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Morning,

Found this and noticed it was not on the 2011 Reg, hopefully it is a new find or at least a new find of a "moved" AFV.

I wasn't sure where the S/N was for the M109 but on the back of the turret it has "659" stamped into it.

"THOR"

Location: Smithton, IL
Veterans Park
GEO: 38° 24.179'N 89° 59.558'W

*if it is not a new find just lie to me*

Vr

Q

Hi Quentin

Its officially a new find, it wasn't in the new register so I put it in it.
As for the serial, M109's have it stamped in on the front left corner just above the headlight guard, but it's often also stamped in the bigger parts like the turret, back door and turret doors.

Michel

Anyway interesting paintjob.
I believe its a M109A2.

Michel

Awesome! I will put that down as a win!

I will check the front of the vehicle next time I'm down that way to confirm it is the same stamp as on the turret.

Question, will there be a textual appendix to the new register with that information on it? Example, M42 - S/N is traditionally located on the rear right XXX. As I have a copy of the guide I like to carry with me on road trips it would be helpful.

Second, I agree with that distinctive of a paint job I figured it might be easily recognized by a member of the forums. I wasn't sure if it was a "moved" AFV or a new one. Interesting since M109's are not associated with Illinois NG. There is a plaque on the tank that says

"This M109 Howitzer is on Loan to the Village of Smithton by the Federal Government with the Assistance of Congressman Jerry F. Costello"

It is spray painted.

Well thank you again for the confirmation, it is all part of what makes this hobby exciting!

Q

Also,

Checking on a rumor from a "local" I work with that says there is a "M42" in Galva, IL at the National Guard Armory. I believe this maybe a new find. I "see" it on Google Earth, but hopefully I will get up to Galva on a trip to Chicago before the register is re-published.

Q

I found a news story on this in 2012 or 2013. It was moved from a nearby town to Smithton. I believe it is the one in the register from Rushville, IL.

The story, with photo on the opening day of the park, was reported in the Belleville newspaper, but unfortunately, is a 'page not found' when searched.

I had a link to the story, but lost in a computer crash.

There may also be an M52 in Rushville, not on the register:http://graveyards.com/IL/Schuyler/rushville/tank.html

The Rushville M52 is in the new register, I did some research on the M109 there but couldn't find it so its possible that it moved to Smithton.
The Galva Duster is also in the new register, but the picture I have is from Google Earth (a better one is Always very welcome)

Michel

I have to correct my previous post. I was in contact with the newspaper that I saw the story in, and they provided me a copy.

I have apparently mis-remembered the facts.

The M109 was not obtained from another town, but was provided by the US Army.

Sorry for getting it wrong.

Joe