The GMC DUKW - 353 was developed in 1942 in accordance with a directive by the Commanding General, Services of Supply. The directive called for a vehicle that could transport personnel and supplies from ships to beaches without the benefit of prepared harbors and docks. The designation DUKW came from the builder’s code: D=1942; U=Utility; K=All wheel drive; W=Twin rear wheel axles. The average GI simply referred to the vehicle as the “Duck”. The pilot model was so successful that it was immediately put into production after testing. On land the DUKW used its normal six-wheel drive, but in the water, it was driven by a propeller and steered by a rudder. The wheels and propeller could operate together for smoothly entering and exiting water. DUKWs participated in all major U.S. amphibious operations from March 1943 until the end of World War II. The cargo compartment could accommodate 25 soldiers and their equipment or 5,000-pounds of supplies. Lend-Lease DUKWs were also provided to the British and Soviets. Over 21,000 DUKWs had been manufactured by late 1945.