NDIA Honors Recipients of the 2024 Red Ball Express Award at Tactical Wheeled Vehicles Conference
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RESTON, VA – The National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA) Tactical Wheeled Vehicles Division proudly announces the winners of the 2024 Red Ball Express Award, recognizing outstanding contributions to national security and the advancement of tactical wheeled vehicles. Mr. Richard McKenzie and GM Defense’s Infantry Squad Vehicle (ISV) were recognized on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, at the NDIA Tactical Wheeled Vehicle conference in Reston, Virginia.
Mr. Richard McKenzie was recognized for his exemplary leadership and technical expertise in advancing the Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) Family of Vehicles and the Family of Heavy Tactical Vehicles. His contributions span the entire lifecycle of 127,922 fielded trucks and trailers, ensuring enhanced performance, reliability, and readiness for warfighters.
The GM Defense Infantry Squad Vehicle (ISV) was honored for its critical role in improving the mobility and operational effectiveness of U.S. infantry forces. Based on the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 off-road platform, the ISV enables rapid deployment, supporting the Army’s Transforming in Contact initiative by increasing agility and maneuverability in complex operational environments.
History of the Red Ball Express
The Red Ball Express Award was named after the famous Transportation Unit in World War II. The Red Ball Express was an enormous truck convoy system created in 1944 to supply Allied forces moving quickly through Europe after breaking out from the D-Day beaches in Normandy. Some 28 divisions were advancing across France and Belgium, each ordinarily requiring 700-750 tons a day. Patton's 3rd Army was soon grinding to a halt from lack of fuel and ordnance. The route, marked with red balls, was closed to civilian traffic; the trucks were marked with the same red balls and given priority on regular roads. The key to pursuit was a continuous supply of fuel and ordnance, thus leading to the Red Ball Express.
Contact:
Rachel Sutherland, NDIA Director of PR and Communications: rsutherland@NDIA.org