Atom Cannon In Germany -- The U.S. Army's 280mm atomic cannon points skyward at Mainz, Germany, Friday during the first public showing of the big weapons in Germany. The non-firing demonstration evoked accusations from East German communists that the Americans were placing the lives of Germans in "utmost danger." Six of the atomic guns, with a specially trained 900-man field artillery battalion, arrived earlier this month. October 25, 1953. (Photo by AP Wirephoto).