Fort Eustis in Newport News, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
M38A1, Truck, Utility, ¼ Ton, 4×4
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), February 26, 2021
1. M38A1, Truck, Utility, ¼ Ton, 4×4 Marker
While bearing the 'A1' designation of being a modified design, the M38A1 was a considerable improvement over the M38. The new "Hurricane" four cylinder F-Head engine demanded a taller engine compartment, resulting in the distinctive hood ridge and general rounding of the Jeep's front. The fenders were also more heavily integrated and rounded as well, indicating its concealed, heavily strengthened frame and suspension system. Winterization and fording kits were built to allow the M38A1 to operate in a wide variety of conditions, making it a fast, agile, and rugged all-terrain vehicle.
M38A1 entered service in 1952, allowing it to see limited service in Korea before the end of hostilities. It was well received, and the design was found to be capable of mounting a recoilless rifle for infantry support and reconnaissance-in-force. Its durability and adaptability meant that the M38A1 saw service all over the world and was still found in some units' motor pools in the 1970s, 15 years after its replacement, the M151 MUTT, was fielded. The soundness of the design also allowed it to be converted to a civilian version, the CJ-5.
Erected by US Army Transportation Museum.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Roads & Vehicles
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Location. 37° 9.914′ N, 76° 34.525′ 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. M151A1, Truck, Utility, ¼ Ton (MUTT) (here, next to this marker); M151A2 Truck, Utility ¼ Ton 4×4 (MUTT) (here, next to this marker); M38, Truck, Utility, ¼ Ton, 4×4 (here, next to this marker); M1097, Heavy Variant, 4×4 (HMMWV) (a few steps from this marker); XM1109, Heavy Variant, Up-Armored, 4×4 (HMMWV) (a few steps from this marker); M816 Wrecker, Truck, 5 Ton, 6×6 (a few steps from this marker); M221 Truck, Tractor, 2½ Ton, 6×6 (a few steps from this marker); XM1078, Truck, Cargo, 2½ Ton, 4×4 (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 89 times since then and 9 times this year. Photo 1. submitted on March 1, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
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