thedrifter
05-21-09, 08:14 AM
CVTC students keep WWII cannon rolling: “Pistol Pete” is housed at the Marine Corps Armory.
by Nick Godfrey
Repairing a World War II cannon is more than just a class project for some Coosa Valley Technical College students.
“We’ve done many jobs in the community but nothing like this with this kind of history or past,” said CVTC student Branden Dalbery of Ontario.
During World War II, the American military captured “Pistol Pete,” a Japanese cannon. After a couple of location changes, the cannon was given a home at the Marine Corps Armory on Shorter Avenue.
The cannon was given the name “Pistol Pete” by those who captured it because of its long barrel.
Johnny Davis, a Marine Corps veteran from Rome, explained that the wheels of the cannon are made of wood, and through the years, the wood has started to rot.
“Keeping the cannon preserved is not too much of a problem … the wheels are the problem. Thank goodness Coosa Valley Technical College was willing to take this on as a project,” Davis said.
Students replaced the rotted wood with new pieces around the wheels of the cannon.
CVTC student, Robert Graham of Rockmart explained that working with the cannon was like working with “art.”
“It’s art, and I love art. You can look at it at the end of the day and be proud of it,” said Graham.
William Wright, who served with the Marines and is now a CVTC student, said fixing the cannon was a great opportunity to preserve history.
“This is more than just doing a project to me, … it’s about keeping the Marine Corps’ history alive,” said Wright.
Ellie
by Nick Godfrey
Repairing a World War II cannon is more than just a class project for some Coosa Valley Technical College students.
“We’ve done many jobs in the community but nothing like this with this kind of history or past,” said CVTC student Branden Dalbery of Ontario.
During World War II, the American military captured “Pistol Pete,” a Japanese cannon. After a couple of location changes, the cannon was given a home at the Marine Corps Armory on Shorter Avenue.
The cannon was given the name “Pistol Pete” by those who captured it because of its long barrel.
Johnny Davis, a Marine Corps veteran from Rome, explained that the wheels of the cannon are made of wood, and through the years, the wood has started to rot.
“Keeping the cannon preserved is not too much of a problem … the wheels are the problem. Thank goodness Coosa Valley Technical College was willing to take this on as a project,” Davis said.
Students replaced the rotted wood with new pieces around the wheels of the cannon.
CVTC student, Robert Graham of Rockmart explained that working with the cannon was like working with “art.”
“It’s art, and I love art. You can look at it at the end of the day and be proud of it,” said Graham.
William Wright, who served with the Marines and is now a CVTC student, said fixing the cannon was a great opportunity to preserve history.
“This is more than just doing a project to me, … it’s about keeping the Marine Corps’ history alive,” said Wright.
Ellie