Before entering into war, the only US Army fieldgun was the quite unsatisfactory 3 inches M1902 fieldgun, plus a brand new 3 inches M1916 fieldgun that never succeeded to go over the design table and stayed a promising prototype. It was therefore decided to ask to the French allies to equip the US troops with the famous 75mm Mle 1897. But the first tests of manufacturing of that gun in USA were not good.

It looks like there are many reasons for that, from the real technical difficulties (including the adaptation of the US tools to the metric system) to the possible bad will of the French to give all the secrets drawings of the miracle gun to the American plants (Bethlehem Steel Corporation).

Meanwhile, the US attempted to take the opportunity of the experience they gathered by manufacturing the 18-pounder field gun as a contractor for the British Army (more tha 851 guns manufactured), and adapt that design to a 75 mm calibre. This 75mm fieldgun M1917 was produced to 909 pieces, but could not be delivered on time to take a part in the fightings.

Main characteristics :

• Weight in firing position : 1300 kg
• Calibre : 75 mm
• Tube length : 30 calibres
• Projectile weight : 6.8 kg
• Initial velocity : 530 / 565 m/s (old / new shell)
• Maximum range : 8000 / 11000 m (old / new shell)
• Elevation range : -5 / +16 degrees
• Direction range : 8 degrees