WC57 Dodge Command Car, 3/4 ton, 4x4

Dodge produced the WC-57 3/4 ton 4x4 Command Car from 1942 to 1944, part of the Dodge 3/4 ton WC series of trucks. The Command Car was used for transporting officers and for reconnaissance missions. Its distinctive profile made it a target, however, and production was soon phased out. The WC-57 differs from the WC-56 Command Reconnaissance Car in that the WC-57 was equipped with a winch and had a longer frame to accomodate it.

The very similar WC-58 Radio Car differed only in the provision of radio mounting racks behind the front seats and additional wiring.

The Olive-Drab.com Gallery has a photo of Lt. Gen. Patton with his WC-56 or WC-57 Command Car.

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1st Lt. Harry E. Bangs, Maintenance Officer, standing with WC57 (or WC56) Dodge Command Car, 3/4 ton, 4x4, Hampton Roads Port of Embarkation, 23 March 1943. The windshield and radiator have been barricaded for overseas shipment.

Today in WW II: 22 May 1939 Fascist Italy and Nazi Germany sign the Pact of Steel, a declaration of trust and cooperation that also included secret provisions on military and economic matters.

Dodge WC-57 Truck, Command Reconnaissance, 3/4 ton, 4x4 w/winch (G-502)

Find additional photos and hi-res versions of the WC-57 3/4-ton Command Car at the Olive-Drab Military Mashup:

WC-57 Dodge Command Car, 3/4 ton, 4x4 w/winch. Photo from Berlin-Patrol 2011, courtesy of Abraham Telvi.

WC-57 Command Car, 3/4 ton, 4x4 at Dodge factory, WW II.

WC-57 3/4 ton 4x4 Dodge Command Car, showing windshield and radiator barricaded for overseas shipment, Hampton Roads Port of Embarkation, 23 March 1943. Officer is 1st Lt. Harry E. Bangs, Maintenance Officer, from Norwood, PA.

American Soldiers examine an unexploded German V-1 Buzz Bomb Rocket and its pulse jet engine, near Jerly Command Post, Plemien, France, 2 September 1944. WC57 Command Car, 3/4 ton, 4x4 in background.

General George C. Marshall, Chief of Staff, U.S. Army, stops to chat with a G.I. as he rides his Dodge 3/4-ton WC-56 / WC-57 Command Car along a road while on a tour of inspection of the beachheads of France. 12 June 1944.

Dodge WC-57 Command Car, 3/4 ton, 4x4 w/winch Photo Gallery

Workers at Chrysler Corporation Dodge truck plant sitting in production line Dodge WC-57 (or WC-56) 3/4 ton 4x4 Command Cars, Detroit, MI, August 1942.

Parking lot at Chrysler Corporation Dodge truck plant with rows of Dodge WC-57 (or WC-56) 3/4 ton 4x4 Command Cars awaiting final inspection, Detroit, MI, August 1942.

Dodge WC-56 Truck, Command Reconnaissance, 3/4 ton, 4x4 w/o winch (G-502)
Dodge WC-57 Truck, Command Reconnaissance, 3/4 ton, 4x4 with winch (G-502). Photo courtesy of Steve Andersen.

Steve Andersen's 1943 WC-57 Command Reconnaissance car in process of restoration.

Restored 1943 WC-57 Command Reconnaissance car, an exact duplicate of General Patton's command car. More information: General Patton and his Dodge Command Cars. Photo used with permission.

Another view of the restored 1943 WC-57 Command Reconnaissance car, an exact duplicate of General Patton's command car. More information: General Patton and his Dodge Command Cars. Photo used with permission.