Developed by the Quartermaster Corps, the jeep and other motor transport vehicles were transferred to the Ordnance Department in August 1942. Despite its lightweight, the jeep could perform a variety of functions, including towing a 37mm antitank gun over a 7% grade. Unencumbered, the jeep could climb a 60% grade, and was capable of attaining speeds in excess of 60-mph on a level highway. It could ford a stream 18-inches deep, even when fully equipped and loaded. It had a cruising range of approximately 300 miles on 15 gallons of gasoline. Operated by a crew of two, the jeep had a space in the rear for equipment or additional personnel.

This particular 1:32 scale replica of a US jeep was attached to the 11th Armored Division and used during the Battle of the Bulge counteroffensive and comes with a spare tire attached to the rear of the vehicle, a .50 caliber machine gun mounted in the cargo bed, and loads of digging utensils hanging from either side of the vehicle. Also features a vertical wire cutter mounted to the front of the vehicle. Sold Out!

Dimensions:
Length: 4-inches
Width: 2-inches

Release Date: July 2004

Historical Account: In early December, the 11th Armored Division was deployed to continental Europe, landing in Normandy, and moving south to a marshaling area at Rennes. The intended mission was to reduce remaining pockets of enemy resistance along the French coast at Lorient and Saint Nazaire.

The German attack through the Ardennes, however, caused an abrupt change of orders. The Division embarked on one of the most grueling forced marches in American military history, covering over 350 miles across France in four days. By December 23rd, the Division had joined General George S. Patton's US Third Army, and was deployed defensively along a 30 mile stretch of the Meuse River, extending from Sedan to Givet. Shortly afterward, orders came to advance another 85 miles northeasterly into Belgium, and assume attack positions in the vicinity of Neufchateau.

The first combat occurred on December 30th, when the Division engaged the fanatical Fuhrer Begleit Brigade and the Panzer Lehr Division south of Remagne. Over the next several days, a furious battle raged, as these enemy forces along with the 3rd Panzergrenadier Division and the 26th Volksgrenadier Division sought to close the relief corridor into Bastogne from the south. The 11th Armored and adjacent units fought them to a standstill. During this period, the Division suffered heavy casualties from enemy action, as well as from the bitter cold. Despite these losses, the enemy paid an even heavier price, and the vital supply line into Bastogne remained open.