This article tells the story about some POWs who were thrilled to see a jeep after years in captivity. It was published in the May 05, 1945, issue of The Wilmington Morning Star.
Features Research Archives
1945 Photo of Jeep & Soldiers on Raft on eBay
Make-shift water crossing. As Race pointed out, “Nectar” should be spelled Neckar River in the text.
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“1945 Press Photo Infantry Support Raft Ferries Men & Jeeps Across Nectar River. This is an original press photo. With bridges blown up by retreating Germans, an infantry support raft ferries men and their jeep across the Nectar River. Part of the famous old university city of Heidelberg, now in American hands, can be see in the background. Photo measures 8 x 6.25 inches. Photo is dated 4-2-1945.”
Vintage Trans America Trail Tour in 2025
UPDATE: Peter notes that the trip was cancelled to Covid. He hopes to try again in 2025.
Peter Heyniger is organizing a cross-the-US vintage 4×4 tour along the Trans American Trail for the summer of 2020. He’s looking for participants, sponsors, and helpful folks along the route. The tour welcomes vintage jeeps, landcruisers, broncos, and other older 4x4s. He expects that to complete all 5200 miles will take seven to eight weeks; folks have the option of doing all or part of the route.
You can learn more at his website: https://sites.google.com/view/vintagetransamericatrail2020
More CJ-2A Launch Photos
UPDATE: Thanks to Tremaine for supplying better pics of the CJ-2 grille guards seen in a couple of these photos.
Original Post March 4, 2019: These photos were published in the July 22, 1945, issue of the Sunday Star Gravure Section of the newspaper. I don’t think I’ve seen a photo of the jeep pulling the trailer from the driver’s side.
1950 Photo of Korean War on eBay
It feels dramatic.
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“1950 Press Photo Medical Team Carries Wounded to Jeeps in Masan Sector of Korea.
This is an original press photo. Korean War, United States Wounded Evacuation: Wounded in the desperate battle for the hill in the background, a 25th infantry division soldier was carried to a waiting jeep in Korea by medical department men. The action took place in the Masan sector on the southern front. Mountain heights and other elevations are of prime importance in this area, and some have changed hands several times. Photo measures 8.25 x 8.5 inches. Photo is dated 09-11-1950.”
Berth Dupre and All-Black WAC Units
Mark shared a story about the death of Bertha Durpe, one of the few women who served with the 6888th CPD Battalion, an All-Black WAC unit that went overseas to help the war effort. The photo below doesn’t show the former Master-Sergeant Dupree, but it’s still a neat photo.
You can read a little about Ms. Dupree here: https://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/local/article226817444.html
More on the 6888th:
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/6888th_Central_Postal_Directory_Battalion
- https://www.history.com/news/black-woman-army-unit-mail-world-war-ii
- https://blackthen.com/charity-adams-earley-commander-black-female-army-unit-serving-overseas-wwii/
- National Archives: https://catalog.archives.gov/search?q=6888th
Sponge Jeep(?)
Mike shared this older photo of what could be a jeep ‘dressed’ in a sponge. Anyone know any history about it? The photo is supposed to be from 1964.
Jeep Toy & Trailer Fairfield, OH **SOLD**
UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $275.
Roger Martin shared this unusual toy. If it is handmade, it is well done.
“Very high quality HANDMADE toy army jeep. All steel construction. This thing is rough and rugged. Has toggle switch to turn on the headlights, battery compartment under hood. Steering wheel actually turns the wheels. Windshield folds down. Has detachable plow and trailer. This thing is nice and one of a kind. I took it to a couple antique shops and they all told me they believe it has a higher price tag than what I’m asking. There just isn’t another like it to base true value off of. Asking $275 ”
1954 Garage Print(?) from Germany on eBay
UPDATE: Price dropped to $602.
(01/18/2019) Maury spotted this unusual print/illustration. From the description, I can’t quite tell if this is a print or an original illustration. The size is roughly 2.2′ x 3.25′
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“Mural Auto Mechanic Workshop Jeep Willysmb 99×66 ~ 1954 Vintage Mechanic Card (see more on eBay)”
Paul Finished His Stainless M-100 Trailer
As always, Paul’s detailed work has resulted in a work-of-art. Well done Paul!
Paul writes, “The earth has calmed down these last few months so I’ve made good progress on the M100 trailer rebuild. In fact, other than measuring the length necessary for the trailer safety chains and the electrical harness everything else is finished. While I still spent over 300 hours to build the stainless steel box and rebuild everything I planned on reusing it was easier than I’d anticipated. I had no idea I’d need so many 2X4’s but the local Home Depot store was happy to take my money.
This photo shows the jig I made to keep the trailer box in alignment while I fabricated the upper tube reinforcement and rolled the sheet metal before tack welding the edges.”
The upper tube has been fitted and held in place with strips of plywood and 24 6 inch C clamps.

I used a plastic hammer to gently form the sheet metal over the curve of the reinforcing tubing. The C clamps were repositioned often to allow hammer access to the 20 feet of 18 gauge stainless sheet metal around the upper edge of the trailer box.
The tack welds are complete so the 2X4 jig can be removed
The replacement box is bolted to the original trailer frame and tie down straps hold the frame to the work tables. I had to plan my work around earthquakes.





















