Long before it became the go-to solution for broken taillights and makeshift repairs, duct tape earned its reputation in war zones, not toolboxes. Originally engineered for the U.S. military during World War II, this humble gray strip of cloth and adhesive has sealed more than just leaks. It has mended equipment, saved lives, and become a quiet symbol of American ingenuity under pressure. As part of our $25 for 250 campaign, celebrating 250 years of military service and innovation, we’re looking back at the sticky, scrappy legacy of duct tape and why it still sticks today. 

In 1943, during the height of WWII, ammunition boxes used by American troops were sealed with paper tape, wax, and other materials that were prone to tearing and hard to open quickly under fire. Enter Vesta Stoudt, a mother of two Navy sons and a worker at the Green River Ordnance Plant in Illinois. Frustrated by the inefficiency of the current sealing method, Stoudt proposed a better one: a strong, waterproof cloth-based tape that could be easily torn by hand. She even sent her idea directly to President Franklin D. Roosevelt.  

To her surprise, the President forwarded her suggestion to the War Production Board, and it was approved. Johnson & Johnson was tasked with creating the product. The result? A green, rubber-based adhesive tape reinforced with cloth backing. Soldiers called it “duck tape,” both because it was waterproof like a duck’s back and made of cotton duck fabric. The tape quickly became a battlefield essential. 

Once it was in the hands of American troops, duct tape proved invaluable. Soldiers didn’t just use it to seal ammo cans—they used it to fix cracked windows, patch holes in tents, secure loose gear, and even treat wounds in emergencies. It earned a reputation as the “100 mile-an-hour tape,” referring to its ability to withstand high speeds on vehicle repairs. Duct tape’s effectiveness lay in its simplicity: it was durable, water-resistant, hand-tearable, and endlessly multi-use. It became a lifeline for quick thinking under pressure. 

After the war, the tape was adapted for civilian use, particularly in the booming housing industry. Manufacturers changed the color from olive drab to silver to match HVAC ductwork, and the nickname “duct tape” took hold. Ironically, it’s not especially effective for sealing air ducts, but its versatility in nearly every other domain kept it popular. Despite its rebranding, the military never stopped using it. In Korea, Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan, duct tape remained a staple in every toolkit and rucksack. Whether sealing fuel lines, modifying weapons, or holding boots together, duct tape kept service members mission-ready. 

Over the decades, duct tape has been credited with some truly wild feats: securing a helicopter rotor in Vietnam, reinforcing body armor in Iraq, strapping a plane door shut mid-flight, creating temporary handcuffs, slings, splints, and even makeshift stretchers. NASA famously included duct tape on every Apollo mission because if it was good enough for the battlefield, it was good enough for space. 

Duct tape represents the kind of thinking that saves time, saves missions, and sometimes saves lives. From the hands of a concerned mother in Illinois to the packs of soldiers across generations, duct tape is a testament to how small ideas can make a big impact. 

This story is just one in our $25 for 250 series, celebrating two and a half centuries of military innovation, service, and sacrifice. From chocolate M&Ms designed for war zones to battlefield breakthroughs like Super Glue, these stories remind us that our armed forces don’t just protect our nation—they help shape it. 

Check out the full 250-Year Military Timeline and consider donating $25 to honor the legacy of those who’ve served.