During World War II, military truck drivers played a vital role in keeping the United States Army supplied and moving. Thousands of soldiers were trained to operate military vehicles, transporting troops, ammunition, food, fuel, medical supplies, and equipment wherever they were needed. Without dependable truck drivers, armies could not maintain their operations in the field.

Army drivers operated a variety of vehicles, including the ¼-ton Jeep, ¾-ton weapons carriers, 1½-ton cargo trucks, and the famous 2½-ton GMC cargo truck, commonly known as the Deuce and a Half. Drivers were expected to operate their vehicles on highways, dirt roads, muddy trails, steep hills, and rough cross-country terrain.

Training taught soldiers how to operate manual transmissions, change tires, perform basic engine maintenance, recover stuck vehicles, and drive in blackout conditions. They also learned convoy procedures, vehicle spacing, signaling, and how to navigate unfamiliar roads.

Military truck drivers often worked long hours under difficult conditions, sometimes driving through darkness, rain, mud, and dangerous combat areas. Their responsibility was to ensure that supplies reached the front lines and that troops had the equipment necessary to continue fighting.

Although they were not always on the front lines with infantrymen, Army truck drivers were an essential part of the war effort. They kept the military supplied, connected, and moving. Without them, the Army could not have carried out its mission.

770th ORDNANCE Co.'s truck obstacle course includes
this "bridge" of two logs, across which Pvt. Luigi Quintiliano care­
fully tools his vehicle. Tests were under supervision of Lt. Robert
E. Hardin, CO of 7Oth Hq. Co., and Henry A. Peterson, chief
civilian automobile adviser to the 70th Div.