M101A1

The M101A1 is a 105mm towed howitzer, a variant of the M101 (originally M2A1) widely used by the United States and its allies during World War II and subsequent conflicts. It is known for its robust design, reliability, and effectiveness as a field artillery piece.

Developed in the 1920s and 1930s to replace World War I-era French 75mm guns with a more powerful, high-angle fire weapon, the howitzer entered production in 1941 as the M2A1. It became the backbone of U.S. divisional artillery during World War II, proving highly effective in both the European and Pacific theaters, and later saw extensive action in the Korean and Vietnam Wars. Redesignated as the M101A1 in 1962 following minor carriage modifications, the weapon was praised for its ability to fire a wide variety of ammunition and its ease of transport, including early helicopter-borne operations. While retired from active U.S. combat units in favor of lighter systems, it remains in service with numerous nations globally and continues to be used by the U.S. military for ceremonial gun salutes.