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Posted by John K. Seidts [173.75.160.167] on Sunday, March 07, 2010 at 12:22:59 :
FS 1942 Dodge WC54. I hate to sell this ambulance, but I want to see it preserved and won’t have the time to restore it in the near future. Early 1942 Dodge Ambulance. I have the original data plates and War Department registration number for this truck. In 1947, this truck was returned to the Atlanta Ordnance Depot and reconfigured and designated Truck, ¾ Ton 4X4, Deceased Service Car. Why was this done? Between 1945 and 1952, families of WWII KIA and overseas deceased service members had the option to have their loved ones returned from temporary interment outside the United States. The service member would be returned and buried in a designated Veteran’s Cemetery or returned to the family’s cemetery of choice with $50.00 to aid in funeral expenses. Approximately 1/3 of all families so effected by the war chose to have their service member’s remains returned. This was a movement of war remains on an unprecedented scale, and consequently vehicles were needed to move remains between ships and trains, aircraft and cemeteries. This truck is one of the few documented to have performed this duty- it literally was rebuilt to carry soldiers home. Therefore, it needs to be restored. I have found one photograph of Dodge WC54’s being used in this capacity, but have lost the link and would have to find it again. I have found no other documentation about vehicles having this done. Price on this truck is $8900. I have many new parts that come with the truck and it is located near Aberdeen MD and we can arrange looking at the truck before or during the show.
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