In honor of Labor Day, this article will shed light on a lesser-known aspect of American manufacturing history: the Army-Navy Production Award. During World War II, manufacturers and their workforce played a pivotal role in determining the war’s outcome. While military strategies and the strength of armed forces were undoubtedly crucial, the ability to produce vast quantities of weapons, vehicles, ammunition, and supplies was equally significant. Countries with the most effective and efficient industrial systems held a major advantage.
How the E Award Came About
The “E” Award program began in July 1942, when the War Department merged three previously independent awards together. It was established to encourage industrial mobilization and the production of wartime materials and equipment. Any large or small factories engaged in war production, government entities, prime contractors, subcontractors, and privately owned plants were eligible to receive the award.
The Army-Navy “E” Award was a prestigious honor presented to companies and organizations during World War II for achieving “Excellence in Production” (“E”) of materials needed to support the United States’ military effort. Excellence in both the quality and quantity of production was required as a significant factor in determining award recipients. Recognition was also based on the plant’s achievements in areas such as overcoming production challenges, preventing work stoppages, plant protection, and maintaining fair labor standards. Weight was also given for the business’s workforce. It focused on cultivating low absenteeism, training additional workers, effective management, and maintaining strong records related to health and safety. Additional considerations included the efficient use of subcontractors, productive labor-management cooperation, and the conservation of critical and strategic materials in the supply chain.
The Production Shift
Virtually the entire industrial capacity of the country was directed towards the war effort. Civilian goods, along with natural resources and materials, were repurposed or reduced for components used in production. American factories ramped up production by manufacturing tanks, artillery, ships, and planes at an unprecedented rate. For example, in 1944, the U.S. produced nearly 100,000 aircraft in a single year. This remarkable achievement was made possible by the focused mindset of the employees, including a significant number of women who entered the workforce to fill roles vacated by men who went to war. Their labor and efforts were valued and popularized in promotions like Rosie the Riveter, symbolizing the crucial role of women in the war effort.
Many other benefits were realized during the wartime effort, including manufacturing advances, such as assembly-line production, standardized parts, and logistics planning, which enabled faster output and improved support for troops. The United States became known as the “Arsenal of Democracy” because its manufacturers were a major supplier not only to its military but also to allied nations, such as Great Britain. As World War II lengthened, the U.S. eventually outproduced the Axis powers by a wide margin. Producing more airplanes, ships, trucks, and ammunition than the opposing military alliance combined.
A Job Well Done
Each Army-Navy “E” Award recipient received a pennant to be flown outside the plant or to display. Additionally, an “E” lapel pin would have been awarded to all employees present during that period. It was a high honor, and these awards were typically presented at special ceremonies attended by the company officials and staff. These served as a morale booster and a publicity campaign because the ceremonies were often highly publicized. Additional details about the Army-Navy Production Award include the recognition of sustained excellence. Plants that continued to demonstrate outstanding performance for six months following their initial “E” Award were granted a Star Award, symbolized by a white star added to their “E” flag. Further stars were awarded for each subsequent six-month period of exceptional performance, up to a total of four stars. Thereafter, the evaluation period was extended to one year for additional recognition. By war’s end in 1945, the award had been earned by a scarce 5% of the more than 85,000 companies counted on in fabricating materials for the U.S. military’s war effort.
Manufacturing and its employees, whose devoted efforts were crucial during World War II. They were essential to survival and victory, allowing allies to equip their armies, sustain long campaigns, and ultimately overpower enemies through industrial might. In short, the war was won as much in factories as on the battlefield.
Work With Our “E” Team
WPT is inspired by the legacy of the “E” Award. It’s a tribute to the dedication, skill, and pursuit of excellence by America’s manufacturing workforce. Here in North Texas and globally, our team works to maintain that tradition by providing quality and value in our products. We see it as a company effort, and it remains just as important to us today. Call 940-691-1971 or contact WPT Power and see what our workforce can do for you!