US 2 1/2-ton, 6x6 Trucks in WW II

World War II was the first war in which massive numbers of trucks completely changed the equations of mobility for warfare. The production capability of the U.S. automotive industry poured out hundreds of thousands of jeep, trucks and armored vehicles. This made it possible for the U.S. and its allies to overwhelm the Axis with men and supplies, moving forward at a rate never before possible.

A U.S. Ninth Army GMC CCKW truck, just after crossing the Rhine River, March 1945.

Today in WW II: 21 May 1942 Sinking of the Mexican tanker Faja de Oro by German submarine U-160, off Key West, precipitates Mexican declaration of war against Nazi Germany.

American 2 1/2-ton, 6x6 Trucks in World War II

Particularly in Europe, where the land warfare was most suitable for mobility, the ability to maneuver and supply by truck was a decisive advantage to the Allied armies in World War II. Although the German Army had pioneered mobile warfare in the late 1930s, they never became motorized to the extent of the Allies.

Closed cab CCKW on a street in Detroit, MI, April 1943. Truck registration number is USA 4134998.

Although many vehicles were in use in World War II, it was the 2 1/2 ton 6x6 (the "deuce and a half" or just "deuce") that bore most of the load. There were three main trucks in this category:

These trucks had many differences in details, but had the same function, general dimensions, and external appearance. More information on each truck is provided below on this page. Photographs are available in the Military Vehicle Charts at the linked pages for the individual trucks in the list just above.

Reo US-6 2 1/2 ton 6x6 (G-630)

Continued on WW II 2 1/2-ton, 6x6 Trucks Page 2.

Find additional photos and hi-res versions of World War II 2 1/2-ton cargo trucks at the Olive-Drab Military Mashup:

GMC DUKW 2 1/2-ton 6x6 amphibious truck landing at Paestum Beach, 53 miles SE of Naples in the province of Salerno, Italy. After landing at Salerno, 9 September 1943, DUKWs brought light artillery and antitank guns ashore after the first assault waves had landed and, later in the day, brought men and supplies ashore.

DUKW amphibious 2 1/2-ton 6x6 truck (rear view), processed for overseas shipment, Hampton Roads Port of Embarkation, Newport News, VA, 1 August 1944.

Two engineers from 146th Engineer Combat Bn, 1st U.S. Army water the streets to keep down dust, Mortain, France, 1944. Truck appears to be a GMC CCKW 2 1/2-ton 6x6.

Training truck drivers of the depot group by driving a GMC CCKW 2 1/2-ton 6x6 many times through an obstacle course in the woods, Air Service Command, Robins Field, Warner Robins, GA, July 1943.

DUKW amphibious 2 1/2-ton 6x6 truck, Newport News, VA, 30 December 1942.

666th QM Truck Company CCKW 2 1/2-ton 6x6 trucks deliver 82d Airborne Division troops to the railhead for transportation to Bleckede on the Elbe River for the river crossing, Duren, Germany, 26 April 1945.

Recommended Books about WW II Military Cargo Trucks