Mr. Adkerson’s gift honors the service of his father, a Seabee in the Pacific during World War II.

This tracked vehicle was designed to rescue people in flooded areas after hurricanes, using its cup-like metal tracks to “swim” through the water and “crawl” over obstacles, such as coral reefs. 

Trucks such as this 2.5-ton vehicle played vital logistical roles—mostly famous in the Red Ball Express, when over 5,000 vehicles maintained supply lines to the front-line forces after the D-Day landing. Most drivers in the convoy were African American, reflecting a segregated military in which black troops were often relegated to non-combat, but essential, roles. 

High-resolution images for editorial coverage, b-roll, press release, and fact sheets for PT-305.

The National WWII Museum hosts a number of ongoing and special events open to the public throughout the year. From learning workshops for the whole family to lectures (both scholarly and more general) to film screenings, the Museum offers a variety of programming that helps to deepen the understanding of the American experience in World War II.