Fort Eustis in Newport News, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
2000D Fleetstar, Truck, Tractor, 5 Ton, 4×2
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), February 26, 2021
1. 2000D Fleetstar, Truck, Tractor, 5 Ton, 4×2 Marker
Following the success of the DCO 205-H as a replacement for the M52 tractor, the Army continued to buy International trucks to sustain its commercial fleet in Europe. The Model 2000D Fleetstar was one of the models that were purchased to augment the DCO 205-H. The list of improvements over the older DCO 205-H included easier access for maintenance to all engine components; a smoother ride as the driver sat back a few feet from the front wheel axle; more power and pick up; a 10-speed gear selection; better visibility with a windshield made of one piece glass, and improved mirrors that allowed a better view of the road beside and behind the driver.
These tractors continued to meet the transportation needs of US Army Europe at a price cheaper than using military specific vehicles. The vehicles would continue to provide service until they were phased out in favor of the AM General M915 tractor in the 1980s.
This vehicle was built in February of 1972 and used by the 37th Transportation Group until 1985 when it was shipped back to the US Army Transportation Museum. The tractor was used to drive a M129A1C trailer outfitted as a recruitment van. The tractor and trailer were specifically painted to stand out and attract attention. This combination fell under the Headquarters of the 37th Transportation Group. Drivers were tasked
this page online
Erected by US Army Transportation Museum. (Marker Number 24.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Roads & Vehicles • War, Cold. A significant historical month for this entry is February 1972.
Location. 37° 9.924′ N, 76° 34.518′ 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. DCO 205-H, Tractor, 5 Ton, 4×2 (here, next to this marker); M129A1C, Semitrailer, Van, 12 Ton, 4 wheel (here, next to this marker); T-3, Rolling Liquid Transporter (RLT) (here, next to this marker); M221 Truck, Tractor, 2˝ Ton, 6×6 (a few steps from this marker); M52A2, Truck, Tractor, 5 Ton, 6×6 (a few steps from this marker); XM1109, Heavy Variant, Up-Armored, 4×4 (HMMWV) (a few steps from this marker); Model 94×43, Truck, Tractor, 4-5 Ton, 4×4 (with) (a few steps from this marker); M1097, Heavy Variant, 4×4 (HMMWV) (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 March 1, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 320 times since then and 58 times this year. Photo 1. submitted on March 1, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
Editor’s want-list for this marker. A wide shot of the marker in context. • Can you help?
