The artillery half-section is an integral part of PMC, comprised of a Model 1902 3-inch field gun pulled with a limber/caisson by a team of four horses. The 3-inch gun was the Army's preferred field artillery piece until World War I when the 75mm was adopted for munitions compatibility with the Allies. At that time, the 3-inch gun was used only for training purposes such as those existing at Texas A&M in the 20's and 30's.

The field gun, or cannon as it's most commonly referred to, was found in the late 1970's at a bonfire cut site near Easterwood Airport. Legend has it that this gun was the run away that tumbled over a ridge in the movie, "We've Never Been Licked." Through the dedication and hard work of John Gunter and financing from the Association of Former Students, a limber/caisson was found on a ranch near Georgetown, Texas, wheels made in Oklahoma City, and original McClelland tack was obtained.

In September of 1982, "The Spirit of '02" was first fired on the Corps of Cadets Quadrangle. Today, a plaque stand on the Quad to commemorate this event. In 1984, the cannon became a part of Aggie football tradition by firing a shot every time the team scored.

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