after removing the cap on the master cylinder it was determined that there was no fluid in the cylinder. Sergeant Minks, from Houston quickly solved the problem by filling the empty comtainer with water from his canteen. He asked Corporal Talbot to pump the brakes and see if he had any pedal. He had some, so Talbot, also from Houston took off , grinding gears with several of his fellow Marines in the bed and cab of the Japanese truck.
According to Talbot the trip to the service was un-eventful. It was the trip back that became harrowing. As they were headed down a pretty steep hill the water filled brake system suddenly failed. Talbot looked ahead towards a single lane bridge over a rather steep ravine and there was an M-3 tank starting to cross the birdge. Unable to down shift or slow the truck down he started blowing the horn and wildly waving at the tank. He states that the rest is somewhat of a blur in his mind, but apparantly the tank driver realizing that the truck could not stop, backed the tank off of the bridge an on to the side of the road in time for the brakeless truck loaded with desperate Marines to zip past .
Bob said they eventually coasted to a stop, all got out and abandoned the Jap Chevorlet and hiked back to their unit position.
Just a note, water does not make very good brake fluid.
Bop Talbot is a neighbor of mine and serves as my relief driver in my CCKW in parades. He always askes if I have checked the brake fluid before we leave.