Atomic Deuce
The 1932 Ford coupe has been in our family for over 70 years. The car was initially purchased by my wife Becky’s father, Jacob J. Wechsler (Jay), in November 1944. It was his daily driver when he was in the military service. The car is more than just a family heirloom and survivor; it also has fascinating connection to World War II.
In 1941 Jay was a freshman in college when the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor, and like most of his friends, he went down to sign up for the war effort. Gifted with poor eyesight, the recruiter turned him away and suggested he stay in school. As Jay tells it, by 1943, the Army was desperate enough that they finally allowed him to enlist. Then after boot camp, some college classes, and specialized training, Jay thought he was headed for Europe like so many others. As
