Lyles, James Gun Trucks in Vietnam

Have Guns - Will Travel

Authored by James Lylesa non-commissioned officer with four combat tours in Vietnam, direct experience in convoy operations, and a background as a "Vietnam Gun Truck" commanderthis book is considered the definitive reference work on a specific class of hybrid vehicles known as "Vietnam Gun Trucks," as well as the extraordinary crews who manned them. Throughout their five-year operational historyfrom late 1967 to late 1972Vietnam Gun Trucks were undoubtedly the most significant wheeled vehicles employed during the Vietnam War. They were utilized primarily for convoy security and the defense of military installation perimeters, though they undertook other missions as well. It was originally believed that only 150 of these vehicles existed; however, this book now features a roster listing the names of 563 Gun Trucks, along with over 200 rare, previously unpublished photographs of the trucks themselves, unit insignia, veterans, and much moremost of them in color. This volume showcases not only the ubiquitous "Deuces" (2.5-ton trucks) and 5-ton models but also more unusual Gun Trucks, including vehicles with wooden armor, M37 cargo trucks, Jeeps, trucks equipped with quad .50-caliber machine guns, and other specially constructed trucks. For this book, James Lyles has compiled an entirely new collection of veteran accounts, ensuring there are no repetitions and no disappointments. The photographic material was provided by the very veterans who manned these Gun Trucks between 1967 and 1972.