Army-Navy "E" Production Award Presentation

In the afternoon on Monday, September 11, 1944, the North American Aviation Kansas Factory Manager's Office received a letter from Under Secretary of War Robert P. Patterson. The letter read:


Wasting no time, on the morning of September 12, 1944, Kansas Plant Manager H. R. Raynor sent the following response:

The Significance of the "E"

In 1906, the Navy created a highly coveted award for Excellence that became known at the Nave "E". When the war brought a demand for production that can only be described as a "miracle", the award was expanded to embrace both the Army and Navy industrial activities. The North American Aviation Plant and Modification Center at Fairfax were selected for this award based on the large numbers of bombers the plant had produced, the dramatic reduction in cost for those bombers, and an exemplary employee record for job presence and safety as well as other factors.

The North American Aviation Plant at Fairfax was originally designed as an assembly center. Having proven itself in combat, the B-25 was recognized as the world's best medium bomber. The result was a vast expansion of production for the B-25. The conversion of the plant from assembly to manufacturing resulted in a significant reduction in cost of the bomber to the government. In the first eight months of 1944, that reduction amounted to an astounding 26.5%. At that time, the Kansas plant led North American both in job presence and safety. In August of 1944, the Kansas plant had a safety frequency of a mere 3.8 lost-time accidents per million man hours. That is compared to 5.4 for Inglewood and 6.7 for Dallas. With approximately 24,000 employees, the plant as a whole, had a minimal 4% absentee rate for the week of September 15, 1944 through September 22, 1944.

As of September of 1944, more than 4,300 B-25D-NC and B-25J-NC bombers had flown from the North American-Kansas Plant to battlefronts all over the world. An equivalent in spare parts of over 700 additional bombers was also produced to keep the B-25 fleet in the air. The modification center had processed over 5,500 bombers. This includes the conversion of several dozen B-25C-NA into B-25G-NA bombers. Although the plant had started out as an assembly center, they eventually were manufacturing about 62% of the parts needed to assemble each bomber as well as performing the necessary assembly.

I would like to take a minute to point out that the bomber builders have a different idea about their accomplishments than just about everyone else that has studied the Fairfax plant. In conversations with literally hundreds of bomber builders, I have never once heard a single one of them "brag" about what they accomplished. Very few of them even bring up the topic of the Army-Navy "E" Production Award without asking. More than one has told me that they are not deserving of any praise as they were just "doing their duty". Every one of them has a sense of accomplishment with their work. Put simply, they are proud that they accomplished the task that was set before them. In my opinion, this is why they were the "Greatest Generation"

Here is some of the things that were said about their accomplishments back in September of 1944:

A. J. Fisher, Aircraft division of Fisher Body Corp

• Heartiest congratulations on your Army-Navy "E" award. We are proud that you consider we were a factor in this honor. The best of success to you and your organization from here on.

Robert Gaylord, President, National Association of Manufacturers

• We as manufacturers know the days and months of unremitting work represented by such an honor as yours. And most of us know, too, that we have a great task before us beyond victory-the task of creating a better America under the American system of private enterprise.

J. E. Woodmansee, president-treasurer of the Richards and Conover Hardware Co.

• As a representative of one of Kansas City's oldest business firms, it is my pleasure to congratulate the management and employees of North American Aviation for the fine record established and maintained.

E. W. Stilwell, president of the Commercial National Bank

• We old-time citizens of Kansas City, Kansas, are proud to have such an outstanding concern as your plant in our midst

Richard Murray, aviation commissioner, Chamber of Commerce, Kansas City, Mo.

• The magnificent record of 300 Mitchells, plus the equivalent of many more in spare parts during the 23 working days of August astounded most of us connected with the aviation industry. The recognition by the War and Navy Departments of North American's outstanding production is likewise being recognized by all as being deserved.

Taylor S. Abernathy, vice president of the First National Bank

• We think this is a fine acknowledgement of a work well done. All of us here in the First of Kansas City join in expressing to you and your associates our congratulations.

C. A. Trump, Fisher Body, Memphis

• Hearty congratulations from Fisher-Memphis Aircraft organization on NAA being awarded Army-Navy "E" Best Regards.

---

"E" Award Ceremony
October 6, 1944

Preparation for the presentation ceremony started almost immediately. A conference was called between representatives of the Army Air Force, employees and management. Representing the Army Air Force was Lieutenant John W. Tyler, Army Air Force property and public relations officer for the Kansas City area, Richard P. Shanahan, assistant to the plant manager represented management, and Ralph Hibler of department 66 represented the employees. The event would be held on October 6, 1944 in the pre-flight area outside the north doors of the high bay. Arrangements were made so that employees at the Modification Center, the Training Center and other outlying facilities of North American would be able to attend. The event was timed so that both the day and night shifts could be present.

At 5:30 in the evening on October 6, 1944, the Master of Ceremonies Richard P. Shanahan took to the stage. After congratulating everyone on their achievement, he introduced the Fort Leavenworth Post Band who followed with an outstanding rendition of the song "America". Brig. General Ray G. Harris, Supervisor, Midwestern Procurement District, Army Air Force, Air Technical Service Command came all the way from Wichita, Kansas to present the Army-Navy "E" flag to North American Employees and management. General Harris made the presentation speech, acting as a representative of the Under Secretary of War and the Under Secretary of the Navy. The Color Guard of the 33rd Ferrying Group based at Fairfax Field raised the flag high above the plant.

Accepting the award on behalf of management was Harold Raynor, Plant Manager. Commander Charles E. Smith, Representative, Bureau of Aeronautics, United States Navy then presented the pins and the award citation to the plant. After that presentation, Lovel Masters accepted the award on behalf of the Employees. The ceremony was completed by the playing of the National Anthem by the Fort Leavenworth Post Band.