If your jeep won’t leap or if your truck is stuck, you’re sure to find some help at Motor Pool—1944. 
This exhibit is a tribute to the engineering and machines of World War II, and a salute to the men of the US Army whose task could be summed up with the Army tag line for the field maintenance efforts…
Keep ‘em Rolling
Presented by re-enactors and military vehicle enthusiasts, this exhibit is modeled as a 2nd echelon maintenance motor pool of the US Army during WWII. 2nd echelon maintenance was responsible for tasks between 1st echelon assignments--keeping the vehicle serviced, clean and ready for use (usually performed by the operator), and 3rd echelon assignments--major overhauls and rebuilds or tasks requiring special tools and equipment such as electric welders.
“Mechanics could and would effect any repairs they felt they could, especially if it meant a truck or combat vehicle would be kept in service or returned to duty sooner than if it was sent to higher echelon. These guys would roll in and set up shop wherever they were; in a town, a barnyard or in the middle of nowhere. They would unload their equipment and get the job done regardless of the location, the weather, or the enemy for that matter.”
~Neal Allman, Motor Pool Exhibit Organizer
Come visit the 1944 Motor Pool at Victory Days. If you have questions about the motor pool, please contact Rodney Davis at rodnelaine@comcast.net
To be identified as a sponsor of the Motor Pool exhibit, please contact Breck Woodard at breck@victorydays.org for sponsorship information. |
History in the Making
The American and the British armies were the only two completely mechanized armies during WW II. Not long before US involvement in the war, the US military was seriously lagging behind in the mechanization process. Prewar maneuvers by the US Army at home were the first practical application of large scale mechanical movement and supply of units in the field. Through these experiences, and with direct support of the major manufacturers, they learned where training and organization were lacking and remedied those shortcomings—paving the way for the Army’s ability to supply and service tens of thousands of vehicles in each theater later on. 
The American Army used in the neighborhood of 1.3 million motor vehicles of all sizes during WWII. Two wheel scooters to 7 ½ ton cargo trucks, floating amphibians to 60 ton tanks. Each of these required not only the standard maintenance—oil changes, brake adjustments, “MWO’s”(modification work orders), etc.; but also the mechanical repairs, battle refurbishments, and anything else required on vehicles overworked, damaged in combat and/or, just plain abused by eighteen year olds who had never even driven a car six months before.
While mechanics and maintenance personnel may not be the first image recalled when thinking of the classic WWII GI, the efforts of these troops were extremely vital in winning the final unconditional victory over the Axis in World War II.
“The ingenuity, determination, and work ethic of these soldier-mechanics kept motors running and every possible wheel turning.”
~Neal Allman, Motor Pool Exhibit Organizer
