But They Are A Fun Ride 

 

 

 

 

  ” You’ve probably seen them hauling tourists around the streets of America’s biggest cities, but in spite of that carefree utility, the wartime history of the “Duck” is one of significant import. 

 

   In April 1940, GMC Truck Engineering began to build a prototype of model DUKW353 2½-ton 6×6 amphibious cargo/troop carrier truck for the U.S. Army. After completion in June, that prototype passed Army acceptance tests and a purchase contract was issued. Production started on Nov. 10, culminating a very short concept-to-production period. This model was nicknamed the “Duck” because its coded serial letters were “DUKW.”

 

   The first model DUKW353 “Duck” trucks were delivered in late 1943. The chassis was based on model CCKW353 with high forward controls. A central tire inflation system was available, which allowed the driver to adjust tire pressure from his seat. Lowered pressure provided better flotation and traction on soft ground. Initially, Ducks were built on Chevrolet’s Plant 2 assembly line in St. Louis, which previously built buses. (131,733 GMC trucks were produced that year, all of them military vehicles.)

 

   Loaded with troops and fighting equipment, Ducks were part of the first waves of assaults from New Guinea to Normandy during World War II.  And after those beachhead ballets were won, theses versatile vehicles continued to work, transporting tons of supplies from ships at sea to inland depots.”