War trucks played a crucial role in transporting troops, weapons, and supplies during wartime. The image of these trucks traversing battlefields has become familiar through films and historical records. This article will highlight some notable truck models used in the Vietnam War.
Jeep Willys MD: The Legendary Multipurpose Vehicle
The Jeep Willys MD, a predecessor to the Willys M38A1 truck, was a versatile 1/4-ton, four-wheel drive (4×4) vehicle produced by Willys from 1952 to 1971. The U.S. Army widely used this vehicle from 1952 to 1957. Subsequently, the U.S. Marine Corps and several foreign governments continued to procure and use it until production ceased in 1971. The Marine Corps version had minor differences compared to versions used by other units. A total of 101,488 Willys MDs were manufactured, with 80,290 used domestically and 21,198 exported. The M38A1/MD was the first Willys Jeep to utilize the design of the 1955 CJ-5 and CJ-8. Willys MD military jeep parked in a field.
Jeep Ford M151: “Short Jeep” Famous on the Battlefield
The Ford M151, also known as the “Vietnam Jeep” or “short jeep,” is one of the most common war truck models. The M151 was developed to replace the earlier Jeep M38 and M38A1 models. Ford was initially responsible for the design, but Kaiser and AM General later participated in the manufacturing process. The M151 served in the military for a considerable period, only “retiring” in the early 1990s. By the time production stopped in 1982, over 100,000 M151s had been produced. Ford M151 jeep driving through rough terrain.
Kaiser M715: From Battlefield to Civilian Life
The Kaiser Jeep M715 is a military vehicle based on the civilian Jeep Gladiator model. The U.S. government purchased these trucks to replace the M37. From 1967 to 1969, more than 33,000 M715s were manufactured at the Toledo, Ohio plant. However, from 1976, the U.S. Army replaced the M715 with the Dodge M880 series. Currently, KIA is still producing the M715 type vehicle named KM450 for the South Korean Army under license from the U.S. government. In 2010, Mopar developed the Jeep NuKizer 715 concept model to honor the original M715. Kaiser M715 military truck in a forest setting.
Dodge M37: Warhorse on the Korean Front
The Dodge M37 3/4-ton is a 4×4 G741 truck from Dodge, developed from the Dodge WC used in World War II. Introduced in 1951, the M37 was widely used by the U.S. armed forces in the Korean War. Dodge M37 truck used in the Korean War era.
M520 Goer: The Giant on the Battlefield
The M520 “Goer” truck, also known as the “truck, cargo, 8-ton, 4×4”, is a U.S. military truck used for heavy tactical transport. It was later replaced by the Oshkosh HEMTT. M520 Goer heavy military transport truck.
These war trucks made significant contributions to world military history. They were not only means of transportation but also symbols of strength and resilience on the battlefield.
