American 2 1/2-ton, 6x6 Trucks in World War II

Particularly in Europe, where the land warfare was most suitable for mobility, the ability to maneuver and supply by truck was a decisive advantage to the Allied armies in World War II. Although the German Army had pioneered mobile warfare in the late 1930s, they never became motorized to the extent of the Allies.

Closed cab CCKW on a street in Detroit, MI, April 1943. Truck registration number is USA 4134998.

Although many vehicles were in use in World War II, it was the 2 1/2 ton 6x6 (the "deuce and a half" or just "deuce") that bore most of the load. There were three main trucks in this category:

• GMC CCKW (G-508)
• Studebaker & Reo US-6 (G-630)
• International Harvester M-5H-6 (G-651)

These trucks had many differences in details, but had the same function, general dimensions, and external appearance. More information on each truck is provided below on this page. Photographs are available in the Military Vehicle Charts at the linked pages for the individual trucks in the list just above.

Reo US-6 2 1/2 ton 6x6 (G-630)

Continued on WW II 2 1/2-ton, 6x6 Trucks Page 2.

Recommended Books about WW II Military Cargo Trucks

• Standard Catalog of U.S. Military Vehicles
• The GMC 6x6 and DUKW, a Universal Truck

US 2 1/2-ton, 6x6 Trucks in WW II

World War II was the first war in which massive numbers of trucks completely changed the equations of mobility for warfare. The production capability of the U.S. automotive industry poured out hundreds of thousands of jeep, trucks and armored vehicles. This made it possible for the U.S. and its allies to overwhelm the Axis with men and supplies, moving forward at a rate never before possible.

A U.S. Ninth Army GMC CCKW truck, just after crossing the Rhine River, March 1945.

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