In 1941, Henry Ford – founder of the Ford Motor Company – owned a long airplane hanger in Willow Run, Michigan, that had been built with a shorter side off a 90 degree turn. That turn was Ford’s way of avoiding taxes in an adjoining county. Today, that short side of the hanger is being restored and turned into a museum. The big hanger doors are still operational after all these years.
Six months before the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, Ford started producing B-24 bombers at the hanger. Henry Ford was determined he could mass produce the airplanes just as he had with cars. Being the innovator he was, Ford accomplished his goal and produced an entire bomber from start to finish ever 55 minutes.
At the time, Willow Run was one of the largest buildings under one roof when production started. Thanks to Ford and his tireless employees, his B-24 bombers made a huge difference in the outcome of WWII. After all, Adolf Hitler had absolutely no idea the U.S. was capable of a feat such as this one.
Watch the video at the following link to get an idea of what real American patriotism is capable of in the face of danger.
CLICK HERE to watch the video
Thanks to Larry “Tug” Hale for this submission.
