Patton's M20 Armored Utility Car – U.S. 3rd Army Command Vehicle

About the Patton's M20 Armored Utility Car – U.S. 3rd Army Command Vehicle:

The M20 Utility Truck was an American light reconnaissance car used in the later years of the Second World War. Derived from the M8 Greyhound, the M20 removed its predecessor’s anti-tank gun, carrying instead only a .50 cal M2 heavy machine gun on a ring mount. Without the turret, the M20’s open superstructure made the scout car a versatile vehicle, useful as a command car or an armored personnel or cargo carrier. A powerful Hercules JDX six-cylinder engine not only provided top speeds of 55mph and a range of 400 miles, but it also ran far quieter than comparable engines, giving the scout cars the nickname “Patton’s Ghosts.”

Embracing the traditional cavalry capabilities of the scout car, General George Patton hurried along the front lines in a customized M20. Removing the ring mount provided room for radios and staff, and adding a windshield enabled greater visibility as Patton sped along dusty roads. Flags and horns announced the general’s arrival. From his light and quick M20, Patton urged his troops forward, encouraging them to be similarly agile and fast as they pushed into Germany.