In 1942 Revolite, formerly a division of Johnson & Johnson, originally developed
an adhesive tape made from a rubber-based adhesive applied to a durable
woven cotton fabric backing. This tape resisted water and was used as
sealing tape on ammunition cases during World War II. It was also used
to repair military equipment quickly, including jeeps, firearms, and aircraft.

The origin of the name of the tape is the subject of some disagreement. The
Oxford English Dictionary says that perhaps "duct tape" was originally "duck
tape".  

You can fix anything with a roll of duct tape!