The M101 is a 105mm towed howitzer of US origin. Under the original designation M2 it was widely used during World War 2. After the war it was supplemented by the M102, until it was fully replaced.

The M101 uses a two wheel split trail carriage. The 22-caliber 105mm gun uses a hydropneumatic recoil mechanism and has no muzzle brake. A metal shield protects the crew of 8 against small arms fire and shell splinters over the frontal arc.

The M101 fires its own range of 105mm ammunition. The maximum range is 11.5 km with standard ammunition and 15.1 km with rocket assisted ammunition. The maximum rate of fire is 10 rounds per minute, which is reduced to 3 rpm during sustained fire.

A 2.5 t 6x6 truck is used to tow the gun and to carry the crew and ammunition. The lighter M102 was developed for increased mobility.

The main user of the M101 was the United States. Over time many M101 became surplus to requirements they were exported to many nations with close ties to the USA. Most NATO nations used the M101, but nowadays most have been replaced. It remains in active use in South America, Africa and Asia.