EP59 – Rhino Tanks and Sticky Bombs: GI Ingenuity in the Second World War w/Bob Wettemann

Send us Fan MailComing of age during the Great Depression, the American boys who fought in World War II had, through necessity, developed a unique brand of technological resourcefulness. Joe is joined by Bob Wettemann to discuss how American servicemen grew up in a society where the machine was ubiquitous—where enduring an unparalleled period of financial distress meant learning to keep their Model Ts, Fordson tractors, or other machinery operational. Wettemann describes how this tinkerer’s mentality promoted a technical aptitude and willingness to adapt unmatched by other armies fielded during World War II. At the same time, the US command structure demonstrated a willingness to evaluate, accept, and employ such efforts to improve both fighting capacity and the general comfort of US servicemen. Seamlessly blending social, military, intellectual, and technological history, Rhino Tanks and Sticky Bombs weaves an engaging narrative about the roots of American ingenuity during World War II—and makes a compelling case for a specific instance of American distinctiveness that proved crucial to Allied victory.  If you'd like to become a Patreon supporter of The "We're Not Lost, Private" Podcast, check us out here: https://patreon.com/WereNotLostPrivatePodcast  You can check us out on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/@WereNotLostPrivatePodcast If you like the pod, please hit like, subscribe and share! You can listen to us on Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and a host of other podcatchers. We're also on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/werenotlostprivate1944   and Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WereNotLostPrivate  If you’d like to pick up a copy of Rhino Tanks and Sticky Bombs, head over to the following link: https://www.oupress.com/9780806195988/rhino-tanks-and-sticky-bombs/ Support the show