Preparing a Place for History

Work has begun to prepare a place on Forest Hill Station to display the M56 “Scorpion,” formerly displayed at Garrard Park for 40+ years.   The M56 was moved to Ashland, Kentucky in April, 2011 for refurbishment and eventual display at the U.S. Army Cadet Corps’ National Cadet Training Center (NCTC) in Millersburg. 

Above, LTC Gorman, Garrison Commander, Forest Hill Station, and WO1 Biggers, Public Affairs Assistant and Project Officer for the M56, oversee the first steps in the building of a slab and display for the M56. 

The City of Paris voted last year to transfer custody of the Scorpion – often mistakenly referred to as a “tank,” but actually an Airborne Self-Propelled Anti-tank Gun (SPAT) – to the U.S. Army Cadet Corps (USAC), due to its condition and maintenance concerns.  The M56 has been the site of graffiti in recent months. 

Wayne Supply Company’s branch in Ashland, Ky., agreed to move the 16,000 lb vehicle, and is refurbishing it to its original appearance, in time for a dedication ceremony, tentatively planned at the NCTC on July 21^st in conjunction with our largest graduation ceremony of the year.  The Wayne Supply Company donated its services in honor of the men and women of Kentucky who have served in the United States Armed Forces.

The Department of Defense produced the M56 in the 1950s to provide paratroopers of the 101^st Airborne and 82^nd Airborne with an weapon that could be airdropped by eight parachutes, or into a warzone.  The M56 had a crew of four Soldiers (a driver, commander, loader and gunner) and traveled up to 28 mph, with a range of up to 125 miles.  The M56, which was also used by the armies of Morocco and Spain, was removed from the American inventory in the 1960s.   Approximately 30 remain today, most on public display.

 “We’re very proud to preserve and protect this importance piece of American history,” said Brigadier General Charles R. Tornow, the Corps’ Commanding General.  “We are honored to display the M56 on the National Cadet Training Center as a tribute to the men and women of the Commonwealth of Kentucky – and especially those of Bourbon and Nicholas Counties – who have served in our nation’s uniform.”