Paying Tribute To Our History, On D-Day

Ford’s Role In World War 2

81 years ago today, on June 6, 1944, the course of history was changed forever, as the D-Day invasions began in Normandy. Over 160,000 Allied troops landed in France that day, taking part in the largest seaborne invasion in military history. The operation began as the liberation of France, and eventually led way to the Allied victory in Europe.

The large-scale collaborative effort that was required for the planning and execution of Operation Overlord, involved hundreds of thousands of people, including personnel and troops from the US, United Kingdom, Canada, France, Australia, Poland, The Netherlands, Norway, Greece, South Africa, and more countries. It was an incredibly high stakes mission, that if not executed successfully, would’ve proved catastrophic for the Allied forces. Thankfully, that was not the case.

Within the planning and preparation of D-Day and many other Allied efforts, was the backing of Ford Motor Company. Despite the fact that Henry Ford was a pacifist, he turned his automobile enterprise into one of the most important manufacturing partners for the US military. Ford shut down all civilian vehicle production in 1942, dedicating all of its resources to the Allied war effort.

Ford Motor Company has supported the US Military since its beginnings, building anti-submarine patrol boats during World War 1. In World War 2 though, Ford Motor Company became an incredibly valuable piece of the American effort. During the war, Ford built 86,865 complete aircraft, 57,851 airplane engines, and 4,291 military gliders.

In addition to aircraft, Ford plants built 277,896 military vehicles, including tanks, armored cars, and recon vehicles.

The biggest WW2 contribution of all though, was Ford’s production of the B-24 bomber, the most important weapon for the Allied forces. By the end of the war, Ford had produced well over 8,000 of these bombers.

On today, the anniversary of D-Day, we remember those that lost their lives on that day, and honor those who fought for worldwide freedom, on foreign soil. We also thank our Ford predecessors, that they so heroically and patriotically joined the war effort, putting the nation’s needs first. Without the efforts of Henry Ford and Ford Motor Company, World War 2 could’ve been a very different story.

On this Day in History

• In 2015, American Pharoah won the Belmont Stakes, becoming the first Triple Crown winner in more than 35 years.
• In 1944, the Allied invasion of Normandy began, the famous “D-Day”.
• In 1925, The Chrysler Corporation was incorporated, with Walter P. Chrysler as president.
• In 1892, Chicago’s elevated Loop train line (commonly known as the “L”) began operating.
• In 1844, George Williams originated the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) in London.