Summer vacation 2006

My summer vacation witnessed the culmination of 4 years of time dedicated to the restoration of a 1942 Ford GPW that I purchased in 1976 as a graduation present to myself from Florida Technological University (now UCF) and research on the many and varied users of this great vehicle. GPW restored by Milo J. Valencic completed July 4, 2006.

This was a complete ground up restoration that included but not limited to the frame rebuild, body rebuild and painting. I fabricated many of the sheet metal parts and bought a smattering of reproduction skin and parts. The M-38, RMC flat head Go-Devil engine was recovered from an abandoned hunting buggy south of Indiantown, Florida and rebuilt by NAPA in Hobe Sound. I also did 99% of the welding of the assembly after lessons on welding from certified welder, Mr. Robyn Littleton of Loxahatchee, Florida. I was also assisted in a few other areas where I did not have the tools to accomplish the tasks and want to thank these guys for their assistance. Mr. Thomas Bobbitt - Transmission cross member realignment, Mr. Clayton VanScotten - formed Top Hats for front floor, Mr. Bob Loesel - Cut Top Hat wood inserts. I also need to thank my family especially my wife Dori for their patience during this time.

My GPW is dedicated to the II Corps 91st Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron (Mechanized) (Troop A, Troop B, and Troop C). A "non-divisional unit" that reported directly to Headquarters II Corps throughout the war. Which in turn detailed or "attached" it to a myriad of Infantry Divisions, Armored Divisions, and Task Forces throughout the war. 1942 GPW S/N 76157 DoD Oct 28, 1942 Hood # 20159976.

Excerpt from: Dolly Esch-Twoeagles sergeantmom@davisp.com

"One case in point is Gerry H. Kisters. He was a staff sergeant when he earned a Distinguished Service Cross while assigned to the 91st Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron in Tunisia on 7 May 1943 -- but is generally listed under the 1st Armored Division; because that is the division the unit was attached to at the time. Next stop after Tunisia was Sicily. Second Lieutenant Gerry H. Kisters (then Staff Sergeant), earned his Medal of Honor, near Gagliano, Sicily on 31 July 1943...still assigned to the 91st Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron, but generally listed as a member of the 2d Armored Division, because that's the Division the 91st Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron was attached to at the time. Second Lieutenant Kisters was the first during WWII to earn both medals--the Congressional Medal of Honor and Distinguished Service Cross...so his unit, the 91st Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron, was the first unit to have a soldier earn both medals."

An extremely successful, and very popular, system in the reconnaissance units was the jeep. The jeep was reliable, rugged, and most importantly, small enough to go almost anywhere (the actions of 91st CRS described previously being a notable exception). In one instance, LTC Candler of the 91st CRS, hiked to an observation post on a rugged hill top position and determined that it could only be reached dismounted. As he finished his inspection he was greeted by the first jeep of his lead platoon arriving on top of the position. The mobility of the jeep was its most remarked upon feature, particularly in the rugged expanses of North Africa. It was also small and offered a low silhouette making it difficult to spot.

The jeep had its draw backs, the primary one being its vulnerability to enemy fire and mines. Crews typically sandbagged the floors and this resulted in some lives being saved, but the jeep was recognized as not being a combat vehicle. The other problem with the jeep was its difficulty handling the weight of the .50 caliber machine ammunition. The machine-gun itself, however, "was easily and quickly positioned to fire on German machine gun positions." In general, however, as a light scout vehicle (and the replacement of the motorcycle) the jeep exceeded all expectations.

This was my summer vacation.