaced by three-pronged flash suppressors. A reinforcing ring was added to the three-prong suppressors after their introduction. The M42 lacked a muffler for the auxiliary generator engine. One was placed on the front of the right-hand pioneer tool stowage rack, but later in the production run a larger muffler was used. The M42A1 had a simplified hull roof design. The hull roof between the driver and vehicle commander was formed by front- and rear-opening doors on the M42, but these were eliminated on the M42A1. Production ended in December 1960 with 3700 M42s and M42A1s built during its production run. Manufacturers:
Film: M42 Duster Anti-Aircraft Defense In the late 1950s, the US Army reached the conclusion that anti-aircraft guns were no longer viable in the jet age and began fielding a towed version of the Raytheon MIM-23 HAWK Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM). Accordingly, the M42 and M42A1 were retired from front line service and were passed to National Guard units with the last M42s leaving the regular Army by 1963, except for the 4th Battalion, 517th Air Defense Artillery Regiment in the Panama Canal Zone, which operated two batteries of M42s into the 1970s. VietnamIn Vietnam, the radar guided HAWK missile performed poorly at low altitudes. To ensure some low altitude anti-aircraft capability for the ever-increasing amount of US forces deployed to South Vietnam, the US Army began recalling M42A1s back into active service and organized them into Air Defense Artillery (ADA) battalions. A US Marine MIM-23 Hawk missile launcher at Da Nang Air Base in May 1965.  Starting in the fall of 1966, the US Army deployed the three battalions of M42A1s to South Vietnam. Each battalion had four batteries (A, B, C, D) and a battery headquarters. Each battery had two platoons (1st, 2nd) which each platoon contained four sections consisting of two squads. Each battery was augmented by one attached Quad-50 battery and one attached artillery searchlight battery. At full deployment, there were roughly 200 M42A1s under command throughout the entire war. Despite a few early air kills, the air threat posed by North Vietnam never materialized and the ADA crews found themselves increasingly involved in ground support missions. The M42s and Quad-50s largely operated in pairs at fire bases, strong points, and in support of engineers building roads and transportation groups protecting convoys. At night, they were often the first targets of enemy sappers, rockets, and mortars. Searchlight jeeps operated singly but often in support of a M42 or Quad-50 section at a fire base. The M42 was soon found to excel in ground support. The 40mm guns proved to be effective against massed infantry attacks. The Viet Cong called the M42 “Fire Dragons” because their high volume of fire and tracer ammunition gave the appearance of a dragon’s breath. The US Army crews called them “Dusters” due to the large clouds of dust they created as they sped across the dirt roads of Vietnam. One source state they were called Dusters because it turned the enemy troops into dust. The Dusters were old equipment that needed a lot of maintenance and required hard-to-get spare parts. The gasoline-powered Dusters were particularly susceptible to fires in the engine compartment. Despite its cross country capability, it was not wise to use the Duster in extended search and destroy operations in heavy jungle terrain because of excessive wear on engines, transmissions, and suspensions. The old .30 caliber M1919A4 machine gun was replaced by a new M60 7.62mm machine gun, nicknamed "The Pig". On the plus side, the Duster was essentially a fairly simple piece of machinery on which the crews could perform maintenance. The Duster's high ground clearance and excellent suspension system design gave it an ability to withstand land mine explosions with minimal crew casualties. Although the Duster's 40mm shell had a terrific blast and fragmentation effect, it also had a highly sensitive point-detonating fuse that limited effectiveness in heavy vegetation. Under those conditions, the better weapon was the M55 Quad-50 gun trailer, because the heavy .50-caliber projectile could easily punch through cover that would detonate the Duster's 40mm shell too early for it to be effective. In 1958, the US Army retired the WWII era M16 Quad-50 Half-track from service. The M55 Quad-50 received a new, more powerful generator in the 1960s and in Vietnam it was usually mounted in the back of a M35 2.5 ton or M54 5-ton truck. It was also used in stationary positions on the perimeter of fire support bases and air bases. At long ranges, the 40mm shell was far more useful, particularly against field formations. The Duster also was able to deliver indirect fires by using data from field artillery fire-directions centers. 1st Battalion, 44th ArtilleryThe 1-44th Artillery was the first ADA battalion to arrive in South Vietnam in November 1966. It supported the US Marines at places like Con Thien and Khe Sanh Combat Base as well as US Army divisions in South Vietnam's rugged I Corps region. The battalion was assigned to I Field Force, Vietnam and was located at Đông Hà. In 1968, it was attached to the 108th Artillery Group (Field Artillery). Attached to the 1-44th was G Battery 65th Air Defense Artillery equipped with Quad-50s and G Battery, 29th Artillery Searchlights. Dusters of Battery C, 1-44th Artillery, led the task force of Operations Pegasus that broke the siege of Khe Sanh in April 1968. Dusters and Quad-50s provided critical final-protective fires throughout Vietnam during the Tet offensive and later took part in Operations Dewey Canyon II/Lam Son 719. The 1-44th served alongside the US 3rd Marine Division along the Vietnamese Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) in I Corps thru to December 1971. Sergeant Mitchell W. Stout, a member of C Battery, 1-44th Artillery was awarded the Medal of Honor. M42 Duster, registration number 12G015, drives off a landing craft upon crossing a river near Dong Ha in 1966.  A Duster named "Eve of Destruction" of C Battery, 1-44th Artillery, XXIV Corps in 1968. It was named after a popular song by Barry McGuire. A Gun truck had the same name. Note the "TRY ME" painted below the left side headlight mount.  Video: Barry McGuire - Eve Of Destruction (Lyrics) One of two M42 Dusters from D Battery, 1-44th Artillery at Fire Support Base (FSB) Bastonge. FSB Bastonge was located along Highway 547 halfway between Hue and the A Sầu Valley, a feeder route from the Ho Chi Minh Trail.  Film: US soldiers fire from M-42 and M-55 Quad tanks at FSB Bastonge. A Duster of C Battery parked in a firing position near Dong Ha in 1969. The short sandbag walls are not for protection from enemy fire but more likely to redirect flowing rain water which would had flood the position. The position appears to be along a stream or river.  On 30 January 1971, Operation Dewey Canyon II was launched and was conducted within South Vietnam to reopen Route 9 all the way to the old Khe Sanh Combat Base, which was abandoned by US forces on 5 July 1968. The combat base was reopened and then it served as the logistical hub for Operation Lam Son 719, the ARVN (Army of the Republic of Vietnam) led invasion of Laos. M42 Duster, named "Iron Coffin," along Route 9 on 25 February 1971. It provided security for the Allied convoys during Operation Dewey Canyon II. Since US ground forces were not allowed to enter Laos, it provided limited fire support for the ARVN forces during Lam Son 719 from the South Vietnam border.   5th Battalion, 2nd Air Defense ArtilleryThe 5-2nd Artillery was the second ADA battalion in Vietnam. Activated in June 1966, it arrived in South Vietnam in November 1966 and was diverted to III Corps, II Field Force, Vietnam and set up around Bien Hoa Air Base. Attached units were D Battery, 71st Air Defense Artillery equipped with Quad-50s and I Battery, 29th Artillery Searchlights. It served the southern Saigon region and supported Australian units through to mid 1971. D-71st Quad-50s remained active through to March 1972. During May-June 1968, US M42 Dusters supported the 1st Australian Task Force (1ATF). Australian troops battled NVA and VC troops for nearly a month at FSB Coral, north of Bien Hoa in the Bình Dương Province. Two Dusters arrived at FSB Coral on May 23rd in a column with Centurion tanks of C Squadron, Australian 1st Armoured Regiment which redeployed from Nui Dat (1ATF HQ location). At the base, the two Dusters were located with the US Army Huskies (M109 155mm SP Howitzers of A Battery, 35th Field Artillery). One of the Dusters towing an ammo trailer had just arrived at FSB Coral on 23 May 1968. The soldiers in the background were on their way to a church service conducted by roman catholic chaplain, Father John Francis Tinkler.  A US Duster of IIFFV, 5-2nd Artillery, B Battery in a dug in position at FSB Coral. This is the front of the Duster, the turret is rotated to the rear. In the background are two CH-47 Chinook helicopters on a Landing Zone (LZ).  This is the rear view of the Duster in the above photo. The twin 40mm guns are pointing towards the camera and the Duster's rear hull and engine deck are visible.  Video: M-42 Twin 40s & M-55 Quad 50s, Cu Chi, Lai Ke, & Soui Da, 06/23/1967 A Duster of B Battery, 5-2nd Artillery at Cu Chi in 1969. Cu Chi Combat Base was located near Highway 1, 25 km (15.5 miles) northwest of Tan Son Nhut Air Base and 50 km (31 miles) southeast of Tây Ninh. On 26 February 1969, enemy sappers attacked the base (most likely at night) and destroyed 9 CH-47A Chinook helicopters.  This is my close up of the Duster in the above photo. The shield on the front hatch has "DEADLY DEUCE" on top and on the scroll at the bottom is "BIRTH CONTROL III".  A Duster of C Battery, 5-2nd Artillery in a defensive position. On the gun shield above the twin 40mm guns is the name "THE OUTCAST". On the front hatch is "Have Guns - Will Travel" which is a play on the western television series "Have Gun – Will Travel" which aired in the US from 1957 to 1963. In the center of the hatch is a white knight chess piece.  This is another Duster of C Battery, 5-2nd Artillery which has the same "Have Guns - Will Travel" and white knight chess piece on the front hatch. On the gun shield above the twin 40mm guns is the name "BAD MOON ARISING" which is a Creedence Clearwater Revival (rock band) song. Note the canvas covers on the 40mm gun barrels.  Video: Creedence Clearwater Revival Song - Bad Moon Rising This is another photo of Duster "BAD MOON ARISING" in a defensive position. It has a clear view of the red skull and cross bones above the name.  Another Duster of C Battery, 5-2nd Artillery with "Have Guns - Will Travel" and white knight on the front hatch. This one has no name on the gun shield.  On 5 April 1970 at NUI DAT, two Dusters of the 5-2nd Artillery, are at a firepower demonstration. Both Dusters have "Have Guns - Will Travel" and the white knight. It appears that it is a name or motto applied to the front hull hatch of all Dusters of C Battery, 5-2nd Artillery.  A Duster drives through Ba Ria, Phuoc Tuy province in 1970. The "Have Guns - Will Travel" and the white knight on the front hatch identifies the battery and battalion.  A Duster of the 23rd Artillery Group, 5-2nd Artillery, A Battery at Phu Loi, 20 km (12.4 miles) north of Saigon in the Bình Dương Province. It is named the "Watts' 103rd St. Rhythm Band", after an American soul and funk band which released three albums during 1967-69.  This is my closeup of the duster's gun shield in the above photo. The obscured name is probably "M*A*S*H", a dark comedy film about the Korean War which was released on 25 January 1970. If that is the name, then it would indicate that the photo was taken in 1970 or later.  A Duster of A Battery, 5-2nd Artillery being repaired. It most likely ran over a mine which damaged the first road wheel and idler wheel. Note the white can (probably contains beer) sitting on the track.  A Duster of D Battery, 5-2nd Artillery driving on a road. Note the grey camouflage added to break up the Duster's outline. This might be a colorized photo.  4th Battalion, 60th Air Defense ArtilleryThe 4-60th Artillery was the third ADA battalion in Vietnam. Activated in June 1966, it arrived in South Vietnam in June 1967 and set up operations in the Central Highlands, based at An Khê (1967–70) and later at Tuy Hoa (1970-71). Attached units were E Battery, 41st Artillery equipped with Quad-50s and B Battery, 29th Artillery Searchlights (which were already in country since October 1965). Dusters of this battalion not only covered the entire Central Highlands, but also supported fire bases and operations along the DMZ to the north and Saigon to the south. Film: ARTILLERY STORY (4TH BATTALION, 60TH ARTILLERY) FIELD FORCE II TACTICAL AREA A dug in Duster of B Battery, 4-60th Artillery, provides security of the Đăk Bla Bridge on Highway 14, south of Kon Tum city (north of Pleiku).  A Duster of the 4-60th Artillery, stand guard on the perimeter of a fire support base (name unknown) in July 1967.  Dusters of the 4-60th Artillery supported the US 1st Cavalry Division at LZ Two Bits in August 1967. LZ Two Bits was located near the intersection of Highway 1 and Highway 514, north of the Lai Giang River, approximately 50 km (31 miles) northeast of An Khe.  A Duster of Battery B, 4-60th Artillery on a hilltop position in October 1967. The Duster had a clear view of the surrounding area.  A Duster of Battery B, 4-60th Artillery escorting a convoy in the An Khe Pass (also known as the Mang Yang Pass) in 1969. The steep and winding pass (today QL19) was an essential convoy route from the coastal port of Quy Nhon to the US bases at An Khe and Pleiku which also provided the enemy with ideal ambush locations.  Front view of a Duster of A Battery, 4-60th Artillery at LZ Betty in 1969. LZ Betty was established at the French-era Phan Thiết airfield approximately 5 km (3.1 miles) southwest of Phan Thiết on the South Vietnam coast and 2 km (1.2 miles) east of Highway 1. Note the crewman helmet on the Duster's right gun barrel.  This is the left side view of the same Duster in the above photo. Compare the building behind the Duster in both photos.  A Duster of the 4-60th Artillery at FSB Brenda in 1971. FSB Brenda was located just off the edge of LZ Betty. The marking on the front hull hatch is the exposed bare feet of a couple in bed which is most likely a "Make Love, Not War" reference. In the background is a Dodge M37 3/4 ton truck.  A Duster platoon of the 4-60th Artillery lined up and firing. Imagine the damage four of them can do firing all guns simultaneously at a single target.  This is my close up of the above photo. The second Duster from the right has a lawn chair on the engine deck.  Film: The Duster Units in Vietnam 1-44, 5-2, and 4-60 Hue February 1968A Duster on the grounds of the University of Hue where many refugees have taken refuge from the fighting on 9 February 1968. Above the 40mm gun barrels is "DATE (with) DEATH".  A Duster of D Battery, 1-44th Artillery, in Hue with wounded US soldiers lying on the engine deck. On the left is an uninjured ARVN soldier.  An overhead view of a Duster firing in February 1968, probably in Hue. Note the left 40mm gun has fired and has recoiled.  Film: US Soldiers of 199th Light Infantry Brigade eat combat ration and drink lemonade in Saigon. An armored cavalry column is halted due to the leading Duster being stuck in the mud.  A Duster named "George of the Jungle" (a US cartoon television series aired in 1967 and a two issue comic book published in 1969). On the front hull hatch is the Grim Reaper with two fireballs coming out of his sleeves. The text says "You're in the hands of 'Duster Death'!".  A Duster at FSB Anzio. FSB Anzio supported the US 101st Airborne Division and was occupied by the US 1st Battalion, 83rd Artillery - A Battery (1968), B Battery (1968-70). An ARVN 105mm howitzer battery also occupied Anzio during October-December 1970. The Duster's unit is unknown as there are no bumper codes on the front lower hull.  Map of the I Corps Tactical Zone (ICTZ) near the DMZ during the Vietnam War.  A Duster flying an American Civil War (1861-65) Confederate Army battle flag in Quang Tri, April 1967.  A US Marines LVTP-5 APC and a US Army Duster both hit by enemy mortars at Firebase Gio Linh on 8 May 1967.  Fire Base C-3Map of main supply route between Con Thien and Cam Lo. Fire base C-3 was positioned along Route 561, north of Highway 9.  Dusters of B Battery, 1-44th Artillery, were attached to the US 3rd Marine Division’s Task Force Robbie, established in February 1968 by the division commander Major General Rathvon M. Tompkins as an armored infantry “reaction force” which he could send to bolster other units that needed support in a battle.   On April 29th while Task Force Robbie was returning from a night mission with a Duster outside the C-3 perimeter heading south, enemy troop movement were reported. A C-123 cargo plane dropping flares had spotted an NVA force was moving rapidly down from the north toward Task Force Robbie. The Duster commander guessed the NVA would avoid the open ground to their rear and attack through a nearby thicket of elephant grass. Not seeing any enemy movement among the grass, the commander decided the best defense was “recon by fire,” and he ordered the entire area of suspected enemy presence to be sprayed with 40mm fire. The Duster crew began raking the gunfire back and forth along the thicket front. Bright explosions lit up the night and the wall of flying shell fragments ripped up the edge of the brush. If any NVA troops attempted to infiltrate through the elephant grass, they never made it. Mai LocThe Mai Loc Special Forces Camp was located in I Corps, approximately 8 km (4.97 miles) southwest of Cam Lo Combat Base and 25 km (15.5 miles) west of Quảng Trị. It was established in early 1968 for the 5th Special Forces Group (Green Berets). During October – November 1969, the 3rd Brigade, 101st Airborne Division supported by the 2nd Battalion, 319th Artillery was based there. Assigned to the camp were two Dusters of C Battery, 1-44th Artillery.  This Duster at Mai Loc had a star framed structure with a white wheel in the center mounted on front of the gun shield. It was some kind of a decoration probably added to the Duster sometime around the 16 February 1970 Tet Lunar New Year holiday. The driver and the center crewman in the turret are both flashing a peace sign (V-sign).  On 10 April 1970 at 0235 hours, an enemy sapper unit attacked the camp and NVA forces were able to overrun the camp for several hours. A total of 60 to 80 enemy were reported to have penetrated the outer perimeter at four locations. CIDG Troopers (Civilian Irregular Defense Group), US Special Forces advisors and US artillerymen manning Duster twin 40mm guns returned fire and held their positions on the perimeter until Troops A, B, and C of the 3rd Squadron, US 5th Cavalry (stationed at Dong Ha) supported by helicopter gunships and a RVNAF AC-47 "Spooky" gunship repelled the enemy by dawn. C Battery had one KIA and four soldiers of the 14th Engineer Battalion were also KIA. The engineers were at the camp to drill a water well for the village. Khe SanhAt Khe Sanh Combat Base, there were two Dusters of B Battery, 1-44th Artillery and two Quad-50s (four .50 caliber machine guns in an electric powered turret, mounted in the bed of a 2-1/2 ton truck). The Duster's mission at Khe Sanh was to defend the northern perimeter (Blue sector), which ran parallel to the airstrip approximately 3/4 of a mile (1.2 km) long, and was defended by one company of US Marines (C 1/26), one Marine Ontos and the Dusters/Quad-50s. The two Duster positions were well located at opposite ends of the runway with the Quad-50s placed in between but not more than 100 meters (328 feet) away from a Duster. All weapons had excellent fields of fire, commanding all avenues of approach to the northern perimeter of the base. The northeast gun positions overlooked a wide open, grassy plateau, and could easily maneuver to defend the east end of the runway which sat above the edge of a steep ravine. A Duster in a prepared defensive position on the east end of the runway at Khe Sanh on 8 April 1967.  This duster is in a northeast prepared defensive gun position.  A Duster on patrol along Route 9 after the Khe Sanh siege had ended in 1968.  The last group of Khe Sanh based US Marines on board a Duster during Operation Charlie (the evacuation of the Khe Sanh Combat Base) on 4 July 1968. Note the fake human skull attached to the front of the gun shield.  The three Duster equipped ADA battalions (1-44th, 4-60th and 5-2nd) were deactivated and left Vietnam in late December 1971. Most if not all of the Dusters in Vietnam were turned over to the ARVN forces. Most of the training Dusters at Fort Bliss were returned to various National Guard units. The US Army maintained multiple National Guard M42 battalions as a corps-level ADA asset if needed again. The 2nd Battalion, 263rd Air Defense Artillery Regiment, headquartered in Anderson, South Carolina was the last unit to operate the M42 when it was retired in 1988. Camp Carroll, located 8 km (4.97 miles) southwest of Cam Lộ, diminished in significance after the 1968 Tet Offensive. The US 3rd Marine Division began relying more on highly mobile patrols rather than remaining in fixed positions as sitting targets. Camp Carroll was inactivated on 28 December 1968 and it became an Army of the Republic of Vietnam (ARVN) base. The ARVN received 22 artillery pieces, including a six-gun battery of M107 175mm SPGs and a number of quad-50's and Dusters. On 2 April 1972 during the North Vietnamese Easter Offensive, the 56th Regiment, ARVN 3rd Division surrendered Camp Carroll to the North Vietnamese forces. A North Vietnamese soldier is on the engine deck of a knocked out ARVN M42 Duster. Note the sandbag bunker in the background.  This is a photo of North Vietnamese soldiers posing with the same captured ARVN Duster. Note the long barrel of the M107 175mm SPG in the background.  ARVN troops fire their Duster's guns at North Vietnamese positions along Route 1 on 22 July 1972. Note the camouflage pattern on the side of the Duster.  TodayA M19A1 on display at the MM Park, Military Vehicle Museum, La Wantzenau, Strasbourg, France. On the right side fender between the battery box and the turret is the auxiliary engine.  A M19 on display at the National Museum of Military Vehicles Korean War exhibit, 6419 US Highway 26, Dubois, Wyoming, USA.  Video: Twin 40mm GMC M19 A M42A1 Duster at the Virginia War Museum, 9285 Warwick Boulevard, Newport News, Virginia, USA.  A very rusty M42 Duster on display in the outdoor exhibition area of the Vietnam Museum of History in Hue city. Note the two empty bottles on the ground next to the tracks dropped by tourists.  In 1985, Jordanian King, King Abdullah II, requested that ships, aircraft and military equipment be sunk to form artificial reefs. One of the best known of these military surplus reefs is just off the Jordanian coast, in the Gulf of Aqaba in the Red Sea, near the town of Aqaba. In 1998, the first "tank", a US built M42 Duster was sunk on the reef. The engine and fuel tank were removed before it was sunk. It is located only 20 meters (65.62 feet) from shore, at a depth of 6 meters (19.7 feet), making it an accessible wreck for snorkelers as well as divers. The Duster sit peacefully on the Aqaba artificial reef. Since 1998, other Jordanian tanks were sunk on the reef.  The Duster was likely to have been used by the Royal Jordan Army against Israel during the Six Day War (5 June to 19 June 1967) and/or the battle of Karameh on 21 March 1968. Video : M42 Duster anti-aircraft vehicle - Aqaba, Jordan - December 2019 Video: US ARMY M42 DUSTER 40MM ANTI-AIRCRAFT GUN | Fort Indiantown Gap, Pennsylvania Video: Twin 40mm self-propelled gun M42 Duster Model Kits1/35: 1/72: |
Samstag, 1. November 2025
US M19 and M42 Anti-Aircraft Tanks in Combat
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