Mass with Altar on Jeep 4x4

Mass with Altar on Jeep 4x4, a photo by lee.ekstrom on Flickr.

Mass held on the battlefield by a Catholic priest for American soldiers from the 80th "Blue Ridge" Division. Oftentimes a flat Jeep hood served as a chaplain's altar.

Image courtesy of Photos Normandie - Patrick Peccatte & Michel Le Querrac - scanned images from the U.S. National Archives. Part of the Creative Commons.

Jeep Transporting Wounded Soldier

Jeep Transporting Wounded Soldier, a photo by lee.ekstrom on Flickr.

Bullet holes in the windshield of this Jeep are a testament to the faithful service of the Medics of the 84th Division as they evacuate wounded soldiers in their makeshift Jeep ambulance.

The Medics are carrying two soldiers wrapped up in blankets to keep them warm in the frigid cold. The litters are strapped to a makeshift frame attached to the flat-hooded Jeep 4x4.

This Jeep caravan was part of the 1st Battalion, 334th Infantry Regiment. Image was taken on January 9th, 1945.

Thanks to Kathleen for posting this Creative Commons image from the Otis Historical Archives in the National Museum of Health and Medicine.

Medics in Jeep Ambulance

Medics in Jeep Ambulance, a photo by lee.ekstrom on Flickr.

I'm thankful for the many soldiers that put themselves in harms way for the sakes of others. For those who risk their lives for our freedom.

The versatile Jeep with its flat hood and 4WD traction served as a perfect makeshift ambulance for Medics bringing injured soldiers back from the front lines.

Medics of the 84th Division bring casualties back on their Jeep, near Samres, Belgium. They were part of the 1st Battalion 334th Infantry Regiment. Image was taken January 13, 1945.

Thanks to Kathleen for posting this Creative Commons image from the Otis Historical Archives in the National Museum of Health and Medicine.

Jeep altar at WWII mass service

Jeep altar at WWII mass service, a photo by lee.ekstrom on Flickr.

The Willys MB Jeep 4x4 was often used by chaplains in World War II as an altar. This image from the U.S. Navy Seabee Museum shows Seabees of the 111th Naval Construction Batallion giving thanks after the D-Day invasion in Normandy, France. Navy Chaplains have served around the world with Seabee battalions since their inception in 1942. Chaplains prayed and conducted regular services, using any available area including a ships deck, an apple orchard, a hand-cut hole in a Pacific-island jungle or a makeshift tent for a church. They will use a Jeep 4x4, packing case or ammunition box for an altar, or a helmet for a yarmulke, the top of a mess kit for a paten or a canteen cup for a chalice.

Date: June 1944
Creator/Photographer: 111th Naval Construction Battalion
Collection: 111th Naval Construction Battalion
Rights Info: No known restrictions on image.
Repository: U.S. Navy Seabee Museum, Collections Department, Port Hueneme, CA, Naval History and Heritage Command, www.history.navy.mil/seabeemuseum

Towed Jeep Normandy 1944

Towed Jeep Normandy 1944, a photo by lee.ekstrom on Flickr.

Jeep being towed ashore in Normandy Invasion, June 1944

A U.S. Army Jeep 4x4 (nicknamed "Dam Yankee") is towed ashore on a Normandy beach, 12 June 1944.

Note the amphibious operation breathing tube leading to the engine compartment, and the U.S. flag mounted on the windshield.

Two of the men with this vehicle appear to be African-Americans.

Wartime censors have deleted markings on the Jeep vehicle's front bumper, and an object in the right distance.

Taken by Combat Photo Unit Eight (CPU-8). Photo #: 80-G-252807

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives.