World War II Jeeps Displayed at the Sixth US Calvary Museum

Fort Oglethorpe Kiwanis was recently given the privilege to take a glimpse at the two unrestored World War II Ford Jeeps from 1944 and 1945 at the Sixth Cavalry Museum. According to Chris McKeever, the museum executive director, “The museum was originally organized by the Sixth US Cavalry Association. They always wanted a jeep here. We wanted an authentic one and so Matt Fox located these two Jeeps in South Carolina.”
McKeever also added that the US Calvary Association has purchased the Jeeps and donated them. “They were priced wonderfully and had so many original parts,” although no Jeep fuel injector yet at that time was added but all the rest were guaranteed authentic Jeep parts. It was actually last March 9 when the Kiwanis came to visit and McKeever have encouraged them all to take part in the success of the museum.

McKeever said, “What we need to do is to let everyone in Catoosa Country know its here.” The Kiwanis were given the royal treatment at the museum where they were served lunch, ushered to tour the museum and were given surprise presentations.

One of the volunteer at the museum Chris Lane made his museum display even more interesting by adding WWII memorabilia which include his grandfather’s Marine uniform. McKeever also said that one of the huge attractions at military museums is the military hardware on display like the Patton tank.

Likewise, Matt Fox of Quarter Ton and Military Restoration Parts of Rising Fawn also shared with the group his plans on how to restore the 1944 Jeep. Fox recalled that he purchased his very first Jeep at the age of 13 with the money he earned from mowing yards unfortunately his dad took his Jeep away after Fox knock out a wall and drive the Jeep all through their garage.

Fox said, “It gets in your blood. It’s very much addictive. There is so much history in these Jeeps.” He explained also that the restoration process of the 1944 Jeep will take at least 18 months and will cost approximately $8,000 for parts and supplies to restore the Jeep in its original glory.

In return for Fox restoration efforts the museum will award him with the 1945 Jeep, said McKeever. The Kiwanis President Judy Jackson said after the tour that she is happy to see that Fort Oglethorpe has a place where the stories of soldiers who bravely fought during the war are recognized and shared.

She also recalls the effect that war films had on her father, which she said would usually make her dad cry although she could never get him to talk about his experiences but she knows from her father’s reactions that he has been through a lot during the war.

McKeever has also taken the opportunity to invite all those who are interested to volunteer for their day-to-day assistance and for the upcoming preparations for the National Military Appreciation Month which will be held this coming May. The museum is open starting Tuesday to Saturday at 9:00 AM- noon and 1 to 4 PM. The admission only cost $3 for adults, $2 for seniors and students. Children aged 6 and below are free of charge while families that will come to visit the museum will be charged $10.