The howitzer on this vehicle is at maximum elevation, and the hinge in the howitzer shield that allowed it to fold when not in use can be seen. The shield pictured is an early version; later vehicles were equipped with a shorter shield that extended more to the rear. This vehicle is still fitted with the large, fender-mounted headlights. (Picture from TM 9-2800 Standard Military Motor Vehicles.)
This rear view allows us to see the machine gun pedestal at the rear of the vehicle. (Picture from TM 9-710 Basic Half-Track Vehicles (White, Autocar, and Diamond T).)
A revised howitzer shield is mounted on this vehicle. (Picture from FM 30-40 Military Intelligence Identification of United States Armored Vehicles.)
The redesigned shield featured a horizontal plate overtop of the howitzer. The .50cal machine gun is mounted on this machine. (Picture from FM 30-40 Military Intelligence Identification of United States Armored Vehicles.)
Details of the howitzer mount are sketched in this lubrication chart. The lubricants include heavy recoil oil (RH), crankcase engine oil (OE), and O.G. grease (OG). The "M" interval is monthly, and the "D" interval is undefined in the key. (Picture from FM 17-64 Service of the Piece, 75-mm Howitzer T-30, Self-Propelled.)
The mounted posts of the assault gun section are shown here. The T30, referred to as the assault gun, is shown towing an ammunition trailer, and a half-track personnel carrier M3 accompanies as an ammunition carrier. On the T30, the crew were the driver (D), chief of section (CS), gunner (G), and two cannoneers (1 and 2). The ammunition carrier was manned by a driver (D), ammunition agent (AA), and two more cannoneers (3 and 4). (Picture from FM 17-64 Service of the Piece, 75-mm Howitzer T-30, Self-Propelled.)
The action posts of the crew are shown here. The two cannoneers from the ammunition carrier would often remain with that vehicle, which could be used for perimeter defense or placed under cover to the rear. (Picture from FM 17-64 Service of the Piece, 75-mm Howitzer T-30, Self-Propelled.)
