DCO 205-H, Tractor, 5 Ton, 4×2
In 1965, the US Army purchased 1,200 DCO 205-H International tractors for use on the highways of Europe, replacing the M52 5-ton tractor which was deemed unsuitable for high speed long haul missions on European roadways. The Internationals were cheaper to operate and easier to drive, which helped reduce driver fatigue. The DCO 205-H proved to be a stalwart tractor that had traveled about 25,000 miles a year.
The purchase of the DCO 205-H signaled to the domination of the International Harvester Co. in the European US Army commercial truck fleet. This reign would last until the late 1970s when the AM General M915 tractor entered services.
This vehicle was built in February of 1965 and used by the 76th Transportation Company, 106th Transportation Battalion, 37th Transportation Group until 1973 when it was shipped back to the states as a donation to the museum. In its eight years of service the truck amassed more than 120,00 miles of use.
Erected by US Army Transportation Museum.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Roads & Vehicles • War, Cold. A significant historical month for this entry is February 1965.
Location. 37° 9.925′ N, 76° 34.52′ W. Marker is in Newport News, Virginia. It is in Fort Eustis. Marker can be reached
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. 2000D Fleetstar, Truck, Tractor, 5 Ton, 4×2 (here, next to this marker); T-3, Rolling Liquid Transporter (RLT) (here, next to this marker); M221 Truck, Tractor, 2½ Ton, 6×6 (a few steps from this marker); M129A1C, Semitrailer, Van, 12 Ton, 4 wheel (a few steps from this marker); XM1109, Heavy Variant, Up-Armored, 4×4 (HMMWV) (a few steps from this marker); M1097, Heavy Variant, 4×4 (HMMWV) (a few steps from this marker); M52A2, Truck, Tractor, 5 Ton, 6×6 (a few steps from this marker); M151A2 Truck, Utility ¼ Ton 4×4 (MUTT) (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 260 times since then and 44 times this year. Photo 1. submitted on March 1, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
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