The U.S. military had requested a light close-support vehicle so a standard M5 with the
turret removed was tested. A new open-top turret was installed, the Driver and Co-driver
were moved forward to accommodate a larger turret and with limited space in the vehicle the
chassis was modified to tow an armored ammunition trailer. The M8 was the first American
fully tracked Self Propelled Howitzer with 1,778 vehicles being produced between
September 1942 and January 1944. The M8 was gradually replaced by the M4 Sherman
with 105mm Howitzers.
M8 "USA 4051863-S" belonged to HQ, 67th Tank Battalion, 2nd Armored Division. The 2nd
AD, known as “Hell On Wheels” typically used the M8 to support reconnaissance units,
assault troops as well as combat teams. In Europe the 2nd AD fought in France, Belgium
and Holland. They took part in the Battle of the Bulge, defeated the spearheads of the
German 2nd and 9th Panzer Division and helped capture 300,000 prisons in the Ruhr
pocket. In July 1945 the 2nd AD was the first U.S. division to enter Berlin.
Specifications for the M8 Howitzer Motor Carriage
Manufacturer – General Motors, Cadillac Motor Car Division
Length of Production – September 1942 – January 1944
Number produced – 1,778
Crew – 4 x Commander, Gunner, Driver, Co-driver
Performance
Powerplant – 2 x Cadillac 5,670 cc V-8 gasoline engines each producing 110 bhp@4,000
rpm
Maximum Speed
Cross Country – 24 mph
On Road – 36 mph
Distance Without Refueling – 100 miles
Weight – 36,000 lbs
Suspension – Vertical Volute
Dimensions
Length – 14 ft 2.75 ins
Width – 7 ft 4.25 ins
Height – 7 ft 6.5 ins