The idea for the Weasel came from the work of British inventor Geoffrey Pyke. In November 1944, USMC distributed M29s to the 3rd, 4th, and 5th Marine Divisions. They proved invaluable with their first appearance in combat on Iwo Jima. It also saw use on Okinawa. The M29 was produced by Studebaker, an American wagon and automobile manufacturer based in South Bend, Indiana.