My wife and I recently came into possession of a half-track and we’ve learned a bit of it’s history which we thought we’d pass on to those that have an interest in military history. Our track, serial number M3A11303W, was manufactured by Diamond T Motor Car Company. The serial number falls with in the range of those manufactured between November, 1943 and December, 1943. It is one of 2,037 M3A1s produced by White Motor, Diamond T, and Autocar. We were also able to uncover the USA registration number: 4064394.
One of the more interesting discoveries is the tag “Processed Type 2, 106 ORD CO HM, KCOMZ, AUG 54" which is painted in yellow on both sides of the track. After doing a little research, we learned that the 106th was an Army National Guard heavy maintenance unit based out of Springfield, MO. The unit was federalized on 9 Aug 50 and arrived in Pusan, Korea on 26 Mar 51. A total of 2,358 men served with the 106th until it was deactivated on 26 May 55 after winning seven battle streamers.
The tag KCOMZ is an acronym for Korean Communication Zone. KCOMZ was the support group responsible for all logistical support to UN, US and Korea forces during the Korean Conflict. The group was also in charge of political and economic relations with the Korean government, the operation of Korean National Railways, and control of all POWs. It was established in August, 1952 and re-designated in August, 1956 as the Eight US Army Support Command, and then later as the 7th Logistical Command.
We were able to track down an 85 year old veteran of the 106th who now lives in Hawaii. He did confirm that there was a half-track in the compound at Pusan. In fact, he actually drove it once. Unfortunately he can’t confirm that our track was the one he drove so many years ago. We’re not sure how our track would have been used in the compound. It is also a mystery how the track got from the U.S., to Korea, and back to the U.S. in civilian hands.
We’ll keep you updated on our progress as we start to restore our half-track. DW
