Willys MB Ford GPW Jeep Ambulance

Even before the jeep went into production in 1941, the prototypes were tested as litter carriers. The tests were successful and throughout its history the jeep has been effectively used to evacuate casualties from the front or to move within base or field hospital areas when ambulance trucks were not available. An unmodified jeep can carry three litters by folding the windshield, then placing the litters either across the hood or across the area behind the driver or both. A litter can also be placed front to back from the hood into the passenger seat area with one or more across the jeep behind the driver. Pipe racks were often improvised to increase capacity to four litters or more. While there was no special production of litter-carrier jeeps in the Willys MB or Ford GPW line, this use of the jeep was frequent in World War II and in Korea.

Being carried by a jeep was a bone jarring experience that often increased the pain of the wounded. The benefit was that the patient reached a treatment point more quickly.

Casualties from New Guinea are carried by jeep to a base in Australia, World War II
Casualties from New Guinea are carried by jeep to a base in Australia, World War II.

Today in WW II: 11 May 1939 Japanese begin attempt to seize Mongolian land to the banks of the Khalkin Gol River at Nomonhan, clashing with Soviet troops. More ↓
11 May 1940 Belgian fortress Eben Emael, on the Meuse River, reputed to be the most formidable stronghold in the world, falls to German Army glider assault.
11 May 1940 Luxembourg falls to the German army.
11 May 1940 On the night of 11-12 May, 1940 the Royal Air Force [RAF] attacked Mönchengladbach, Germany, the first Allied air raid on Germany of WW II.
11 May 1943 American troops invade Attu in the Aleutian Islands, beginning campaign to expel occupying Japanese forces [11-29 May].
11 May 1944 Allied Fifth and Eighth Armies launch long-awaited offensive, finally capturing Cassino and breaking the German Gustav Line [night of 11-12 May].
Visit the Olive-Drab.com World War II Timeline for day-by-day events 1939-1945! See also WW2 Books.

Truck, 1/4 Ton, 4x4 Ambulance (Willys MB, Ford GPW WW II Army Jeep)

In addition to the photos on this page, Olive-Drab has lots of information and photos of military jeeps (and other vehicles) in other sections. Click for more information about Military Jeeps and about the Willys MB and Ford GPW in particular. The main page for photos of the MB or GPW is here.

Find additional photos and hi-res versions of military jeep Ambulances at the Olive-Drab Military Mashup.

MB/GPW Jeep Ambulance Photo Gallery

Jeep fitted with ambulance frame for carrying three litters, somewhere in Australia. October 1942. Officer is identified as Captain Nelson
Jeep fitted with ambulance frame for carrying three litters, somewhere in Australia. October 1942. Officer is identified as Captain Nelson.

MB or GPW jeep serves as an ambulance for Australian troops in New Guinea, March 1943
MB or GPW jeep serves as an ambulance for Australian troops in New Guinea, March 1943.

Improvised jeep ambulance at a training base in Camp Carson, CO, 24 April 1943
Improvised MB or GPW jeep ambulance at a training base in Camp Carson, CO, 24 April 1943.

Soldiers testing an MB/GPW jeep as an emergency litter carrier, Fort Sam Houston, TX, February 1942
Soldiers testing an MB/GPW jeep as an emergency litter carrier, Fort Sam Houston, TX, February 1942.

A jeep, MB or GPW, delivering casualties to a LST for evacuation from Utah beach, 13 June 1944. The soldiers in line in the background are German POWs
A jeep, MB or GPW, delivering casualties to a LST for evacuation from Utah beach, 13 June 1944. The soldiers in line in the background are German POWs.