GMC army trucks (WW 2) - USA: books - history and construction

GMC DUKW - America's Amphibious Duck in World War II and Korea (Legends of Warfare)

The General Motors Corporation DUKW was without a doubt the most successful amphibious military vehicle ever constructed. This is due in large part to the enormous amount of scientific and engineering talent that was devoted to the project. Included in the design team were America's Cup winner Rod Stephens, adventurer and environmentalist Dennis Puleston, and scientist and engineer Palmer C. Putnam.
The DUKW was so successful and so widely used that Gen. Dwight Eisenhower described it as "one of the most valuable pieces of equipment produced by the United States during the war."

This book chronicles the development and use of these vehicles from concept to combat in WWII and Korea.
Through dozens of archival photos, many never before published, as well as detailed photographs of some of the finest existent examples of surviving vehicles, these iconic armored fighting vehicles are explored, and their history is explained.

GMC DUKW-353 Amphibian Truck - Technical Manual (TM 9-802)

A modification of the 2 1/2-ton "deuce", the DUKW amphibious truck was designed in 1942 by a team that included a British sailor, an American yacht builder and an MIT engineer. Powered by a GMC Straight-6, 270 cubic inch engine, the DUKW's six drive wheels allowed it to move up to 50 mph on the road and at roughly 6 mph in water.
It was the first vehicle ever designed to allow tire pressure to be adjusted from inside the cab, allowing it to operate easily and efficiently on sand, rock, gravel and paved roads. The vehicle lacked armor, but one in every four produced came equipped with a machine gun ring mount. Overall, the DUKW weighed 6.5 short tons empty and could carry 2.5 short tons or twelve soldiers.
The DUKW's career in combat was unique, being used to ferry supplies and men from ship to shore, and operating in flooded environments. It was used in landings in the Pacific and European Theaters, including at D-Day, and many were also used during the Korean War at Inchon.

Incidentally, the term "DUKW" is not a military term, but rather an acronym coined by General Motors. "D" stood for the year it was designed, 1942. "U" stood for "Utility", "K" for front wheel drive, and "W" for two powered rear axles.
Over 21, 000 DUKWs were built during WWII. Some remain in use today as amphibious tour buses.

Originally created in 1945, this War Department technical manual contains a full description of the DUKW and shows how to operate and maintain it.
Originally restricted, this 500+ page manual was declassified long ago and is here reprinted in book form. Care has been taken to preserve the integrity of the text.

Amphibian Truck Company - Field Manual (FM 55-150)

Created in 1944, this field manual explains the organization and operation of the Transportation Corps amphibian truck company and its DUKWs. The mission of the amphibian truck company was to aid the supply and evacuation operations of forces in areas where harbor and port facilities were inadequate or even totally lacking.
Thanks to its unique ability to operate on land and in the ocean, the DUKW made the impossible - possible. Over 21, 000 were built during WWII, and used with distinction in landing zones in both the Pacific and European Theaters, and in the Korean War at Inchon.

Chapters in this manual include: What is the DUKW?, safety precautions, operational maintenance, land operations, winching operations, water operations, towing in water, anchoring and mooring, piloting, cargo handling, visual signaling, special uses and unusual cargo, field operations, and more.
Originally labeled restricted, this manual was declassified long ago and is here reprinted in book form. Care has been taken to preserve the integrity of the text.