Project Ontos

Project Ontos

The Restoration and Preservation of the

M50A1 'ONTOS'

(USMC# 226684)

The M50A1 Ontos was a tank-destroyer, armed with Six - 106mm Recoilless Rifles, developed in the 1950's by the United States Army, and was in active service in the United States Marine Corps from 1957 - 1970. Most notably, the Ontos was used by the USMC during its involvement in South Vietnam from 1965-1969.

The M50A1 'Ontos' in the Patton Museum collection was donated to the Museum in 1970-71, by the United States Marine Corps. Upon its arrival it was supposedly running, but in the time it has been at Ft Knox, it has never been run. The vehicle was placed on static display for many years on a concrete pad in front of the Museum, exposed to the elements.

In the early 90's it was removed from its long-time location, and placed in a storage building.

In mid-2002, the Initial interest in the Ontos and its restoration, was formulated by a Patton Museum volunteer, Don Moriarty. This met with mixed reactions within the organization. Due to funding issues, and priority of other ongoing projects, a possible Ontos restoration would have to wait.

In 2003, the Ontos was included in a list of vehicles to be exhibited in the July 4th, 'Armor in Asia' living history program. It was removed from storage, cleaned up, and placed on exhibit during the event.

In 2004, it was again used in the 'Armor in Asia' program as a static display.

(Left) The Patton Museums Ontos on static display. This photo was taken in the 70's, not too long after the Ontos was delivered to Ft. Knox from the USMC.

(Below) The image is of the same vehicle taken in the 80's. The affects of being exposed to the elements are becoming evident with fading paint, and the corrosion of the muffler on the fender.

(Left) :Steve Slaughter, Vietnam era, Ontos Crewman, poses by the Ontos in the "KSPAN" Storage building in 2003.

(Below) The M50A1 Ontos on display for 'Armor in Asia' show on 4th of July 2003.

In 2004, dedicated funding was secured for the Ontos Project. Plans were made, resources were gathered, and a date was set.

Immediately following the 2004 'Armor in Asia' event, the Ontos Project would officially begin.

On 14 July 2004, following the 'Armor in Asia' exhibit, the Ontos was moved to a maintenance bay and the long-planned restoration began, in earnest.

(Click on the links to follow the progress.)