WWII Armor-Piercing Rounds Uncovered During Tacoma Yard Renovation

Tacoma, Washington A routine home renovation took an unexpected when workers unearthed two WWII-era military rounds buried in a residential yard.

The Tacoma Police Department's EOD Unit responded to the home on North Hawthorne Street to assess the items. Technicians identified the munitions as two M77 90mm armor-piercing rounds, a projectile historically fired from tanks and anti-tank cannons. Both 23-pound items were solid steel, armor-penetrating rounds, and hence have no explosive hazard.

The munitions were safely transferred to the custody of an Army EOD squad. Following the response, authorities reminded the public that military ordnance can be found anywhere and in varying conditions. Even though this find proved to be inert, anyone who encounters a suspected munition should immediately retreat from the area and call 911 without touching or moving the item.