While only a few M39s saw combat in WWII, these armored utility vehicles became a workhorse for the U.S. Army in the Korean War.
Built by Buick, the M39 was refitted for Korea to transport and supply troops, carry ammunition, and save lives as a medevac ambulance. The M39’s thin armor and open top left the crew vulnerable to enemy fire. At the battle of Imjin River, troops in the African American 999th Armored Field Artillery Battalion used their M39s to break through a bloody ambush. While not designated for heavy combat, Battery B relied upon the vehicles .50 caliber machine guns to inflict heavy casualties and survive.
