How I found this Jeep and purchased it: I’m a Vietnam Veteran and had been searching for a Jeep for several years. Looking online and all around, many were simply non-restorable and others had been modified for mud runs, etc. I live in North East Kansas on a small ranch but looked all over the states. One day when online I was looking in classified ads in Minneapolis, MN area and found a unique ad “Jeep for sale with conditions”. I called the owner up and before long took off with my side kick and cousin Dick Sines to see this Jeep “with conditions of sale”.
From the first moment I knew this Jeep is exactly what I was looking for. Not to show too much desire and to negotiate I asked the big question “what’s the conditions”. The sellers name is Eric Norberg, he and his wife Jenny met me on the driveway. Turns out the M38A1 belonged to Eric’s dad, a retired Army Veteran. His fathers name was Norman Norberg and he’s the one who restored it to original condition in 1991. Norman was active in VFW and Legion and used the Jeep for parades, events and all activities military.
So to the son I asked the price and before sharing that he mentioned some preferred conditions: My mind was turning, imagining all kinds of things thinking the M38A1 must stay in Minnesota, or it has no title etc. Eric hit me with the big question – “Are you a Veteran?” the answer was yes, Army Vietnam. Next question “what are you going to do with the Jeep if we sell it to you?” I replied “ Well it’s restored so it won’t need fixing, I will garage it at my place and use it in concert with my American Legion Post 66 and help to build awareness of our Veterans both active and retired”. BINGO! I passed the test as their father had requested – please sell it to someone who will respect it and keep it in public eye to support veterans.
The conditions were easier than I thought and the deal was closed – We loaded the Jeep on our car trailer and as we started to leave Eric and Jenny had tears in their eyes as did a group of their neighbors as they stood by and saluted us and the Jeep – To which we smartly saluted back. The Jeep had become an iconic symbol in the neighborhood, all the kids rode in it at one time or another and they hated to see it go.
When I got it home I made a decision to keep in touch with the Norberg’s and always send them pictures of the many events the Jeep now know as “Norman” participated in. To be sure he was remembered I added a small plaque to the dash board paying tribute to First Sargent Norman Norberg. Hundreds have seen the plaque and I always enjoy telling the story.
For Christmas of 2016 I had a 8×10 wooden plaque with metal engraved memorial for 1st Sgt. Norman Norberg and intended to get it to them by mail for the Holiday. My bad, I didn’t get it in the mail in time and the gift was late by a week. A call came in from Jenny Norberg , I assumed they received the plaque, but the next comment threw me, she said “how did you know?” I paused and thought well it was for Christmas and it’s late, Jenny said it came on “Normans Birthday” he would have been so proud. Eric can’t talk right now but we both appreciate this so much! – talk about fate. I was speechless I had no idea it was Normans birthday.
In closing I have attended over 80 events in 10 states and still going at 72 years of age. The last was the “Honor Flight that didn’t get off the Ground” all details are here – you have to check this out
http://www.hiawathaworldonline.com/news/the-honor-flight-that-didn-t-get-off-the-ground/article_3a793df6-51f0-5774-bab7-0409ce0e09f4.html
I have been designated for an Honor Flight this May – wish I could take the Jeep.
Willys Jeep Life Story – Robert Sines
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Truly a heartwarming story . I had a feeling when I saw ” conditions “. I think people that “Get It” with jeeps understand you never really buy a jeep , you just become it’s care taker until it’s time to pass it on . I know quite a few people who bought jeeps from vets and were questioned quite extensively on their intentions and so forth with the jeep . Great job and great story , God Bless .
I’m a Vietnam veteran and owner of a M38A1 for 18 years. I hope to find a similar home for my jeep when I can no longer climb behind the wheel.
Thank you for sharing this great story!!
True Patriots. I absolutely love the history and story. Thank you keeping the spirit alive in these pessimist times of leftist cowards.
Congratulations on your success and following thru with the owners request. I too have two WWII jeeps that need to be restored, just have not made the time to do it. Semper Fi
What a cool story and a cool legacy to continue on the visibility of the jeeps story. I myself managed to purchase back last year a 1952 Willys jeep Stationwagon that my dad owned 34 years ago and am looking forward to getting him out and about at some events and sharing his story and keeping these vehicles visible. I don’t know of another one like mine in New Zealand but it is quite eye-catchingly different so will be a talking point because most people in New Zealand are familiar with the military jeeps and are not aware that Willys also made Stationwagons( I liken it to a 1952 version of an SUV) and cars. It’s fantastic to see some of these older vehicles in their original condition and not heavily modified it keeps their character. What a wonderful way to honour veterans service hopefully I can get my Willys out for ANZAC day (25th April) next year which is New Zealands national day that we officially honour our service men and women.
This is by far the most moving story I’ve ever seen. As I read it it brought tears to my eyes and great respect for First Sergeant Norberg, and the current owner Sergeant Seines for keeping this one alive and in such good order. Thank you.
Great Story ! Keep it going !
former corporal of the Dutch army. After my service I did the same with my former Willys MB from 1942: drove at many years on memorial days veterans from Canada, England and ‘The States’ from 1976 until 2018. That Willys MB is sold to get a Willys Overland panel delivery truck from 1963 restored.
Theo Ernst
What a wonderful heartfelt story, it certainly did make me tear up too. As we get older we realize the history and importance of the past, how we got here on the efforts of those before us, the veterans in the wars, the wonderful people who took care of this old historic Jeep, and you too, Robert, your family, and the Norbergs, all the nice people who were involved in this whole story..
Thank you all!
Very nice Jeep and story behind it. From a vet to you and all—thank you for your service and welcome back home .
Hand Salute Sir.
Soy veterano del Army No tengo Jeep ,Me emociono la historia El jeep hasta los producidos en los años 70 son un legado me entristece ver como los destruyen con transformaciones hasta dejarlos irreconocibles Son una especie en extinción
Do you want to sell it with the Guarantee it’ll be in every Veterans Day memorial day and July 4 parade possible
I enjoyed reading this story. made me smile to see what you have done to keep the jeep doing what it was restored to do. My father was a Korean War veteran. I recently tried to purchase a 52 M38A1 but it didn’t work out. I have many jeeps but a war horse would have been special!
Hello, I’m disable vet and would like to ask if you have a program in donating jeeps to vets,
thank you,
Danny Boukhris from Austin TX
512-786-4234
I’m from Italy, born in 1964 but old enough to thanks all the USA Army people for what you have done for Europe!!!
Thanks to all veteran and my dream is one day to come to one of your parade with my Jeep M38A1…. if I will have the money!!!!
Regards to all of you
ciro
As a fellow veteran, ten years Air Force, I couldn’t see a more fitting tribute to Norman, and his family. That is a very heartening gesture by you to be so giving to their wishes. To some they may seem insignificant, but to those of us whom have served, it is the best thing we can do to honor a fellow veteran. I live in a small town in Northern Arizona (Williams) and we take the business of honoring our vets very seriously. When I finish the restoration of my ’72 Cj5, I will use it in parades locally to honor our local veterans. You have a very nice M38A1, , keep her nice for generations to admire .
OMG. I never leave a comment. But I have to. That is the best story I have heard. it got me teary eyed. Some day I hope to have a nice one for parades and such. Great great story
Thank you
Thomas, USN vet
Great story!!
You are a true Patriot, Gentleman and nice person. Well done!
Thank-you for your service.
(Another icon…John Deere in the driveway…good job!)
Same here—I’m a retired officer and Vietnam vet with a M38A1 I enter in local parades and veteran recognition events. People love a Jeep.
I have a 1952 M38 in very good original condition with a few exceptions. Now 12 volt with a new wiring harness. I also would prefer to sell it to someone wh0owouldnnot butcher it and keep it as original as possible. I finterested Gary 952 688 9127
Hi , nice story and well done
Bela historia!
Thank you brother. Likewise I am restoring a CJ2A and making it a Navy Jeep. I served 10 years. Same plan, I service on an honor guard for the Final Salute to our brother and sisters. Hopefully, I’ll have it done in two years. Its a retirement project. Out of the house and in the garage. Be safe.
Great story!!
You are a true Patriot, Gentleman and nice person. Well done!
Thank-you for your service.
Thank you for your service and “Bless your Heart” for being a Gentleman and Thinking of
a way to Keep Norman’s family in the loop in knowing their Dad’s jeep couldn’t of went
to a nicer fellow soldier! God Bless ALL our troops! Keep this piece of history rolling for
many years to come! —–Dave in New London,Ohio P.S. I’m restoring and M-38A1 and a
42 Gpw
Very nice Jeep. I do the same thing with my M38 Coast Guard Jeep. My wife and I and a retired USCG senior chief do parades and displays in conjunction with our local CG recruiter.
To John Middleton’s question about flag mounts. I cut blocks of maple wood to fit behind and the front bumper. They are mounted just outboard of where the bumper mounts to the frame. I used an existing hole in the bumper to mount them. A hole drilled in the wood allows me to mount my flags. They are painted the same color as the Jeep so I just leave them on all the time.
That’s a wonderful story! Keep the show’s going, many of us really appreciate seeing your Jeep and remembering our years of service. We were soldiers once and young. Life and the country were very different then or, was it out outlook?
I have a military vet friend whom I helped restore an A1. (I also have an M38 I am restoring). Veterans cemetery close to him and we are trying to.make front flag bumper mounts. How are yours attached?
Middlejohn1@gmail.com
Very good story and photos. Any Jeep that was purposed for military use should be
honored and respected and driven and displayed throughout its life with military, Veterans, and flag days parades. They are a symbol in themselves of dedication, durability and defense of our nation.
Perfect in all ways. Bravo.