Code-named DUKW, the vehicles were first built by General Motors in 1942 and were basically a truck enclosed in a water-tight shell. DUKW is a military acronym, with the letters as codes indicating that it was designed in 1942 (D), for utility/amphibious purposes (U), with front wheel drive (K), and two rear driving axles (W).
The first operational use
of the DUKW was in 1943, when the U.S. landed Army troops on New Caledonia. Later organized into companies, the DUKW displayed its versatility by carrying ammunition directly from anchored ships to shore.General Patton and General Eisenhower realized the DUKW was an invaluable war tool, and they were impressed by its capabilities. Over 1,000 DUKWs were used in the Sicilian landings of 1943 alone. The D-Day landings in Normandy then made the DUKWs virtually indispensable. Approximately, 2,000 DUKWs brought to shore 40% of all supplies landed between June 6 and September 1, 1944.
General Motors built 21,000 DUKWs during the war.
[JHAWK note: Originally many of the U.S. tourist Duck tours used surplus WWII vehicles...but apparently many of those have worn out - both Ketchikan Ducks and Branson Ducks now use "modern" vehicles.]
DUCKS...or DUKWs...in Tourism
My first Duck experience was with the Branson Ducks (in the 1980s, but who's counting).
Below: current photos of the Branson experience.
Don't think they give us "quackers" in Ketchikan! :)
I actually got to drive the Duck in Branson and there is a photo somewhere...but apparently don't have it at my house.
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