That said, when the going got weird in combat, the weird wanted an Ontos firing support.
Only the Marines…
Soldiers didnt think much of the vehicle offered by Allis Chalmers.
This M50 Ontos and accompanies Marines during Operation Franklin in June 1966. The photo was taken in the Quang Ngai Province, Vietnam. Image: U.S.M.C.
No thanks, the Army said to Allis-Chalmers who built the prototype.
Well pass…but those gung-ho Marines might be interested.
The Marines were interested.
To reload the six recoilless rifles on the M50, a crew member had to exit the vehicle — often under fire. Image: NARA
The first vehicles went on to the Marine T/O in anti-tank battalions.
Much lighter and nimbler than M48A3 tanks, the Ontos kept pace.
And surviving Ontos crews touted the Ontos flexibility in that role.
In April 1966, U.S. Marines patrol Highway 1 in Vietnam during Operation Iowa. Image: U.S.M.C.
Turning Back the Offensive?
An anecdotal story from one company of 1st Battalion, 5th Marines during the northside fight illustrates the point.
They were stuck and getting murdered until an Ontos rolled up on scene.
An M50 Ontos moves into a firing position at Con Thien, near the DMZ in Vietnam. Image: Sgt.J.S. Ryan/U.S.M.C.
The Ontos never even had to fire its 106s.
What vehicles were still operational in-country were foisted off on the ARVN in 1969.
In early 1968, these Marines with their M50 Ontos hold an observation post near Con Thien, Vietnam. Image: StaffSgt. Carey/U.S.M.C.
A M50 Ontos moves onto Chu Lai beach to search for a defensive position shortly after disembarking from the USS Thomaston. Image:June 1965/NARA
On February 21, 1968, U.S. Marines in this M50 Ontos fire their 106mm recoilless rifles during the Battle of Hue. Image:Cpl. Smedley/U.S.M.C.
Marines advance against an NVA position in a M50 Ontos during the Battle of Hue. Image: U.S.M.C.
A Marine Ontos crew member enjoys a break in the fighting during the Battle of Hue. Image: Lance Cpl.D. M. Messenger/U.S.M.C.
