Naming A Gun Truck
 

    Following the hardening of a cargo truck, they began to take on personalities of their own. Most gun trucks were painted black, and following a long-standing custom, the crews of these gun trucks named their vehicles and painted mascots on them. In many cases the paint jobs were distinctive and were offered as a challenge to the enemy.

    Names often reflected the popular culture of the time. For example, "Iron Butterfly" was named after a rock band; "The Untouchables" was named after a popular TV show; the "Road Runner" was named for an animated cartoon character; "Godzilla" was named after a movie monster, and "Eve of Destruction" was a lyric in a popular song.

    The personalities of the trucks varied, but they were universally tough and willing to go in harm's way. A unit history described the gun truck "Nancy" this way:

"Nancy was no lady, with yellow snarling teeth and a heart of armor plate, she can make life difficult for men who 'court' her every week in Ambush Alley. She's a standard deuce and a half, but with extra options you can't get in a showroom. Like 5 machineguns, armor plating, M79 40mm grenade launchers and radios - her insurance policies."

Gun Truck "Nancy" of the 444th Trans Co, one of the quad .50 caliber machine gun trucks, was a very powerful anti-ambush weapon. The same mount was used on World War II anti-aircraft vehicles.