The U.S. Military Hand Cart: WWI to Korea

The U.S. Military Hand Cart was a staple of the Army and Marine Corps from WWI through WWII. Whether it was carrying weapons or logistics, these small carts earned a respected spot in field environments. Starting with the WWI era wooden carts, they evolved into sophisticated carriers that were easily transportable assisting the soldiers of assignment. The U.S. used 22 different cart models from 1917 through 1953 with a small number being retained through the Vietnam War. A variation of the stretcher cart is still used today by the Medical Corps. Significant new information is presented here to include cart production contracts, the testing of the Infantry Board in 1935-36 as well as the different variations on carts. The manual for the widest produced military cart, the M3A4, is also reprinted as an appendix. Much if this history has never been documented and presented before as this is the first book on hand carts. The book reflects the research of several larger hand cart collectors like Craig Johnson, Mark Van Klaveren, and Robin Bartel. Their collections combined are represented in this book.