Harley-Davidson’s Wartime Production: A Nation Mobilized
When the United States entered World War II, American industries rapidly shifted gears towards war production. Harley-Davidson, a well-established motorcycle manufacturer, was no exception. The U.S. Army needed reliable and robust motorcycles for various purposes, from reconnaissance and military police duties to message delivery and escort. Harley-Davidson stepped up to meet this demand, transforming its production lines to churn out war machines.
The Workhorse: The WLA and its Siblings
The primary model Harley-Davidson produced for the war effort was the WLA. This 45 cubic inch model became synonymous with the American military motorcycle during WWII. Table 2 from original wartime reports meticulously details the acceptance of Harley-Davidson motorcycles by the Detroit Ordnance, the main procurement body for the U.S. Army.
| Table 2 – Harley-Davidson World War Two Motorcycles Accepted by Detroit Ordnance, US Army |
|---|
| Type |
| 42 WLA 45 Cu. In. |
| U Model 74 Cu. In. (Navy use?) |
| WLS 45 Cu. In. |
| U Model 74 Cu. In. w/Sidecar (Navy use?) |
| 45 Cu. In. Shaft Drive (Model XA) |
| Motorcycle, Chain Drive, w/Sidecar (Model UA) |
| Motor Tricycles (Unknown H-D Model) |
| Total |
The WLA’s production numbers are staggering, totaling over 60,000 units. Besides the WLA, other models like the UA (with sidecar) and the XA (shaft drive, opposed engine) were also produced, though in smaller quantities. The table highlights the sheer scale of Harley-Davidson’s contribution, peaking in production during 1943 and 1944 when the war effort was at its height.
Beyond US Borders: Supplying Allies Worldwide
Harley-Davidson’s impact wasn’t limited to the American military. As Table 3 shows, direct purchases by other countries and Lend-Lease agreements ensured Harley-Davidson motorcycles reached Allied forces across the globe.
| Table 3 – Direct Purchase of Harley-Davidson Motorcycles by other Countries during World War Two |
|---|
| Model |
| WLC |
| UA |
| WS |
| WL |
| UA |
| 22,320 |
Canada, South Africa, and Australia were significant recipients, utilizing models like the WLC (Canadian version of WLA), UA, WS, and WL. Table 4 further illustrates the distribution of WLA motorcycles, revealing that while a substantial number went to the U.S. military, even more were channeled through Lend-Lease to countries like the USSR and Australia.
| Table 4 – Disposition of Harley-Davidson WLA Motorcycles in World War Two |
|---|
| Country |
| U.S. Military |
| U.S.S.R. |
| Australia |
| Republic of China |
| Free French |
| Brazil |
| Totals |
| Grand Total = 56,319 |
This global distribution underscores Harley-Davidson’s vital role in equipping the Allied forces, making their motorcycles a truly international symbol of wartime mobility.
Contracts and Economic Impact: Fueling the Arsenal of Democracy
The financial scale of Harley-Davidson’s wartime contribution is revealed in Table 5, detailing major war supply contracts.
| Table 5 – Harley-Davidson Motor Company’s Major World War Two Contracts |
|---|
| Product – Customer |
| Motorcycles – Foreign |
| Motorcycles – Foreign |
| Motorcycles – Army |
| Motorcycles – Foreign |
| Motor Cycles – Army |
| Motorcycles – Army |
| Motorcycles – Foreign |
| Motorcycles Sidecars – Foreign |
| Motorcycles – Army |
| Motorcycles – Navy |
| Motorcycles – Foreign |
| Motorcycles – Army |
| Motorcycles – Army |
| Motorcycles – Army |
| Motorcycles – Army |
| Motorcycles – Army |
| Motorcycle Parts – Army |
| Motorcycles Parts – Foreign |
| Motorcycles – Foreign |
| Motorcycles – Navy |
| Motorcycle Parts – Army |
| Motorcycle Parts – Army |
| Motorcycles – Army |
| Tools – Army |
| Motorcycle Parts – Army |
| Motorcycle Parts – Army |
| Vehicle Parts – Army |
| Motorcycle Parts – Army |
| Motorcycle Parts – Army |
| Motorcycle Parts – Army |
| Motorcycles – Army |
| Motorcycle Parts – Army |
| Motorcycles – Army |
| Motorcycle Parts – Army |
| Motorcycles – Navy |
| Motorcycles – Army |
| Spark Plugs 18mm – Army |
| Remfg Motorcycle Engs – Army |
| Elec Power Plants – Army |
| Total |
The total value of these contracts amounted to over $55 million, a massive sum at the time. Notably, a contract for “Tools – Army” appears in January 1943, although the amount is relatively small compared to motorcycle and parts contracts. This mention of “tools” subtly echoes our keyword “tool badge 45,” perhaps hinting at the broader industrial effort involving not just vehicles, but also the crucial tools required for their maintenance and operation in the field.
Further analysis in Table 6 breaks down Harley-Davidson’s wartime product output by percentage.
| Table 6 – Harley-Davidson Motor Company’s Word War Two Product Breakdown |
|---|
| Product |
| Motorcycles – Army |
| Motorcycle Parts – Army |
| Motorcycles – Foreign |
| Elec Power Plants – Army |
| Motorcycles – Navy |
| Motorcycles Parts – Foreign |
| Tools – Army |
| Total |
Motorcycles and spare parts for the Army dominated, accounting for over 85% of contracts. The “Tools – Army” category, while small in percentage, is a reminder of the comprehensive support system required for maintaining military equipment, a system that would have involved various tool manufacturers, possibly even companies like American Car & Foundry diversifying their production lines.
Museum Tributes: Preserving the Wartime Legacy
Today, museums across the United States stand as testaments to Harley-Davidson’s wartime contributions. The Harley-Davidson Museum in Milwaukee, WI, and the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum in Birmingham, AL, prominently feature WWII-era Harley-Davidson motorcycles.
Harley-Davidson Museum, Milwaukee: A Deep Dive into History
The Harley-Davidson Museum dedicates a specific area to World War II, showcasing not just motorcycles but also artifacts related to the company’s war effort.
Alt Text: Exterior view of the Harley-Davidson Museum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, a modern brick building with the Harley-Davidson logo.
Inside, visitors can find meticulously restored examples of the XA, UA, and of course, the ubiquitous WLA.
Alt Text: Interior of the Harley-Davidson Museum WWII exhibit with three motorcycles on display, including a WLA in the center.
Alt Text: Close-up of three WWII Harley-Davidson motorcycles in a museum setting, showcasing their military green paint and robust design.
The museum also displays rare prototypes like the XS, and even examples of the Model U used by the US Navy.
Alt Text: Harley-Davidson XS prototype motorcycle with a unique opposed-cylinder engine design, a rare piece of motorcycle history.
Alt Text: Side profile of the XS prototype motorcycle, highlighting its engine configuration and frame.
Alt Text: Detailed view of the opposed-cylinder engine of the Harley-Davidson XS prototype, showcasing its unique engineering.
Alt Text: Harley-Davidson Model U motorcycle with a sidecar, painted in Navy grey and displayed in a museum exhibit.
Alt Text: Frontal perspective of the Model U with sidecar, emphasizing the sidecar’s construction and the motorcycle’s front forks.
Alt Text: Rear angle of the Model U and sidecar, showing the motorcycle’s rear wheel and the sidecar’s mounting.
Alt Text: Detailed shot of the Harley-Davidson Model U motorcycle, focusing on the fuel tank and handlebars.
Alt Text: A 1942 Harley-Davidson WLA motorcycle on display, the centerpiece of a WWII history exhibit.
Alt Text: Profile view of the 1942 WLA, highlighting its military features like the blackout light and leg guards.
Alt Text: Detailed view of the 1942 WLA, showing the seat, fuel tank cap, and other components.
An especially poignant exhibit features Harley-Davidson’s Army-Navy “E” Award, a prestigious recognition for production excellence during wartime.
Alt Text: Display case with an invitation to the Army-Navy “E” Award ceremony for Harley-Davidson employees, recognizing their wartime production efforts.
Alt Text: Close-up of an “E” badge with a recipient’s name, awarded to Harley-Davidson employees for their contributions to the war effort.
Alt Text: Magazine article displayed at the museum, highlighting Harley-Davidson’s receipt of the Army-Navy “E” Award.
Alt Text: Historical photo of sailors posing with Harley-Davidson motorcycles, possibly in celebration of the Army-Navy “E” Award.
The presence of the “E” Award is significant. It represents the same spirit of industrial achievement that might be associated with a “tool badge 45” from a company like American Car & Foundry. While the “E” Award was a formal military recognition, the hypothetical “tool badge 45” could symbolize a more personal, worker-level pride in contributing to the war effort, a silent acknowledgment of individual skill and dedication in producing essential tools for the arsenal of democracy.
Spare parts displays further emphasize the logistical undertaking of maintaining these machines in wartime conditions.
Alt Text: Exhibit of various spare parts for Harley-Davidson motorcycles used during WWII, showcasing the logistical support required.
The museum also showcases engine development, including a double knucklehead engine designed for a Canadian tank (though never used) and the engine of the rare XA model.
Alt Text: Harley-Davidson double knucklehead engine, an experimental design intended for use in Canadian tanks during WWII.
Alt Text: A rare 1942 Harley-Davidson XA motorcycle with its distinctive opposed engine, displayed in a museum setting.
Alt Text: Front view of the 1942 XA, highlighting its unique headlight and front fender design.
Alt Text: Profile view of the 1942 XA, showcasing its opposed engine and shaft drive.
Alt Text: Rear view of the 1942 XA, showing the rear fender and taillight.
Alt Text: Detailed view of the 1942 XA, focusing on the seat, fuel tank, and handlebars.
Alt Text: A wall display at the museum showcasing a chronological collection of Harley-Davidson engines.
Alt Text: Engine display specifically featuring the opposed-cylinder engine of the 1942 Harley-Davidson XA.
Alt Text: Engine display showcasing the engine of the Harley-Davidson Model U motorcycle.
Finally, a replica of the original “shed” where Harley-Davidson began offers a glimpse into the humble beginnings of this iconic company, which would grow to become a major contributor to the Allied victory.
Alt Text: Replica of the small wooden shed where Harley-Davidson was founded, displayed at the Harley-Davidson Museum.
Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum: A Broader WWII Perspective
The Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum offers an even wider collection of WWII motorcycles, including not just Harley-Davidsons but also models from Indian, and European manufacturers.
Alt Text: 1940 Harley-Davidson UA motorcycle with sidecar, on display at the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum.
Alt Text: Profile view of the 1940 UA, emphasizing the sidecar and military green paint.
Alt Text: Front-quarter view of the 1940 UA, showcasing the motorcycle and sidecar from the front.
Alt Text: Detailed view of the 1940 UA, focusing on the headlight, handlebars, and front fender.
Alt Text: 1943 Harley-Davidson WLC motorcycle, the Canadian version of the WLA, displayed at the Barber Museum.
Alt Text: Rear perspective of the 1943 WLC, showing the rear fender and taillight.
Alt Text: Profile view of the 1943 WLC, highlighting its military features.
Alt Text: Frontal view of the 1943 WLC, showcasing the front forks and headlight.
Alt Text: Detailed view of the engine of the 1943 Harley-Davidson WLC.
The Barber Museum also features the Model XA and WLA, including a WLA with a sidecar, and even a Model U built for the Navy in 1944.
Alt Text: 1942 Harley-Davidson XA motorcycle on display at the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum.
Alt Text: Profile view of the 1942 XA, emphasizing its opposed engine and shaft drive, inspired by BMW designs.
Alt Text: Frontal view of the 1942 XA, showing the headlight and front fender.
Alt Text: Rear view of the 1942 XA, displaying the rear fender and taillight.
Alt Text: Close-up view of the 1942 XA, focusing on the seat, fuel tank, and handlebars.
Alt Text: Detailed engine shot of the 1942 XA, highlighting its opposed-cylinder configuration.
Alt Text: 1944 Harley-Davidson WLA motorcycle with a sidecar, on display at the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum.
Alt Text: Profile view of the 1944 WLA with sidecar, showcasing the sidecar’s construction and attachment.
Alt Text: Rear perspective of the 1944 WLA and sidecar, showing the rear wheel and sidecar mounting.
Alt Text: Detailed view of the 1944 WLA with sidecar, focusing on the motorcycle and sidecar details.
Alt Text: 1944 Harley-Davidson Model U motorcycle on display at the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum, built for the U.S. Navy.
Alt Text: Profile view of the 1944 Model U, highlighting its Navy grey paint and design.
Alt Text: Frontal view of the 1944 Model U, showcasing the front forks and headlight.
Alt Text: Rear view of the 1944 Model U, showing the rear fender and taillight.
Alt Text: Close-up of the 1944 Model U, focusing on the seat, fuel tank, and handlebars.
Alt Text: Detailed engine shot of the 1944 Model U, highlighting its V-twin configuration.
The Barber Museum even includes a cutaway engine of the WLA, providing a fascinating look at the inner workings of this wartime powerplant.
Alt Text: Cutaway engine of a Harley-Davidson WLA motorcycle, displayed at the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum to show internal components.
Alt Text: Profile view of the WLA cutaway engine, revealing the internal mechanisms.
Alt Text: Detailed view of the distributor within the WLA cutaway engine, showing points and condenser.
Alt Text: Another perspective of the WLA cutaway engine, offering a different view of the internal parts.
Alt Text: Top-down view of the WLA cutaway engine, showcasing the cylinder arrangement and valve train.
Alt Text: Close-up of the pistons and cylinders within the WLA cutaway engine.
Alt Text: Additional detailed view of the WLA cutaway engine, revealing more internal components.
Alt Text: Even more detail of the WLA cutaway engine, highlighting the complexity of the internal mechanics.
Wright Museum and Victory Museum: Additional Sightings
The Wright Museum of World War Two in Wolfeboro, NH, also features a Model UA, while the now-closed Victory Museum in Auburn, IN, once housed UA and WLC models.
Alt Text: 1940 Harley-Davidson UA motorcycle on display at the Wright Museum of World War Two.
Alt Text: Profile view of the 1940 UA at the Wright Museum, showcasing its military appearance.
Alt Text: Detailed view of the 1940 UA at the Wright Museum, focusing on the headlight and front fender.
Alt Text: Harley-Davidson Model UA motorcycle at the Victory Museum, pictured during an auction event.
Alt Text: Another perspective of the Model UA at the Victory Museum auction, showing its condition and auction lot number.
Alt Text: 1943 Harley-Davidson WLC motorcycle on display at the Victory Museum before its closure.
Conclusion: More Than Just Motorcycles – Symbols of American Resilience
Harley-Davidson’s contribution to World War II went far beyond simply manufacturing motorcycles. They were producing vital tools of war, contributing to the Allied victory and embodying the spirit of American industrial might. While the specific meaning of “american car & foundry company tool badge 45” remains open to interpretation – perhaps a collectible item representing wartime industrial worker pride – it resonates with the broader theme of American manufacturing during WWII. Companies like American Car & Foundry, known for their railway cars and later wartime production, alongside Harley-Davidson, fueled the arsenal of democracy. These vehicles and the tools used to maintain them, whether recognized with formal awards or symbolized by a simple “tool badge 45,” represent the dedication and effort of American industry and its workforce during a pivotal moment in history. Exploring these artifacts and stories allows us to appreciate the depth and breadth of American contribution to the global conflict, reminding us that victory was built not just on the battlefield, but also on the factory floor.
