President Dwight Eisenhower famously stated that the Jeep 1/4 –ton military utility vehicle was “one of three decisive weapons the U.S. had during WWII.”  He is also quoted as saying the same thing but that it was one of FIVE decisive weapons.  Either way, with over 650,000 produced during the war, the Willy MB Jeep became an iconic, even legendary, character in the war effort.  United States Army Chief of Staff General George Marshall called it “America’s greatest contribution to modern warfare.”

Though the Willys MB Jeep was produced to help the Allies win World War II, it continued to assist in America’s war efforts through the Korean War and other various post-WWII conflicts. Yet, even after its use in wars, Jeep repurposed the popular design and added it the its line-up of vehicles available for purchase by anyone.  Suddenly the terms “four-wheel drive” and “Jeep” became common in American households.

The creation of the Willy MB Jeep was truly a team effort which combined talented minds from both the military and civilian sectors.  It has often been referred to as a design “by committee.” An officer with the U.S. Quartermaster Corps once wrote, “Credit for the original design of the Army’s truck ¼ ton, 4x4, may not be claimed by any single individual or manufacturer.  This vehicle is the result of much research and many tests.”

The jeep served many helpful purposes for the Allied forces, and was referred to by many as the new workhorse of the American military.  Remember, the U.S. armed forces had used horses quite a bit in World War I.  The jeep now helped with supply trains, light infantry, combat medicine, small-scale troop transport, and more. 

So, the next time you see a Jeep, remember its birth came because of a war, and it joins the long list of consumer items that also got their start because of a war need including Kleenex, vitamins, wristwatches, zippers, drones, and hot dogs!