Today in WW II: 9 Jul 1940 Battle of Calabria [Battle of Punta Stilo, the toe of Italy] fought between the Italian Royal Navy and the British/Australian Royal Navies, 30 miles [48km] east of Punta Stilo. More ?

9 Jul 1943 US-British invasion of Sicily begins [night of 9-10 Jul].
9 Jul 1944 British and Canadian forces capture Caen from the Germans, a critical post-D-Day objective in Normandy, France.
9 Jul 1944 US forces reach the northern end of Saipan, finding thousands of Japanese civilian men, women, and children who commit suicide by leaping off the cliffs rather than be captured.
Visit the Olive-Drab.com World War II Timeline for day-by-day events 1939-1945! See also WW2 Books.

Mack NM 6 Ton 6x6 Truck (G535)

The combat "N Series" were the first military 6x6 trucks by Mack. The NM-1 (87 built) appeared in early 1940, followed by the NM-2 (107 built) and NM-3 (104 built) all with enclosed hard cabs. The NM-5 through NM-8 did away with the metal cab, replacing it with the military soft canvas top. There was no NM-4 produced. The arched front bumper -- to clear a pintle hook -- first appeared with the NM-3. Approximately 10,000 of these trucks were produced in total.

The engine for the Mack NM 6x6 trucks was the 6 cyl. 707 cid Mack EY, that developed 159hp@2100 rpm and provided 530lb-ft of torque@1000rmp. The transmission was the 5-speed Mack TR36 and the transfer case the 2-speed Timken-Detroit T77. The truck had a net weight of 22,659 lbs., could carry almost 10 tons (never mind the 6 ton rating) and could tow 30,000 lbs. such as field artillery or ammunition trailers.

A Gar Wood capstan winch was mounted behind the cab. The cargo body was steel for the NM-1 through NM-3, then wood.

Manuals for this series of trucks include:

Parts List: TM 10-1476
Operators Manual and Maintenance: TM 10-1477

Mack NM-3 6 Ton 6x6 Truck (G535). Note odd wheel arrangement on front axle.

Mack soft top NM 6 Ton 6x6 Truck (G535) on Army test track.