American Airpower Museum acquires rare howitzer

The American Airpower Museum at Republic Airport in Farmingdale, N.Y., has acquired a rare howitzer artillery piece, a critical component of the nation's land war arsenal in World War II, Korea and Vietnam
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Surrounded by Vietnam veterans, Congressman Steve Israel dedicates the musuem's new Long Tom artillery piece that was part of the Kronlund armor collection - will now be seen by thousands. (American Airpower Museum photo)

Surrounded by Vietnam veterans, Congressman Steve Israel dedicates the musuem's new Long Tom artillery piece that was part of the Kronlund armor collection - will now be seen by thousands. (American Airpower Museum photo)

The American Airpower Museum at Republic Airport in Farmingdale, N.Y., has acquired a rare howitzer artillery piece, a critical component of the nation's land war arsenal in World War II, Korea and Vietnam, officials said.

The Long Tom gun -- the 155 mm artillery piece first used in WW II -- was dedicated Aug. 7 at the museum in a ceremony honoring Vietnam veterans, on the eve of the anniversary of the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution, which authorized more force in Vietnam.

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According to museum officials, the purchase was made possible in part through funds from Public Works Alliance Local 138 and Operating Engineers Local 30. It was purchased along with a towing tractor used to move it from the estate of Kevin Kronlund, a Spooner, Wis., collector.

To learn more about it and the American Airpower Museum, visit http://www.americanairpowermuseum.com.