The Red Ball Express and the Women Who Ran It
This 1944 photograph reveals a sign indicating the tonnage moved on the Red Ball Express and encourages soldiers to keep the trucks rolling to supply the front lines. Courtesy of the U.S. Army Transportation Museum (V0395).
The Overall Significance
The Red Ball Express ended on November 13, 1944. During its 81 days of operation, 421,193 long tons (each long ton equals 2,200 pounds) of gas, oil, lubricants, ammunition, food, and other essentials were delivered. On an average day, 5,088 tons were moved, 83 truck companies were used, and the round trip distance averaged 606 miles. It would be the most recognized action of the Transportation Corps during World War II and solidified the need for post war retention of a separate Transportation Corps within the U.S. Army.
Additionally, the operation illustrated the ability of women and African American soldiers in the ranks of the U.S. Army. Without their support, the operation would not have been successful, and First and Third Armies would lack the logistics to advance across Europe. Their efforts led directly to the end of the war in the European theater in May 1945.
