From: Neil E. Amrhein (neil@compu-powr.com)
Date: Thu Jun 03 2004 - 10:53:21 PDT
List,
I recently acquired a 1968 M274A5 mule from my father. It is equipped with the wide-tire (sand or TOW missile) up-grade kit. This mule has "MARINE CORP" listed under the "Depot Maintenance" section of the original data plate. This is not the same as my old M274A1 (also a Marine Corp mule), which had "USMC" in the same location.
As I have set about cleaning it up, it is clear that the vehicle was used by the Army for some length of time (presumably a long time). I can see "US ARMY", followed by a registration number on each side, under the multiple layers of flaking paint. The paint is flaking, but is stuck to these letters, making them clearly visible. They almost appear to be decals. These letters appear to be white. It also appears to have been stenciled with US ARMY in black on the most recent paint layer (MERDEC camo).
I know the letters and numbers were not put there by a civilian during a past restoration, since my father was the first civilian to own this vehicle. It was acquired in the mid-late 80's by a University and was bought by my father a few years ago, totally unmolested from it's military form. The engine and rear axle were rebuilt at Ft. Campbell in the early 80's, according to their tags.
Once I actually get into stripping the paint, I will hopefully be able to tell if there are any USMC markings under all of the other layers of paint, but for now, all I see is US Army.
Two questions:
1) Was there a change in nomenclature between 1963 and 1968 on data plates from "USMC" to "MARINE CORP"? Or was this determined by the manufacturer of the vehicle?
2) Does it happen very often that the Army procures a vehicle for the Marine Corp, but ends up keeping it for themselves? Or, do they buy them back from the Navy, Air Force, and Marines on occasion?
Thanks,
--Neil
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