: M151-A2 MUTT Jeep Markings 1985 BBDE (Berlin Brigade)

[nick]

Hi there, I just wondered if anyone could help me ?
I am restoring a US Army M151-A2 MUTT Jeep und would like to add US Army Berlin Brigade 502nd Infantry (but not 101st Airborne), 6th Battalion unit markings to this vehicle, but do not know the correct layout or sequence of how these units markings would actually visually appear on the Left & Right of the front & rear bumpers of the Jeep ?
NOTE: I have talked to someone outside the web, who suggested that the Left bumper should have 101/502 and the Right bumper would have 6/4 (for example), but I’m not sure this is correct ??
During 1984-1985, the 502 Infantry was reflagged within the 101st Airborne, the 4th, 5th and 6th Battalions, 502nd Infantry were activated within the Berlin Brigade by reflagging the existing 2nd, 3rd and 4th Battalions, 6th Infantry. This was part of a wider Army plan to regimentally pair units based within the United States with those stationed overseas for battalion rotational purposes. These three battalions, perpetuating the lineages of World War II Companies D, E and F, 502nd PIR, were neither airborne nor air assault. The rotation plan was found to be unworkable and was quietly abandoned.
Any help or suggestions would be much appreciated.

[muttguru]

Nick, I have a couple of pictures where the front bumper can be see.
There are different markings.
First one has 2-6-I which I guess is 2nd Battalion, 6th Infantry.
Second one has BB-40-triangle which I presume is Berlin Brigade 40th Armored.

The first picture shows an M151 in use...presumably around the 1960s. The second is a 1971 or later M151A2.

Unless someone else chimes in, I'd suggest that you google "Berlin Brigade Association" or similar, then post a question to members there.
Ken

[nick]

Hi Ken, thanks for reply, but could not see the images you attached ? I have tried contacting two Berlin Brigade websites, but no joy. It appears that most veterans are not interested, don't know, or no longer around as this unit deactivated in 1994. I didn't think it would be this difficult to find out this information and even contacted US Army Europe, but they never responded. Don't suppose you know where to obtain 1980s MP sirens (they had two on front bumper) and the single Blue beacon as used on the A2 MUT Jeeps in Germany ?? My guess is the Blue lights were actually German made ? Regards, Nick

[muttguru]

Nick,

for the sirens, try to locate a dealer trading under the name "FNG Supplies". He used to attend W&P every year when it was at the Hop Farm. He can probably get hold of one or two. e-mail me directly and I'll send you a photo.

As for the blue beacons, I have one but it's a 12-volt version that I use with a voltage convertor. It's smaller than the ones that usually appear at MV shows but it suits me. Again, worth trying FNG for one. They are illegal to display on the UK highway, if you get one, you'll have to put a canvas cover on it, working or not ! Here again. I'll send you a picture.

ken
muttguru@aol.com

[nick]

Hello Ken, thanks again for helpful legal information regarding Blue beacons and sirens. I have all correct bumper information or layout for US Army Military Police, Berlin Brigade, but information on infantry brigades are vague and images I have found on the web do not show all bumper unit details as something always in the way or picture blurred. Once I get my jeep finished, I'll email detailed images of body plates and unit insignia to you directly.

Just for research purposes, I attended the last Air Show at RAF Mildenhall in 1993 or 1994, and the US Air Force Security Police were still using A2 MUT Jeeps on the base.

Regards, Nick

[muttguru]

Just for research purposes, I attended the last Air Show at RAF Mildenhall in 1993 or 1994, and the US Air Force Security Police were still using A2 MUT Jeeps on the base. Regards, Nick

Hello Nick, if I remember correctly, Mildenhall Airshow was last held in 2001. My brother and I went as a guest of a Spec Ops officer. He and his team had discovered an M151A1 tucked away on base and they needed a carb for it, which I provided along with a couple of mutt tech manuals. Been there, done it and actually got the T-shirt, which is still unused, with SOG logo printed on it.
On the Saturday of the show we were stopped by security at the gate as we had not purchased tickets but the gal who stopped us read our invite letter and contacted our host, who duly escorted us onto the base and took us through to the Starlifter pizza parlor for an "Anthony's Pizza - The World's Finest"....plus a couple of icecreams and root beers. It was an effort to stand up afterwards !
Oddly enough, at that show I purchased a VHS videotape called "Winged Victory - Mildenhall 1990"...70 minutes of sheer bliss

There's talk every year of holding a "final" show..... but with the UK being as it is, I doubt if it will take place and the base closes for good fairly soon.
ken

[nick]

Hi Ken,

Thanks for interesting read regarding the MUTT found on the air base!

I contacted FNG Supplies, and he emailed a picture of Blue beacon he has available, but awaiting further information on price etc.

I live in Norfolk, but out of interest, do you know if there are any other MUTT Jeeps in the county of Norfolk, UK ?

Regards, Nick

[nobby]

Lots of barns in Norfolk.
Bound to be one somewhere..

[nick]

Hi Ken,

I'm going to buy some US Army stencils for my MUTT Jeep, but was wondering which would be the best spray paint to use ? The Stencils I'm thinking of buying appear to be made from paper and appear to be taped on and simply spray over the top, but was wondering if there is also a specific procedure to follow ?

Finally, don't suppose you know anyone who has RT-524 / RT-246 Canvas Radio Cover in NOS condition for sale, do you ? I have been on couple websites but they are all out of stock!

Regards, Nick

[rickf]

I don't know if Mr. Dibbles is still monitoring the site but I remember a long time back he posted a piece on lettering a vehicle with stencils and I am sure he used Model paint, as in model cars. Several light coats to get the good solid look and his stuff was always absolutely perfect.

[SNOOPY]

[SNOOPY]

[rickf]

Snoopy, Did you have a little argument with the plant by the door?

[SNOOPY]

Ha!
That's the previous owner's place (and photo)...The only reason I would damage a plant would be for camouflage purposes