Found this wonderful shot of President Franklin D. Roosevelt seated in a Jeep with hat over his heart. General George Patton can be seen saluting the flag on the other side of the Jeep vehicle. Photo was taken in Casablanca on 01/18/1943. I touched up the dust spots from the original.
Courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library.
Showing posts with label World War II. Show all posts
Showing posts with label World War II. Show all posts
Thursday, May 2, 2013
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
General Eisenhower Jeep France
Four Stars for General Eisenhower. Enjoying a light moment in his private Jeep Willys MB in France. I retouched the dust from the General's face and cleaned up the image. Deserved a little love.
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
Jeep Willys MB Water Fording Kit
Sometimes I visit eBay to see what Jeep items folks out there are putting up for sale. This gem came up from someone in the Toledo area. It's the original artwork used for the Willys MB Water Fording Kit. Thankfully the shots were of decent quality as I was able to clean up the image and fill in the frayed edges and soiling.
An unmodified Willys MB was able to water ford about 21 inches of water before the transfer case vents and fuel pump have issues. Troops in the field were modifying their Jeep 4x4s to survive deep water in their beach landings. This included sealing the distributor and ignition system, and adding an intake snorkel and extending the exhaust system among other things. Willys-Overland engineers were tasked with coming up with a kit to distribute to the troops.
This is just one example of the many ways the Willys MB Jeep 4x4 was modified for use in the field during World War II.
An unmodified Willys MB was able to water ford about 21 inches of water before the transfer case vents and fuel pump have issues. Troops in the field were modifying their Jeep 4x4s to survive deep water in their beach landings. This included sealing the distributor and ignition system, and adding an intake snorkel and extending the exhaust system among other things. Willys-Overland engineers were tasked with coming up with a kit to distribute to the troops.
This is just one example of the many ways the Willys MB Jeep 4x4 was modified for use in the field during World War II.
Jeep Willys MB Water Fording Kit
Original art for the Willys-Overland Water Fording Kit. Currently selling on eBay for a buy now price of $1,999.
According to cj3a.com it looks like the kit is a MX-735 Waterproofing Kit: "This kit was designed for the Navy and supplied by Willys-Overland for use on Marine Corps CVD radio jeeps. The kit also fit on the G503, W.W.II jeeps. It consisted of numerous parts to be installed on the jeep to make it waterproof. Everything from a new dipstick to a new speedometer were included in the kit. The distributor was replaced with a waterproof metal clad unit. The spark plugs and wires changed to waterproof "aircraft" type. A waterproof Carter YS carburetor replaced the standard WO carburetor. Fittings and vent lines were included to allow an atmospheric vent system to be attached to the transfer case, master cylinder and fuel tank. Two valves activated by a control on the dash allowed the engine crankcase to be naturally pressurized slightly while fording. The electrical system was upgraded with waterproof generator, regulator, starter, switches, horn and wiring. This must have taken a considerable amount of time to install, but when completed, the jeep was always ready to ford, unlike the earlier WV-6 kit."
According to cj3a.com it looks like the kit is a MX-735 Waterproofing Kit: "This kit was designed for the Navy and supplied by Willys-Overland for use on Marine Corps CVD radio jeeps. The kit also fit on the G503, W.W.II jeeps. It consisted of numerous parts to be installed on the jeep to make it waterproof. Everything from a new dipstick to a new speedometer were included in the kit. The distributor was replaced with a waterproof metal clad unit. The spark plugs and wires changed to waterproof "aircraft" type. A waterproof Carter YS carburetor replaced the standard WO carburetor. Fittings and vent lines were included to allow an atmospheric vent system to be attached to the transfer case, master cylinder and fuel tank. Two valves activated by a control on the dash allowed the engine crankcase to be naturally pressurized slightly while fording. The electrical system was upgraded with waterproof generator, regulator, starter, switches, horn and wiring. This must have taken a considerable amount of time to install, but when completed, the jeep was always ready to ford, unlike the earlier WV-6 kit."
Saturday, December 24, 2011
Jeep WWII Synthetic Tires Ad
Natural rubber was the preferred material for tire manufacturer prior to World War II. It was cheaper and readily available. While some of the naturally occurring rubber came from Africa, Central and South America - the bulk of it came from Southeast Asia (especially the Netherlands East Indies). This of course caused a problem as Japan controlled much of Southeast Asia in their expansion efforts.
Jeep vehicles and other military vehicles would be stopped in their tracks without a substitute for natural rubber in their tires. Planes, trucks and Jeep 4x4s all depended upon rubber to keep the War machine moving.
Synthetic rubber wasn't new technology, it was typically a mixture of oil, natural gas, coal, acetylene, and other items. But it was expensive.
B.F. Goodrich Company, with the help of scientist Waldo Semon, developed an cost-effective synthetic rubber call Ameripol in 1940.
The first synthetic tire was unveiled to the U.S. public by B.F. Goodrich on June 4, 1940, eighteen months before Pearl Harbor. More than half of the tire was synthetic, but was 1/3 more expensive.
The U.S. Government launched a major campaign (some of which was top secret) to help improve synthetic rubber production lower costs. The nations technical powerhouses came together during the war to produce a general purpose synthetic rubber known as GR-S (Government Rubber-Styrene), on a massive scale.
With the fear of losing the war at their hands, America's scientists, university research laboratories, and the petrochemical industry industry collaborated to produce almost a million tons of high-quality synthetic rubber in 18 months. Many called it an industrial and scientific miracle. Annual production increased from an annual output of 231 tons of general purpose rubber in 1941 to over 70,000 tons a month in 1945!
Tennessee Eastman began manufacturing hydroquinone (a photographic developer) for the war effort when it was found it helped keep synthetic rubber from becoming gummy.
Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company and Firestone Tire and Rubber Company were instrumental in furthering the development of synthetic rubber products during World War II. According to the book World War II 1935-1945, the War Production Board ordered the construction of 50 synthetic rubber factories.
According to the book, The Magic City - Unemployment in a working-class community, "The government spent millions of dollars to build factories to produce synthetic rubber, which was then sold cheaply to companies making essential war material. After the war ended, Harvey Firestone, who was eager to preserve "free enterprise," spoke out strongly and successfully against government operation of these plants (Lief 1951:354).
Jeep vehicles and other military vehicles would be stopped in their tracks without a substitute for natural rubber in their tires. Planes, trucks and Jeep 4x4s all depended upon rubber to keep the War machine moving.
Synthetic rubber wasn't new technology, it was typically a mixture of oil, natural gas, coal, acetylene, and other items. But it was expensive.
B.F. Goodrich Company, with the help of scientist Waldo Semon, developed an cost-effective synthetic rubber call Ameripol in 1940.
The first synthetic tire was unveiled to the U.S. public by B.F. Goodrich on June 4, 1940, eighteen months before Pearl Harbor. More than half of the tire was synthetic, but was 1/3 more expensive.
The U.S. Government launched a major campaign (some of which was top secret) to help improve synthetic rubber production lower costs. The nations technical powerhouses came together during the war to produce a general purpose synthetic rubber known as GR-S (Government Rubber-Styrene), on a massive scale.
With the fear of losing the war at their hands, America's scientists, university research laboratories, and the petrochemical industry industry collaborated to produce almost a million tons of high-quality synthetic rubber in 18 months. Many called it an industrial and scientific miracle. Annual production increased from an annual output of 231 tons of general purpose rubber in 1941 to over 70,000 tons a month in 1945!
Tennessee Eastman began manufacturing hydroquinone (a photographic developer) for the war effort when it was found it helped keep synthetic rubber from becoming gummy.
Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company and Firestone Tire and Rubber Company were instrumental in furthering the development of synthetic rubber products during World War II. According to the book World War II 1935-1945, the War Production Board ordered the construction of 50 synthetic rubber factories.
According to the book, The Magic City - Unemployment in a working-class community, "The government spent millions of dollars to build factories to produce synthetic rubber, which was then sold cheaply to companies making essential war material. After the war ended, Harvey Firestone, who was eager to preserve "free enterprise," spoke out strongly and successfully against government operation of these plants (Lief 1951:354).
Monday, December 19, 2011
Jeep MA with Santa and Troops
Great Jeep historical Christmas Image from the archives. Santa Claus delivering a tree to the troops in a Willys MA "Jeep Sleigh". The honor guard and image were taken at Camp Lee, Virginia - part of the Quartermaster Replacement Center.
Image courtesy of the National Archives and Records Administration Archives.
Image courtesy of the National Archives and Records Administration Archives.
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Mass with Altar on Jeep 4x4
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.
Image courtesy of Photos Normandie - Patrick Peccatte & Michel Le Querrac - scanned images from the U.S. National Archives. Part of the Creative Commons.
General Eisenhower in a Jeep 4x4
Dwight Eisenhower smiling in his Willys MB Jeep 4x4.General Bradley is in the back seat chuckling about something.
Image courtesy of PhotosNormandie and National Archives and Administration Records (NARA).
Photo taken on July 4, 1944 in an apple orchard located in Haunville, France.
Image courtesy of PhotosNormandie and National Archives and Administration Records (NARA).
Photo taken on July 4, 1944 in an apple orchard located in Haunville, France.
Friday, November 25, 2011
Jeep Transporting Wounded Soldier
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.
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
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.
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.
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Jeep altar at WWII mass service
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
Friday, May 27, 2011
1940 Jeep Willys Quad
In June 1940, with World War II on the horizon, the U.S. Army solicited bids from 135 automakers for a 1/4 ton “light reconnaissance vehicle” tailored to Army specifications. Only three companies responded – Bantam, Willys, and Ford – but, within a year’s time they collectively produced the template for the vehicle known worldwide as the “jeep.”
Willys-Overland delivered the prototype “Quad” (named for the 4WD system it featured), to the U.S. Army on Armistice Day (Veteran’s Day), November 11, 1940. The design was completed in a remarkable 75 days.
Only two prototypes were made.
Willys-Overland delivered the prototype “Quad” (named for the 4WD system it featured), to the U.S. Army on Armistice Day (Veteran’s Day), November 11, 1940. The design was completed in a remarkable 75 days.
Only two prototypes were made.
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Jeep 4x4 carrying casualties - Normandy 1944
Jeep 4x4 at Normandy Invasion, 1944
A Jeep 4x4 brings casualties to a LST for evacuation from the Normandy beachhead, 13 June 1944.
Note the bulldozer just beyond the Jeep 4x4, and the line of German prisoners of war marching by in the background.
This appears to be "Utah" Beach.
Photo #: 80-G-252779. Uploaded on Flickr by Lee Ekstrom.
Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives.
A Jeep 4x4 brings casualties to a LST for evacuation from the Normandy beachhead, 13 June 1944.
Note the bulldozer just beyond the Jeep 4x4, and the line of German prisoners of war marching by in the background.
This appears to be "Utah" Beach.
Photo #: 80-G-252779. Uploaded on Flickr by Lee Ekstrom.
Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives.
Jeep Converted to Ambulance - Navy Art
Recruiting poster of World War II.
One of the great innovations of the war, the pug-nosed, pugnacious Jeep 4x4, reveals a softer side of its nature as it becomes an ambulance on the Bougainville jungle front.
Though often painfully jolting to the wounded on its journey through the twisted trails of the jungle, the Willys MB Jeep vehicle at least gets the casualties away from the firing lines speedily.
Plasma transfusions are sometimes given en route, despite the rocky motion.
Kerr Eby #43
Pastel drawing, 1943
Gift of Abbott Laboratories
88-159-EA
Uploaded on Flickr by Lee Ekstrom
One of the great innovations of the war, the pug-nosed, pugnacious Jeep 4x4, reveals a softer side of its nature as it becomes an ambulance on the Bougainville jungle front.
Though often painfully jolting to the wounded on its journey through the twisted trails of the jungle, the Willys MB Jeep vehicle at least gets the casualties away from the firing lines speedily.
Plasma transfusions are sometimes given en route, despite the rocky motion.
Kerr Eby #43
Pastel drawing, 1943
Gift of Abbott Laboratories
88-159-EA
Uploaded on Flickr by Lee Ekstrom
Friday, February 11, 2011
Born For War - Ready for Peace
1945 Jeep Ad in the Saturday Evening Post
This ad was published as Willys-Overland was trying to establish a Civilian purpose for the mighty Willys MB post World War II. This transition period was important in re-introducing a new purpose for the heroic "Jeep".
The advertisement reads:
This ad was published as Willys-Overland was trying to establish a Civilian purpose for the mighty Willys MB post World War II. This transition period was important in re-introducing a new purpose for the heroic "Jeep".
The advertisement reads:
.. To millions of people all over the world “JEEP” means WILLYS ..
Famous for its outstanding performance in war, the “Jeep” has been fitted for peace, to work and serve on farms and in industry, around the world.
The “Jeep” for peace, amazing in its versatility, is fitted to do a hundred-and-one jobs for the postwar Farmer and as many more for Industry … around the clock, around the year, around the world.
It pulls, pushes or drags every type of farm implement. Doubles as a highway vehicle for a speedy trip to town, and then rounds out a full day as a mobile power plant – takes “jeep” power to the job. An ever-ready servant twenty-four hours a day, the “Jeep” for peace raises the curtain on a new conception of automotive service … ushers in a new era of mechanization for farm and industry. Get a “Jeep”!
Monday, February 2, 2009
Memories in a Minox
Renee Lichtman, a friend and former co-worker of my mother, gave this German-made Minox to me as a gift. The miniature camera came in a beautiful hand-sewn leather case. Renee knew that I had a camera collection and thought I would enjoy it. The camera was a silky-smooth mechanical jewel.Later, upon further inspection, I found that the camera contained an unprocessed roll of color film. The film couldn't be processed in E-6 chemistry, so I did some sleuthing and found a specialty lab, Rocky Mountain Lab Laboratory in Colorado that could process and print the film for me. The camera served as a light-tight miniature time capsule and preserved the film for well-over twenty years.
My thought was to present the photos as a return gift to Renee for his generosity. The intention was genuine, but was perhaps flawed by my naiveté. Behind my twenty-something rose-colored glasses, memories were golden and cherished. Hence my confusion at Renee's response. He opened the envelope and slowly sifted through the photos, one-by-one. Renee said they were photos from the late 60s or early 70s and politely thanked me. I wanted to ask for more details, but left it at that.
Now I sit here years after the event as I'm adding a description to a set on Flickr, and my eyes are finally opened, if only a bit. The unprocessed question that lay dormant in the dark corners of my mind has finally been answered by time and the illuminating power of the Web. I finally saw the light. My thoughts and understanding were now clear and salient, like Saul when the scales fell off of his eyes.
And I am disturbed.
Not at Renee's blank reaction, but rather to my tactless deed. I type in Renee Lichtman, to check the correct spelling of his last name, and the Web feeds me understanding. Renee is a child survivor of the holocaust, much in the same way as Anne Frank. I cannot even attempt to understand the complex web of emotions that arise with Renee and memory of his family.
I scold myself for not knowing, but how could I have known? Should some memories be left hidden in dark places and kept as shadows of the past?
I am comforted knowing that Renee has chosen to share of his past on the Web for others to see how evil affects everyone. An interview with Renee, and other hidden children, is available through the University of Michigan Voice/Vision Holocaust Survivor Oral History Archive.
Other information can be found here.
Dr. Renee Lichtman co-chairs the Hidden Children and Child Survivors of Michigan and is President of the Holocaust Education Coalition. He is a founding member and vice-president of the World Federation of Jewish Child Survivors of the Holocaust.
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