Joined: Apr 08, 2009 Posts: 249 Location: Mariposa, Ca.
Posted: Sat Jul 18, 2009 12:05 pm Post subject: M38A1 Service History/Hood Number Confusion
While restoring my 1961 M38A1, which still has the OD green paint applied when it separated service from the USMC, I uncovered the origanal hood number, 94-40137 and then above that US Navy. The Jeep had yellow wheels and further research and help from another of our members led me to a picture in a book depicting an all yellow M38A1 somewhere in Asia, with a hood number that began with 94. US Navy was also above the number on the hood. My question is; does anyone out there know what unit the 94 series would have been attached to and what the initials VMF stand for on aircraft tail sections. The aircraft in the picture is an A4d Skyranger and was a Marine Corps model, with a US Navy M38A1 standing by, presumedly serviced by the USMC. This ia all verrrry confusing but likely on purpose to throw off anyone looking.
Any help much appreciated as I am restoring this vehicle to original appearance and cannot find military museum information for the USMC and Navy to assist. At least online.
First you must understand the relationship between the USN and the USMC. The USMC is part of the USNavy. Their paychecks are issued by the Navy. Their equipment was procured for them through the Navy's procurement system. So you get many jeeps procured by the Navy with some be procured especially for a USMC need and some for a specific USN need. Those that went directly to Navy use got Navy hood numbers. Those that went directly to USMC use got USMC hood numbers. Those that changed hands had the old number painted over and the new number painted on. That should take care of how certain numbers ended up buried in your paint. A lot of US Army procured M38A1's were transferred to the USMC in the 60's as the Army switched to the M151 and you will see a lot of USMC over Army paint and numbers.
VMF tells you the aircraft is assigned to an air wing, M=USMC and F=Fighting or(Fighter). _________________ Wes K
45 MB, 51 M38, 54 M37, 66 M101A1, 60 CJ5, 76 DJ5D, 47Bantam T3-C & 5? M100
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