Evansville in World War II

by James Lachlan Macleod

During World War II, the city of Evansville manufactured vast amounts of armaments that were vital to the Allied victory.
The Evansville Ordnance Plant made 96 percent of all .45-caliber ammunition used in the war, while the Republic Aviation Plant produced more than 6,500 P-47 Thunderbolts - almost half of all P-47s built during the war. At its peak, the local shipyard employed upward of eighteen thousand men and women who forged 167 of the iconic Landing Ship Tank vessels. In this captivating and fast-paced account, University of Evansville historian James Lachlan MacLeod reveals the enormous influence these wartime industries had on the social, economic and cultural life of the city.

144 pages, Paperback

First published November 2, 2015

Reviews

[Kim. E. · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book addresses the process in which the River City earned so many military contracts in the months leading up to Pearl Harbor and the effect these contracts and production had on what was considered a test city during World War II.

I knew that President Roosevelt came to Evansville to see how production was proceeding at one point, but I didn't realize what a personal involvement he had in Evansville being awarded these contracts initially. As the United States was avoiding going to war alongside the United Kingdom in Europe, political, business and manufacturing leaders in the community decided to develop a unified program to earn defense contracts and to overcome terrible unemployment rates after the Great Depression.

The tactics they utilized were so unusual at the time that Evansville received personal attention from one of the key directors in the Office of Personnel Management responsible for awarding military contracts. The city also was able to circumvent the bidding process as well. In the end, Evansville built 168 LST's 24 hours a day alongside the river, flew over 6, 000 newly built P-47 airplanes straight out of the plant, was responsible for the production of over 96% of all the ammunition used in the war, made portable bridges and piers used around the world in areas these structures were destroyed, and refurbished tanks that were test driven near the center of the city, among other items.

[Csparrenberger · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very interesting book about how a community geared up to produce essential goods for World War II. It was obvious the author had researched the topic and presented the research in a clear and logical order. Everything was covered from starting up production to dismantling the facilities at the end of the war. It was interesting to note how the influx of production workers affected the community. A very interesting look at a topic that is not explored often.

[Beth]

This was a great look at the history of Evansville,and how it reflected the whole of the country at that time. From the coming together for the sake of the war effort, to the gender and racial discrimination that we still see today.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is so much fascinating and sad history in Evansville. I thought this book was the perfect length.

[Jeff Schmitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great capsule view of the way Evansville stepped up during WWII. Without these efforts, Evansville would probably not be the city that it is today!