willysmjeeps.com

All,

I own a 1952 USMC M38A1. Is there a resource that I can use to identify the unit or division my Jeep was attached to? I have the original data plate listing the serial number as 18690. During my sanding and repainting, I was unable to recover any unit markings. I am lucky enough to have recovered the serial numbers from the engine, the body, transmission, and front and rear axles but I am having trouble figuring out the final piece of the puzzle. If possible, I would like my restoration to be as complete as possible.

I have found a few websites that talk about locating the unit for a jeep, or m-series vehicle and the site owners say they have become over burdened with requests for information but these sites do not include a link or a suggestion as to where someone might turn if they were willing to continue to research on their own. Is there a resource somewhere, anywhere? Anything that could point me in the right direction would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks for the advice in advance!

No known resources for literature that shows assignment history for Military Wheeled Vehicles.

If you have no unit markings to work with and no maintenance records found left in the jeep but you do have the hood number then your only resource are archived historical photos at various sites that have their date and location shown and have your hood number or even a very close hood number.

Being a Marine Jeep means that most likely you will never find bumper unit markings, as the Marines did not use a system like the US Army. The Marines used a lot of unit symbols on vehicles in places like the doors and fenders. Here are a couple of pics that may help.

Thanks all. I will get busy pouring over every photograph I can find. If nothing turns up I will make the best guess for my Korean War display. Thanks again.