STAR 20 INCH STENCIL STICKER
STAR 4 INCH : 10.16 CM STAR 10 INCH : 25.40 CM
STAR 4 INCH : 10.16 CMSTAR 6 INCH : 15.24 CM
STAR 20 INCH : 50.80 CM
Star stencil 20 inch — Invasion Star
For bonnet markings on military vehicles
Professional stencil for applying the iconic white star on the bonnet of WWII military vehicles. The 20 inch size was standard for larger surfaces such as the bonnet of jeeps and light lorries according to Army Regulation AR 850-5.
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Dimension 20 inch (approx. 51 cm) diameter |
Type Invasion Star with circle |
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Application Bonnet, bodywork |
Period WWII 1943-1945 |
Features
- Diameter 20 inch (approx. 51 cm) — standard size for bonnet
- Suitable for white paint on Olive Drab background
- Invasion Star design with characteristic circle
- Reusable stencil for authentic restorations
- According to WWII Army Regulation AR 850-5 specifications
★ Essential tool for any authentic WWII vehicle restoration. The 20 inch star was the standard bonnet marking for tactical vehicles during the invasion of Europe.
Application
The 20 inch star was applied to the bonnet of WWII military vehicles — primarily jeeps, command cars, 1/4-ton and 3/4-ton lorries. The 'Invasion Star' design (star with circle) was introduced for Operation Husky (Sicily, 1943) and D-Day (Normandy, 1944) to make Allied vehicles clearly recognisable to friendly aircraft. According to AR 850-5, the top of the star had to be positioned 1.5 inches forward of the dashboard, so it remained visible with the windscreen both raised and lowered. Also used on larger surfaces of Dodge WC-series and GMC lorries.
Installation notes
Position stencil on cleaned, dry Olive Drab surface. Top of star should be positioned approx. 4 cm forward of dashboard/windscreen. Apply white matt paint (lusterless white) with roller or spray. When using oilboard stencils, characteristic breaks appear in the circle — this is historically correct. Allow paint to dry thoroughly before carefully removing stencil.
Compatibility
The 20 inch size is standard for bonnet stars. Smaller stars (6 inch, 10 inch, 12 inch or 15 inch) were used for side panels, doors and smaller surfaces. Note: for CJ-2A, CJ-3A, CJ-3B and M201 — these civilian/post-war variants did NOT have standard military stars unless in military service. The Invasion Star (with circle) is specific to ETO (European Theatre of Operations) 1943-1945; earlier vehicles had only a simple star without circle.
Historical context
The white five-pointed star was the national symbol of all US tactical vehicles according to AR 850-5. The 'Invasion Star' with surrounding circle was introduced in 1943 to distinguish Allied vehicles from captured or lend-lease equipment in enemy hands, after incidents of friendly fire by own aircraft — the term 'American Luftwaffe' arose when mechanised units complained about attacks by the 9th USAAF.
This description was generated automatically. Unsure about fitment? Contact us at info@willys.be.
This part is intended for the restoration of historic military vehicles. Fitting, aligning, deburring or reworking is part of that work and is inherent to the nature of these goods. Dimensional variation also exists between original vehicles.
Installation requires technical knowledge of the vehicle. Unsure whether this part suits your version? Ask us before purchase at info@willys.be.
This part fits:
| Model | Years |
|---|---|
| Dodge | |
| Dodge WC52 weapons carrier (winch) | 1942, 1943, 1944, 1945 |
| Dodge WC53 carryall | 1942, 1943, 1944 |
| Dodge WC54 ambulance | 1942, 1943, 1944 |
| Dodge WC55 gun motor carriage | 1942, 1943 |
| Dodge WC56 command car | 1942, 1943, 1944, 1945 |
| Dodge WC57 command car (winch) | 1942, 1943, 1944, 1945 |
| Dodge WC58 radio command car | 1942, 1943, 1944, 1945 |
| Dodge WC63 6x6 (winch) | 1943, 1944, 1945 |