Vehicle Description
To be OFFERED AT AUCTION at Auctions America's Auburn Spring event,
May 11-13, 2017.
Chassis No.
BILL OF SALE
Estimate:
$ 10,000 - $ 20,000 US
This U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Bridge-Erection Pontoon Boat was
used to assemble and support a temporary military bridge. The U.S.
Army Corps of Engineers have been erecting pontoon bridges since
the Civil War to cross water obstacles. The Army used many types of
temporary bridges in World War II, but needed a faster way to
deploy while under fire in combat.
Andrew J. Higgins designed this boat to help the Army Engineers
rebuild the infrastructure among the ruins of Europe. It is a
motorized boat that was able to operate in shallow water and work
as a tug or ferry. The twin screw propellers are protected to
prevent damage from debris. The boat is designed in two sections
for ease of transportation to the site.
The Bridge-Erection Pontoon Boat's most unique role was operating
as a ferry gun boat on the rivers in Vietnam. These boats are still
in private use in Europe and are operated by disaster relief
agencies in the United States.
