Hi,

TV has shown a documentary about WWII where the RED BALL EXPRESS has been refered.

I've made a search through the internet and had found some info about it but, haven't found any good picture of a truck with the RED BALL sign.

Can anyone help ? I've a GMC 21/2 to paint and finish and it will be a different way to finish it.

TIA

I'm not sure but I don't believe the red ball was on the trucks themselves. I seem to have read that it was on the signs denoting the route they were supposed to take.

One thing I would like to point out. My Dad was a truck driver in the ETO in WWII. He hated always hearing about the Red Ball Express. He used to say that his outfit, that wasn't in the express, did everything they did without getting all the glory. I realize that isn't very politically correct but that's how he felt.

Rodger

No official markings were placed on the trucks. Just the routes to move traffic day and night.
They must not have had time to deal with the artwork. If I can find an old photo I will send it.

Hi,

The info I've been able to collect refered that the roads are marked with the RED BALL, mainly at intersections, so that the truck drivers don't miss the correct road but, some of the info refered that the trucks also used the sign.

Thanks

Jose, of all the info i have on the redball express and th e US Armys GMC-CCKW non shows the red ball marked on any of the trucks. On the highways at intersections Yes but not on the vehicles themselves.

I do not have a photo of one either. However, the red ball on the truck is mentioned is several places such as this site.

http://www.darron.net/redball.html

The book ROAD TO VICTORY, by David P. Colley might shed some light on this subject. It`s the story of the Red Ball Express. I have never seen it, so I can not comment.

Hi,

Here at Texas Veteran's Page it's also refered the sign on trucks.

Perhaps someone has the book and can confirm it or not.

Hi,

At my searches I found a reference to the sign on the trucks - Bob Gallagher's World War II Experiences - Chapter 25.

However, the date and place are not according to the RED BALL EXPRESS dates and places.

RED BALL - 25th August till mid November 1944, in France - Normandy to north of Paris
Gallagher - April 1945 in Germany

Any ideas ?

maybe it was one of the units/trucks that took part in the redball express and had not removed the signs from the truck.