Jeep's impact on WWII starts in Butler
Iconic and recognizable are two words that describe the Jeep.
“The Jeep is an iconic vehicle because of its great impact on the war and post-war America and later the world,” said Julius Lorentzson, 68, of Fairmont, W.Va. “It was one of the first production vehicles that offered four-wheel drive.”
The ninth annual Bantam Jeep Heritage Festival is a tribute event for the father of all Jeeps, the history behind it, the people who created it and its birthplace, Butler.
Gen. George Marshall, World War II Army chief of staff, called the Jeep “America's greatest contribution to modern warfare,” said Patti Jo Lambert, festival director.
In 1940, the U.S. Army asked 135 tractor and auto manufacturers to design and have a working prototype of a four-wheel drive, 40 horsepower, 1,300 pound reconnaissance car that could haul soldiers as well as heavy artillery ready for a test run within 49 days, according to the Butler County Tourism & Convention Bureau.
The American Bantam Car Co. of Butler promised to deliver in 45 days and won the contract.
This is an excerpt from the Bantam Jeep Festival section in Wednesday's Butler Eagle. Pick up an issue to read the complete article and get the festival guide.
