Warbird Factory: North American Aviation in World War II by John M. Frederickson is a fascinating and well-researched examination of one of the most significant players in the United States' war production industry during World War II. The book delves into the impressive achievements and innovations of North American Aviation, Inc. (NAA), which was based in Inglewood, California, a pivotal location in the development of America's wartime needs.
Frederickson provides an in-depth account of the extensive contributions made by NAA during the war, notably revealing that the company's efforts resulted in the production of an incredible 17 percent of all of America's war needs. This significant contribution is emblematic of the broader focus on industrialized warfare during this period and highlights the central role of NAA in providing essential resources for the United States' war effort.
One of the key aspects of the book is its exploration of the rapid expansion and productivity of the company, which Frederickson characterizes as the "ultimate boom town" during this period. To put this into perspective, he highlights the massive growth in the Los Angeles area's population during the war years, which surged from 1.5 million to 2.75 million.
Frederickson delves into the integral role played by NAA in this population boom and the broader war effort, examining the various aircraft produced by the company during this time. In particular, the author provides detailed descriptions of the P-51 Mustang, B-25 Mitchell, and F-6 Hellcat. These aircraft were among the most important tools in the Allies' arsenal and were largely responsible for securing air superiority during the latter stages of the war.
The book also aims to tell the lesser-known human stories behind the industrial achievement of NAA, as Frederickson shares numerous anecdotes and personal accounts of the thousands of workers who contributed to the factory's impressive output. These individual stories, combined with the broader historical narrative, help to create a vivid picture of the vital work undertaken by the company and its employees in the midst of global conflict.
Warbird Factory is not only a detailed examination of the immense contributions made by North American Aviation in World War II, but also serves as a tribute to the countless individuals who worked tirelessly to ensure that the United States and its allies had the resources necessary to ultimately triumph in the deadliest conflict in human history.
With its rich detail and extensive research, Warbird Factory: North American Aviation in World War II is an essential and informative read for anyone interested in the history of the aviation industry, the industrial impact of World War II, or the intricate interplay between technology and warfare in the 20th century.
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I also reviewed this book for Amazon.
It is often said that World War II was won by American Industry. “Warbird Factory” is part of that story. It focuses on the contributions of North American Aviation, a company that made the bombers that destroyed the enemy, the fighters that protected them and the craft that ferried the VIPs. Headquartered in Inglewood, California, North American began as the branch of a Dutch company started by Anthony Fokker and later became associated with General Motors. Its early civilian planes eventually gave way to military aircraft during the preparedness program of America remained neutral and its subsequent belligerency. Lead by Dutch Kindelberger, it became a mass producer of B-25 Mitchell Bombers, P-51 Mustang Fighters, and trainers before transitioning into Cold War production. North America’s saga is not just the manufacture of war machines, but reflects America’s social milieu of the day, with women workers and labor unrest that spurred government intervention.
The book is an oversized coffee-table book divided into 11 chapters, each covering a particular aspect of the tale. The narrative is extensive enough to be informative and crafted so as to keep the reader’s interest on a short leash. Sidebars provide technical notes of models of the warbirds produced by NAA. As much as I enjoyed the reading, a blend of the technical and the social, the real treasures are the pictures. Black and white and color photos of aircraft and shop floors, inspecting brass and visiting celebrities, male and female workers, technical drawings and advertisements all supplement the words to take the reader’s mind back to wartime Inglewood.
Author John Fredrickson and Zenith Press have combined to bring us book to read and treasure, but not to hoard. Absorb its text, savor its pictures and then leave it out to share with your guests.
I did receive a free copy of this book to read in the hopes, but without the requirement, that I review it.
Great points Jim! Definitely a great coffee table book!