A replica of the Vietnam-era gun truck “Brutus” traveled down Constitution Avenue on November 8, as part of the National Veterans Parade, honoring the soldiers who defended American supply convoys during the Vietnam War.
The tribute had 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.
The 2026 National Veterans Parade featured more than 150 participating units, including numerous marching bands, active-duty military ceremonial and performing units, historic military vehicles, floats, pageant titleholders, and special tributes to veterans of the past.
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