The Vietnam War was a fierce conflict, requiring strong logistical support. The Vietnam War trucks played a vital role, transporting troops, weapons, food, and goods across the battlefield. This article highlights some of the most prominent truck models of this historical period.
Willys M38A1 truck in the Vietnam War
Jeep Willys MD: The Versatile Vehicle
Mentioning Vietnam War trucks, it’s impossible not to mention the Jeep Willys MD, the predecessor to the Willys M38A1 truck. This was a 1/4-ton, four-wheel drive 4×4 utility vehicle, manufactured by Willys from 1952 to 1971. The U.S. Army widely used the Willys MD from 1952 to 1957. Subsequently, the U.S. Marine Corps and many foreign governments continued to use this vehicle. With its ability to move flexibly on all terrains, the Willys MD proved its durability and effectiveness in transporting goods and troops. The Navy version had some minor differences compared to the versions used by other units. A total of more than 100,000 Willys MDs were produced.
Jeep Ford M151: The Legendary “Short Jeep”
One of the most familiar Vietnam War trucks is the Jeep Ford M151, also known as the “Vietnam Jeep” or “Short Jeep”. The M151 was developed to replace the earlier Jeep M38 and M38A1 models. Ford was responsible for the initial design, and then Kaiser and AM General participated in the manufacturing process.
Jeep Ford M151 – "Short Jeep" in the Vietnam War
The M151 served in the military for quite a long time, only “retiring” in the early 1990s. By the time production ceased in 1982, more than 100,000 M151s had been produced.
Kaiser M715: A Warhorse On Any Terrain
The Kaiser Jeep M715 is a military vehicle based on the civilian Jeep Gladiator model. The U.S. government purchased these Vietnam War trucks to replace the M37. From 1967 to 1969, more than 33,000 M715s were produced at the Toledo, Ohio plant. However, from 1976, the United States Army replaced the M715 with the Dodge M880 series. Notably, KIA is currently producing the M715 under the name KM450 for the South Korean Army under license from the U.S. government.
Kaiser M715 ambulance version in the Vietnam War
Dodge M37 and M520 Goer: Giants on the Battlefield
Vietnam War trucks also included “giants” such as the Dodge M37 and M520 Goer. The Dodge M37 was a 3/4-ton 4×4 G741 truck by Dodge, developed from the Dodge WC of World War II. Launched in 1951, the M37 was widely used in the Korean War. Meanwhile, the M520 “Goer” was a heavy-duty truck used for tactical transport purposes. It was later replaced by the Oshkosh HEMTT.
Heavy-duty M520 Goer truck
Thus, the Vietnam War trucks contributed significantly to the outcome of the war. They are symbols of durability, strength, and adaptability on all harsh terrains.
