Dodge wc 54 Ambulance 731643 Restoration

[HH Birnie]

Sanding the right door and cowl.




The size of sandpaper compared to a watch




Sanding movie https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ptyGwttvRY



There are about 4 old layers of paint on top of the original layer of paint.

[HH Birnie]

When I found the name Alex Bohmann I found the 48th Surgical/128th Evacuation Hospital. The book seemed like a nice addition to my search for more information. The book contained a list of "enlisted men" conscripts. With Alex Bohmann.

During reading, the route of Alex and the Dodge slowly unfolded. Ashore on June 10, 1944 on Utah beach. A funny detail, they store their hospital tents along the Grand Chemin near Boutteville, Normandy. There was also a small headquarters of easy company 506th pir 101 at that time.
The writer of the book is the son of the doctor at the 48th, Jesse Flynn. He thanks his daughter in the back for the pictures, small details but I took the chance. Just searched the media sites and between all the names the first contact was right on target. How many e-mails etc. I have sent without a response....... legion.
The story unfolded. Together with her father (the writer) she will try to contact a relative of Alex Bohmann. I found a granddaughter who's still alive. So I have to wait another time.......
Another family photo of Alex (wedding photo) shows his "army-buddy", also his brother-in-law with a name. I follow that trail to see if this was the driver in the Ambulance.
Best regards
Hans

[Tuareg]

Fantastic !!

[HH Birnie]

YES YES,
Last friday (27 Jan) it finally happened. An email from Alex Bohmann's son, David. After we had found a possible address and telephone number, we called but was not answered. He had listened to the voicemail but thought it was a scam, until he also got the letter with pictures and the story. He was completely surprised. His father spoke little till nothing about the war. I found out more about his father than he knew. He knew his father had been a medic in Europe. I send this time a long email and pictures. So we wait and see what he comes up with next.
Gr

[Tuareg]

Congratulations, it is a dream made real for any researcher of these vehicles history.

It is also and will be a very emotional experience for the son and his family.

[Ed Roberts]

Hans, outstanding news. Congratulations to you for your "Above and Beyond" efforts.
Best, Eddie

[70th Division]

YES YES,
Last friday (27 Jan) it finally happened. An email from Alex Bohmann's son, David. After we had found a possible address and telephone number, we called but was not answered. He had listened to the voicemail but thought it was a scam, until he also got the letter with pictures and the story. He was completely surprised. His father spoke little till nothing about the war. I found out more about his father than he knew. He knew his father had been a medic in Europe. I send this time a long email and pictures. So we wait and see what he comes up with next.
Gr

Hello Hans,


Persistence pays off, as with anything !
You Did It !!!
What a wonderful discovery, of the family, who you can now fill in with their father's history, and the WC-54 he rode in.
It has to be a great thing for them,and for you as well, finally making the discovery about your Dodge's history.
It must be a great feeling be a successful detective of History !

Congratulations !

Keep us posted !!


Best Regards,
Ray

[HH Birnie]

It was a great discovery. Too bad the family doesn't know much.He is going to ask the family if anyone knows anything else. If I hear something I will share it.
Best regards Hans

[HH Birnie]

The sanding takes time but it slowly gets better


Below are some documents from Alex Bohmann's family.
If you look closely at dates, you will see he was a short time in the service and got out. He will rejoin later. The reason for this, his parents were already elderly. His sister had arranged for the first dismissal. When the USA was drawn into the war, he returned in service.


I don't understand al of the numbers. But perhaps I figger it out.


Gr Hans

[70th Division]

The sanding takes time but it slowly gets better


Below are some documents from Alex Bohmann's family.
If you look closely at dates, you will see he was a short time in the service and got out. He will rejoin later. The reason for this, his parents were already elderly. His sister had arranged for the first dismissal. When the USA was drawn into the war, he returned in service.


I don't understand al of the numbers. But perhaps I figger it out.


Gr Hans

Hello Hans,

What a great record of information !
He spent over a year in Europe, plus earlier service.

The hood sanding is looking great, the paint is really in good shape under the Norwegian repaint.

Keep us posted !

Best Regards,
Ray

[Tuareg]

Thanks for the update !!

[Ed Roberts]

Ray: I believe the stars referred to on the Theater award indicate 4 separate battle engagements, not Bronze Star decorations. No matter because it still shows he was a very busy medic in harms way. I bless him and others who made those efforts. Best to all.
Eddie

[70th Division]

Ray: I believe the stars referred to on the Theater award indicate 4 separate battle engagements, not Bronze Star decorations. No matter because it still shows he was a very busy medic in harms way. I bless him and others who made those efforts. Best to all.
Eddie

Thanks Ed,

I edited my post, should have looked at it closer !
I am amazed at the detective work Hans has done from just a last name scratched onto the Dodge !

Best Regards,
Ray

[primal4x4]

Hello Hans, Great build.

Doe's your drivers seat back rest hinge forward like the passenger side? The exposed bracket in the picture looks the same.

I'm looking at your picture from page one but don't know how to post it here.

[HH Birnie]

Hello Hans, Great build.

Doe's your drivers seat back rest hinge forward like the passenger side? The exposed bracket in the picture looks the same.

I'm looking at your picture from page one but don't know how to post it here.

Sorry but I don't understand exactly what you mean.
Hans