Congressman Baird rode aboard a replica of the Vietnam-era gun truck “Brutus,” traveling down Constitution Avenue, Sunday, as part of the National Veterans Parade. The parade honored all those who have defended America throughout our nation’s 250-year history.
Joining Congressman Baird aboard Brutus was Roger Blink, replica builder of Brutus and driver of the original gun truck, Indiana State Representative Beau Baird, as well as other veteran members of the Army Transportation Corps.
“One of my main goals this year was to provide Vietnam veterans a meaningful tribute during America’s 250th anniversary,” said Congressman Baird. “Many Vietnam veterans did not receive the gratitude and recognition they deserved upon returning home. Many came home without the parades and celebrations given to past generations of veterans. Seeing Brutus travel along the same parade route presidents walk after being inaugurated, I hope this tribute offers Vietnam veterans, and all who served, a small measure of the honor they have earned.”
Background: The service of Congressman Baird and the Vietnam Gun Trucks
The tribute has personal significance for U.S. Congressman Jim Baird (IN-04). The Congressman served as a convoy commander for the 523rd Transportation Company. The company is known for multiple renowned gun trucks including Ace of Spades, Proud American, King Kong, and Satan’s Lil Angel. As a first lieutenant, Jim Baird led convoys of up to 200 vehicles and often rode aboard the gun trucks that protected them.
“One of the greatest privileges of my time in Congress has been creating opportunities to honor Vietnam veterans,” said Congressman Baird. “Those I served alongside and all who sacrificed for the cause of freedom in that war deserve the recognition too many were denied when they returned home. As we celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, seeing Brutus travel through our nation’s capital will honor their courage and remind Americans of the immense service and sacrifice of Vietnam veterans.”
The original Brutus served with the 359th Transportation Company, defending supply convoys against enemy ambushes. To protect trucks carrying supplies from coastal ports to inland bases, soldiers transformed ordinary Army cargo trucks into “gun trucks,” first adding sandbags, then reinforcing the vehicles with steel armor and mounted machine guns. These improvised defenders helped protect fellow soldiers and keep vital supplies moving.
The National Veterans Parade is a nonpartisan celebration of every veteran, regardless of branch, generation, background, political affiliation, or religious belief.
This year the National Veterans Parade featured numerous marching bands, active-duty military ceremonial and performing units, historic military vehicles, floats, pageant titleholders, and special tributes to veterans of the past.
Images courtesy of the office of Congressman Jim Baird
