It does sound like artillery, but it could also be an anti-tank gun. While explosions in modern artillery (basically since the advent of breech loading weapons) are rare, they do happen. For example, "separate loading ammunition" (normally 155mm and bigger) consists of a projectile that is rammed into the breech (the lands bite into a copper band to prevent it from sliding back) and bags of propellant are placed behind it prior to the breech being closed. Following the firing of the round, a sponge on pole (the swab) is used to wet the inside of the breech to ensure that the embers are extinguished be throwing more bags of propellant inside (just like in the muzzle loading days of yore). If this is not done, there could be catastrophic events. There is also the possibility of overloading the breech or even the explosion of the round upon firing. This could be caused by a breech obstruction or faulty ammo which I would think may be more prevalent in days when ammo was hurriedly manufactured and shipped like in WWII. If you will recall, 7 Marines were killed when a mortar was fired after being double loaded.

Here are some arty loading pictures:

The Projectile ram -

The propellant (this one isn't made up of bags, but one solid container)

About to swab a M777 155mm gun:

AWESOME action photos!

Ah, here's a couple from a recent Mackinaw Island visit with Lee and Colin.

Thanks CaptO, very exhaustive! I hope to find more information about him. I found out that his brother, Sergeant, is buried at Ft. Bragg cemetery.... Now this is still my main question .... only paratroopers were trained at Ft. Bragg or even artillery?

Jean Jacobsen, I think every life is important and to be respected. I think that we exist only if we remain in the memories of someone .... Because sooner or later everyone will leave this earth, and only memories will demonstrate that we are indeed existed, for those who will stay here more of us....

Fort Bragg also trained engineers.

Capt O - Great Photos! Thank You!

And Enrico, what you wrote about a person's life - is beautiful!

Jean

Well Enrico, it appears the answer is field artillery but his headstone doesn't specify which unit. You titled your thread "Elmer James Faison 34457613", the reversal of the first and middle names threw me off at first but I figured it out. He is buried in Section #2, Lot #2450 at the Wilmington National Cemetery in New Hanover County, North Carolina. Here is a link to his Find-A-Grave memorial page (http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GSln=faison&GSfn=james&GSiman=1&GScid=109445&GRid=31312847&). Hope this helps you.

Randy