Question about the original hood markings on my cckw.

CQ Bookstore · Post by **CQ Bookstore** » Thu Jun 07, 2007 1:44 am

Hello all.

Just have a question about the original hood markings on my GMC (A2, open, November 1944).
On most WWII pictures I have seen, USA is on top of the number. The orginial markings on my vehicle, have USA infront of the number.. ?

Is there any particular reason for this? Does the type of markings belong to a certain timeframe maybe, or is it just random how this was marked?

Any info appreciated.
Thanks!
Tom

Chappers · Post by **Chappers** » Thu Jun 07, 2007 4:18 am

Hi Tom ,I believe that they were done at random, One of my trucks had several layers of paint and had both USA markings one top and one in front of the number.

Anyone know different??

regards

Steve

John V Cliche · Post by **John V Cliche** » Thu Jun 07, 2007 4:05 pm

Here is my 2 cents worth

I have seen a few factory photos where the hood numbers are being painted and the USA is above the number ( GM photo)

Then in other publications showing specific unit vehicles the USA precedes the hood number. (ORD Battalion )

Therefore I have always thought that originally the USA would have been above, but with field repaints it ended up in line instead for whatever reason.

John

armydriver · Post by **armydriver** » Fri Jun 08, 2007 4:59 am

It may have had something to do with the ease of making a stencil. In the field, it would appear that making a straight line stencil would have been easier than having to center the USA above the numbers. Just conjecture on my part though. My truck , Betty Boop, had the U.S.A above the numbers and yet it had a flight line yellow repaint on top of the OD green.

dr deuce · Post by **dr deuce** » Fri Jun 08, 2007 5:44 am

I could be wrong, but I think that you cannot have the combination of the bigger numbers, invasion star and the "USA" above the reg number. They will run into each other.

armydriver · Post by **armydriver** » Sat Jun 09, 2007 7:34 am

Good observation Doc. That is a very distinct possibity.

CQ Bookstore · Post by **CQ Bookstore** » Tue Jun 26, 2007 6:36 pm

Thanks for your inputs. It can be a possible field painting then.
The number was also on the back on the bed. Considering my bed is post war from 1950, can the number also be post war?

Tom

Kees51 · Post by **Kees51** » Wed Jun 27, 2007 9:27 am

The units were allowed to decide themselves to put the USA above or in front of the number. In the AR-850 markings manual of 1945 it says that the height of the numerals should be 1, 2, 3, or 4 inches, and they should be the largest size in the space available so that the legibility was easy. The USA should be above the number unless there wasn't any space for it. If you make the number as large as possible on the side of the hood of a GMC, you can't get the USA above the number and have it still be readable from a distance. If you put it in front of the number you can read it fine.

In the AR-850 of 1942 it is said that the number should be blue, 2 inches high, and the USA should always be above the number. In the AR-850 of 1945 it is said that the numbers should be white, and if any old numbers are on the vehicle that they should be repainted in white.