Enlisted in Freedom's Fight

[Ryan]

"Out of the crate and ready for service. One of thousands of Harley-Davidsons used by the United States Army. Ammunition box on front fork. Submachine gun is carried on fork on opposite side. ...

To read the rest of this blog entry from The Jockey Journal, click here.

.

[fivepointink]

that second pic is the stuff! true warriors. could you imagine seeing one of those GIs steering with one hand and put rounds down range with the other. lovin it.

[JohnJoyo]

Nice!!!

[Richie]

I've really got to scan some old family photos of my Grandfather on his government issue Indian (one of less than 1000 I think?) in Panama during The War and my other Grandfather's brother with his Harley and full scout gear in Europe.
I've seen some of the WW 2 training films (I'd imagine they are on You Tube) instructing riders on how to properly lay down and pick up their bikes in the event that they are needed for "cover".

[badassbrutus]

Those warriors used submachine guns Try firing one with one hand and drive the sled to not a easy task.
The head gear and goggles are killa love to have a set.
Id like to see richies grand pappy on that Indian
Im always lookin forward to seein Rayans old school posts
Thanks Man.

[TheManInBlack]

America rules.

[Hoofhearted]

Where were those guys when Honda and Yamaha started invading our shores?

[jahluv]

From Shorpy...

[Blue Collar Moto]

Originally Posted by badassbrutus

Those warriors used submachine guns Try firing one with one hand and drive the sled to not a easy task.
The head gear and goggles are killa love to have a set.
Id like to see richies grand pappy on that Indian
Im always lookin forward to seein Rayans old school posts
Thanks Man.

Call this guy. Hes been sporting around the swaps and events with oem Army Air Core flight head skins. 614 539 0441
justifieddefiance.com

[Dragon]

Here is a GREAT site for the WLA (and Canadian version WLC) - http://www.theliberator.be/liberator.htm


Some samples -





"This superb color image shows a GI taking aim with his Thompson M1928A1 SMG behind his WLA during an exercise in 1942.

He wears the HBT uniform with Hawley Fiber M1 helmet liner. An M1 Dust Respirator is barely visible on his left cheek. The goggles are the M1938 Resistal type.
The Submachinegun has the 50-Rd magazine fitted and the Lyman rear sight is flipped upwards.

The motorcycle is a Type II 42WLA identified by the bicycle type starter pedal and low headlight. Note the chafed side of the saddle, despite the three rivets. The paint on the handlebar grip has nearly completely worn off from extensive use.
Of interest are the cadmium plated nuts on the horn electrical connection screws.
Also note the total absence of markings."









"A young Officer poses on a WLA Motorcycle during training at the Armored Force School at Fort Knox, Kentucky, early in the war.

The wear of rank insignia on the shirt's epaulettes shows this photo was taken somewhere before Mid-1942. After that Officers wore their rank isignia on the shirt's collar.
The uniform consists of the summer tan shirt and trousers with low-quarter shoes.

The bike is a Type II 42WLA, equipped with the first pattern round Air Filter. The star on the gas tank seems to be painted in an off-white color, or maybe even yellow. The marking of the Armored Force School (AFS) is painted in black inside the star, common to the vehicles of the AFS at that period. The gas tank also bears the marking 'MONEY'.
The license plate is attached to the rear fender bracket.
This photo gives a clear view of the Cadmium plated finish on some parts, bolts and nuts of the Type II bike.
Today the Armor Force School is still located at Fort Knox and is home to the Patton Museum!
Note the unusual trailer in the background!"









"May 1944, at dawn GI's from the 101st Airborne Division's Divisional Headquarters mount WLA motorcycles they have just unloaded from a British made Horsa Glider during a pre-Normandy Invasion exercise in England.

Troopers all wear M1941 uniforms with Parachute Jump Boots. The rider in the foreground still retains his B4 Life Preserver.

Motorcycles are either Type III, IV or early Type V 42WLA's. The NCO on the left carries his M1A1 Folding Stock Carbine in its canvas scabbard in the motorcycle's bracket.
Note the absence of both legshields and windshield on all bikes....."








US Army Signal Corps Photo / Webmaster's Collection

"Private Roy Zimmerman of Wood River, Illinois, supervises US Army military traffic near St Lo, Normandy, France on July 27th, 1944. Zimmerman was a Military Policeman in the 507th Military Police Battalion, and wears the typical uniform of the period. Note the leather gloves, American Optical sunglasses and Tanker's Helmet with MP markings.
He carries an M1 Carbine in the submachinegun scabbard on the front forks.....
The motorcycle is a typical example of a Type III 42WLA, identified by the Black-Out driving light, the rectangular air filter, 'high' ammo box and unpainted motor and cylinder heads.
Note the position of the star behind the shifter gate on the gas tank. A M1928 Meat Can pouch is attached to the rear fender.
The first pattern tire pump is secured atop the rear fork. Interestingly the holes in the legshield bracket are plugged with parkerized mounting bolts.
The headlight has been subdued or painted over to avoid sunlight glare...
The tread on the Firestone Sportsman 400-18 tires is clearly visible on the front wheel..........

In the background is a Jeep with a .50 Cal Machinegun, next to a Dodge WC-54 Ambulance. The 'DAMN IT USE SIGNALS' sign seems to be made out of carton and is hung up by a piece of string. A US Army censor has prepared the photo for censoring with a red pen......."

.

[Bigcheese5300]

I like Fran 6's version:



-Dave

[badassbrutus]

Blue collar moto thanks for the # gonna call him tomorrow
ya the man.
dragon What detail got the #s of the gear I need now all I got to do is find em Im sure I will
I know they couldnt always lay the sled down and fire the weapon they had to do drive buys.
This time period of machenery was incredible the abuse it could take and keep on goin the crap we have nowadays cant take it and when it breaks ya go to trash it and buy some new piece of crap.

[concrete guy]

Thanks guys for putting this article together! Enjoyed the shit out it

[Matthew Olsen]

stay tuned for the biggest wla news of the 21st century. I can't say anything yet, but I can promise that you guys are going to go nutz in about two weeks when you here the news.....

[Blue Collar Moto]

Originally Posted by Matthew Olsen

stay tuned for the biggest wla news of the 21st century. I can't say anything yet, but I can promise that you guys are going to go nutz in about two weeks when you here the news.....

FLATHEAD POWER IS BACK!!!!!
No shit!

Just kidding.
But that would be the best wla news I can think of.

[Jackster31]

For $10, you can download the technical manual from HERE

[Bad Liver]

I had the opportunity to purchase a 1942 XA 750cc opposed v-twin with shaft drive for a cool grand at swap meet years ago. I just read that less than 1000 were produced. Unfortunately, it was about 990 bucks more than I had at the time. If I knew then what I know now...

[Dragon]

The original contract for WWII motorcycles called for 500cc, which Indian had in production.....but after testing everyone preferred Harley's 750cc "45" so they accepted, and bought, the majority of them...

Originally Posted by Richie

I've really got to scan some old family photos of my Grandfather on his government issue Indian (one of less than 1000 I think?) in Panama during The War

For Richie -




"U.S. Cavalry H.Q. Company Indian motorcycle with front-mounted Thompson in 1938.
Note crossed-sword Cavalry emblem on the cycle's fuel tank."
Image courtesy George E. Goll

[Apehanger Hank]

When WWII broke out the Army moved a convoy of armored cars from Colorado to New York to send to Africa. The escort riders were all on 45s. Imagine riding all the that way at 45-50 miles per hour, pretty much non stop. The escorts would ride into an intersection, stop traffic to permit the convoy to pass and then ride like hell to catch up.
Hank

[lackluster]

Originally Posted by Matthew Olsen

stay tuned for the biggest wla news of the 21st century. I can't say anything yet, but I can promise that you guys are going to go nutz in about two weeks when you here the news.....

Is this gonna be good nutz or bad nutz?