It was a common term amongst WWII , Korean War Vets when referring to the GMC 6X6 during that period. Also "6 By" "Two and a Half Ton", Two and A Half Tonners" , "GMC".
Having been around these trucks since 1945, I vividly and fondly remember these terms spoken thousands of times by customers at the surplus truck parts counters around the country, at "BS" sessions by reminiscing WWII/Korean era Vets, at at US Army Service Schools taught by Instructors who were WWII Veterans who served in Transportation and Ordnance.
The term "Deuce And a Half" appeared in the 60's during the Vietnam era and sort of hung on. Those who use the term "Deuce And a Half" are from another era and have picked up on the later term due to having litt or no exposure to the past.
It is "History Revision" at its best.
Last edited by RANGER on Fri Sep 09, 2011 2:22 pm, edited 2 times in total.
US ARMY HONOR GRADUATE MECHANIC, Restorer of fine Jeeps, MV's, MVPA 40+yrs, DAV, Army Aircrew member, Donor to Military Museums & CAF, MV Hobby since 1945
Other Hobby- Army Air Force & Busting Big Ass Military Imposters-Good at it
I recently discovered a post on the topic by a person named "Farby", a newer generation CCKW loose cannon with a penchant for extreme views on anything MV.
His take on the term is "As a reenactor I can personally attest to(and so can the vast majority of reenactors) that first person accounts from vets are to be taken AT BEST with a grain (nay, a 10lb) bag of salt". Just how does a reenactor become more fluent than an actual WWII Vereran. I guess one could ask Farby. As far as GMC expertese goes, it is hard to see, his truck is still the red, yellow and primer truck that it has been for the past decade, hopefully he will encounter a reenactor with actual CCKW experience.
What caught my attention is his insinuation as "a reenactor" he is best qualified to comment on what is credible. Just what is this guy a "reenactor" of? Much of his advice to the reenactment community has been from the outside looking in.
One can't be too careful around these new generation CCKW "experts", especially solo reenactors, it has been 25 years since Bryce Sunderlin published his series "Why a JIMMY?" in the MVPA Army Motors.
A lot of nice CCKW articles (ARMY MOTORS, MILITARY VEHICLES) and excellent CCKW books by Tankograd, Squadron Signal ( David Doyle) , the excellent book "GMC" by Emile Becker is another.
One has to be careful what is printed by some, one good credibility measure is that some who share CCKW information have restored CCKW's that are carefully researched, and thru ongoing research constantly upgrade their restoration as original components are located.
US ARMY HONOR GRADUATE MECHANIC, Restorer of fine Jeeps, MV's, MVPA 40+yrs, DAV, Army Aircrew member, Donor to Military Museums & CAF, MV Hobby since 1945
Other Hobby- Army Air Force & Busting Big Ass Military Imposters-Good at it
"DEUCE AND A HALF"? Uh,Uh, never called that during WWII/Korea "JIMMEY"'s the word.
US ARMY HONOR GRADUATE MECHANIC, Restorer of fine Jeeps, MV's, MVPA 40+yrs, DAV, Army Aircrew member, Donor to Military Museums & CAF, MV Hobby since 1945
Other Hobby- Army Air Force & Busting Big Ass Military Imposters-Good at it
Anyone who has been exposed to GMC shop talk or WWII and Korean War era veterans over the years will have heard the word CKW or Jimmy over and over.
US ARMY HONOR GRADUATE MECHANIC, Restorer of fine Jeeps, MV's, MVPA 40+yrs, DAV, Army Aircrew member, Donor to Military Museums & CAF, MV Hobby since 1945
Other Hobby- Army Air Force & Busting Big Ass Military Imposters-Good at it
