M50 Ontos: The Marine Corps' Six-Gun Monster

The M50 Ontos was one of the most unusual armored vehicles ever built. Designed during the Cold War to destroy Soviet tanks, it carried six 106 mm recoilless rifles on a lightweight chassis. But the Ontos found its true role during the Vietnam War, where the U.S. Marine Corps used it as a powerful infantry support vehicle against bunkers, buildings, and fortified positions—including during the Battle of Huế in 1968. In this documentary, we explore the Ontos’ design, weapons, combat history, strengths and weaknesses, and the legacy of this unique six-gun tank destroyer. If you enjoy military history, Cold War technology, and armored warfare, this video is for you.