FORD PROUD TO HONOR

While Henry Ford was an active proponent of peace, he lent his company’s support once it became clear the country was going to enter World War I. Using the same mass-production techniques that were perfected for its automobiles, the massive River Rouge Complex assembled Eagle Boats that were going to be used to hunt down German submarines.

This philosophy of inclusion made Ford Motor Company one of the first companies to hire people with disabilities and adapt the work environment to their specific needs. Henry Ford also honored these veterans by organizing a caravan of 50 Model Ts to take them to a convention in San Francisco.

While all civilian manufacturing ceased in February 1942 by order of the U.S. government, the mighty River Rouge Complex began supporting the military as early as 1940. Ground was broken on a new aircraft engine plant in 1940, and the Naval Training School was turned over to the Navy in January 1941. The Rouge produced a wide range of products for the military throughout WWII, including engines, superchargers, amphibious jeeps, Blitz Buggies and armor plating.

At the behest of the government, Ford Motor Company engineered a watertight hull and other unique features for the GPW Reconnaissance Vehicles. Ford then went on to produce 13,000 amphibious GPW Reconnaissance Vehicles that were highly effective during the war near Sicily and the South Seas.

At first, the government asked Ford Motor Company to produce parts to help Douglas Aircraft Corporation and Consolidated Aircraft Corporation, the original manufacturers of the B-24 bombers in California, to produce the B-24 Liberator bombers. After visiting the two organizations’ manufacturing facilities, Edsel Ford and Charles Sorenson knew that Ford Motor Company could build the bombers quicker and with better quality than the two organizations that were building them by hand. In order to do this, the largest manufacturing plant under one roof at the time was constructed near Ypsilanti, Michigan. No one believed it could be done, but by September 1942, the first fly-away plane was produced. By mid-1944, Ford had produced its 5,000th unit, and by the end of the war, well over 8,000 units were produced.

Everyone was asked to “Do Their Part.” These pioneering, industrial workers were collectively known as “Rosie the Riveter.” They took over the work that was once reserved for men and laid the groundwork for sweeping social change.

Armor plating and engines for a wide range of armored vehicles were produced by Ford Motor Company in its military production. Among these vehicles were large tanks, such as the 32-ton M-4 , M-10 tank destroyers to the smaller, but still tough, Armored Universal Carriers.

Henry Ford also enjoyed visiting his factories, even at the age of 81, and his frequent appearances were well-known around the world. In 1944, The American Legion awarded Henry its Distinguished Service Medal for his contribution to the rehabilitation of veterans of both world wars.