WISCONSIN DELLS, Wis. (April 1, 2003) - The amphibious transport vehicles nicknamed "Ducks" by American GIs during World War II are still popular with troops of vacationers in Wisconsin Dells today. Original Wisconsin Ducks, the largest fleet of amphibious tour Ducks in the nation, embarks on its 57th season this spring.

"When you look at all there is to do in Wisconsin Dells today, Duck rides remain a family favorite," said Dan Gavinski, general manager of Original Wisconsin Ducks. "Our tour offers a unique perspective of the Dells from land and on water, yet it is also a novel way for visitors to learn a bit about history and see how these vehicles were instrumental in the war effort."

Despite their celebrated status for their ability to cross both land and water, Ducks almost didn't make it into action. At first, the idea of developing amphibious vehicles in the 1940s was met with skepticism. As America catapulted into war and the Duck proved itself in a high-seas rescue at home, top U.S. leaders gave the program a nod and the vehicles were produced and deployed in droves overseas.

Most notable was the use of more than 2,000 Ducks to transport troops and supplies during the historic D-Day invasion at Normandy. It was touted as the greatest amphibious operation in history as Ducks allowed the Allies to make a beachhead on the rugged shores of northern France. Ducks were also vital tools for traversing the coral reefs and soft volcanic ash shorelines on the Pacific battlefront.

"Because of their reliability and versatility, Ducks became known as a workhorse vehicle of the war," Gavinski said. "However, they also were the 'chariots' of Allied leaders. British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, Britain's King George VI and then future French President Charles De Gaulle were each ferried onto newly liberated French soil using Ducks."

From 1942 to 1945, General Motors produced more than 21,200 Ducks for the U.S. Army. After the war, most of the vehicles were abandoned in Europe. Today Gavinski travels the world to find authentic Ducks in good shape to add to the Original Wisconsin Ducks fleet.

"While nostalgic looking, Original Wisconsin Ducks are really like new vehicles once our experienced maintenance staff completes its rigorous work to refurbish them," Gavinski said.

That work takes about two months. What is old becomes practically new again as each Duck is prepared for its new tour of duty hauling vacationers on one-hour, 8½-mile excursions over the beautiful terrain of Wisconsin Dells.

With more than 90 vehicles, the Original Wisconsin Ducks is the largest "flock" of amphibious tour ducks in the United States. There are about a dozen duck tours nationwide. Original Wisconsin Ducks is a staple attraction in Wisconsin Dells and has operated for more than 56 years. For more information, please call 608/254-8751 or visit the Original Wisconsin Ducks Web site at www.wisconsinducktours.com.

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