The Original Jeeps
If you love incredible stories from World War II, you won’t want to miss bestselling author and historian Paul Bruno, the leading expert on the origins of the Jeep. His book, The Original Jeeps, is a must-read for WWII enthusiasts, shedding light on how this legendary vehicle helped the Allies secure victory.
The Birth of a Battlefield Legend
In 1940, as the world braced for war, the U.S. military needed a fast, agile vehicle to counter the Nazi Blitzkrieg and Japan’s forces. The result? The Jeep, developed in just weeks, not years. Paul’s book reveals the fierce competition among auto manufacturers to secure the first government contract, a war within a war fought in boardrooms as much as on battlefields.
The Jeep’s Role in D-Day and Beyond
More than just a transport, the Jeep replaced slow-moving vehicles and vulnerable sidecars, proving essential in key operations, including D-Day. The book brings history to life with rare photographs of Jeeps in action, from snowy battlegrounds to sandy beaches, and even with notable figures like Generals Eisenhower and Patton, Franklin Roosevelt, and Winston Churchill.
A Story of Innovation and Determination
While Bantam initially won the contract to produce the Jeep, Ford and Willys - Overland soon stepped in to meet wartime demand. The Original Jeeps dives into the intense behind-the-scenes efforts of American and British automakers, as well as the politicians, military officials, and engineers who shaped its development.
Meet the Expert Behind the Book
With over 25 years of research, Paul Bruno is the foremost authority on the Jeep’s origins. Initially writing screenplays to bring this story to the big screen, he ultimately turned his work into award-winning books. Today, he speaks to groups and appears in interviews, sharing his expertise on the Jeep’s history, design, and impact.
Wife
The book is dedicated to Paul's late wife Cath E. Bruno. Ph.D. My sincere condolences Paul