M923, Truck, Cargo, 5 Ton, 6×6 (Modified)
The M923 cargo truck was part of the M939 vehicle family that entered service in 1983. This class was a result of deficiencies found in the M809 series of 5 tons, particularly in relation to transmission, transfer cases, and brakes. The new class of 5 ton vehicles reintroduced automatic transmissions, something not seen since the Korean War vintage GMC M211. Further improvements in the M939 class also included a new cab to help meet the Surgeon General's standards for in-cab noise, the relocation of the muffler to behind the cab, and power steering.
The M923 model was primarily used to transport personnel and supplies over all kinds of terrain, rain or shine. Hinged steel siding made loading and unloading cargo relatively easy. The M923 was the Army's mainstay 5 ton until the introduction of the M1083 FMTV (Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles).
This vehicle was found in Kuwait after serving as a gun truck doing convoy security work. After 2004, Iraqi insurgents had begun hitting convoys extremely hard. To deal with this, units started to add makeshift armor to vehicles to help defend against these attacks. This basic armor concept was officially referred to as Level III armor but is more commonly known as "Hadji" or "Hillbilly" armor. This was due to the rough appearance of the scrap metal or ballistic plates applied
by the local weld shops. The double walled armor box in the bed allowed the gunner to traverse a full 360 degrees. With the arrival of factory produced kits (Level II), vehicles with "Hillbilly" armor were pulled from service to be rebuilt or retired.Erected by US Army Transportation Museum.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Roads & Vehicles • War, 1st Iraq & Desert Storm. A significant historical year for this entry is 1983.
Location. 37° 9.921′ N, 76° 34.504′ W. Marker is in Newport News, Virginia. It is in Fort Eustis. Marker can be reached from Washington Boulevard, 0.2 miles south of Madison Avenue, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 300 Washington Blvd, Fort Eustis VA 23604, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. M123A1C, Truck, Tractor, 10 Ton, 6×6 (here, next to this marker); M127A1, Semitrailer, Stake & Platform, 12 Ton, 4-Wheel (here, next to this marker); M818 Truck, Tractor, 5 Ton, 6×6 (here, next to this marker); Model 94×43, Truck, Tractor, 4-5 Ton, 4×4 (with) (here, next to this marker); M172A1, Semitrailer, Lowboy, 25 Ton (here, next to this marker); M52A2, Truck, Tractor, 5 Ton, 6×6 (a few steps from this marker); M129A1C, Semitrailer, Van, 12 Ton, 4 wheel (a few steps from this marker); 2000D Fleetstar, Truck, Tractor, 5 Ton, 4×2 (a few steps from this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Newport News.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 1, 2023. It was originally submitted on February 28, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 220 times since then and 18 times this year. Photo 1. submitted on February 28, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.