The Big Guns of Camp St Barbara Korea

Below are the 2 M65 280MM Atomic Cannons that were at Camp St Barbara from 1958, and till 1963. In later years, these were turned over to the Korean Army. Rumor has it, that as these became extremely hard to move on the Korean roads, that at least one of these were disassembled, moved into a mountain location over looking the DMZ then reassembled. No other details are known.

History of the M65 Cannon





Notice the I Corp logo on the side of it.



This is just to show how it was set up to be moved. It required a special truck in the front
and rear, and so that they could keep in contact, had a radio and intercom connecting them.




This is one of the actual units that was used at Cp St Barbara
On the bumper, I Corp, 3/38th Artillery, B Battery
You can actually see the back pusher truck of the 2nd M65 on the right.




Notice the famous rock formation in the back ground.
Note the Guard Tower in the background.




Actual firing of the M65 Atomic Cannon from Cp St Barbara. Would of been
a fantastic shot, if it would of been captured as the round exited the tube.




Almost looks like a Navy Ship Gun.




This shows both M65's. One is in high angle firing position, and the other has its
tube in the horizontal travel position, with both front and rear trucks attached.





The 2 M65 Atomic Cannons can be seen in the back ground, representing
a "Salute" to the visiting President Eisenhower during his visit in June 1960.




Above and Below are a couple of the Honest John Rockets
that were also at Camp St Barbara in the early years.




These next 2 are typical of the howitzers at Cp St Barbara
in the 1950s, up to the mid 1960s. These were 8 Inch and
155mm Howitzers that were towed, rather than self propelled.







The next 3 are the M107, 175mm long range guns that
belonged to the 6/12, I Corp Artillery at Cp St Barbara





One of the 6/12 M107s crossing the Hantan River in Korea.




Above, D Company 4th Maint Bn, replacing a 175mm gun tube




Below are M110 8 Inch Self Propelled Howitzer.




This is me, Bruce Richards, standing in front of one of the 2/76 M110 8 inch howitzers. I arrived in Korea as a SP5, and was a SP6 when I departed. I do not remember being a Buck Sgt. My only guess, is I was made a Acting Sgt when I was sent to our Detachment, but when I made SP6, I just stayed with that. Just a guess, as those years are a tad bit foggy. Too much off time spent in the Club maybe? LOL




This is a upgraded M110 with the Muzzel Brake. Ones after this got the longer tube.



Below is a Korean K9 Thunder Self Propelled 155mm Howitzer.
There are several of these, and other types of artillery at the
camp now. It was handed over to the Korean Army in 1971.






The 2nd vehicle in the photo is actually the ammo hauler/loader. It simply
drives up behind the 155, extends its loading snout, transfers the rounds
and power bags, then heads back for another load. Very fast and efficient.






The Honest John Rocket and the Atomic Cannon introduced in Korea in 1958.


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